Rising artist Imeru Tafari, the son of reggae star Queen Ifrica and grandson of reggae legend Derrick Morgan, has released his highly anticipated debut album, The Essential. This 12-track album, available on all platforms, marks a significant milestone in Tafari’s musical journey. With the support of production and label partner Koastal Kings and distribution handled by U.S.-based DubShot Records, the album boasts eight previously unreleased songs. It features collaborations with a variety of notable artists from the reggae and dancehall scenes, including Popcaan, Chronic Law, Kabaka Pyramid, and his mother, Queen Ifrica. Behind the scenes, the production has been bolstered by respected names like Triple B Produktionz, Zion I Kings, Boomdraw, Sonovic, and Young Rebel Records.
Tafari’s music, deeply rooted in his Rastafarian beliefs, carries a powerful message of upliftment and liberation amidst oppression. Hailing from Kingston, he credits his Rastafari upbringing as a major influence on his sound and lyrical content. With a strong connection to the producers of Koastal Kings, part of Buju Banton’s live band, he emphasizes his commitment to maintaining the cultural core of reggae. “Growing up in a Rastafari family, I was introduced to the livity from a tender age and have lived under the principles of H.I.M. my entire life,” Tafari explains. He sees himself as an “authentic Rasta yute,” aiming to restore reggae’s focus on fundamental Rastafarian values. The Essential not only captures Tafari’s distinct voice but also underscores his dedication to the genre, promising new music videos to accompany several tracks from the album, as his unique style continues to make waves in the global reggae scene.
