DE Congo Riddim – Superior Roots Music

Kingsley Wray’s “12 Tribes of Israel” sits right at the center of DE Congo Riddim, and that’s a smart place for it: the cut leans into a warm, rolling roots groove with a steady bassline and a chant-like pull that gives the whole set its name and shape. Superior Roots Music keeps the vibe focused, letting Bunni Izik’s “Survival Is a Must, ” Johnny Jubilee’s “Rise Up, ” and Kaya Newman’s “Freedom” work that same uplifting lane, while Lenny Banton brings a more personal touch on “Mama Hold Her Belly. ” Supatech’s dub and instrumental versions stretch the riddim out for selectors, which is part of the appeal here. Released in 2021, this one fits neatly into that modern roots current where spiritual themes, conscious lyrics, and stripped-back rhythm work are doing the heavy lifting again.