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If Africa is the new home for reggae, there’s still plenty
happening in JA if you scratch the surface. Here’s one youth
who hasn’t been seduced by the glitter of dancehall. Bushman,
formerly known as Junior Melody and born Dwight Duncan graduated
from his local church choir to begin his career on the Black Star
Liner sound system before being recognised by top JA producers
Steelie & Clevie. He is a true rasta, leading his life in
accordance with the principles of Rastafarianism and this no doubt
fuels the fervour with which he delivers his conscious messages.
His raw-edged soulful voice belies his 26 years of age. “Live
At The Opera House” (Toronto) contains most of his hits,
including his first “Grow Yah Natty”.
While the influence of such luminaries as Bob Marley, Luciano
and Dennis Brown is clearly audible, it is integrated into an
already matured, identifiable style. With a very able local band
consisting of guitar, bass, keyboard and drums together with 2
excellent female back-up singers, Bushman presents 17 songs which
cover a broad terrain from nyabinghi chanting or roots reggae
through to soulful balladry (Remember The Days evokes the spirit
of Marvin Gaye) linking it all together skilfully, seguing from
one song to the next without batting an eyelid or losing the passion
for that matter.
A special hand also to the way the band follows or anticipates
the singer’s moves, notching up the intensity with jazzy
guitar or keyboard flourishes, pounding out the skank or hanging
back for a moment as the singer decides to have a chat with some
friends he recognises in the audience. No such concert would be
complete without a tribute and Bushman launches into his with
“Fire Burn” dedicated to Bob Marley and Dennis Brown.
And of course another prerequisite is to extol the virtues of
the “original leaf” as he does on “Cannabis”.
So Bushman’s music not only burns with rasta fire and the
spirit of reggae, but it’s fun and entertaining as well.
From youth we graduate to senior statesman.
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