Old Babylon by Jahazael Meduza is a haunting, deeply spiritual roots reggae album recorded in 1978 but never officially released, capturing the raw spirit of Kingston’s militant consciousness during the struggle of the late 70s.
With heavy basslines, militant one-drop rhythms, and deep Nyabinghi chants, Jahazael Meduza delivers powerful lyrics warning of Babylon’s downfall, the spiritual blindness of the system, and the coming redemption for Jah’s children. His voice is gritty yet soulful, layered over analog tape hiss, tape delays, and live session recordings that echo the true vintage roots reggae sound.
Brief History:
Born in Spanish Town, Jamaica, in 1949, Jahazael Meduza grew up surrounded by the chants of Nyabinghi drummers and the street sounds of early ska and rocksteady. As a teenager, he followed the Rastafari movement, taking the name Jahazael Meduza after a dream where he saw a serpent transforming into a lion under the rising sun.
By the early 70s, Jahazael became known in Kingston’s underground circles for his deeply spiritual chants, heavy basslines, and militant lyrics against Babylon’s system, often performing at small community gatherings and sound system clashes.
PS I got this as one file with no titles for the individual tracks... any errors in separating the songs and naming them is all on me... but the music is great...
