Bees & Honey is the latest single from Welsh-based British-Asian reggae artist Nayyah. The track was produced by Michael ‘Megahbass’ Fletcher, bassist and musical director for Alborosie, and features the iconic Apache Indian and the legendary Amlak Tafari, aka the Reggae Am-bass-ador from Steel Pulse.
Bees & Honey offers a sharp critique of social inequality: those who work the hardest are often at the bottom of the social ladder, receiving the least, while those at the top, the “bosses and fat cats,” reap the biggest rewards. Still, the message is ultimately hopeful, encouraging listeners to stay resilient and keep striving, because hard work will eventually pay off.
Recalling the origins of the track, Megahbass reflects: “Nayyah brought me this idea and a melody for the track. I tried out some reggae beats, but his unique style called for something different. I played with a trap rhythm idea, and it fitted like a glove.”
Long-time friend Amlak Tafari was invited to participate, adding his distinctive flavour to the mix, and it was he that suggested bringing in Apache Indian for a guest verse. As Nayyah explains, “Amlak sang ‘Boom Shack A-Lak’ as a reference to Apache’s global hit, and Apache added his signature style, giving the song a nod to his iconic sound, but with a completely modern twist.”
Speaking about the collaboration, Apache Indian says: “Nayyah is bursting with talent, has an incredible, unique style and his music is like a breath of fresh air. It was an honour for me to feature on this song, which has a fantastic video that was filmed in his home town of Llandudno. I have had the pleasure to hear his album, and it is nothing less than a masterpiece. He has an incredible personality and his passion for reggae music comes through in every track.”
Bees & Honey is taken from the forthcoming album Fire In My Soul which features some of the finest musicians to come out of Jamaica, such as legendary Sly Dunbar, Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, Dean Fraser, Leebert ‘Gibby’ Morrison, Wilburn ‘Squidly’ Cole, Stephen ‘Lenky’ Marsden, Paul Kastick, Shaun Darson, Robert ‘Dubwise’ Browne, Norris Webb, Carol ‘Bowie’ McLaughlin, Franklyn ‘Bubbler’ Waul, Othniel Lewis, Harry T Powell and Gilly G. Also featured are Steve Grantley, the powerhouse drummer of Stiff Little Fingers, and renowned rock guitarist James Stevenson, who has played with the likes of Chelsea, Gene Love Jezebel, The Cult and The Alarm.
Bees & Honey is available now on digital platforms, and the accompanying video can be viewed on YouTube.
