In the six years Ione Angeles lived in Jamaica, the California native developed a passion for reggae. That passion extended to artistes whose songs are not always on the playlists of mainstream radio.

The roots singer went for likeminded artistes on Wheelahs Riddim, a compilation album she produced. It was released on October 10.

She selected the acts for the 11-song project, including Earl Zero, Natty Remo and Prezident Brown, Ashley Irae, Isha Bel and Ilaya Malaya.

All of them recorded songs on the Wheelahs, a ‘riddim’ created by engineer Tuviel Levi.

“I chose the artistes because I either know them or loved their work, and a few new artistes came as referrals from artists I chose. Everyone just did themselves, I did not request anything, as the beauty of it is to bring out all of our unique styles,” Ione Angeles told Observer Online.

Ione Angeles’ contribution to Wheelahs Riddim is Never Alone, a collaboration with New York-based singer Revelashan. Ashley Irae, Isha Bel and Ilaya Malaya are also part of the album’s strong female presence.

“My one goal was to have more female representation, and mix some artistes from back in the day with some younger up-and-coming artists,” Ione Angeles explained.

The Los Angeles-born artiste had been lead singer of an all-female band when curiosity lured her to Jamaica in 1990. While living here for six years, Ione Angeles befriended local musicians including Max Edwards, drummer for the Soul Syndicate Band, and worked as a school teacher while recording songs with him.

With Edwards, Ione Angeles formed Tengeh, a roots-reggae band that released two albums. Five years ago saw the release of Inna World, her first album.

– Howard Campbell