A longtime fan of Dennis Brown, Dona-V was determined to do his hero justice when he covered “Make it Easy on Yourself” as “My Brethren”. His version of the 1972 Studio One original was recently released.
It is from “Any Means Necessary”, Dona-V’s second album. He said the song’s timeless message makes it relevant for turbulent times.
“The lyrics speak of then and now, especially now with all the madness going on. Plus, it’s Dennis Brown, my all-time idol. Singing this song is more like an honor, a privilege,” said Dona-V.
This is not the first Dennis Brown song the New York-based singer has covered. He previously cut “No Man is an Island”, which was also done at Studio One where the Crown Prince of Reggae did many of his early recordings.
Dona-V has also worked with the legendary label. His first album, “Cry For Tomorrow”, was released by that company in 1999.
“Any Means Necessary” features the title song which is a collaboration with Sizzla; on “Don’t Turn Away”, he teams with Luciano. Both songs are produced by Patrick Henry.
From Manchester parish in central Jamaica, Dona-V has lived in New York City since the mid-1980s. He has recorded songs for a number of producers in the Big Apple including (the late) Phillip Smart, best known for his work with Shaggy, Cocoa Tea and Dirtsman.
A longtime fan of Dennis Brown, Dona-V was determined to do his hero justice when he covered “Make it Easy on Yourself” as “My Brethren”. His version of the 1972 Studio One original was recently released.
It is from “Any Means Necessary”, Dona-V’s second album. He said the song’s timeless message makes it relevant for turbulent times.
“The lyrics speak of then and now, especially now with all the madness going on. Plus, it’s Dennis Brown, my all-time idol. Singing this song is more like an honor, a privilege,” said Dona-V.
This is not the first Dennis Brown song the New York-based singer has covered. He previously cut “No Man is an Island”, which was also done at Studio One where the Crown Prince of Reggae did many of his early recordings.
Dona-V has also worked with the legendary label. His first album, “Cry For Tomorrow”, was released by that company in 1999.
“Any Means Necessary” features the title song which is a collaboration with Sizzla; on “Don’t Turn Away”, he teams with Luciano. Both songs are produced by Patrick Henry.
From Manchester parish in central Jamaica, Dona-V has lived in New York City since the mid-1980s. He has recorded songs for a number of producers in the Big Apple including (the late) Phillip Smart, best known for his work with Shaggy, Cocoa Tea and Dirtsman.
Written By Howard Campbell