New York Rapper Rivas Gives ‘Jah Praises’ with Sangie Davis

A verse from Psalm 24 gave Rochester rapper and guitarist Rivas the idea behind “Jah Praises,” his new collaboration with veteran Jamaican singer-songwriter Sangie Davis.

“The Earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof” prompted what Rivas calls a sudden realization of himself as a creation. “I must give Jah praises in every situation and season,” he said. The song was released in late August after being recorded at Tuff Gong International studios in Kingston last May.

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I felt a sudden realisation of me as a creation. I must give Jah praises in every situation and season.

It was Rivas’ second visit to Jamaica. He first travelled there in 2024 and met Davis through a mutual friend. Rivas said Jamaica initially felt like home, with an island beauty and atmosphere that reminded him of his Puerto Rican background. He also described the people as helpful and said it was meaningful to be in the homeland of reggae music and Rastafari.

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My first impression of Jamaica felt like home. I am a Puerto Rican and being in Jamaica felt similar in a sense of island beauty and nice vibes.

Rivas began the song, and Davis completed it while passing through New York on his way to Ethiopia last year. Four months ago, they took the song to Tuff Gong with drummers from the Binghistra Movement. The session became a milestone for Rivas, who grew up in Rochester with little exposure to reggae. His father played merengue and salsa at home, while Haitian neighbours played Bob Marley loudly.

In Davis, Rivas found a mentor. Davis is a senior member of the Twelve Tribes of Israel and co-wrote Bob Marley’s “Wake Up And Live” and Sophia George’s “Girlie Girlie”. Before “Jah Praises”, Rivas had released songs including “Righteous” and “Still Waters”.

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The people of Jamaica were very nice and helpful. It felt amazing to be in the homeland of reggae music and Rastafari.