Although roots reggae had run its course by the time Garfield Cowan got interested in music production, he always admired the One Drop beat that made the genre famous during the 1970s.

The One Drop drives nine songs on Roots Rock Reggae Riddim, a nine-song compilation album co-produced by Cowan’s Natures Way Entertainment and Sweet Waters Spawn Music. It contains songs by Zamunda/Fantan Mojah, Anthony B, Ginjah and Iba Mahr.

Cowan said he and his production partner initially recorded what became the title song by Zamunda and Fantan Mojah. Their positive vibes influenced them to expand the project.

“After recording that song, we decided to make it a full compilation for artistes who are known for strong consciousness, vocal presence, and authenticity. While not every artiste was locked in from day one, the vision was clear — voices that respect the culture and can ride a One Drop with conviction, not just style,” Cowan explained.

Like A Mirror is the name of Anthony B’s song. Ginjah does Lover Not A Fighter, while Iba Mahr contributes Heavy Load.

The South Florida-based Cowan started Natures Way Entertainment in 2010, eager to emulate the mellow sounds he heard from Beres Hammond and Garnet Silk during the 1990s.

The company’s most successful production has been the Sweet Personality ‘riddim’ which yielded hits in Let me Love You Tonight by Wayne Wonder and Wake Up by Jah Cure.

Trying to replicate that project has never been his priority.

“Success always brings expectations, but pressure to duplicate is not how Nature’s Way operates. Sweet Personality Riddim was and is a classic, timeless production, and it happened organically,” Cowan said. “With Roots Rock Reggae, the focus wasn’t on recreating past success but on staying true to the mission of quality music with purpose.”

-Howard Campbell