Roots reggae singjay, Helfa Nyah, recently completed the video shoot for his patriotic, debut single, Take You There.
A quick listen to this song and it becomes crystal clear why Helfa Nyah and his video crew had to spare no expense to get this package right. Take You There is a tribute to the ordinary and the extraordinary pieces of the puzzle of life that spell out the word Jamaica. And video director Nordia Rose seeks to capture the breathtaking beauty of the island and its people, which form the exquisite backdrop for the lyrics of this reggae song. Her cameras rove throughout Kingston, St Ann and Retreat in St Mary.
A take-off of I’ll Take You There, the 1972 mega-hit from soul/gospel band Staples Singer, Helfa Nyah infuses his own creativity, to make Take You There truly Jamaican. And, just as the Staple Singers did, Helfa Nyah’s song lifts the introduction from veteran producer Harry J’s instrumental reggae tune entitled The Liquidator.
According to the artiste, who hails from St. Mary, but migrated to the States at age seven, “There is no place like home. Remember the lamps with ‘Home Sweet Home’ written on the shade?” he asked with a smile.
In the song, he gets a little more lyrical when reminiscing on St Mary. It goes something like this: My favourite spot a St Mary still, cause when mi homesick a that a mi pill/Pon every crevice and corner trees a build, right now me a reminisce/What a thrill.
Helfa Nyah noted that “Jamaica is one of the most special places on earth. I tried to express the things that make this island the haven it is and we have captured that authentic flavour in the video – great food, good music and most of all the wonderful people.”
According to Helfa’s manager, Roger Grant, “Take You There may sound like a tourist pitch, but it is just a song that is genuinely paying homage to life in Jamaica – whether you live in the interior or on the coast.”
Take You There is a joint production under the Hitz Factory and 619 Entertainment imprints.