Southern California roots reggae mainstays Arise Roots have teamed up with acclaimed U.S. Virgin Islands reggae singer Dezarie for their new single, “Be Like You,” released through Ineffable Records. The collaboration brings together two respected voices in contemporary roots reggae, connecting the Los Angeles reggae scene with the longstanding musical traditions of the Caribbean.
For Arise Roots, the release represents a continuation of the band’s commitment to traditional reggae sounds and its collaborative relationship with artists throughout the international reggae community. Known for their warm instrumentation, soulful melodies, and dedication to roots reggae, the group has spent years developing a reputation as one of Southern California’s notable acts in the genre.
While many bands within the region’s reggae scene incorporate elements of alternative rock, punk, and pop, Arise Roots have consistently emphasized the foundations of Jamaican roots reggae. Their music draws heavily from the genre’s classic era, incorporating traditional rhythms, prominent bass lines, melodic keyboards, and socially conscious songwriting.
Originally from St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Dezarie has established herself as one of the most distinctive female voices in modern roots reggae. Her music is closely associated with Rastafarian spirituality, cultural awareness, and the preservation of traditional reggae sounds.
Her debut album, Fya, released in 2001, helped introduce her powerful vocal style and spiritually focused songwriting to an international audience. She continued building her catalog with releases including Gracious Mama Africa and Eaze the Pain, earning a devoted following among listeners who value the conscious and spiritual traditions of roots reggae.
Dezarie’s music has long been connected to the Virgin Islands roots reggae movement, a scene that has produced influential artists and helped sustain the genre’s traditional foundations outside Jamaica. Her work frequently addresses themes of spirituality, cultural identity, and social responsibility, establishing her as an artist whose message is as important as her musical delivery.
On “Be Like You,” her commanding vocals meet Arise Roots’ soulful instrumental approach, bringing together musicians whose artistic values are closely aligned.
The collaboration follows the band’s 2020 album Pathways, which featured an impressive collection of guest appearances from across the reggae community. Among the featured artists were Kyle McDonald of Slightly Stoopid, Eric Rachmany of Rebelution, and Jamaican roots reggae singer Lutan Fyah.
Kyle McDonald and Eric Rachmany represent two of the most recognizable voices in American reggae, having helped build Slightly Stoopid and Rebelution into internationally touring acts. Lutan Fyah, meanwhile, brings a background rooted in Jamaican conscious reggae, reflecting the band’s appreciation for the genre’s cultural origins.
With “Be Like You,” Arise Roots continue expanding their catalog alongside some of the most respected voices in roots reggae, bringing the influence of the Virgin Islands into their Southern California sound.
Listen to Arise Roots and Dezarie’s “Be Like You”
Related posts:
Bedouin Soundclash and Collie Buddz Revisit “Bang-A-Lang” With New J-Vibe Version 
Claire Wright Teams Up With American Idol Winner Iam Tongi on Heartfelt New Single “Never Get There” 
LIVE: Slightly Stoopid, SOJA, Zion I with The Grouch & Eligh (6-15-16) 
Stick Figure Reveals Tracklisting to New Album: World On Fire
