The protest songs of Burning Spear, Culture and The Mighty Diamonds helped build IJahKnowah's grasp of Black Power and African history as a youth in Jamaica. When he began recording just over 20 years ago, he wanted to spread a similar message. 

Those messages can be heard on "Wake Up", the Rastafarian chanter's EP which was released in October. 

The six-song mini set is his biggest project to date. Seven years ago, he was in Jamaica cutting songs for an album with top musicians. That project never materialized but IJahKnowah resurrected one of its songs,  "Praise Jah", for "Wake Up". 

"I've been growing, but there is infinite room to grow. Growth is a continuous,  everlasting process. If growth does not continue, then everything become static and stagnant," said the artist, who lives in Atlanta. 

The title song, "Praise Jah" and "Dog Eat Dog" are some of the hard-hitting tracks from the EP which was done with IJahKnowah's band, B R A P.  Each reinforces his conviction as far as black consciousness is concerned. 

"Those songs were written from in the '90s. The Honorable Marcus Garvey been trying to wake up African people from long time. Yet, our people are still sleep, walking into the abyss," he laments. 

IJahKnowah has lived in the United States for over 30 years. Before moving to Atlanta, he lived in Chicago where he played the club and college circuit with bands like Equal Rights and Natural Force. 

It was not until he moved to Atlanta that he kicked off his recording career with the song, "Down in Jamaica".

Written By Howard Campbell