Reggae Gospel singer Kevin Downswell has revealed that he has had to shun many highly lucrative offers to “go secular” during his music career, but that he would not have been as successful as he is had he gone down that path.

During an interview on Television Jamaica’s The Entertainment Report, Downswell was asked about comments he made during a listening session for his two upcoming albums (Grace and The Shift), about “people who departed the ministry and moved on,” and to elaborate on “why was it surprising.”

“It wasn’t shocking to me.  But it hit home because I got personally to places to areas in my life where I could have been like that,” the Carry Me singer explained.

When asked by veteran entertainment journalist Anthony Miller whether or not “you would have been more successful had you gone secular,” Downswell alluded to the fact that while financial temptation had come his way, he would not give up Christ for money.

“No.  I am saying I could have given up long time ago… but let’s talk about secular.  There has been so many offers…   We (gospel artistes) go through a lot.  People have no idea of the many things we say ‘no’ to.”

“Bro, just seh di word and it is in your account immediately.  That amount of money can change your whole life’”, he said, recounting the words of a secular music functionary who made him one such offer.

“And then, you look at it and you say: ‘God bless you, but Christ is the centre of everything’.   And you are human and of course you want your songs to go to hundred millions on YouTube.  But at the end of the day, the centrepiece is: I want you to make it to the next day; I want you to fall in love with God again… and that is why we write, to get these songs that be ladders to carry you through different seasons and different times,” he added.

According to Downswell, following the album launch this Saturday, there will be tours spanning Africa, Europe, and even Australia.

“And that happened by not selling wiself out,” he declared.

When asked to elaborate on the albums’ “high points,” Downswell named the collaborations, including one with his daughter Carissa, which was voiced when she was just 16 months old, among his top picks.

“The fact that I chose to use my own in Jamaica rather than international… that was intentional because sometimes people would feel like you know, you have to have foreign connected to you to find some validation, when we have treasure right here.  And this album was intentionally that,” he explained.

“And so if we need a rap we have a rapper tight here in a Jamaica… and if we need a deejay we have a deejay here Rodney Price,” he added, referring to Bounty Killer, who is featured on the track Call Him.

On Tuesday, Downswell announced on Instagram that VIP tickets for his album launch and concert, which is set for Saturday have already been sold out.

“I want to thank all the people who made their purchases, and I can’t wait to see you this Saturday, July 1, 2023, at the Ambassadors at 63 Hagley Park Road, Kingston 10, It will be EPIC… A few days ago, we did tell you this would happen, and we know very soon we will also be posting that GENERAL TICKETS are also sold out. It’s just a matter of time for this to happen,” he stated.

Downswell released his debut album, Close To You, back in 2008. He followed up with The Search Continues in 2012 and All the Way in 2016, which had hits such as Goodbye World, Nothing Without You and Christian Soldier.  He followed up with Realignment: The Live Encounter in 2018, which carried hits such as One Day, If Its not You, Change is Coming and You Make Me Stronger.

Born in Westmoreland, Downswell spent his early years between Portmore, St Catherine, and Kingston and began singing seriously while attending the Jose Marti Technical and Camperdown High Schools.

He won the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s Gospel Competition in 2003 with the song Praise. In 2005, he had his first major hit with Naah Bow, a collab with DJ Nicholas and Jermaine Edwards. That song also won the 2006 Marlin Awards for Best Reggae Recording of the Year.

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A slew of Dancehall artists, producers, and sound systems who ruled the 1990s, are being celebrated on International Reggae Day, which is commemorated July 1 each year.

According to founder of the event, Andrea Davis, the theme “From Brukins to Bogle” and accompanying compilation of the 80s-90s Dancehall Honourees Lists this year, is in accordance with IRD’s thrust to place the spotlight on an influential era of Jamaica’s rich musical history each year.  The list itself, is aimed at recognizing these stakeholders for their invaluable contribution to the growth and export of 80s – 90s Dancehall music culture.

