Jah’Mila’s “Chant Their Names” is a weapon. Its purpose is to dismantle, disrupt and destroy systemic oppression that has preyed on North American Black communities with increasing insidiousness in its violence. With its beauty, its groove and its powerful message, it gives no place to hide to those who would prop up status quo politics and perpetuate violence in thought and action against the black community.
Jhamiela Smith Dunn writes: “Chant Their Names is a cry for change in a system that has repeatedly failed the Black community, the lyrics beg the police to assess their ethics and policies while also imploring all of us to keep the memory of those countless victims alive by chanting their names out loud.”
The song is not only poignant but also wonderfully brilliant. It weaves the names of those who have been lost to police brutality into the verses in a way that honours them. It reclaims that hurt and turns each verse into a fire that burns in your belly and erupts into every chorus. It incites motion and action.
With a classic dub feel, “Chant their names” is slow, powerful and consistent. I can feel the hard work in the groove; it has sweat in it. Jhamiela Smith Dunn’s voice is unmistakable in gorgeous quality. It has depth and richness that makes her one of the best vocalists in Halifax.
“Systemic racism and heinous police brutality are serious issues that continue to plague the black community on a global scale. The murder of George Floyd sent ripples across the world, invoking activism and outcries from people around the world who are tired of the violent attacks against our Black brothers and sisters,” writes the Jamaican-Canadian singer. “Our team stands in solidarity with all who fight for Black justice and respect – this is long overdue.”
Produced by Nulo with musicians Charlie Beniot, Teddy Skiffington, Sean Weber and Eric Landry, its thumping bass and clear highs are musical and the track is produced with Jhamiela Smith Dunn’s message and voice out front where it belongs.
In receiving this track and having the honour to review it and share it with the world, I cannot express how proud I am. Proud to have artists like Jhamiela Smith Dunn call Atlantic Canada home, proud to stand behind her music and her message, and proud to watch the community embrace Chant Their Names as a worthy anthem that will propel our hearts and minds to push for change. Jah’Mila is an Atlantic Canadian treasure.