MACKA B | IF IT WASN'T FOR RASTA

REGGAE ICON MACKA B IS BACK WITH IF IT WASN’T FOR RASTA

Reggae icon Macka B is back with If It Wasn’t For Rasta,a heavy-hitting roots anthem reminding the world of the positive contributions of Rastafari to the island of Jamaica, and how things could be in its absence. This song was produced by Taitu Records.

Macka B uses Word, Sound & Power to weave the story of a youth who is tempted by badness but chooses to abandon it after hearing the positive reminders of Rasta artists through the airwaves. As rough as Jamaica can be – Macka reminds the people that Rastafari helps keep the peace and sanity in the midst of it. Artists who uphold righteousness in their music receive a series of shoutouts in this song ranging from icons like Culture, Dennis Brown and Burning Spear to rising stars like Kabaka Pyramid, Chronixx and more.

When asked for comment, Macka B explained, “The positive messages and livity, and the emphasis on peace and love, give the youths an alternative to the negativity that we see in the world today.”

With recent debates flaring over disrespect of Rastas in Jamaica, Macka B comes with love rather than condemnation reminding that “Gangster youth them still a go a rastaman concert a send peace & love cross the earth.” Producer Amanda Ford adds “There is no yawning chasm between young artists like Valiant and rastas, or rasta artists, as the recent controversy would suggest. Young people still check for rasta – even “gangster” youths – and rasta have always defended the youth. A good example is “Can’t Blame the Youth” by Peter Tosh.”

The track was produced by Amanda, who has over 14 years of experience producing top-notch cultural reggae and dancehall music for her label, Taitu Records. When reached for her thoughts on the song and her work with Macka B, she stated “As a conscious music lover who also enjoys dancehall, I’ve always enjoyed Macka B’s style that incorporates both. He stays fresh and is very in touch with Jamaica – a country I consider home. I check for both youth artists and Rasta, and I love how he doesn’t see a division with this song. Youth and Rasta can mutually benefit for a better Jamaica, and Macka B is the perfect artist to deliver this message.”