“This year, given the two decades that we are focusing on a list of icons, which are artists whose catalogues span the decades that are pivotal to the whole thing,” she told DancehallMag.

“The creativity, acumen and influence of these persons and entities in various categories, were instrumental in Dancehall music culture’s ascension to become the global cultural phenomenon and genre influencer it became,” she noted.

Today, supporters of Dancehall are being encouraged to represent with pride, whether by dress, dancing, or playing music.

There are also two IRD events, including a panel discussion with Sly Dunbar, Clevie Browne, Beenie Man, Jeremy Harding, Noel Davey, Pat Meschino themed ‘Saluting the Global Influence of ’80s-’90s Dancehall and its influence on Hip Hop, Reggaeton, EDM and Afrobeats’, as well as another titled ‘From Brukins to Bogle: The Evolution of Dance in Dancehall Culture’.

The latter will feature Dr L’Antoinette Stines with presenters Maria Hitchins and Patrick Earle, as well as Dancehall dancers, Carlene the Dancehall Queen and John Hype.

The IRD’s 30 Dancehall icons include singers as well as deejays.  Leading the list of singers are the late Sugar Minott, who is regarded as a pioneer of the genre, Sizzla, Wayne Wonder, Pliers, Garnet Silk, Sanchez, Frankie Paul, Ini Kamoze, Shinehead, Barrington Levy and Tanya Stephens.

On the extensive deejay list are Supercat, The Don Gorgon, Ninjaman Shabba Ranks, Patra, Chaka Demus, Papa San, Lt. Stitchie Tiger & and Yellowman, as well as Lady Saw, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Buju Banton, Shaggy, Sean Paul, Cham, Cobra, Capleton, , Cutty Ranks and Spragga Benz.

The top 80s to 90s producers who are being celebrated include Steely & Clevie, King Jammy, Donovan Germaine, Henry ‘Junjo’ Lawes, Winston Riley, Bobby Digital, brothers Dave and Tony Kelly; Sting International, Robert Livingston, Playground producer Jeremy Harding and Clifton ‘Specialist’ Dillon.

Completing the list are Handel Tucker, Fattis Burrell of Xterminator Records, George Phang, Patrick Roberts, Black Scorpio and Main Street’s Danny Brownie.

The Dancehall selectors and their sound systems being honoured are Wee Pow and Rory of Stone Love; King Jammy and Shemmo of King Jammy’s Hometown Hi Fi; Courtney Singh, Johnny Guard,  Junior Vibes and Big Mack of Bodyguard; Noel ‘Papa Jaro’ Harper and Ricky Trooper of Kilimanjaro, as well as Peter Metro, Dalton “Sky Juice” Bogle and DJ Oliver of Metro Media.

Completing the sound system list are Bass Odyssey with selectors Keith Walford and Kevin “Squingy” Bennett; Black Scorpio with Jack Scorpio and Papa Screw; Renaissance with DJ Delano and Jazzy T;  Silver Hawk with the quintet of Steely, Ballsy, Jerry, Fatta and Richie Poo; Jah Love with Ilawi and Gary I; the UK-based Saxon Sound with Muscle Head, Papa Levi and Tippa Irie and New York’s King Addies with Danny Dread, Babyface and Tony Matterhorn.

IRD has also curated a list of the Top 10 Dancehall Anthems led by Sister Nancy’s 1982 hit, Bam Bam. 

There are five songs making the list from 1985, namely Ring the Alarm by Tenor Saw, Under Mi Sleng Teng by Wayne Smith, Greetings by Half Pint and Buddy Bye by Johnny Osbourne.

The list is completed by Dawn Penn’s 1994 hit You Don’t Love Me (No No No), Action by Nadine Sutherland and Terror Fabulous, One Blood by Junior Reid, Who Am I by Beenie Man and If Jah Is By My Side by Tony Rebel.

A list of what the IRD describes as “25 outstanding recordings highlighted for their invaluable contribution to the growth and export of 80s – 90s Dancehall music, has also been curated for the Dancehall Citations list.

