As a youth in Reunion, Black Nation discovered Rastafari and roots-reggae through the songs of Bob Marley. That faith, and sound, inspire his own music.

A committed Rastafarian, Black Nation shows his love for Rasta on La Force JAH, the title song from his second album of the same name. That eight-song set covers diverse topics but La Force JAH holds pride of place.

“I’m not insensitive to pollution and overconsumption, but I also wanted to pay tribute to Marcus Garvey, for whom I have great respect, and to Rastafari,” he said.

Born Mira Jean Luc, Black Nation cut his teeth in bands in Reunion, an island in the Indian Ocean described as a department of France. In 1999, he made his recording debut and three years later, formed the band that bears his moniker.

Produced by Vibration Roots, La Force JAH is recorded in French, the official language of Reunion. It came out 12 years after his debut album, Nout’Koulers, and contains message songs such as La Mizer and Galiz.

“The idea of a second album was above all, for me, a way of getting across a message of protest with tracks like La Mizèr or Galiz, for example, but also a more spiritual message through La Force JAH or Jah Bless,” said Black Nation, who points to his homeland, Madagascar and France as his most receptive markets.

Reggae has a strong following in Reunion. In addition to Black Nation, popular homegrown bands include Natty Dread and Sly Sugar.

Howard Campbell