Reggae artists can come from right across the spectrum regarding their thought processes, but seldom have many been in the headlines during their career more than Yellowman. If some of the lyrics to The Shamen’s ‘Ebeneezer Goode’ could be used to describe a character, then surely Yellowman is your man as arguably “He’s refined, sublime, he makes you feel fine; Though very much maligned and misunderstood”. But now he has moved on from the days of controversy and says ‘No More War’, which is his first album in over 15 years and is reckoned to be a must listen!
The rudest Dancehall toaster of the 1980’s, Jamaica’s albino son Yellowman made as many enemies as fans with his controversial, often overtly sexist (if tongue in cheek) lyrics. Now back on the Ragga scene, singing at a slightly slower pace, Yellowman’s witticisms are as cheeky, spirited and intelligent as ever, and delivered with his customary sharp, melodic style.
King Yellowman was born Winston Foster on January 15th 1956 and has an incredible history in Reggae music. His upbringing at the Maxfield Home orphanage in Kingston and being albino in Jamaica were two obstacles he overcame and went on to be (at one time) arguably one of the biggest reggae artists since Bob Marley.
After winning a talent contest at Tastee Patties in Kingston, Yellowman went on to excite reggae crowds all over Jamaica and the rest of the world with his boastful and sometimes bodacious lyrics. His ability to ride rhythm and excite a crowd made Yellowman an instant hit in Jamaica. He also began to work with the Ace Sound System in St. Thomas and drew big crowds at his dancehall performances.
Later in his career, Yellowman began to spread out and work for a number of different producers, sometimes releasing as many as five albums per year. This led to a recording contract with CBS Records. Yellowman recorded one album with them before he was diagnosed with jaw cancer and was given six months to live. This was in 1986. After surgery an extended leave of absence from the record industry, Yellowman began his comeback with the song ‘Blueberry Hill’, and his career was re-launched.
Back in 1987 his first album for Real Authentic Sound came from producer Phillip ‘Fatis’ Burrell and was called ‘Yellow Like Cheese’. Coincidentally this was the start of a long and fruitful relationship with RAS and Yellowman and also RAS and ‘Fatis’ and his exterminator production. It has been said that Yellowman has always been very professional to work with and always respectful and reliable human being. He has managed to outlive his predicted fate of death and his performances are incredibly lively as he seems to have an unlimited amount of stage energy. He has continued his hard work and his devotion to his family is to be complimented.
Yellowman has now announced a rare appearance in Brighton,when he will be performing on Tuesday 3rd September at the Komedia located at 44 Gardner Street. The event is billed as ‘King Yellowman and the Sagittarius Band plus support from Samsara Collective’. Samsara Collective are a Brighton based outfit who create an open minded and fresh take on the roots tradition. Their music pays tribute to the original innovators of the genre while refusing to be bound by any stylistic conventions. The result is a fresh and hook-laden take on the style, morphing the reggae sound into something wholly new and exciting, and has been described as “a startlingly new angle on the Jamaican sound”.
You can purchase your Yellowman tickets for his Komedia concert HERE and HERE.
Further Yellowman info can be found on his website: www.kingyellowman.com
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