The Best of Reggae

Reggae Music

An Interview with Love Messenger, Peter Lloyd

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Peter Lloyd Reggae Artist

Over the past few months, we saw Jamaica’s Peter Lloyd feature on BBC Radio for his cover of John Lennon’s ‘Woman’. Peter Lloyd is now gaining momentum and is already working towards his third full-length album to be dropped later this year. We had a chance to sit down with Peter for an exclusive interview on TheBestOfReggae.com.

Hi Peter, how are you and what are you up to today?

I am blessed and grateful for life love and music. I just concluded my morning routine; an hour of Yoga, ten mins of meditation, weight training, then my day begins—meetings, interviews, studio etc. In the afternoon, I pick up my daughter from school then it’s all about her.

You did a cover of John Lennon’s ‘Woman’. What inspired you to cover the song?

I am a huge fan of the genius in John Lennon. ‘Woman’, I believe is a great ode to women. I have always thought the track was REAL—no fairy tale romance, just a man speaking honestly about who he aspires to be, to the woman he aspires to be worthy of. It was a friend who knew my thoughts regarding this particular song by John Lennon who suggested I cover this classic.

The track, now out, is being embraced globally by music consumers, industry persons, my peers and my Peter Lloyd Nation. I am happy and humbled. Praise Jah.

Apart from John Lennon, what other artists do you really like and why?

This answer may take forever.

Donny Hathaway is my all-time favorite vocalist. Reggae icon, the late and great Dennis Brown is a remarkable vocalist, who alongside rock-steady great Alton Ellis revolutionized the way reggae artists sang; Beres Hammond and Jimmy Cliff’s songwriting skills; Bob Marley’s drive, discipline and power; Kendrick Lamar’s poetry; hip-hop icons Jay Z, Tupac, and Biggie Smalls; NWA’s lyrical flow, content and revolution; The Beatles’ sheer brilliance; Nina Simone, Strange Fruit—amazing artists. Rihanna’s style—how she connects, the Rolling Stones is amazing live, Michael Jackson—greatest performer, Prince—genius… the list is endless.

I am continually hearing new artistes that positively impact me. I seek continued growth and to be the best me as a performer, artist, producer and songwriter.

How did you meet Dean Fraser and how did you get to work with him?

Dean Fraser and I met when I first entered the musical journey. Dean was open, helpful and giving. We have worked together on and off for many years. We use the word genius too often but in truth Dean is a genius. ‘Woman’ could not have been produced by anyone else for me. He brings out the best in everyone he works with. I consider Dean a teacher but also a brethren (friend).

Do you have any funny stories from being on the road?

Years ago, we were doing a tour across the island of Jamaica. One of the stops after the gig, one of the performers was accidentally left behind. As the tour bus pulled out it was funny as heck to see him running with his shoes in hand trying to catch the bus. He did, but it was really funny. Also from touring Germany a few years ago, we had a stop in Dortmund and it was raining like crazy—sold out show. In the middle of the set, I jumped and did a split. My pants ripped open in the crotch. It got breezy really fast… I have endless stories.

If you weren’t a musician what would you be?

A teacher. I love children, and I enjoy sharing with curious minds. I still think I do some teaching in my music. I hope my words and deeds conveys love.

So we know you have just released your single, ‘Woman’. What have you got coming up that you think people should know about? Are we expecting an album or tour?

‘Woman’ is the first single from my third full length studio album that drops later this year. The album has not yet titled. We are also about to announce dates for my annual USA tour which happens in July. We are also contemplating a return and more extensive UK tour. I also have a soup kitchen project that I want to launch in Montego Bay, Jamaica this year and other projects that are in the initial stages.

And finally, do you want to leave a message for our readers on The Best of Reggae?

Know that you are special. Believe it. See it in your minds eye and strive to be the best you possible. I LOVE YOU ALL.

About Peter Lloyd:

As featured on BBC Radio Leicester, BBC Radio Merseyside, Reggaeville, and Female First, international artist Peter Lloyd is well-known in Jamaica mostly for his music and also due to his notable acting career featuring in Walt Disney’s Return to Treasure Island, The Mighty Quinn starring Denzel Washington and Prelude to A Kiss starring Meg Ryan and Alec Baldwin.

