7. Mista Savona, Havana Meets Kingston

Havana Meets Kingston is billed as the first full-length album to unite the sounds of Cuba and Jamaica. Australian producer Mista Savona assembled a cast of artists and musicians from both islands for this project, which consists of original material and covers of classics. The main recording sessions for the album took place during 10 days in June 2015 at EGREM Studio in Havana, with  Sly and Robbie and Bongo Herman among the seven Jamaicans present. Savona then made several trips to Jamaica, Cuba and the UK to complete recording. Reggae listeners will appreciate “Carnival,” one of two tracks featuring Cuban singer Solis and UK-based Jamaican vocalist Randy Valentine; “100 Pounds Of Collie” featuring Cornell Campbell, Prince Alla, The Jewels, Leroy Sibbles, Cali P, Lutan Fyah and Exile Di Brave; and “El Cuarto De Tula” from Maikel Ante, El Medico and Turbulence. Much of Havana Meets Kingston features vocals sung in Spanish, however no knowledge of Spanish is required in order to appreciate and enjoy this unique album. — Gibbo