They include Wa Do Dem by Eek A Mouse;  Diseases by Michigan & Smiley; Pass the Dutchie by Musical Youth; Electric Boogie, which is Marcia Griffiths’s biggest hit; Jamaica Jamaica by Brigadier Jerry; Josey Wales’ Undercover Lover, Wild Thing by Sister Carol and Admiral Bailey’s Punaany. .

Serious Times by Admiral Tibet, Gregory Isaacs’ Rumours Lady G’s Nuff Respect; Kuff by Shelly Thunder, Lloyd Lovingdeer’s Wild Gilbert; DJ Roll Call by Charlie Chaplin; Rikers Island by Coco Tea; One Draw by Rita Marley: Pinchers’ Bandelero; Housecall featuring  Shabba Ranks and Maxi Priest; Son Bow by El General; Informer by Snow; Louie Culture’s Gangalee  and Diana King’s Shy Guy are also featured.

Anthony B’s radio-banned Fire Pon Rome; Everyone Falls in Love by Tanto Metro & Devante and Mr Vegas’ Heads High, complete the list.

Women in Dancehall are also celebrated this year and are described by IRD organisers as fierce and talented Jamaican women with songs that captured the essence of the 80s-90s Dancehall era, who via their powerful voices, infectious melodies, and bold lyrics, “made a significant impact on the Dancehall scene and helped pave the way for future generations” of women.

Tanya Stephens, Lady Saw and Patra all have two songs on this list. 

Stephens’ is highlighted for Big Tings A Gwaan and her mega hit Yuh Nuh Ready Fi Dis Yet which was featured on Dave Kelly’s Joyride riddim, while Patra is hailed for Romantic Call from her Queen of the Pack album, which featured rapper  Yo Yo, and Pull Up to My Bumper from her Scent of Attraction Album.

Former Queen of the Dancehall Lady Saw’s Sycamore Tree, and  Smile, with Vitamin C make up part of the 25, which is completed by Bam Bam by Sister Nancy: Informer by Lady Ann; One Draw by Rita Marley: Kuff by Shelly Thunder: Lady G’s Nuff Respect: Electric Boogie by Marcia Griffiths Dawn Penn’s You Don’t Love Me (No No No, Shy Guy by Diana King and Nadine Sutherland’s Action.

The IRD has also curated a list of Dancehall gamechangers, described as live events, personalities, labels and a film company, who are being recognized for their invaluable contribution to the growth and export of 80s – 90s Dancehall music culture.

The list is headed by Sting, the Greatest One Night Show on Earth;  Bogle the Dancehall Master; Carlene the Dancehall Queen; Irish & Chin World Clash; fashion designer Earl ‘Biggie’ Turner; US-based VP Records; HC&F Recording Studio and Ras Records; Greensleeves UK and Palm Pictures *Studio One Catalogue.

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Reggae and Dancehall music producers Mikey Bennett and Kirk “Koolface” Ford were featured in the Positive Vibrations: Country Goes Reggae (Mini Documentary), which is aimed at showcasing how “Reggae music and Country music are both rooted in culture and storytelling”.

The two Jamaicans were featured alongside country singer Ricky Valido and line dancer Allan Silverman to share stories of how country and reggae culture influence one another. 

Directed by Jay Will, the 10-minute doc was filmed at various rural locations in Jamaica and South Florida.

Offering his thoughts on the project, Will said: “growing up in Jamaica and listening to Country music, and being a huge fan of the genre, made me absolutely honored to get the opportunity to create visuals for the Country Goes Reggae album.”

IMAGE FROM “SMILE (FEAT. UNCLE KRACKER)” MUSIC VIDEO VIGNETTE

He continued, “Reggae music and Country music go hand in hand with the types of stories they tell and the feeling it gives to people when they listen. Positive Vibrations transformed these hit Country songs into what will now definitely become island classics.”

The 11-track Positive Vibrations: Country Goes Reggae album, which put a Reggae twist on well-loved Country songs and which was produced by Christian and Frank Berman (The Berman Brothers) and partner Ron Oehl, was released in July 2022.

