Weaned on organic music, singer Shemana Dixon learned early to respect reggae’s foundation. When she began making music 13 years ago as Shemana, she called on the teachings of trailblazing artistes and musicians.

Her EP, Chant Down Babylon, is scheduled for release soon. It includes the title song, a riveting ska number; and No More Time to Waste, a blend of dancehall and hip hop.

Chant Down Babylon, the song, was released last Wednesday during her performance at Jah Ova Evil’s memorial event in Vineyard Town, east Kingston.

“I do enjoy the roots and ska side of the music, I view it as a strong foundation. I am hesitant to restrict myself, although I’ve been telling myself that will always be a part of my repertoire,” Shemana told the Jamaica Observer‘s Splash. “I also feel my father has made some effort to make sure I am familiar with my musical roots.”

Her father is Paul “Pablove Black” Dixon, a keyboardist who was a critical session player at Studio One during the 1970s. He also recorded and toured with Jimmy Cliff’s Oneness Band in the 1980s.

Shemana’s pending EP also includes the songs Woman to Woman, Homestretch and As You Are. While the senior Black, Jahnoi Nunes and David Breed played on the mini set, she said it was important to stamp her identity on the project.

“In some ways, I am like my father. I sense that he likes the happiness his music brings to people,” she said. “Yet, I am a vocalist and in a lot of ways my choice to do music is something inside of me that threatens to explode if I don’t let it out.”

Along with bass player Earl “Bagga” Walker and drummer Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace, Pablove Black was an important element in Studio One’s revival 40-odd years ago. He played on hit songs by a number of that label’s artistes including Johnny Osbourne, Freddie McGregor and Sugar Minott.

Black is one of his daughter’s biggest influences. Others include Bob Marley, Boyz II Men and Garnet Silk, who Shemana describes as “an artiste who is special to me”.

Born in Kingston, the Atlanta-based artiste began recording as a background singer in the 1990s on Be With You, a song featuring Bunny Rugs of Third World. In 2006, she launched her solo career and currently works with the Stay 2uned Band.