Peter Lloyd has also performed at dozens of festivals worldwide including Nottingham Carnival (UK), Reggae Jam (Germany), Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival (Jamaica), One Caribbean Music Festival (USA), Sunrise Reggae and Ska Festival (Germany). A respected veteran on the stage both as an actor and singer, Peter Lloyd is currently one of Jamaica’s hottest recording artistes.

 

Watch Peter Lloyd’s cover of ‘Woman’ by John Lennon:

Making Mosaic Riddim

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You waan know? Well, you haffi Tun Up …

Tun up fi hear and see how we’re all part of That Mosaic Riddim within The Universal Sounds Making Life Music on countless levels spinning all around us. Tun Up, nuh?!

Yes, one can read so many things, from scriptures to the Beatles, to discover something transcendental within music…, but with reggae, one only needs to let go into the riddim to feel that shift in Consciousness. Nuh joke.

It’s from this conscious level/groove MR songs strive to inspire the Collective Thought, to promote Potential in The Oneness we all share through Music.


We each witness, feel, and Live, our own Growth via the natural Freedom&Joy within Creating and Connecting to musical expressions, daily. Looking closely: we can see the same as the phenomenon of lightning reaching up from the earth to merge with that dancing downward through the sky, all Music Connects —with, and where …and to what degree, varies; still, Music Flows through Everyone.

‘That Feeling’ at the core of all music, which people, groups, cultures, Connect with is more tangible for some; however, it is best personified in reggae‘s de-facto anthem, “One Love,” which of course Flows from The One Source Of All Life Riddim…

It is time to Wake Up To That Feeling and let go of the fear-based mentality, which can only culminate in the end as greed within oneself, beginning with a desire for more than one needs. Nothing is more valuable than your Connection To Source Energy, and Nothing Is More Fulfilling – One Love.

Realize fear is far from Grace/Love, The Source from which All Life Comes Into Existence. Unless you think greed has given Life To All Things, Freely, and Unconditionally? No. We know this is not greed’s MO.

Look closer: see we were all planted here with Roots Ina We Soul to Nourish From The Source Of The One Love.

Mosaic Riddim’s band mission is to make minds think and bodies dance, hard, on both accounts; and yes, at the same time – or at the very least within the same night. And so far so good, we’re being told – thank you.

We perform original reggae and calypso songs inspired by the innate unity within society, and the conscious discourse that flows out as norms. That said we feel it important our music resonates from a sincere place/platform while we’re sharing. And it is from this perspective, I have to confess, it’s been the most challenging with forming and maintaining a reggae band, before even thinking about writing songs and performing live.

Don’t get me wrong, as the band leader, I’ve had the best musical experiences in my Life, thus far …and we’ve only just begun. However, if you’re looking for a little saucy expose, let me tell you, it’s not easy making reggae music in BC, Canada.

Still, the same as making honey in Turkey, Rye in Saskatchewan, or friends at a Klan rally; it may not easy, however, the results are worth the effort.

In no particular order, and with no names given [cuz it’s not a witch hunt, really], I will reveal since MR’s debut two years ago, it’s performed with nine drummers (six hand drummers), six guitarists, three keys players, and six bassists – one bassist worked with us twice, and of course one (the best) is working with us now. Well, that may all be interesting, but the rest is certainly juicy:

Ur attention please: Due to band memoire copyright laws the following content cannot be shown on this site.

…and so, that’s how Mosaic Riddim managed to work through four transitions, two drunken bouts, and 25 bandmates leading to our MR team today.

Still I cannot/ will not knock any of these musicians as they each brought talent to the table, truly. And Thankfully, through no control of my own, quite honestly, the band has grown in sound and production value – notably – with every step forward – Thank Goodness.

However, from all this, it is most clear (to me), a band is no different from any relationship…and it can only be fun/fair if/once everyone/everyone is enjoying themselves. This can only happen when trust exists among all members, with being free to express fully.

