Reggae artiste Isha Bel is reconnecting with Jamaica’s rich cultural traditions through her new single, ‘Time Nah Wait’, a vibrant recording inspired by childhood ring games, traditional rhythms, and the urgency of pursuing one’s dreams.
Produced by veteran musician Grub Cooper, the song is the lead single from her upcoming project, Rockfort Heart. Isha Bel said the idea came to her approximately six years ago while working at home.
“The melody and words came to me and I felt like a little girl again, playing ring games and surrounded by the polyrhythmic sounds that were alive and well in Jamaican culture,” she said.
Beyond its infectious traditional feel, Time Nah Wait carries a motivational message.
“Time nah wait on your goals and your dreams. The time for waiting around for things to happen is over. You have to take charge, live in the present and do the best you can with what you have,” she said.
Drawing on elements of Ring Ding, Maypole and Jamaican playground chants, the song also pays homage to cultural stalwarts Louise Bennett-Coverley, Marjorie Whylie and Amina Blackwood Meeks, who influenced Isha Bel during her childhood. She believes these traditions deserve greater visibility beyond Jamaica’s annual Independence celebrations.
“We only seem to remember the broader richness of our heritage during Festival time in July and August,” she said. “I want to remind us that we can create good, timeless music that offers wholesome, clean fun for the entire family.”
Isha Bel described working with Cooper as “music class”, adding that his understanding of Jamaica’s musical history made him the ideal producer for the project.
“Working with Grub is like a student working with a sage. When you have something in 2D, he takes it to 5D. He gets into the music with you and pulls things out of you that you didn’t even know were there,” she said.
After establishing herself across Jamaica and Europe through roots reggae, dub and lovers’ rock, the singer is also placing renewed emphasis on her home market.
“I can no longer hide my light under a bushel and expect the world to find it. I have to put myself front and centre, right where the story begins — Jamaica,” she said.
