Mista Savona, also known as Jake Savona, is an Australian roots reggae and dancehall artist and producer. He records and performs under the Mista Savona name and is associated with roots reggae, dancehall, dub and funk.

Career

He is presented as one of Australia’s leading exponents of roots reggae and dancehall. His releases include international editions, and his work centres on blending Jamaican and Australian approaches to reggae and related styles.

Melbourne Meets Kingston

Mista Savona releases Melbourne Meets Kingston as the first album-length collaboration between Australian and Jamaican musicians. It is recorded in Jamaica and Australia and brings together Jamaican vocalists with Australian musicians. The album features Anthony B, Big Youth, Lisa Dainjah, Determine and other Jamaican artists, alongside Australian players from Bomba, Diafrix, The Cruel Sea, The Red Eyes, True Live and Illzilla. It contains 21 tracks and is issued in Australia and New Zealand through Elefant Traks/Inertia on CD and double 12-inch vinyl.

Live line-up

For live performances, he fronts a 10-piece band that includes a horn section, African dancers and Melbourne vocalist Vida Sunshyne. Her credits include work with Nitin Sawhney and Lionel Richie.

Other releases

His earlier releases include Bass & Roots on Didgeridoo Records and Invasion Day. Further collaborations are associated with Ras Bin Sam, Big Youth, Alton Ellis and Prince Alla.

Reception

Melbourne Meets Kingston receives strong critical attention in Australia, with commentary describing it as an important release, a striking cross-cultural collaboration, and a significant Australian reggae album.