It had re-imagined several Country classics, among them Alabama’s Pass It On Down, Rascal Flatts’ I Like The Sound of That, Toby Keith’s Red Solo Cup, Uncle Kracker’s Smile, Randy Houser’s Boots On and Jimmie Allen’s Make Me Want To and Dolly Parton’s Two Doors Down.

“Country Goes Reggae was a very brilliant idea because producers sat down and figure out which songs were good to do a cover in a reggae version,” Koolface said of the production, which drew on the musical talents of Positive Vibrations, an ensemble of Jamaican musicians and sound engineers which includes Ian “Beezy” Coleman, Devon Bradshaw, Guillaume “Stepper Sax” Briard, and Henry “Matic” Tenyue.

For his part, Koolface pointed out that while growing up in Jamaica, Country artists “were on the radio a lot” particularly on Sundays, and that “a Kenny Rogers song like I’m the Gambler song was a famous song”.

IMAGE FROM “RED SOLO CUP (FEAT. TOBY KEITH)” MUSIC VIDEO VIGNETTE

“Country music is brilliant with storytelling and that’s why I think that we are pulled towards country music so much,” Ford said.

“And one of the biggest songs that I discovered over a period of time that I didn’t realize at the time was a song called if I were A Carpenter.  So all these songs I realized that were country, but then they got covered or a rendition was done by reggae artistes,” he added.  

During the documentary, Bennett pointed out that “almost every house in Jamaica that had a record player had albums by Country singers Marty Robinson album, Patty Paige, Skeeter Davis and Jim Reeves.

“Country songs give a lot of details that you can actually script.   A lot of the lyrics in early Rock Steady we’re from country and western songs because these songs were about life,” he said in explaining why Jamaicans gravitated to that music genre.  

According to the Berman Brothers, the idea for Country Goes Reggae was conceptualised during a trip to Negril, in Western Jamaica, back in 2019.

According to them, they were “sitting at a sunset, beach bar listening to reggae classics as a car passed by blasting US country songs” and upon hearing the blend of different styles and cultures, they knew a merger of the two genres would be nothing short of perfection.   

The album was subsequently recorded at Axx Studio and the Sound of Silence in Kingston, Jamaica and at Livingston Studio in London. It was mixed by GRAMMY-winning mixing engineer Chuck Ainlay and mastered by 12-time GRAMMY winner Bob Ludwig.

The Berman Brothers are described as award-winning record producers and songwriters, whose work has been awarded with more than 90 Gold and Platinum Awards, two BMI awards, a Golden Globe nomination and a Grammy Award.

“As producers, writers and publishers they have worked with international superstars including: Coldplay, Sting, Maroon 5, Cher, Baha Men, Jason Derulo, Major Lazer (Diplo) and the legendary Buena Vista Social Club,” their website notes.

The duo was also Grammy-certified for their production and remix of the Baha Men’s Who Let The Dogs Out, a million-selling song that topped numerous music charts globally worldwide and was used as synchronization music in numerous movies and commercials.

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Tuff Gong International has announced a new Bob Marley Reggae/Afrobeats fusion album titled Africa Unite, set for release on August 4, with several collaborations featuring popular Nigerian artists.

In a release, the Kingston-based label, which Bob Marley founded in 1965, described the 10-track production as “a majestic, posthumous album celebrating the vibrant fusion of Reggae and Afrobeats.”

Bob Marley and the Wailers – Africa Unite

The new Africa Unite production is named after the sixth track from Marley’s 1979 Survival album, which contained other tracks such as Ambush in The Night, Wake Up and Live, Zimbabwe, and Ride Natty Ride.

“Africa Unite is an extraordinary album that pays homage to the Reggae icon’s greatest hits, beautifully reimagined and infused with the infectious rhythms of Afrobeats,” a Tuff Gong release said.

