Queen Ifrica returns with ‘Breath of Life’

That 13-song set is largely produced by Nuh Rush Records, and will be distributed by Tuff Gong International. It is Queen Ifrica’s first album since ‘Climb’ which came out in 2017.

As a precursor to ‘Breath of Life’, three songs — ‘Lanton (Lantern’), ‘Mom Like Me’ and ‘Bad Girl’ — were released. Junior Brown of Nuh Rush Records produced ‘Lanton (Lantern’)‘ and ‘Bad Girl’, while Stephen Marley guided Queen Ifrica on ‘Mom Like Me’.

Queen Ifrica described the ‘Breath of Life’ recording sessions as seamless. She believes they produced her most satisfying work in years.

“This album is different because for the first time I’m working with a label and distributing company who have combined their efforts to produce and promote this great album with their love for me and my music. That in turn has given me a renewed love for my music,” said Queen Ifrica.

The daughter of ska legend Derrick Morgan, she followed his path into the music business. ‘Fyah Muma’, Queen Ifica’s first album, was released in 2007. A promising effort, it built on the popularity of ‘Below The Waist’, a saucy single which rocked dancehalls in 2004.

The 20-song ‘Fyah Muma’ set the tone for ‘Montego Bay’ in 2009. That album — partially produced by Tony Rebel — is a hit machine that yielded songs such as ‘Lioness On The Rise’, ‘Daddy’ and ‘Keep it to Yourself’.

While Nuh Rush Records handles most of the production for ‘Breath of Life’, the collaboration with multiple Grammy winner Stephen Marley is telling. Queen Ifrica worked with him five years ago on ‘Four Women’, a song originally done by Nina Simone.

“I can’t explain my link with Stephen Marley, but if you insist, I can say our link came about through a musical connection,” she reasoned. “Working with him is very humbling for me because he reminds me of how to love music purely.”

Queen Ifrica will showcase ‘Breath of Life’ on August 25 at the Jazz Cafe in London.