“Hol’ on Hol’ on,” commanded the imperious Bunny General bringing the music to a halt. It was night 2 of the annual Reggae Sumfest Concert, the iconic celebration of all things Jamaican music. The Reggae legend Bunny General performed as part of a rotating ensemble, along with Leroy Gibbons, Lt. Stitchie, Admiral Bailey, and Chuck Turner, and was joined on the stage by Chaka Demus. General called up “engineer and dub wizard” King Jammy, to the stage. This was the tailend of an hour-long tribute to the 75-year-old legend himself.
“See the fada ya,” continued the General. “King Jammy a him we a pay tribute tonight. We couldn’t be here without this man. All a dem artist weh you see feature tonight. Dis man responsible for dem career.” Jammy, real name Lloyd James, smiled wide.
Who is King Jammy?
Jammy was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and began his musical career as a dub master at King Tubby’s recording studio. His dubs are known for their clear sound and use of effects.
He established his credentials during the ’70s and early ’80s (when he was known as Prince Jammy) through seminal production work for Black Uhuru and Sugar Minott as well as dub albums with genre pioneers King Tubby and Scientist.
Jammy single-handedly changed the face of reggae with his all-electronic production of Wayne Smith’s 1985 hit “Under Me Sleng Teng,” ushering in the digital dancehall era. Following Tubby’s untimely death in 1989, Jammy took the crown and continued to be one of reggae’s most prolific, innovative producers.
He worked with dancehall stars such as Beenie Man and Bounty Killer during the ’90s and 2000s, while making off-the-wall dub albums, including collaborations with Mad Professor and Dry & Heavy.
More about Reggae Sumfest 2023 on CNW
King Jammy is still playing an active role in reggae today
Jammy remains active, working with roots and dancehall artists like Alborosie and U-Roy on 2016’s New Sounds of Freedom, and continuing to push the limits of dub with 2017’s Waterhouse Dub. Jammy is the father of four sons who have all done their part in continuing his legacy.
Lloyd ‘John John’ James Jr., Trevor ‘Baby G‘ James Jr., Jammy ‘Jam 2’ James, and Christopher ‘CJ’ James have all carved out careers as producers. John John in particular has a broad and eclectic collaborator list including Sizzla, Elephant Man, Junior Cat, and Lady Saw.
Baby G has produced for Wayne Marshall and Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley. Jam 2 has crafted dancehall anthems with the likes of Gyptian, Jah Cure, KipRich, and Wayne Marshall. CJ is based out of Canada and produces for both Jamaican and Canadian artists.
As the tribute wound down, Jammy, flanked by friends and collaborators started dancing, rocking along with the crowds he’s entertained throughout his 75 years on earth. As the MC of his own tribute, it’s clear that the forefather of modern reggae still has more to give to the genre he helped build.