Here’s the tracklist:

So Much Trouble In The World ft. Nutty O and Winky D
Dem Belly Full ft. Rema and Skip Marley
Redemption Song ft. Ami Faku
Waiting In Vain ft. Tiwa Savage
Turn Your Lights Down Low ft. Afro B
Three Little Birds ft. Teni and Oxlade
Buffalo Solider ft. Davido
Stir It Up ft. Sarkodie
Jammin ft. Ayra Starr
One Love ft. Patoranking

The label also notes that each of these artists “bring their unique flair and artistry, paying tribute to Bob Marley’s enduring influence while adding their refreshing voices to his iconic compositions.”

“Bob Marley’s impact on Reggae and Afrobeats music culture is immeasurable. His ageless music transcends borders and generations. This project is no different; it invites listeners on an enchanting musical journey. From the heartwarming rendition of “Waiting In Vain” to the uplifting energy of “Stir It Up,” the album showcases the seamless fusion of two extraordinary musical worlds,” the release noted.

On Friday, Tuff Gong also announced the release of the lead single, Three Little Birds and an accompanying video, featuring Teni and Oxlade.  The track is a repurposed version of Marley’s Three Little Birds from the Gong’s 1977 album Exodus, and, according to Tuff Gong, “truly emulates the original with an afro-fusion kick.”

“With Africa Unite, Bob Marley’s influence continues to resonate, bridging the gap between the past and present. The album not only showcases the global reach of Bob Marley’s music but also celebrates the rich tapestry of African rhythms and melodies. By intertwining reggae’s soulful vibrations with the infectious energy of Afrobeats, Africa Unite embodies the unity and spirit of collaboration, mirroring the late artist’s vision of a harmonious world,” Tuff Gong noted.

Bob Marley’s daughter Cedella Marley, in reflecting on the significance of the album, is quoted as saying that Africa Unite showcases the importance of Bob Marley in modern-day Africa, as the singers who are featured “have reimagined Bob Marley’s classics in a way we know he would have loved and been proud of.”

“The release of Africa Unite will undoubtedly captivate Bob Marley’s loyal fanbase and attract new listeners seeking to experience the magic of his music in a fresh and vibrant way,” Tuff Gong said.

As for Tuff Gong itself, the studio, which is located on Marcus Garvey Drive, in Kingston, was at one point in time, the location of the popular Federal Records, but was acquired by the Marley estate after Bob’s death.

History surrounding the property is that at one stage of Bob’s career, he was refused entry one particular day following a confrontation, “even when Johnny Nash wanted him to record.”   Marley then and there had vowed that one day he would own the property.

The property was put up for sale in 1982 and was purchased by Bob’s widow Rita Marley who named it Tuff Gong.   Tuff Gong, at that time, specialised in vinyl manufacturing, and also comprised a record shop, a mastering room and a recording studio.

Today, Tuff Gong comprises a recording studio, mastering room, stamper room, pressing plant, cassette plant, wholesale record shop, booking agency, as well as offices for Rita Marley Music and Ghetto Youths International the record label founded by Bob’s son Stephen Marley and his younger brothers Julian and Damian.

Tuff Gong International is one of the Caribbean’s largest studios.  It features the second-largest live recording space in Jamaica.  Over the decades scores of artistes, musicians, producers and tourists traveling from far reaches of the earth to visit the facility.   Jamaican artistes such as Capleton, Sly and Robbie, Shaggy, Bounty Killer, Lady Saw, Jimmy Cliff and Beenie Man have recorded at Tuff Gong, as have foreigners such as Sinead O’Connor, Snoop Dogg and Lauryn Hill.

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Calypsonian, ska, and rocksteady artist Lord Creator, best known for his hit song Kingston Town, later covered by UB40, died today (June 30). Born Kenrick Patrick, he was 87.

“He died at 11 a.m, he hadn’t been feeling well for some time,” Mrs. Neseline Patrick, Lord Creator’s wife of 23 years, told DancehallMag.

“He had suffered two strokes, the last one in 2005, he had prostate problems, diabetes and high blood pressure , and he also had done surgery on his back in 2013. He was walking a bit until 2019 when he stopped walking altogether.”

