Earth and the Fullness blooms with Yuya
Olivia Wilmot, daughter-in-law of Billy “Mystic” Wilmot, says the veteran reggae singer was instrumental in the creative processes of her music career.
Olivia Wilmot is the lead songwriter of the Earth and the Fullness group, who recently released their debut EP Yuya.
“He’s been very supportive. He was always ready to bring advice, and he’d come by to give input on the songs on what he liked and didn’t like. He definitely played a role,” she told the Jamaica Observer‘s Splash, noting that collaborations are in the pipeline.
Yuya was released on July 21. The three-track set was produced by Inilek Wilmot. The tracks are titled: Ancestral Blues (This Force), Jah Will Be Done, and Behold the Sun.
Billy “Mystic” Wilmot is the lead singer of the Mystic Revealers. The group was formed in the late 1970s in Bull Bay and is known for songs including Religion, Got To Be A Better Way, and Remember Romeo. He also starred as CC in the long-running TV series Royal Palm Estate.
Meanwhile, Olivia Wilmot, who is an early childhood teacher by training, said Earth and the Fullness was formed in 2014 to provide more uplifting music to listeners.
“It was founded just to create good music that is uplifting, but also music that honours our roots meaning our ancestors, culture and all ingredients that come together. It’s not just limited to roots reggae. There’s also African music, blues and other genres as we take take a more expansive and organic approach. We really enjoy that we can bring something fresh to the table,” the mother of three said.
The other members include Icah Wilmot (bass), Davion James and Jeremy Ashbourne (drums), Craig Lee and Chad Wilson (percussion), Alex Jackson (saxophone), Ishack Wilmot (Olivia’s husband) and Eugene Miller (keyboard), and Elizabeth Goffe (backing vocals).
An acoustic version of Yuya, among other songs, are slated for release in the coming months.
Olivia Wilmot added that the group is looking to continuously spread positivity amid the chaos in today’s society.
“One of the things that I really want to accomplish is to create music that will help people to find healing within. Jamaica is a very special and blessed place on this earth, but everybody, across all ages, is going through some degree of stress. We want to find more ways for people to live and experience joy and connect with healing within themselves,” she said.
