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As
a youth, her interest prompted her to pick
up several other instruments in addition to
singing. She has performed and recorded
reggae, R&B, rock and pop music in
numerous bands.
In
Los Angeles, Zema has established herself as
a prominent musician on the reggae scene
recording and performing as a vocalist,
keyboardist and guitarist. She has backed
both as a keyboardist and a vocalist such
internationally known reggae artists as
Alton Ellis, Leroy Sibbles, Delroy Wilson,
Ras Michael, Joe Higgs, Abijah, Ras Midas,
Carlton Livingston and Isaac Haile Selassie.
She recorded "Zema," her first
album of original material, at Channel One
Studio in Jamaica which received extensive
air play and was well received touring the
western United States.
"Stranger in the Gates," Zema's
second album, was widely aired on radio
throughout the U.S. and abroad. It includes
renown reggae drummer Sly Dunbar and Zacky,
the original keyboard player for the Twinkle
Brothers.
On Zema's third album, "Look at the
Heart," she again showcases her talents
as singer/songwriter, arranger and producer.
This release is mixed by legendary Jamaican
engineer, Hopeton "The Scientist"
Brown, includes a guest appearance by
nyabinghi master, Ras Michael, and features
top flight reggae musicians including
original members of The Rastafarians and
Twinkle Brothers.
"Black Sheep," Zema's fourth
album, was recorded in Kingston, Jamaica
with a stellar cast including such reggae
stalwarts as Horsemouth, Dalton Browne and
Dean Frazer. Mixed by Soljie and Sylvan
Morris, "Black Sheep" has garnered
tremendous response with its hard-driving
rhythms and sweet vocals.
New Zema releases for 2005 included the
single, "Stoned Love" featuring
Abijah which has been aired on IRIE FM,
ROOTS FM and HOT 102 in Jamaica. The
"Stoned Love" video featuring
Abijah can be seen worldwide and on Jamaican
TV. Zema has two new videos that will be
released in 2006 including “Son and
Daughter of Jah” featuring Al Griffiths
and The Gladiators.
Zema’s newest album is “Overcome”
which was recorded in Kingston at Bob
Marley’s Tuff Gong Studio with Sly and
Robbie, The Gladiators and includes
combinations with Abijah, Mark Wonder and Al
Griffiths.
Zema has been honored to tour Brazil with
the legendary Gladiators and has performed
in Israel, Europe, throughout the U.S.
including Southern California, and in
Jamaica at major stage shows such as Western
Consciousness and 2006 Rebel Salute. She has
shared the stage with such legendary
performers as Bunny Wailer, Luciano, Ky-mani
Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Buju Banton, and Third
World.
Zema's music has been called healing music
for the 21st century by Roger Steffens
(preeminent reggae archivist). Her style of
conscious reggae music brings the universal
message of love, justice, racial harmony and
spiritual upliftment. Zema combines this
with driving roots reggae grooves in dynamic
and mesmerizing performances that captivate
wide audiences with inspiring music that
uplifts the heart and soul and keeps your
feet dancing!
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