KWAME

(Wan Afrika Productions)

Reggae artist Kwame Bediako’s How Sweet It Is is a smooth and fresh sounding collection that should appeal to a wide range of music lovers. Co-produced with Vince Varco the reggae backbeat is heard throughout the album, augmented by pop-influenced arrangements using horns, flutes, and inventive guitar and keyboard work. But neither the roots sound nor the messages are diluted, which keeps this album very entertaining.

The political slant of the songs isn’t heavy-handed, but through gentle delivery and Kwame’s sincere Marley-ish vocals, they state their universal truths of freedom and justice. It’s almost certain that you’ll start to bob your head in affirmation and/or to the beat. A good example is the bouncy "Free Up Afrika," with its catchy chorus "H-e-e-e-y now! Free Up Afrika." The intro to "Guilty" sounds almost country hoedown-ish, then the track settles into a chunky gait that asks the question "Who pays for slavery/Those million souls thrown overboard/The devil has got tricks/Children beware."

Some reggae music sounds like the artist hit the ganja one too many times, coming up with material that even has their fellow Rasta’s scratching their heads. Such is not the case with Chicago’s own Kwame. After one listen you’ll agree: How Sweet It Is.