To begin with, before adding personality quirks (and booze in some cases)… imagine a room filled with musicians, with everyone’s creativity surfacing rapidly, constantly – for hours – as the music is coming out and being shaped and crafted from all directions. Imho there is no better way to express with others in Life. It’s like everyone gets a chance to mould and shape the (original) music at the same time.
The synergy within sharing music is immeasurable, as palpable. Think drum circle, or better yet, go to a drum circle to find/experience this Synergy for yourself. This can even exist between the dancer and the drummer in terms of self expressions in seeing and hearing the visual auditory synergy. It feels even more amazing in creating, than it is to watch, and I am certain the dancers feel the same. You just gotta Love The Riddim of The Music!

Yes, this started as an expose on MR’s debut challenges; however I would not change a thing seeing all are Life lessons within the privilege of meeting and working with some remarkable players, and real musicians. I am most grateful for this Gift we share, even more now as it feels we have the right band camaraderie (and respect) among members to move forward as One; playing music about Love and Unity.

Our most recent band kudos came from a random bloke, downtown Vancouver; he recognized us soon after our concert at Trinidad and Tobago north Vancouver festival. He said, “Hey man, you guys are really good…and I really like that you guys do originals, it’s something new…” There is nothing a lyricist likes to hear more, aside from maybe, “Your bill was paid for by that table.” Regardless, to that concert goer, thank you (again) for taking the time.

MR has a ways to go still in manifesting the simple idea of making Good Good reggae music in North America, but so far we know we are truly Blessed considering the wonderful opportunities given, including performing BC’s biggest and best Caribbean event, Caribbean Days Festival, in 2017; this, after playing some of Vancouver’s more established and recognizable venues like the Roxy and Calabash Bistro within our first year. Thank you.

All said we are especially grateful to be able to offer something new in the realm of reggae; so come catch a groove pan we riddim!

Blessings,
Marrett & Mosaic Riddim

Follow Mosaic Riddim Facebook Page to see concert dates.

YoelMalcolm

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Reggae Producer Artist
This generation’s Third World, YoelMalcolm Figueroa-DeJesus, many would consider him to be a luck child rooted from barrio of Dominican republic, kid with a boom box sitting on the curb singing merengue songs.

“I grew up fast, born in El Valle, and later moved to Santo Domingo. I was Born sick, couldn’t walk, expected not to live long. I am of five siblings, watched my mother die at age 5, father gave me up to orphanage after mother died”

Producer Reggae Artist
YoelMalcolm’s music reflects his journey, interpretation of his old soul and young heart. It’s important you know the artists history, life story to completely understand the voice and heart of Yoelmalcolm’s music. The music is very lyrical, sincere to the roots, childishly, but powerfully expressive with love songs, encouraging messages of persevering, and empowering. YoelMalcolm’s influences flourished from age 8 when brought to the United States. His ear blossomed with the music of salsa, American music of hip-hop, RnB, jazz, and Reggae music. Music has been an opium an addiction that has driven YoelMalcolm through all his difficult times as a child and growing up as an adopted kid. Yoel has been immersed in the entertainment world for the longest, involved in many productions in music and acting. It has been through the arts that has enabled YoelMalcolm to persevere and find meaning in self.
Reggae Artist Producer
After his studies as a pianist and music composition in Philadelphia, he decided to spread his wings pursue a more rigorous and professional jump into the music Industry and acting scene in Los Angeles in 2005. YoelMalcolm, is a working producer and pianist, engineers and writes his own songs and lyrics. Musical director of many bands and now his pride and joy Reggae BAND.
Reggae Music Producer
He continues to push boundaries bringing his music and art to a wider and diverse audience with roots deep in reggae, jazz, and rock to get that unique sound. YoelMalcolm’s reggae echoes the heart beat of roots reggae while preserving raw organic hip-hop and modern dance hall influences. Yoel and his all star group bring to life a stage experience that ignites the flame of self awareness and revolution from audience remembers and listeners.

