Stranger in the Gates

Editorial Reviews
Roger Steffens, Founding Editor, The Beat Magazine
"Soothing and spiritual reveries from a true voice of peace and overstanding, `Stranger in the Gates' is filled with Zema's timeless answers to the questions of survival in a world that has lost its way. This is healing music for the 21st century."

Dub Missive Magazine
"This is an outstanding album worthy of a permanent place on everyone's playlist"

Album Description
Uplifting conscious modern roots reggae featuring Zema's engaging female vocals; renown reggae drummer, Sly Dunbar, and Zacky, the original keyboard player for the Twinkle Brothers. ". . . it's amazing when we receive overwhelming response from the listeners, especially with her music. In addition to the calls, I've gotten letters in the mail, e-mail, word-of-mouth . . . there is something about this music that inflames the listener." Goldfinger, DJ, WTJU.

Stranger in the Gates

Tracks:

Keep Justice
Who Can Understand?
Check It Out
I Would Rather
Take The Water
Everything Is Yours
Balaam & Balak
Treasure
I Would Rather Dub

Album Description

Uplifting conscious modern roots reggae featuring Zema's engaging female vocals; renown reggae drummer, Sly Dunbar, and Zacky, the original keyboard player for the Twinkle Brothers. ". . . it's amazing when we receive overwhelming response from the listeners, especially with her music. In addition to the calls, I've gotten letters in the mail, e-mail, word-of-mouth . . . there is something about this music that inflames the listener." Goldfinger, DJ, WTJU.

Customer Reviews:

ROOTS!!.......2004-10-23

I just received Stranger in the Gates yesterday and LOVE IT. I'm a roots fan and not too interested with the unfortunate movement towards dancehall (for most reggae artists at least). However, ZEMA delivers a bomb with her debut album. I live in Hawaii where reggae music is mainstream. All I have to say is, "How has she flown under the radar for so long?" Sick roots beats, conscious lyrics, and once you hear her voice you'll want to buy every CD she has made. I recommend this CD without reservation, as she is by far one of the best female reggae artists of all time. Buy it, you won't be disappointed. .. .

Dubroom Review.......2002-02-01

The music of conscious Dreadlockswoman ZEMA has touched my heart from the first moment I heard "Check it out" from this album. And not only my heart, but the hearts of many. Roger Steffens calls it "healing music" and right he is. This is sounds for the soul! Published through her own company Melchizedek Music, Stranger in the Gates comes with 8 Vocal Tracks and one Dubwise track.
Most of the lyrics that Zema sings come straight out of the Book of Books, and that makes this album very uplifting. The lyrics that come from her own hand are very powerful as well, for example "Check it out", a call for consciousness that no one should ignore. Over all, listening to Zema's music is a spiritual experience extraordinary.

The music on the disc is upfull and original Roots/Rub A Dub Reggae with a slice of dub here and there. It's played by a tight riddim section based on drums by Sly Dunbar and keyboards by Zacky Bernard, original keyboard player from the Twinkle Borthers. Many keyboards have also been played by Zema herself, who has shared stage with many of Reggae's Greats such as Bunny Wailer and sung backing vocals for Alton Ellis, Leroy Sibbles (Heptones) and many more.

Zema's voice is very skillful and trained. It is a real pleasure to listen to it, from the top to the very last drop! You can hear, that she feels very comfortable in riding any kind of reggae rhythm. I would recommend this album, and other ZEMA music as well, to everyone.

Music:

Music

Music