California-born Ione Angeles has always been captivated by reggae, a love that only deepened during her six years living in Jamaica. Now, she’s channeling her passion into Wheelahs Riddim, a unique reggae compilation album released on October 10 that amplifies diverse voices within the genre.
With an ear for authentic talent, Angeles gathered a mix of established and emerging artists for this 11-track project, including roots veterans like Earl Zero and Prezident Brown, alongside promising talents like Ashley Irae, Isha Bel, and Ilaya Malaya. The unifying sound of the album, crafted by engineer Tuviel Levi, provides a dynamic backdrop that lets each artist’s unique style shine.
For Angeles, this album was a chance to celebrate individuality in reggae. “Each artist brought their own perspective to the project,” she explains, “and I wanted to create an environment where everyone could express themselves without restrictions.”
Her own contribution to the album, Never Alone, is a heartfelt duet with New York’s Revelashan, capturing the emotional connection that reggae fosters. Notably, Wheelahs Riddim highlights the presence of powerful female voices, something Angeles sees as essential. “It was important to bring forward more female representation in this genre,” she says, reflecting her commitment to a more inclusive reggae community.
Years before Wheelahs Riddim, Angeles made her mark in reggae as the lead of Tengeh, a roots band she co-founded with Jamaican musician Max Edwards. Her journey through the genre has been marked by collaborations that honor reggae’s history while bringing fresh perspectives into the mix.
With Wheelahs Riddim, Angeles not only champions the reggae traditions she fell in love with but also spotlights a new generation of talent.