“My music is meant to bring people together from all walks of life. To share the realness of life struggles, rejoice with love, comfort each other in hard times. The music is my release, life can be stressful and can be happy too, but either way sometimes you want to share that with those that can relate or just need answers, you know, and sometimes its just a song a melody or two”  -YoelMalcolm

Music Producer Reggae

Blown Over, Cali-Reggae Republic

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California Reggae Cali Reggae
When a cool ocean breeze blows through an epic rock anthem, the result is a Blown Over song. Blown Over, born just outside Santa Barbara, CA has a Cali-Reggae style influenced by Sublime, Pepper, The Clash, and the Police. Singer, Matt Clark’s magnetic tenor voice captivates audiences that are enchanted by songs. Blown Over gives listeners the fix they need when they wish the could see Sublime live again. This uniquely talented act has set their sights on a larger fan base, playing gigs week after week, and selling thousands of CDs to everyone from loyal fans to strangers on the street. Look for the new album, “Blown Over, Cali-Reggae Republic” available at show, and certain tracks for download. It’s clear that Matt and Blown Over are no ordinary act. With expressive, poignant lyrics, he reveals a heart that is bigger than most. The band is channeling their passion to help others by partnering with international nonprofit organizations like Kiva.org, which gives small businesses a head start in the developing world, as well as, partnering with local govt. to provide low income housing to women and children in urban areas in the US.

Rastafari Quotes from Bob Marley

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Rastafari Quotes Bob Marley

Don’t gain the world and lose your…
– Bob Marley

Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don’t complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don’t bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live!
– Bob Marley

What does rasta mean? Righteousness.
– Bob Marley

Don’t gain the world and lose your soul; wisdom is better than silver or gold.
– Bob Marley

Life and Jah are one in the same. Jah is the gift of existence. I am in some way eternal, I will never be duplicated. The singularity of every man and woman is Jah’s gift. What we struggle to make of it is our sole gift to Jah. The process of what that struggle becomes, in time, the Truth.
– Bob Marley

Don’t bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality.
– Bob Marley

Make way for the positive day.
– Bob Marley

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds!
– Bob Marley

The more people smoke herb, the more Babylon fall.
– Bob Marley

The good times of today, are the sad thoughts of tomorrow.
– Bob Marley

Don’t worry about a thing, every little thing is gonna be alright
– Bob Marley

Life and Jah are one in the same. Jah is the gift of existence. I am in some way eternal, I will never be duplicated.
– Bob Marley

Every man gotta right to decide his own destiny.
– Bob Marley

Don’t complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief, and jealousy.
– Bob Marley

Me only have one ambition, y’know. I only have one thing I really like to see happen. I like to see mankind live together – black, white, Chinese, everyone – that’s all.
– Bob Marley

Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you’re living?
– Bob Marley

I don’t stand for the black man’s side, I don’ t stand for the white man’s side. I stand for God’s side.
– Bob Marley

Emancipate yourself from mental slavery
– Bob Marley

Facts an’ facts, an’ t’ings an t’ings: dem’s all a lotta fockin’ bullshit. Hear me! Dere is no truth but de one truth, an’ that is the truth of Jah Rastafari.
– Bob Marley

One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.
– Bob Marley


Good Over Evil – Reggae EDM

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Reggae EDM

At a time when the forces of evil threaten to tighten their grip on our liberty, Good Over Evil, the latest release by Chris Paxton is a declaration of personal resistance.

In a single take, Paxton, and long-time collaborator and inspirational roots reggae singer, Bobby Tenna, capture the determination of peaceful warriors everywhere to persevere in the face of down-pressure, and keep fighting, despite the roadblocks thrown up by negative forces.

Bobby’s unique reggae voice, over Chris’s trance inducing EDM track is brilliantly innovative, and the insistent hip-hop beat lends a quality of defiance. Says Paxton, ” The moment Bobby heard this rhythm he freestyled the lyric, then he laid down the vocal in one take.”

After a year of nearly non-stop touring Chris returned to his Oakland stronghold, Nexus Audio Recording Studio, to uncover this gem. Since opening his studio, Paxton, a talented producer, engineer and drummer, has become an integral part of the Bay Area music scene, consistently releasing quality albums and helping artist near and far realize their dreams to make impactful music. But with this new release, he and Tenna have grasped the root of reggae consciousness, proclaiming personal freedom in the face of oppression.

