Ione Angeles, a California native who spent six transformative years in Jamaica, has always been drawn to the heart of reggae music, particularly the deep, soulful roots that often go unnoticed by mainstream radio. This passion for reggae’s authentic sounds has culminated in her latest project, the Wheelahs Riddim compilation album, released on October 10.
This 11-track album showcases an eclectic mix of established and emerging artists, handpicked by Angeles for their unique styles and musical authenticity. Among the standout acts are Earl Zero, Natty Remo, Prezident Brown, and up-and-comers like Ashley Irae, Isha Bel, and Ilaya Malaya.
The album is built around the Wheelahs riddim, a beat created by skilled engineer Tuviel Levi. Angeles, who has a long history of collaboration in the reggae scene, was adamant about giving the artists creative freedom. “I wanted everyone to showcase their true selves. I didn’t ask for anything specific from them — the beauty of this project is in its diversity,” she shared in a recent interview.
One of the standout tracks on the album is Never Alone, a collaboration between Angeles and New York-based singer Revelashan. The album also stands out for its strong female representation, a focus that Angeles was intentional about. “I wanted to make sure that female voices were well-represented,” she explained.
Beyond her contributions as a singer, Angeles has always been deeply immersed in reggae. Before Wheelahs Riddim, she formed the roots reggae band Tengeh, alongside Jamaican musician Max Edwards. Their partnership produced two albums and solidified Angeles’ ties to the Jamaican reggae scene.
Wheelahs Riddim is not just a compilation; it’s a testament to Angeles’ enduring love for reggae, bridging the gap between seasoned veterans and fresh, rising stars, while ensuring the women’s voices shine through in a traditionally male-dominated genre.
