Known to the world as the Calypso King, the Mighty Sparrow is still enjoying his musical career that has spanned over 40 years. Known to his family in Grenada and Trinidad as Slinger Fransisco, he has made them proud by defeating every competitor to his musician’s throne.

Beginning the journey St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Boys’ Choir, this is where his initial involvement into the world of music began. Influenced by a broad spectrum of jazz musicians and early calypsonians, he emerged at the age of 20 with his all too famous hit, Jean and Dinah- an entertaining melody which sprouted from the 1956 vocals of Harry Belafonte, the Yankees Gone. Over the years, Sparrow introduced a diverse, new-aged culture for the Trinidad and Tobago mas. It was from this tune that the Carnival Development Committee was born, endorsed by Dr. Eric Williams.

Creating the foundation for Trinidad carnival, Sparrow continued on his journey; also becoming famous in 1958 for winning the Road March( Carnival Parade Music Contest) Competition three times in the same year.

Some of the more popular hits include Federation (1959), May May (1960) and Congo Man (1965)- which can be heard in Caribbean fetes throughout the world to this day.

From 1966 to 1996, he continued to prove his reign as the Calypso King, paving the way for many a generation of younger artists- becoming a true inspiration to Caribbean artists. Especially with his 1976 hit, Saltfish; a song which still wafts through many kitchens on a Sunday morning. With an award collection spanning almost 50 years, Sparrow continued to climb the ladder of success while becoming the most popular caypsonian of all time. He demonstrated year after year, with his social commentaries that the calypsonian is really the eyes and ears of the people. Sparrow continued to define the true meaning of “The Calypso King of the World. In 1992 with Both of Them, Crown Heights Justice and Man will Survive. All making a big impact in the Caribbean and the United States.

Now in 2008, The Mighty Sparrow, continues to rule the Calypso/Soca world with his voice, lyrics and melodies. He is demonstrating once more that he is the King. Perhaps passing his crown to the newer generation voice, Machel Montano, who has done a modern day cover of Congo Man, and has also shared a stage with the King.

Written by Jamie Jaggernauth.

20,000 surges of pure energy; 20,000 vibrations throughout your body; 20,000 people in one stadium. Why?

All brought together to witness the ultimate soca performer executing a high energy, high impact and indeed, a high definition performance. Without a doubt, this show was an alternative concept to Trinidad and an alternative concept to carnival.

I have been a concert/party go-er for almost ten years now, and I must admit that AC 3+3 really displayed value for money. I got to the Stadium a bit early. But this was a good thing, as I got there early enough to get some drinks and mark my territory very close to the stage.

Showing the symptoms of a successful concert from the start, Machel Montano HD pumped the crowd with anticipation by turning on the heat with Patrice Roberts and Macka Diamond, David Rudder and Sparrow. The eagerness of the crowd was felt in heart, as the entire crowd seemed drunk with joy. Not to mention that HD was introduced in such an avant-garde manner by a helicopter and a free-fall jump from the city’s atmosphere to a landing ground in the stadium.

These prelude performances were incomparable to the adrenaline overload in Port of Spain when the Miami superstar, Pitbull came onto the stage. “Defense” seemed to have injected every soul with the uncontrollably urge to dance. Personally, this alternative concept experience was very eye-opening to the fact that a baseline, rhythm and reggaeton artist can literally make you feel as though you were going mad. At this point, I was in the thick of the crowd, but moved further back into the stands to get a view of the crowd.

What I saw was phenomenal. Each person’s head seemed like a dot, multicolor waving (flags, rags, bandanas, cups…what have you…) in the air. By now, the performance was coming to an end, but winding down is far from the choice of words that I should use. “The heat….aaaaahhh….the heat”…the whole crowd chanted, before Montano recited his mission to “Blaze d Trail”. From back in the stands, the rapture of the massive audience is indescribable. All I can say is that the pulsation and chanting seemed almost demonic.

When HD’s presentation came to an end, this chunk of followers seemed almost stunned that the show was, in reality, over.

With no reservations, Montano has clearly illustrated the true definition of an artist.

Written by Jamie Jaggernauth

Who Is Linton Kwesi Johnson?

Linton Kwesi Johnson, born on 24 August 1952 , is a Jamaican poet whose style of speaking his words over dub reggae music albums, is responsible for what came to be known as Dub Poerty. LKJ came to London in 1963 (aged 11) and starting writing poetry six years later. While still at school he joined the black panthers and simultaneously became involved in both politics and poetry. He became known simply as ‘The Poet’ and, usually in collaboration with British producer Dennis Bovell, Linton became the voice of the black people in Britain. He launched his own music label, LKJ Records, in 1981 and can still be found performing today…30 years on from his debut album.

