"It's like Marcus Garvey said about not knowing the self until the back is against the wall and women kind of by default, end up with our backs against the wall. But it does provide an opportunity for us to excel beyond what would be imaginable if things were easier." -9

All over the world women are mistreated, suppressed, sterilized, institutionally, through healthcare, and many other clandestine means, but those regimes are slowly dying. Among the campaigns that are adding to the slow but steady death grip of patriarchy, is international women's day. It is an effort to raise awareness about the condition of women globally and to champion greater appreciation, empathy and equal opportunities. It is not a solution but it is a start. The saying goes, it's a man's world, but if it were only for men there would be no world. Though the world itself exists through the balance of woman and man, women have a function that supersedes the agency of men. Just as the moon, as an object of great magnetism, is in the tow of the earth and it's orbit, so too are women caught in the tow of the earth, the tide, the change in seasons and cycles. This connection in itself is a kind of power that faces constant suppression, yet it is powerful nonetheless. It must be nurtured, the way a plant is nurtured and embraced for waxing and waning. No one understands this better than a woman.

As men we may guess, and we may perceive but our chances of truly understanding their experiences are slim. Throughout a man's lifetime, there is specifically one point at which he stands a chance of going beyond perception and move into understanding the female experience. That point is puberty. It is during this time when their bodies are in a constant state of hormonal flux, that men experience something similar to the level of emotional push and pull that women have to live with for their entire lives. And that's just for the short period that puberty lasts the average man. That is not to say that men cannot and should not empathize with women, in fact I think our society could do with a lot more of that. However, the particularly feeling-intensive experience that women live through being womb-bearers require first hand encounters to truly understand. Or else a bridge can be built to facilitate that understanding and no one does this as well as Jah9. She is always conspiring in her music, and in her lifestyle to bring about a practical understanding of the omega vibrations and its importance in helping to balance an imbalanced world.

"When I think of Womanwhood, I think about the things that we have in common, which is, our functions, our cycles. We deal with the ebb and flow of emotions like the tide because we are so affected by it, because we have cycles. I think about the struggles that we have in common. The perception of being held down and the way the world is not really designed to facilitate the highest potential that we have. Which means we are forced to rise above our circumstances. It's like Marcus Garvey said about not knowing the self until the back is against the wall and women kind of by default, end up with our backs against the wall. But it does provide an opportunity for us to excel beyond what would be imaginable if things were easier"

This latest addition to her visual catalogue comes from the crowd favorite single "Heaven (Ready For The Feeling)". The song is upbeat and moving, with a mantra that urges preparation of the mind and body for a higher purpose. It is a song of self encouragement and one written from a place of self evaluation. But it is a story that her particular light embodies. A story of triumph, confidence and certainty, despite obstacles and mistakes. A moment of realization; why am I doubting myself "when I'm naturally blessed"?
This is the story of a deeply personal moment of mental health check crystallized and etched into its own forever as a bop. I mean analysis aside this song slaps. So it makes sense that the video, directed by Fernando Hevia would follow a similar energy. With a collage of vibrant settings depicting some strong goddess energy, and some solitary moments of deep note taking and journaling, we get to see 9 in her truest and, most regal elements. 

"A lot of it was inspired by mental wellness and coping and offering positive solutions rather than just running up into anxiety and depression. Y'know take a little personal responsibility, practice a little self governance and use your own mind to help yourself. Understand that sometimes your mind is your enemy and you have to tap into something deeper than that. Hence mediation and self work." 

Words by Gladstone Taylor

Upcoming US Tour Dates:

Mar 15 | North Beach Bandshell | Miami, FL 

Mar 16 | Island Sunrise | Merritt Island, FL

Mar 17 |  Reggae Rise Up | St Petersburg, FL

Mar 19 | La Respuesta | Puerto Rico 

Mar 21 | YOGA on DUB | Atlanta, GA 

Mar 22 | Shrine of the Black Madonna | Atlanta, GA

Apr 11 | Wild Hare | Chicago IL

 Apr 12 | Africa House Lounge And Café | Louisville, KY 

 Apr 13 | Ludlow’s Garage | Cincinnati, OH

 Apr 14 | The Fellowship | Louis, MO

 Apr 16 | YOGA ON DUB | God Body Fitness and Nutrition // Memphis, TN

 Apr 17 The Hi Tone | Memphis, TN

Apr 20 | Austin Reggae Festival | Austin, TX