Through all the borders Jaqee crossed, music has always been her steady companion whereas it never was a stereotype thing that let her get down with any special genre, than more like a special feeling. “To do what I want in a particular moment is my motivation. I like to express myself in all kind of sounds.”
So above all, she became a true nomad in the world of music.
After Several successful co-operations with numerous artists, in 2005 Jaqee made an impact with her debut album “Blaqalixious”, which was mainly a Soul and R&B album. “That was my direct contact to the music that a rural community in the Diaspora plays” she explains. But it did not end up there because a nomad like Jaqee does not settle anywhere. After further creative and fruitful collaborations, Jaqee released her second long player “Nouvelle d´ amour” in 2007. This time, the sound was more of a rocking, bluesy vibe. It seemed to be the total opposite to her debut album but for Jaqee it was only the next step on her path in the circle of life. “Everything is possible as long as it is real. I never wonder about things like genre as long as the vibe fits.” One step further on, she encountered the songs of Billie Holiday, which lead to the album “A letter to Billie” recorded together with Bohuslänbigband, a lovely homage to the great American Jazz Singer.
Both of her first two albums each received a Swedish Grammy nomination and several appearances in the Swedish national television increased her standing as a passionate and soulful Singer.
So Teka, producer and creator of many successful riddims for his co-found German label, Rootdown Records considered her to be part of his new project “Koala Desperados“, which link Caribbean vibes like Cumbia to Reggae, and while working on it a totally new idea was born.
Jaqee and Teka decided to combine both their talents into one album. The results of which you can now hear on “Kokoo Girl” a refreshing mix of Old School Reggae sounds from the seventies combined with up-to-date Beats, electronic twists and turns and of course the amazing voice of Jaqee. For her, this means that she has achieved some of her ambitions. “I grew up with African Gospel, in sad and turbulent environment, so for me, this means I grasp and totally understand the reggae and its non ending struggle for the common man.” No sooner said than done and “Kokoo Girl” will become Jaqee’s fourth and newest release.
All the paths she followed, countries she crossed and influences she absorbed are a part of this album. She sings with the freedom of spirit of the travelling people. The word “Kokoo” is the only memory that remains everlasting. It is just a word but its impact is so huge that Jaqee does not really like to explain it. “It implies irony and seriousness as well as sarcasm and fun.” It is more than a gimmick. “Kokoo” is a very special feeling and a clear view of the world from an artist who has seen more of it than all the people that have settled down.
Land of the Free
Jaqee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The spirit of today.
I walk the walk, and i'll talk the talk.
In sunshine I will lay.
Shower myself with hopes and dreams, of flowers in bloom.
Today has been such a good day clear and bright.
No clouds are hanging around me, No more.
This is the land of the free.
The sounds of the free.
I live in the land of the free.
I dine in the land of the free.
I lay my bed in the land of the free.
In love I will trust.
Gravitate myself to where my soul should be.
It´s easy to forgive.
And harder when you don't.
I am flowing in the river, blowing with the wind.
Cos today has been such a good day clear and bright.
No clouds are hanging around me, No more.
This is the land of the free.
The land of the free.
The sounds of the free.
I live in the land of the free.
I dine in the land of the free.
I lay my bed in the land of the free.
The lyrics of Jaqee's "Land of the Free" represent a celebration of living in a society where freedom prevails. Jaqee declares herself a child of her time, which indicates a contemporary spirit, someone who is aligned with the current state of the world. She walks and talks the talk of someone who is free and unbounded, and the sunshine that she enjoys represents the possibility she sees ahead.
As the song progresses, Jaqee continues to bask in the good times, enjoying the pleasure of living in a society unencumbered by oppression or persecution. Jaqee lives, dines, and lays her bed in the land of the free, indicating that freedom is an integral part of her identity, comfort and contentment. The song ties in the liberating effect of love and forgiveness, with Jaqee declaring that it's easy to forgive when you're living in a society that is free.
Overall, the song is an ode to the idea that living in a society that values freedom, where all people are free to pursue their dreams, and where the sound of freedom is constantly heard, is truly living in the land of the free. It is a symbol of hope and progress, a celebration of a society that allows individuals to express themselves without fear.
Line by Line Meaning
I am a child of my time.
I am a product of the current era and culture.
The spirit of today.
I embody the attitude and values of modern times.
I walk the walk, and i'll talk the talk.
I live and speak in alignment with my beliefs and principles.
In sunshine I will lay.
I find comfort and contentment in positive experiences.
Shower myself with hopes and dreams, of flowers in bloom.
I fill my mind with aspirations and optimistic thoughts of growth and renewal.
Today has been such a good day clear and bright.
I am currently experiencing a positive and cheerful day.
No clouds are hanging around me, No more.
I am free from negativity and obstacles in my life.
This is the land of the free.
I live in a country with individual liberties and freedoms.
The land of the free.
The place where I reside has a foundation of liberty and independence.
The sounds of the free.
The noises and music I hear reflect the spirit of freedom and expression.
I live in the land of the free.
I am a resident of a society that values individual freedoms and rights.
I dine in the land of the free.
I enjoy meals and culinary experiences in a place of liberty and independence.
I lay my bed in the land of the free.
I rest and sleep in a place of freedom and individualism.
In love I will trust.
I have faith and confidence in the power of love.
Gravitate myself to where my soul should be.
I am drawn to places and experiences that align with my innermost desires and values.
It´s easy to forgive.
I find forgiveness to be a simple and natural process.
And harder when you don't.
Choosing not to forgive can make life more difficult and challenging.
I am flowing in the river, blowing with the wind.
I am adaptable and flexible, able to navigate through life's changes and challenges.
Writer(s): Jaqueline Nakiri-Nalubale, Thilo Jacks
Contributed by Cole G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.