Queen Ifrica

"The heavens declare the glory of the most high ... ."

There are at least six persons crammed inside the studio at Penthouse Records as Queen Ifrica's unmistakable vocals blare from behind the glass. She is recording an introduction to her upcoming album which, she says, is a tribute to the Pitfour Nyabinghi Centre in Montego Bay, St James, where she once lived.

The album, which can be heard on iTunes later this month, is due out on compact disc in the summer. It will be named Montego Bay, not necessarily because of the singjay's sojourn there but because it is the "most popular name in tourism outside of Jamaica", which cannot hurt marketing.

Reputation

Ifrica says the title track is not a sugar-coated version of the tourist mecca, but delves into "the real MoBay" of gullies, ghettos and grimacing. In recent years, Montego Bay's reputation as a getaway for tourists has been threatened by rampant gunmen, which has made the parish of St James one of the most violent regions in Jamaica.

The feel of the 14-track album, Ifrica says, is her expressing herself "with fun and message".

"There is a mix of energies and when it is put together, there's a nice variety. There should not be a lot of skipping taking place," she told Tidbits Tuesday.

Combinations

This variety will include combinations with Shaggy on Vibes, a dance track; and German singer Gentleman (The Fire Red) which has a dancehall flavour. Another collaboration is Too Late, featuring Junior Kelly. Not to be left out are favourites such as the provocative Daddy; the humorous Below The Waist and Nah Rub, along with the current lovers rock offering, Far Away.

The singer, whose first album was Fire Mumma, wrote most of the songs for Montego Bay. She said, she is working with producers on placement to ensure there is no monotony. Distribution, she says, will most likely be handled by VP Records and Flames Productions.