Get ahold of this astonishing new music by modern reggae artists. Let the sound engulf you and the lyric inspire you to, live your life!

Listen to it on:

Garnet Silk

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Garnet Silk Reggae Artist

Garnet Silk popularly called little bimbo is a Jamaican reggae performer and Rastafarian. He was born on 2 April 1996 but died at the end of 28 on 9 December 1994. His actual name was Damion Smith. Smith g in Manchester, Jamaica. His melodic vocation started at twelve years old when he performed under the name Little Bimbo. During the 1980s he filled in as a disk jockey on sound frameworks, for example, Conquering Lion, Soul Remembrance, Stereophonic, and Destiny International (where he initially met Tony Rebel). He recorded his first track in 1985; however, it would be two years after the fact before his first single, “Issue Everywhere” was released. A collection of material from this period (Journey) was later discharged. In 1988, Garnett Silk joined Sugar Minott’s Youth Promotion name, discharging “No Disrespect”, and working routinely with Tony Rebel, Smith now being charged just as ‘Bimbo’. The combine started executing as a twosome around the sound frameworks to much praise.

Smith switched from being a deejay to singing in 1989 when he met veteran vocalist Derrick Morgan. They started their recording session at Benny lee’s studio with Tony Rebel. Silk recorded singles by himself and also as a team with Anthony Sellasie. Tony Rebel and Garnet Silk met at a dancehall conference. The accomplishment of this session drove him to proceed as a vocalist going ahead top work along with markers King tubby, Prince Jammy and Donovan Germain before making a two-year contract with Steeley and Clevie in 1990, recording a collection of melodies for them. It was the creation pair who chose to change his name to Garnet Silk because of his smooth voice. Only one of the tracks recorded amid this period “we can be together” a two-part harmony with Chevelle Franklin, was discharged at the time and demoralized by this he came to Manchester and dedicated himself completely to songwriting, frequently in association with an old companion Anthony “fire” Rochester.

In 1993 silk broke down while performing amid a show at Ritz in New York City experiencing low circuit strain and exhaustion. That same year, UK charm mark released some hit songs and “Zion in a Vison” was amongst them. Also included was “Mama Africa” and his hit song ‘Thank you Jah”.

Having marked a global dissemination manage Atlantic Records, Silk now entered Tuff Gong studios with maker Errol Brown and the group of Jamaica’s session men (including Sly, Aston Barrett, and Robbie, Earl “Chinna” Smith, Tyrone Downie,  and Uziah “Sticky” Thompson), to commence his second collection. He’d recorded ten melodies and the collection was nearing finish when he went home to visit his mom. Silk had acquired a couple of firearms from his lawyer after his home had been burglarized, yet had no clue how to utilize them. Sitting with a few companions at his mum’s home in Mandeville, Jamaica, on 9 December, one offered to demonstrate to him how they functioned, and soon after that the weapon incidentally fizzled, hitting a propane tank and setting the house ablaze. The artist, his companions, and his two siblings made it out securely, just to find that Silk’s mum was as yet caught inside. The vocalist surged over into the house to spare her, however, it was past the point of no return, and both were lost in the fire.


Toots Hibbert

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Toots Hibbert

“Toots” Hibbert, is a lead vocalist of Toots and the Maytals, His six-decade profession ended in 2013 after damage at a Virginia music celebration. The Maytals’ Jamaican graph toppers “Weight Drop” and “Sweet and Dandy” were incorporated on the 1973 soundtrack, to The Harder They Come (Mango Records), which conveyed their music to gatherings of people past Jamaica’s shores. The trio disbanded in the mid-1980s; Toots transformed the group in the 1990s, and they’ve remained a reliably fruitful visiting outfit. Various specialists have secured Maytals hits including Amy Winehouse (“Monkey Man”), The Clash (“Pressure Drop”), with  Sublime (“54-46”).

