As a student at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts Geneva Ayre was exposed to different types of music, including Nyahbinghi, a sound synonymous with Rastafari.
Emmanuel, the gospel singer’s latest song, has elements of Nyahbinghi rhythms.
She said one of the Bible’s epic tales inspired the decision to incorporate a Rasta vibe.
“When the song was written we began to see the imagery it called for; visions of Moses leading the children of Israel, and God going before them as pillar of cloud by day and a fire by night, ever near, being exactly what we need in every season,” Ayre told the Jamaica Observer.
She continued: “We felt the call for a rhythm that could carry the weight of that story — something percussive and powerful, echoing freedom, militancy, and hope. In Nyahbinghi, we found all of that; a sound that speaks to both the struggles we face and the promises we have in Emmanuel.”
Ayre co-produced the song with her husband Andrew for their Ayre2Ear label.
Andrew Ayre, a bassist and co-founder of the Pentateuch band, is also a past student of ‘Edna’. He has produced some of his wife’s previous songs including Tremble, All Away, and King of Glory.
Geneva, who was raised in Portmore, St Catherine, has been a recording artiste for over 20 years and a Christian since she was 14 years old.
The eclectic nature of her music reflects lessons she learned at Edna. There, lecturers encouraged students to embrace all forms of music.
“This release differs from my previous originals in its blend of the contemporary worship sound with the authentic Jamaican influence of Nyahbinghi. It reflects my mandate to promote God-centred worship and serves as a reminder of God’s infallible and faithful nature,” she said.