What Is Dub Poetry?

Dub Poetry is a form of expression whereby the artist speaks, usually in Jamaican Patois, over dub reggae rhythms; it has much in common with Dancehall and Roots Reggae. You will find Dub Poetry a little different though as it is often highly political and tends to focus heavily on social justice. The term ‘Dub Poetry’ was coined to describe the musical style of LKJ just days after the release of his Dread, Beat An’ Blood album.

Dread, Beat An’ Blood?

This is Linton Kwesi Johnsons’ 1978 debut album, which expressed British black experiences like never before; police harrassment, the national front and violence in the black community are all issues he wrote about. Quite simply, this album is brilliant! It took everyone by surprise as LKJ voiced the concerns of a generation and it is amazing how fitting it is still to this day. The release of this album was a significant event both in Britain and beyond.

The album features tracks which include ‘It Dread Inna Inglan (for George Lindo)’, a protest song about George Lindo who was framed for robbery in Bradford before being released and awarded £25,000.

Anything Else?

Why yes….loads…for more Linton Kwesi Johnson please see his discography below.

Live in Paris - Wrasse, 2004
Straight to Inglan’s Head - Univeral, 2003.
LKJ in Dub: Volume 3 - LKJ Records, 2002.
Independent Intavenshan - Island, 1998 (Compilation).
More Time - LKJ Records, 1999.
LKJ A Cappella Live - LKJ Records, 1996.
LKJ Presents - LKJ Records, 1996.
LKJ in Dub: Volume 2 - LKJ Records, 1992.
Tings An’ Times - LKJ Records, 1991.
Dub Poetry - Mango, 1985 (Compilation).
LKJ Live in Concert with the Dub Band - LKJ Records, 1985.
Reggae Greats - Mango, 1984.
Making History - Island, 1983.
LKJ in Dub - Island, 1980.
The Best of Linton Kwesi Johnson - Epic, 1980 (Compilation).
Bass Culture - Island, 1980.
Forces of Victory - Island, 1979.
Dread Beat An’ Blood - Island, 1978

Here is Linton more recently with ‘More Time’

This October 2008 will see the second UK RumFest – Europe’s only festival to celebrate the diversity of rum and its rapidly growing popularity. Whether you’re a party animal, drinks connoisseur or just want to transport yourself back to that paradise island, UK RumFest…The Rum Experience has something for everyone.

Over two days, visitors to the festival will have their taste buds tantalised on a whistle-stop tour of the world’s most amazing rums. From Antigua to Barbados, from Mauritius to Venezuela; visitors will be able to experience the wonderful and diverse flavours that the world’s most popular drink has to offer, as well as try some of the rarest rums on the planet.

UK RumFest…The Rum Experience is the chance to get into the tropical fiesta spirit and understand where the shake in your Daiquiri and the kick in your Mojito come from. Throughout the weekend, visitors will meet Master Blenders, Distillers and world famous Cocktail Mixologists to discover many fascinating facts about rum. Those who are eager to become a rum aficionado or just to learn more about this historical tipple can sign up for one of the many seminars taking place over the weekend. Or for the more adventurous, a cocktail master class will teach everything there is to know to about creating some of London’s top rum cocktails. Visitors can also discover the orgasmic delicacy of rum and chocolate which truly complement each other and open the palate to a new dimension in flavour.

Once people have visited all of the stands, they can chill out in the Dominoes and Daiquiri Zone to try one of the tropics’ most relaxing pastimes while sipping on a cool Daiquiri. Live music bands will also be playing some tropical rhythms to make this an altogether unique rum experience.

Get your tickets here!

Welcome to Reggae-Artists.com

I have blogged and I have blogged but never with joy and never with passion. In creating reggae-artists I hope to share with you all the joy of reggae music and the lyrics behind the melodies that you all know so well.

I hope you find the time to relax, look around a little, to learn somthing and most importantly to have some fun. We might feature your favourite tune or your favourite reggae artists, you might come across some that you never knew existed! All we ask is that you enjoy reggae-artists.com and keep coming back for more.

Look for the positive message that so many reggae artists try to spread. We will start with the great Robert Nesta Marley….or Bob to you and I! Positive Vibration…..

If you get down and you quarrel everyday,

You’re just saying your prayers to the devil, I say.

Why not help one another on the way?

Make it much easier. (Just a little bit easier)

We will be open to any suggestions or improvements you feel we could make so please do contact us.