Renowned reggae artist Queen Ifrica has unveiled her much-anticipated fourth studio album, “Breath of Life,” which was released on August 14. This 13-track masterpiece showcases the collaborative efforts of esteemed producers Junior Brown from Nuh Rush Records and the illustrious Stephen ‘Ragga’ Marley, under the esteemed banners of Nuh Rush Records and Tuff Gong.
In a recent interview with Observer Online, Queen Ifrica expressed her deep admiration for the producers involved in this project. She reflected on her experience working with Stephen Marley, stating, “Working with Stephen was my absolute pleasure. He’s hands-on in his approach to music. What I learned from the experience is that you have to dedicate yourself to the process to achieve the desired outcome.” She went on to commend Junior Brown, describing him as a “professional gem” whose integrity and clinical approach to creativity greatly contributed to the album’s success. “His business ethic is very strong and professional and straightforward. Best team leader anyone could ask for,” she added.
“Breath of Life” not only highlights Queen Ifrica’s impressive vocal talents but also features a special collaboration with her children—Tanzie, Imeru Tafari, and Malawi—on the heartfelt track “New Version of Me.” This personal touch adds a layer of authenticity and joy to the album, showcasing the strong familial bonds that inspire her music.
When discussing the creative process behind the album, Queen Ifrica emphasized her commitment to authenticity. “My thought process was to be true to myself and my music. I have evolved musically and I am absolutely clear and ready to share,” she noted. The album includes previously released singles like “Mom Like Me” and “Lanton (Lantern),” which have been making waves on regional reggae charts, alongside new tracks such as “Speechless,” “Pelican,” “Spoonful,” “Bad Girl,” “My Highgrade,” “Weeping Willow,” “Excellent Jah,” and “Change the World.”
The title track, produced by Stephen Marley, serves as a poignant introduction, featuring Queen Ifrica’s heartfelt expression of gratitude and praise over a beautifully orchestrated acoustic arrangement. Following this emotional opener, listeners can expect a collection of masterful one-drop reggae tracks that explore a wide array of themes, including love, spirituality, and the intricacies of life.
Under the expert guidance of Junior Brown and top Jamaican musicians like Colin “Bulby” York and Jason “j-Vibe” Farmer, “Breath of Life” is infused with deep bass and compelling rhythms that perfectly complement Queen Ifrica’s powerful delivery.
Reflecting on the project, Queen Ifrica shared, “The energy every time in the studio when we met to do the recordings was always on the highest of frequencies. I’m so humbled and honored that the project is finally here, about to be released to a beautiful audience of music lovers all over the world. I pray that it will bring comfort to the listeners’ ears, joy to the spirit, and all the different emotions that I shared in the album will be accepted with a wholesomeness that is unexplainable.”
To celebrate the release of “Breath of Life,” Queen Ifrica is set to perform at a special album release show at the legendary Jazz Cafe in London on August 25. Known for her hits such as “Lioness on the Rise,” “Welcome to Montego Bay,” “Below the Waist,” and “Daddy Don’t Touch Me,” she has consistently captivated audiences, even topping the Billboard Reggae Albums chart with her previous work, “Climb.”
As her journey continues to unfold, Queen Ifrica remains a beacon of inspiration in the reggae world, and her new album promises to resonate deeply with fans around the globe. For more insights and updates, visit hiphopraisedmetheblog.com.
