Biography

Sista is the combination of some of the UK’s finest female performers notably the members of AbbaKush and Akabu alongside Aisha, Trilla Jenna and poet Jayzik Azikiwee. The co-operative was launched as part of London’s Camden’s Women In Focus Festival where they represented Women In Reggae. The showcase was initially performed in March 2000 following an inspiring introduction from Ranking Miss P. The two-hour set featured 13 musicians and presented women in various guises revisiting some influential interludes in the history of reggae. The showcase was initially split into six segued segments under the headings Creation, Africa, Liberty, Fire Burn, Children and Peace And Love, with each artist performing both solo and combination sections. While the remainder of the group had years of experience in the business Azikiwee was a relative newcomer. Prior to her involvement with Sista the poet had been recruited by Levi Roots to perform the stirring ‘Imagination’ (that was later included in Sista’s presentation) on his ‘Greedy Bug’ rhythm. The rhythm was mixed by Fat Eyes and successfully adapted by Luciano (‘A Luta Continua’) and Mikey General (‘Mind Over Matter’). Sista’s appearance resulted in critical acclaim and they were selected to repeat an abridged version of their performance in the Roots Arena at the Essential Festival 2000. The group also performed at the Summerjam in Germany, the Geel Reggae Festival in Belgium and the Montreux International Jazz Festival in Switzerland. The highly praised appearance from Sista resulted in demands for recorded work from the artists as a group. With the help of Nicky Ezer of Culture Promotions the collective released a live recording of their appearance at the Montreux International Jazz Festival.