Protoje and his band, the Indiggnation, spent half of this year traveling the United States and Europe promoting his sophomore album The 8 Year Affair. Last week the artiste signaled his homecoming to the Jamaican music scene with the release of Resist Not Evil on Overstand Entertainment's Militancy Riddim.
If interpreted in the literal sense, the title may mislead the unassuming listener away from the poignant lesson in the lyrics. Resist Not Evil puts a relatable spin on turning the other cheek. The message is "do not exact revenge," Protoje explains. "I was inspired to write this song after reading verse 39 in chapter 5 of the book of Matthew. It was so simple, yet profound and relevant."
All the singles on the Militancy Riddim provoke similar introspection into peaceful but powerful resistance, and the balance of power in society. Jah Cure, Kabaka Pyramid, Jesse Royal, Iba Mahr, Chezideck, Dre Island and King Mas are the other artistes who contributed vocals to the compilation.
Phillip "Winta" James of Overstand Entertainment, chief creative mind behind the Militancy Riddim, describes the project as an effort to create a body of music focused on social commentary. "I felt it was important to hear from the younger generation of artistes about causes and issues that provoke them to action," James commented.
"I also wanted to bring the veteran artistes and the Reggae revival generation together on this one. This kind of inter-generational collaboration is not too common right now." James is also responsible for the Rootsman Riddim.
A relative newcomer to the world of 'riddim jugglin,' Protoje elaborated on his decision to record a song on the Militancy Riddim. "I was really impressed with Rootsman [riddim] but I didn't record a song for it. When I heard the Militancy Riddim I couldn't pass second time."
Resist Not Evil is the first collaborative effort between Protoje and James, and the duo is already in studio masterminding follow up projects. The Militancy Riddim is available on iTunes and from other major online digital distributors. Fans can listen to singles free of cost on Soundcloud. The video will premiere online on Friday, November 22.
Resist Not Evil Lyrics:
Ye Resist Not Evil
Whoever shall smite thee
Will have to face the almighty
So take away my coat and my cloak
jah a me riches so me never broke
Lord I pray, please never let me lose my way
In anything i do or say
Keep Jah in My Heart, Father shall carry i cross
How do i say it in a manner that
don't seem hype if i say we bring the banner back
Red gold green not a fad, badge of honour that
defender of the faith fi a fact we den ya pon attack
today tomorrow man a warrior nuh follow that
try put a stop to that but a just a comma dat
matter fact a so the sentence goes
i never try get revenge from these senseless foes
Me likkle bredrin touch 16
sight up the king and a adjust him dreams
Ones can't overstand a wonder what this means
develop fear in them heart and them start set fi him
him tell me, jah never make him get defeat
so him move like a gaddy and prevail pon the street
you nuh see it
a 3 shot him get fi it and him still den ya stand up pin him feet
You turn you back on the well when u done drink the water
all the quarrelling it woulda must bring disaster
fight against you brother just offending the master
them i couldn't join it woulda must kill me faster
oooh, i seen the strategy before fi drain i energy hypocrisy for sure
father please take my nemesis away from Jah premises