Since their debut album Orit in 2001, the Nazarenes have brought forth some of the most refreshing sounds in reggae music. Brothers and lead singers Mehdane Tewolde and Noah Isaac Tewolde possess two of the most distinguished voices in contemporary reggae. Their soulful, wailing, haunting voices pay homage to reggae’s youth, a time when its artists drew heavily from the best of America’s soul singers, and evoke memories of the brothers’ childhood days in Ethiopia where they listened to reggae and R&B.

Before joining together as a duo, both Medhane and Noah honed their skills as solo artists performing with various groups throughout the 1990s. Medhane toured with different Jamaican artists in both Europe and Africa. Noah released an album and three singles with Virgin Records in 1994. Despite their notable solo success, it is the brothers combined efforts that account for their unique, penetrating sound. In their music, soul greets reggae, reggae returns to its ancestral home, and the world of music becomes a better and spiritually richer place. To listen to the Nazarenes is to embark upon a spiritual journey, shepherded by two of the most distinct voices in the business. Their trademark harmonies and impeccable vocals are captivating.

Their debut album “Orit,” was released in 2001, the much anticipated second album “Songs of Life,” in 2004, with “Rock Firm” their third record, coming out in 2008. With the release of their 2012 album “Meditation,”(I Grade Records)they present a powerful fusion of worlds and sounds, blending the Nazarenes’ hauntingly powerful vocals with cutting edge, live-instrumentation deep roots. Reggae returns home in the voice of the Nazarenes, firmly planted in reggae’s radical and rebellious sound.

Noah and Medhane Tewolde, as the Nazarenes, are innately aware of that mystical groove which defines reggae, they are natural rhythmic

vocalists, both individually and notably when they sing in duet, singing off of each other. The message of social and spiritual consciousness is prevalent on the fourteen original tracks, articulating political commentary and opinions on “It’s Too Late,” and the dub influenced “Politrickcians.” Being an integral part of the African Diaspora, their songs “Mother,” and “Mamy Blue,” reflect nostalgia and hopefulness for their homeland, while in “Food,” they effectively address the tragic problem of widespread famine which affects Africa viciously. There is a strong Curtis Mayfield vibe on “The Lord Said,” with its high flying gospel tinged harmonies, and “Lonesome Lady,” brings to mind the characteristic soul singers which so influenced reggae vocals in its early stages.

“Meditation” is an optimistic affirmation that reggae is once again on the righteous path, with the Nazarenes pronouncing it loud and clear in “On My Way,” and “Destiny,” which praise their transitional phases in Babylon while remaining focused on the devout musical journey which they have embarked on.