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“It’s Ok Now” Nana Mclean’s summer single produced by Penthouse Records’ Donovan Germain was released June 7th, 2017. The single reunites Canada’s reggae queen with the Penthouse family, which produced her “Collector’s Series” album that won her a JUNO for Best Reggae Recording in 1997.
“We have always remained in contact” says Donovan Germain, head of Penthouse Records. “Nana has one of the strongest voices in reggae and it’s great to be recording with her again”
“It’s Ok Now“ is a moving story about love lost. Two lovers need a break from each other but don’t share the request directly. As the truth unfolds through friends on both sides, sad lovers finally face each other and Nana says, “It’s Ok Now, to tell me how you feel”. Built atop a strong “Come Back Darling” Johhny Osbourne Juggling rhythm, “It’s Ok Now” has McLean’s strong vocals bubbling on the swinging summer beat.
Nana began singing in her childhood, winning awards at carnivals and festivals across her native Jamaica. Professional success came in 1977 at the Donkey Carnival in Linstead Market where she made her debut with “SOUL DEFENDERS“, recorded at Studio One in 1977.
Studio One’s Coxsone Dodd released her interpretation of “Til I Kissed You“, which announced McLean’s arrival, showcasing her characteristic style of passion, innovation and devotion. Nana continued to maintain a high profile within the industry bursting into international prominence in 1979 with her debut album for A&M Records “DREAM OF LIFE“. Her 1980 single, the country bluesy, “Georgia Eyes“, was played on every radio station in Canada.
In 1987, she was recording with King Jammy (‘Single Girl‘), which featured 50s doo-wop over the popular “A Love I Can Feel” rhythm. The medley including versions of “Daddy’s Home“, “Eddie My Love” and “Sincerely” led to a series of hits, such as “Let Me Cover You” and “I Will Follow You“, which cemented her association with Jamaica’s leading producers. Although McLean relocated to Canada, she remained loyal to the Germain’s Penthouse organization.
On par with Reggae’s leading women like Marcia Griffiths, Rita Marley, and Diana King, Nana’s career is highlighted with numerous awards, nominations, presentations and recognition from such organizations as the Canadian Black Music Association and the Canadian JUNO Awards. Her 1997 album “NANA MCLEAN – COLLECTOR’S SERIES“, produced by Jamaican ace, Donovan Germain, won JUNO for Best Reggae Recording. Nana’s 90-minute world premiere concert on Bravo television is a regular repeat program. In 2015 Nana received the pioneer award from the Caribbean Music & Entertainment Awards.
Nana has performed across the US and Canada and Ivory Coast in Africa. She has graced may of reggae’s prominent stages including JAMBANA™ One World Festival and Calgary Reggae Festival.
Currently, Nana is writing and recording new material for a 2017 full-length release, piggybacking off her latest single “Dis Here Kinda Lovin“. With active presence in the studio doing pre-production and working on a variety of new projects, she is ready to further her legacy with a new release.
“It’s Ok Now” on Penthouse Records is available on iTunes
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