Review:

Generation

Reggae albums by Christians are as rare as hens’ teeth, so when Ben Okafor releases an album it’s a welcome musical treat. This is a reissue of his 1992 album ‘Generation’ on the small independent Plankton label expanded from 12 to 15 songs, and reflects Ben’s passion for justice, truth and love as a direct result of his experiences and upbringing.

A former boy soldier when aged 15 in his homeland of Nigeria, Ben has witnessed firsthand the horrors of seeing his country torn apart by civil war. In more recent years he has lived in England, performed alongside Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, and been involved in various peace and justice initiatives, both solo and with his friend Garth Hewitt. On one of the three new songs, the autobiographical ‘This is my life’, Ben sings how his songs are about people and how “it is fun to make music but more fun just to share it”. And he’s right.

High: Ben’s music is so joyous, upbeat and warm that it will melt the hardest of hearts. Resistance is futile. Enjoy.

Low:

For this CD not to achieve large sales or receive major distribution would be a great loss.

Reviewed by James Tweed, journalist, editor and consultant.

£10.99

Plankton

4 stars

£10.99