 |  Elijah brings Salvation this festive season - 16.12.2006
EMERGING in the mid-1990s, he has been able to sustain a career over the years with his catchy party anthems.
Born Stephen Eliza, he was known by the stage name Doctor Madman when he first launched himself into the local music industry. The artiste is now Elijah and has released his latest album, Salvation, the second since he decided to follow a solo career.
In fact, he has been using this stage name for some time now when going round the island of Mahe, performing in the many districts with the group Kool Running which comprises some of the most acclaimed local ragga, dancehall and reggae performers.
Why the name Elijah?
“It’s more spiritual. Elijah is the King of the Prophets of the Old Testament and I consider myself as the prophet of reggae dancehall music in Seychelles. I am the first Seychellois to do and record this kind of music here. This is also the reason for choosing Salvation as the title of my latest album,” Elijah told The Arts.
Having metamorphosed from a brash teenage phenomenon into a self assured singer who occasionally produces tongue-in-cheek songs, Elijah has become synonymous with modern reggae. His fusion of traditional Seychelles music, dancehall reggae and modern roots tunes has earned him a lot of respect in the local and regional music industry.
Among the guests featuring on Salvation are his brother Mercenary (Vincent Eliza), Benz Blakka, Lyn, Red-I, Lil Fibbz, Calino, Shameless and Elisha. Their contributions give Elijah’s production a musical variety with melodies that are quite strong and catchy.
Elijah said that he expects the song Koste pli pre prenses to be an instant smash, vaulting all the way to the top during the festive season and into the New Year.
“I know that there are a lot of albums on the market right now, but I have the feeling that Koste pli pre prenses will be a hit,” he said.
Fermye, Dousman, In Ale, Mon Nwar, Ipokrit, I Vre, Vacancy and Not Alone are some of the other songs of seggae, reggae, dancehall and slow rhythms on the Salvation album produced by SegaVibes Productions in collaboration with LoBazz Productions.
The Souljah Band brings the good sound on the album which is selling at R125 at the different outlets and R100 from the artiste himself and friends.
It is to note that with a musical catalogue of over 100 songs, Elijah cut his first album, a Christmas one in fact, in 1995 when still a member of Ragga Blastaz which also included Richard Marimba (Jahrimba) and Elvis Mothé (Mr Slick).
Eleven years on, he is still going strong.
G. G. | 