Mrs. Patrick said that Lord Creator did not let his litany of ailments define the quality of his life. Until the end of his life, he remained a convivial, joyful soul.

“He didn’t let his illnesses bother him, he was humorous, he gave jokes, you wouldn’t believe he was a sick person, he was a real joy,” Mrs. Patrick said.

Lord Creator sired 15 kids, 8 of whom are still alive. He had been in a relationship with Neseline for 31 years, 23 of which they were legally married.

The singer, who resided with his wife in Golden Grove, received the Order of Distinction (Officer Rank) from the Jamaican Government, for his “contribution to the development of Jamaican music and community service,” on National Heroes Day in 2022.

“I will miss him,” she said.

Minister of Entertainment Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange said she was “saddened by his passing” and expressed her condolences to his widow and his relatives.

“We gave him a national honour last year,” the Minister added.

Hailed as one ska’s pioneers, he was known for hits such as Don’t Stay Out Late, Big Bamboo, Little Princess and Jamaica Farewell.

Lord Creator was born in San Fernando, Trinidad, on August 21, 1935.

He started as a calypso singer in Trinidad and recorded his first hits, “The Cockhead” and “Evening News”, in Trinidad in 1958 and 1959 respectively with Fitz Vaughan Bryan’s big band.

He moved to Jamaica in late 1959 to perform and record and decided to settle on the island.

In 1962, he recorded “Independent Jamaica” with producer Vincent “Randy” Chin, which became the official song marking Jamaica’s independence from the British Empire on August 6, 1962. That song was also the first record on Chris Blackwell’s newly founded Island Records label in the United Kingdom. In 1963, “Don’t Stay Out Late”, produced by Chin, became a hit in Jamaica.

In 1964, he scored a further hit with “Big Bamboo”, produced by Coxsone Dodd with Tommy McCook on saxophone.

Creator had another big hit with “Kingston Town”, a tune he recorded for producer Clancy Eccles in 1970.

Lord Creator had also said Kingston Town was an interpolation of Babylon, which he had composed as a teenager in Trinidad and later recorded for Randys, back in 1963, on a Ska beat.

He explained said that while performing in Montego Bay at a club, enterprising producer Clancy Eccles, had asked him to record a song for him which resulted in the track Molly Is A Big Girl Now. Enamoured with his singing style, Eccles reportedly requested “a song on the flip side” and the result was Kingston Town.

Lord Creator, in interviews, said he inserted the words Kingston Town and removed the word “Babylon” and reworked the track.

That song would become his most enduring hit.

However, it became the subject of controversy between Lord Creator and Clancy Eccles over ownership of the song after UB-40’s version sold millions in Europe, “generating enormous royalties to the writer of the song.”

According to the author, Lord Creator, who was struggling financially in Jamaica, after 22 years had returned to his homeland,  Trinidad, “almost against his will in 1984”.

It was there that after suffering a stroke which saw him being hospitalised for 19 days, Creator got the news that UB-40, after being given permission by him to record Kingston Town, had “made it into a big hit all over Europe by 1989, and generated enormous royalties for the composer of the song”.

The following year, Lord Creator returned to Jamaica and built houses for himself and his children, “and out of goodwill”, gave Clancy $250,000 “but when he returned for more, I refused and contacted my lawyers,” the article stated.

According to the article, in an interview, the now-deceased Eccles had claimed that “fifty per cent of the record is owned by me, because I wrote some of the words. I made the music for this particular song, and I don’t get a penny royalty yet”, while Lord Creator had claimed he wrote the entire song, and that the publishers came to that decision after extensive investigations.

In March 2023, UB40’s cover version of the song was certified Platinum in the UK.

After UB40 recorded the cover version of Kingston Town in 1989, Lord Creator experienced a career revival, and he did several oldies shows in Jamaica and, later Japan.

He returned to Jamaica, living in Montego Bay and then later Hanover before moving to Golden Grove.

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