Dawna Lee

The first thing you would notice about Dawna is that unlike any other female Reggae artist you could mention, she doesn't just sing vocals or rely on cover versions for success. Far from it, because in addition to being a songwriter of real depth and originality. She also plays several different instruments, including guitar, keyboards, and bass.
Overseeing her productions, a natural step for such a determined sprit - who inspired by Marcus Garvey's doctrine of self reliance - has always made sure to represent herself truthfully on record, and without trading upon familiar female stereotypes.
Its the quality of her music and its lyrical content that comes first, and with her own ideas to the fore, she now bridges the old and new schools of her chosen music in much the same way that Alicia Keys, India Arie, Angie Stone or Jill Scott do with r&b; except in common with most other conscious reggae artists, Dawna Lee has to struggle for recognition without resource to either major labels or their own promotional clout. Happily for us listeners, Dawna's heartfelt Rastafarian beliefs lend her songs a spiritual and political dimension rarely heard in more commercial spheres.
The difference is that Dawna - ever the realist - writes about relationships with genuine honesty and insight, making it impossible for us to hear tracks like Turn back time, Rude Boy or Over You without reflecting on our own experiences. Certain of these tracks cry out for general radio play. Others are aimed directly at sound - systems with their warrior-like rhythms and powerful, thought provoking lyrics - a style that's become a specialty of hers over the years; ever since she was a member of the all- female, teenage reggae band Equity and the Women
In Music collective during the late eighties, or when recording her debut single Apartheid back in 1987. Her progress since then, whilst not being blessed with fame or fortune, really has been amazing, and what's more its also proved an inspiration to all of us who've had the privilege of hearing her music develop into the accomplished tour-de-force it is today.
Listening to Dawna you will realize one thing - its a sparkling indication of how roots reggae music has continued to evolve, and court new listeners, even amongst the hype and clamor surrounding its ragga dancehall offshoot.



*By John Masouri*



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