Dubwize Presents Snypa Levi - The Sojourner (CD)

May 2008 - c/o www.amplifier.co.nz
Some four and a half years since the release of their second album, Reality Chant, Christchurch based Dubwize release their eagerly awaited third album, legendarily-dreaded frontman Snypa Levi's solo offering, Dubwize Presents Snypa Levi: The Sojourner.

David 'Snypa' Levi was born in the US and immigrated to NZ way back in 1988, joining the Twelve Tribes Of Israel and forming the Vision Africa band. After returning to the US for a few years, he settled in NZ in 1995, recording as Papa Levi, before joining forces with Dubwize in 2001, recording their debut album To The Control Tower.

One listen shows why these Rastafari brethren took their time crafting this musical journey through rhythm and rhyme, as the production levels are miles ahead of their previous releases – yet stay true to the Dubwize sound and vibe.

Since early 2005, vocalist David 'Snypa' Levi and DJ/producer Gabriel 'Messenjah' Calcott – with major contributions from Nava 'Confucius' Thomas – have been producing the album, utilizing a solid core of heavyweight session musos.

Recorded in studios spread between Christchurch, Auckland, Wellington and Hamilton, The Sojourner boasts a tracklisting that has been successfully road-tested – a sweaty, satisfied dancefloor massive the ultimate judge of the quality of these songs.

Lead single Meet U @ 9 showcased Levi's fierce dancehall style, while new single Country Living is the stylistic opposite with its roots reggae sensibilities – showcasing Dubwize's ability to connect with roots/one drop and dancehall fans.

What you have here are sixteen tracks of slammin' dancehall and militant roots reggae, painstakingly mixed by Messenjah and expertly mastered by Ian McAlistair.

Buy tracks at www.amplifier.co.nz

DUBWIZE PRESENTS SNYPA LEVI – THE SOJOURNER
NZ RELEASE DATE: 19 MAY 2008
LABEL: REALITY CHANT
DISTRIBUTOR: RHYTHM METHOD

Known throughout New Zealand and internationally, as Australasia’s premier exponents of authentic roots dancehall music, Dubwize present their new 16 track CD album – the first solo release by Snypa Levi – The Sojourner.

Snypa Levi – The Sojourner is the culmination of the crew’s musical journey through rhythm and rhyme. It follows on from their previous releases – To the Control Tower (2002) and Reality Chant (2003) – both albums building strong foundations for the group while also being instrumental in defining the contemporary Aotearoa reggae landscape.

All tracks on the album were produced by Gabriel ‘Messenjah’ Calcott, founder of the Reality Chant label, who fused together a mix of Snypa’s powerful vocals, some of the country’s best session musicians and his own expertly crafted rhythms, and along-with fellow Dubwize member, Nava ‘Confucius’ Thomas, have created an album that brings together both tight digital programming and heavy one-drop roots.

Also featuring guest vocals from Jah Mason (JA), Raggadon (Eskimo Squad, UK) and Tuff Enchant (Zimbabwe).

The philosophy of the Reality Chant Label is the promotion of roots and culture – to uplift the people through the positive message of reggae music, love, unity and the teachings of Rastafari.

As Snypa states ‘What has inspired me to press on, is finally accepting the fact that I was put on this Earth to deliver the message of “one love" thru my music.

Respect your parents, siblings, the people you meet each day. Show people the joy we get from reggae music. As the torch-bearers for reggae, we need to lead by example, showing a united front, supporting one another. Spread the gospel of reggae music, all of us fans know the power of it.’

Also available – Country Living CD single release and video – featuring the triumphantly blazing brass section of trumpeter Isaac Aesili (Open Souls, Solaa) and trombonist Hayden Godfrey (Batucada Sound Machine), thunderous bass and crystalline keyboard riffs courtesy of Confucius and the luscious backing vocals of Porina McLeod, all mixed by the Dubwize ‘nerve centre’ – Messenjah.

Track Listing:
1. Intro
2. Country Living
3. Rasta…Be Militant
4. Can’t Take
5. First Sight
6. Meet U @ 9
7. Get Down To It
8. Inna The Dance (Feat. Raggadon & Tuff Enchant)
9. Sojourner
10. I Press On
11. Aotearoa Teach Them
12. Purify
13. Face Reality (Feat. Jah Mason)
14. Decent and Polite
15. Men of Athens
16. Dub of Athens

Live Shows:
Christchurch – Thursday 29 May @ The Civic with Luciano & Mikey General
Dunedin – Friday 30 May @ Sammies with Luciano & Mikey General
NZ tour dates TBA

For more info and bios:
Vanita@niceup.org.nz +64 218 46423

See 'Meet You At 9' video at www.aol.com

www.myspace.com/dubwizesnypalevi
www.christchurchmusic.org.nz/artists