Obidaya (the phonetic spelling of the Hebrew "Obadiah", meaning "servant of the Lord") is the latest offspring of the French roots family. The Parisian formation around vocalists Don Hadriannos, Baba, Bélier and Aurelion profiles itself as a spiritual reggae band heavily influenced by Jamaican bands like The Gladiators, The Meditations and Abyssinians. Their untitled self-published debut album certainly sounds convincing. Opening track 'Cool' is a version on the classic Ariwa riddim Kunta Kinte. For the dub version of 'Never Cut Your Dreadlocks', the band used a recording of the voice of Haile Selassie I we still remembered from Morgan Heritage's 'More Teachings' album. Those who enjoy the traditional vocal harmonies of the bands mentioned above will enjoy listening to Obidaya. Promising new French roots band to keep an eye on!