Jah Defender
Port-of-spain, City of Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago | Established. Jan 01, 2000
Music
Press
Trinidian singer Jah Defender (born Ricardo Mills) has been crafting in the musical blacksmith for almost ten years. Formerly known as Jah Faya, he altered his stage name to Jah Defender. Serving as a charactonym, it makes it sound more in line of what he stands for and wants to accomplish as a singer. His debut album “Rastaman Rise” was produced by French reggae label 7 Seals Records. Notably, it has been nominated as “Album of 2013” in the Modern Roots (nu roots) category on the site Reggae.fr alongside of albums like “Life of a King” by Lutan Fyah and “Over The Top” by Perfect Giddimani.
This album is preluded by the excellent and uplifting “Black Man Rise.” “So many homeless children got nowhere to go/so black man rise, open your eyes, don’t accept no more babylon lies” It is shoed by a high-pitched guitar, dark keys and round bass. It’s pinned by an overall warm riddim with bright trumpet. One can notice a switch of mood, a bit nostalgic, but then it comes back to the general warm mood.
The second song of the 15-track-laden album is “Jah Is the Maker.” It is another stand-out effort in which the artist renders homage to His Imperial Majesty. “Jah is the maker also the creator/and I will never ever doubt.” It is reinforced by the dark tone of the guitar and organ in the beginning but then comes in brighter instruments like piano and discrete yet joyful and uplifting flute in the back. - Written by Emin Bayramov for Jamworld876
Jah Defender, born Ricardo Mills has been in the music industry 8 years and his greatest achievement this far is:
Performing at the prestigious NEW MORNING in Paris
Being nominated by REGGAE.FR & REGGAEVILLE for two consecutive albums RASTAMAN RISE & THINGS IN TIME
Trinidad is the island of soca but there are Rastafarians and concious people that live here who don’t partake in carnival because its post slavery “culture”scandalous and sexual in nature…this is not Black culture.
As a Rastafarian and reggae artiste in a society that based its “culture” on slackness and profit it’s only natural that any reggae artiste would have to work overtime to gain any recognition and respect in this big world.
Martinique is wonderful island with blessed people who have a rich history and a struggle that the world should know,just my opinion…it is like my second home. Raspect to Don Shorty, High Woulers Band, Jo Blak ( NVZ films), First Riddim productions & Rise Up Sounds!!!
It was a pleasure performing on many occasions for my brothers and sisters in the black diaspora…I have two videos released that were filmed there and more to come check them out on YouTube “Keep This Love” from the Ep Things in Time and “Everytime I Rise” From my first album Rastaman Rise. - Mike Ponin for Kribbean
Discography
(Black Man Rise) Album
Produced by 7 Seals Records
(Things In Time) EP
Produced by Don Shorty Productions
Photos
Bio
Ricardo Mills aka Jah Defender is a Trinidadian born Reggae Artist. Many regard his music as positive, conscious, and uplifting. His soothing voice and comforting lyrics have made him a well-liked and admired artist on the rise.The conscious element of Rastafari through Reggae music attracted Ricardo to this genre.His lyrical vibration encompasses depth and soul to remind the people of their treasured tradition. Embracing the teachings of Rastafari has allowed him to stay humble and trod with faith and courage, becoming the voice of many.
Influenced by the likes of artistes of the 90's such as Garnet Silk,Luciano,Capleton,Everton Blender and of course some foundation artistes namely Bob Marley,Burning Spear,Culture,Prince Fari to name a few.
He has shared the stage with numerous popular artists such as Morgan Heritage,Jah Cure,Steel Pulse,Pressure Busspipe,Kabaka Pyramid,Junior Reid,Terry Ganzie, Chezidek,Dezarie,Midnite,Super Cat,Maxi Priest,Prince Alla and Yaniss Odua.In addition he has released collaborations with artists such as Chuck Fender,Pressure Buss Pipe and Fantan Mojah,Lutan Fyah and Norris Man with many more to come.
Jah Defenders' first album Rastaman Rise was produced by french label 7Seals Records and was his official entrance into the Europe reggae market,gaining him a respected place in the Roots Reggae scene.This album was followed by another Ep "Things In Time".Both projects being nominated in 2013 and 2015 respectively by reggae.fr and reggaeville for 2013 best new roots album "Rastaman Rise" and 2015 best new album "Things In Time".
These albums made way for three tours in Martinique and France including a show at the legendary New Morning Jazz club in Paris and various other performances around the city and South France.
Austria,Germany and Arnhems; "dub in the park" (Holland) are other shows that has left a good connection between Jah Defender and his supporters leaving them wanting more.
Currently working on his 2020 Tour in Europe and simultaneous albums Jah Defender promises to continue to create and bring forth deep and soul stirring melodies and music to the world.
In Ricardo Mills' own words "Music is a tool that should not be misused,use your God given talent to make a difference,the voice of the people is the voice of Jah".
Band Members
Links