William Morris Endeavor is in charge Toots and the Maytals’ appointments around the world. Hibbert’s administration group is Kingston/Miami-based Andrea Davis, Joel Menzie and Jeff Wooding, separately situated, in Los Angeles and Portland or, Menzin and Wooding were co-A&Rs on Hibbert’s 2005 Grammy Award winning collection True Love (V2 Records), which highlights Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Bootsy Collins and The Roots, among various illuminating presences, singing Maytals works of art with the reggae legend.

While performing at Richmond’s Dominion Riverrock Outdoor Sports and Music Festival on May 18, 2013, Hibbert was struck in the head by an empty glass vodka bottle tossed by a tipsy gathering of people part, enduring cuts to his temple. The next day Hibbert propelled an acoustic visit supporting his Grammy assigned Reggae Got Soul Unplugged on Strawberry Hill (Metropolis) at Long Island’s Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center. After two days, taking after a progression of restorative assessments, he was encouraged to cross out the rest of the visit dates and return home to Kingston. In June 2013 Hibbert’s Virginia and Los Angeles-based legal advisors recorded a $20 million dollar claim against Venture Richmond, makers of the three-day music and games occasion (alongside Sports Backers); a settlement was come to in March 2016 without the open revelation of the terms.

In a select meeting with Billboard at his Kingston home studio on May 20, Toots’ first since that 2013 damage, the artist remarked on the Virginia scene and the subsequent three-year break from visiting, performing and recording. “This hasn’t been a decent time by any means; after being endlessly for so long, I need to work harder to pick up certainty, to return to where I was. I am practising all the more, eating legitimately, and up to this point I see the specialist for my head,” Hibbert uncovered, before including, “you are extremely fortunate… I said something in regards to what occurred there because I would prefer not to discuss. Hibbert, 72, the frontman of Toots and Maytals, recorded the claim in August 2013, three months after a 1.75-liter Gray Goose bottle struck him in the temple while he performed “Nation Roads” amid a show that agreed with the Dominion Riverrock Festival. Hibbert’s therapist writes in his therapeutic report that Hibbert is humiliated by his money related troubles and that his sibling is “considering pitching some of his belonging keeping in mind the end goal to give him some monetary help.”

Hibbert, known as a cheerful and energetic entertainer, is being dealt with for wretchedness and sleep deprivation surprisingly, the specialist expresses: “Mr Hibbert … revealed that he has begun to feel that ‘dis entire thing have me,’ which means feeling crushed in the English dialect.’

 

Fabian Marley “Gong Kid” Jamaican Reggae Artist

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Fabian Marley Gong Kid

Fabian Marley


Fabian Marley nicknamed “Gong Kid” is a Jamaican-based reggae artist. He was born in Kingston Jamaica on July 27, 1968. The 49 years old artist relocated to eastern Kingston Jamaica at the age of 12 with his mother, Raphie Munroe. At the start of his musical career, Fabian joined an upcoming band called sounds of the rainbow. Fabian later became the lead singer of the band as a result of the tragic experience that resulted in the death of a member of the group. His mentors included Johnny Moore and Roland Alphonso.

Sometime around 2013, Fabian Marley claimed to be the first son of reggae legend Bob Marley. His claim caused a controversy in the Marley family as they all disputed Fabians claims to be the first son of their father.  According to Fabian Marley, he doesn’t want an entitlement to the Marley riches all he wants is to carry on the legacy of the late legend Bob Marley. Fabian grew up not knowing the real identity of his father, but his mother Ms Raphie Munroe has always insisted that Bob Marley is not his dad. The family of the late Bob Marley described his request to have his DNA matched with the late Marley as unreasonable.

On December 14, 2015, the DNA test was performed in Ohio and California. The result which was released revealed that the real father of Fabian is Othniel Stanford. The DNA result was a 99% match to that of Othniel Stanford who is already a father to two of his siblings. Fabian’s sister Sandra Walker said he doesn’t know his father’s father side of the family. His father Othniel Stanford didn’t know his father and his real name isn’t Stanford. Fabians manager Clayton-Thomas said the reggae singer had not been himself ever since the DNA result was released. Fabian’s did not take the news well.

