British-Jamerican legend Shinehead, whose given name is Edmund Carl Aiken, is encouraging followers on Instagram to take part in a dance challenge commemorating the 30th anniversary of his legendary hit song ‘Jamaican in New York.’
In a recent post on his @original_shinehead account, he shared:
“It was all vibes when this dance crew was skanking it up in Kingston, JA (Allman Town to be exact) to the cultural classic Jamaican in New York by Shinehead. Can’t think of a better way to kick off the hit song’s 30th Anniversary than with videos, which creatively represent it. Post your video for #JamaicaninNewYork30 contest today!”
Shinehead’s Journey: From London to The Bronx
The artist’s musical journey is a fascinating one. Born in London to Jamaican parents, he moved to Jamaica at the age of four, then later, he moved to The Bronx in New York and then back to Jamaica before making New York his permanent home in 1976.
He kicked off his career in the 1980s performing for various New York City Dancehall sound systems, including Tony Screw’s Downbeat the Ruler, based in The Bronx. Shinehead is credited as one of the original acts who masterfully fused Hip Hop with Reggae, and his debut recording, “Who the Cap Fits (Let Them Wear It),” was released in 1986 as part of the album “Rough & Rugged,” on the independent record label African Love Music.
Chart-Toppers and Reggae Classics
His career is peppered with chart-toppers and reggae classics. The motivational hit, “Strive,” for instance, has been a reggae favorite in Jamaica since its release in 1991, and reached No. 30 on the UK Singles Chart two years later. Plus, his songs like “Try My Love” in 1992 and “Let Em In” found their place on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop charts.
Today, “Jamaican In New York,” a reimagining of British singer Sting’s “Englishman in New York,” which is featured on his 1992 album, “Sidewalk University”, stands tall as one of his biggest hits to date.
Albums That Made Waves
Shinehead was signed to Elektra Records, and during this time, he dropped some remarkable albums. Among them was “Sidewalk University”, “Unity” and “The Real Rock” which all made the Billboard charts.
Highly respected in the music industry and Caribbean Diaspora, his customarily speedy hip-hop-dancehall-fusion style continues to captivate audiences and inspire young artists.
You too can join Shinehead in celebrating the 30th anniversary of “Jamaican in New York” by posting your video on Instagram with the #JamaicaninNewYork30 hashtag to keep the vibes alive!
