Iqulah

Iqulah is a reggae artist from Jamaica, known for work that presents Rastafari themes and references Africa, unity, integrity and love. He uses the name Iqulah as an acronym for Integrity, Quality, Unity and Love for Africa as Home.

Career

In 1985, Iqulah sets up his own label, Mozziah, and begins releasing 7-inch records in Jamaica. He then forms a band called Gideon Force and releases a debut album, Rasta Philosophy, which features harmonies from Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt. After that release, Iqulah and Gideon Force tour internationally, carrying a Rastafari message across several countries.

Iqulah becomes known for extensive live work and is described in the press as the “High Priest Of Reggae”. He performs in countries across Europe, Africa and the Far East, including Germany, Holland, Scandinavia, Russia and several African nations. He also becomes the first Jamaican reggae band to perform in Estonia and Russia. In 1997, he performs at Maskal Square in Ethiopia in front of 80,000 people.

Back in Jamaica, Iqulah writes his second album, The Mission, which is released in 1993. He later retires from touring in 1998 to join the lecture circuit and spends time organising and opening an international Rasta centre in St. Ann’s, his home parish. In 2004, he returns to the music industry with Rastafari 4 Eva.

Style and themes

Iqulah’s work centres on reggae and Rastafari ideas, with strong spiritual and social messages. His performances are associated with an African presentation and with live delivery aimed at taking audiences to a higher spiritual level.