Thomas Clayton, Fabian’s manager, is originally from St Kitts. He has been in the music business since the mid-1990s when he ‘rolled’ alongside producer Philip ‘Fatis’ Burrell of Xterminator Records. Thomas said he heard of Marley through music industry links in upstate New York where he resides. He is also familiar with the singer’s passion to be known as legend Bob Marley’s child, a claim contested by members of the Marley family.  Fabian’s mother, Ms Raphie Munroe, said she has never in her life told her son that Bob Marley was his father. I have no idea how he came up with this, but it is not true. It never happened. Ever since the DNA saga, Fabian Marley is referred to as “Fabian the truth”, but his legal documents stills bears Fabian Marley.

The soft-spoken Kingston-based reggae artist released a single that has been making waves in the streets titled “Naw go say me poor”. The song passes a strong message about the true origin of wealth and prosperity. Fabian stated clearly in a recent interview with him that despite the DNA controversy, there is no bad blood between him and his brothers. He is still hailed as a multi-talented artist who can sing, play numerous instruments and delivers a powerful message. Clive Hunt, the producer of his hit single “Naw go say me poor”, said he never knew the reggae artist and he worked with him based on merit.

 


Mutabaruka

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Mutabaruka Reggae Artist

Mutabaruka – Photo Credit Mutabaruka.com

Mutabaruka was born in the year 1952 and brought up in Rae Town, Kingston in a family unit with his dad, mother and two sisters. When he was eight years of age, his father passed on. Mutabaruka went to the Kingston Specialized Secondary School, where he prepared in hardware for a long time, going ahead to work for the Jamaican Phone Organisation until he retired in 1971.

In the late 1960s, Mutabaruka developed an interest in the black awareness program. In school, Mutabaruka read numerous “dynamic books”, including Eldridge Knife’s Spirit on Ice and others that were then unlawful in Jamaica, for example, The Collection of memoirs of Malcolm X. Raised as a Roman Catholic, he started looking at and inundating himself in the Rastafarian development. He quit brushing his hair and began developing dreadlocks, and started eating fewer carbs, and even stopped wearing shoes as he turned into a Rastafarian. He embraced the name Mutabaruka, a term from the Rwandan dialect, Kinyarwanda, signifying “one who is dependable on being victorious”.

Mutabaruka born Allan Hope, left Kingston in 1971, migrating to the Potosi Hills, where he lived with his family in a house that he constructed himself. He was among the new flood of Jamaican artists that rose in the mid-1970s. In 1977 he started a band called truth, and they performed live. He became known globally after his performance at the Reggae Sunsplash in 1981, the first of a few exhibitions at the festival. In 1983 he released a song titled “check it”, the song was issued on Chicago blue mark croc records and further expanded his popularity. He curated 1983 gathering collection Word Sound ‘Ave Power, discharged by Pulse Records and in 1984 Shanachie Records introduced his collection The Secret Unfolds.  He went ahead to record joint efforts with both Gregory Isaacs and Dennis Dark coloured, on “Hard Street to Travel” and “Awesome Lords of Africa” respectively. He kept on recording and perform, and in the mid-1990s started introducing a late-night syndicated program on radio station Irie FM called The Frontline, and rapidly ended up plainly one of Jamaica’s most looked for after and dubious radio personality

On 28 September 2010, he presented a tribute sonnet to pay tribute to Lucky Dube, whose music he said looked to “free the oppressed”. He talked at the first Jamaica poetry festival on 17 August 2011 out of appreciation for Marcus Garvey and Louise Bennett. On the last day of the Rastafari Thinks about Meeting, Mutabaruka was analysed as an icon by the teachers of the West Indies.

His upward proclamations on philosophy and the abusive parts played by religious organisations have created much controversy.

Despite the fact that he is a non-smoker, Mutabaraku has battled for the authorization of cannabis, particularly for restorative purposes.

In 2016, the legislature of Jamaica honoured Mutabaruka the order of Distinction, Commander Class (one of the most elevated refinements in the nation), in acknowledgement of his social commitments. Mutabaruka is also known in Jamaica as the craziest man on radio.