Dennis Brown – Africa b/w Here I Come Again 12″ single

What makes this release special straight away is hearing Dennis at such a young age yet sounding so fully formed. The A-side carries the repatriation anthem Africa, built around that unforgettable declaration “Africa We Want To Go.” The longing in his voice is real and it cuts deep. The tune first appeared in Jamaica in 1975 on Niney’s Observer label under the title African, and it also featured on the classic Just Dennis album. But Deeper Roots stretch things out here, giving the dub portions room to breathe proper. Credit the Soul Syndicate for that heavy foundation, with Fully Fullwood holding down the bass and Santa Davis locking in on drums. When the dub version unfolds, that rhythm section alone is worth the price of the wax.

Turn it over and Here I Come Again gets the same extended love. The vibe shifts though. Where Africa burns with collective fire and longing, this one draws inward, Dennis singing on inner peace and trusting the Almighty to guide the way. Irie meditation music, really. The tune originally appeared as Have No Fear on the Observer imprint in Jamaica, with the UK pressing coming out on the Penguin label. The riddim might seem understated on first listen, but Santa Davis is doing something special on those drums, steering everything with quiet authority. And when the dub takes over, that drum and bass core steps forward and commands the whole space. Dennis’ voice drifts in and out through waves of echo, giving the whole thing a wonderfully deep and weightless feeling.

Another essential slice of wax from Deeper Roots. Do not miss out on hearing this beautiful piece of reggae history right now.