Preserving the legacy of reggae icon Sugar Minott

Children of the legendary reggae Jamaican artiste, Lincoln Barrington 'Sugar' Minott, are embarking on a mission to conserve their father’s profound impact on the music industry. In a recent feature by the Jamaica Gleaner, they shared that their key focus is restoring his cherished Youthman Promotion organization.

Crowdfunding for a cause

To finance this monumental project, Ashanty, one of Minott’s daughters, initiated a GoFundMe campaign aiming to raise US$30,000. The sentiment behind this venture is not just about capital, but also about volunteer efforts, ensuring the project flourishes and the legacy remains intact.

Youthman Promotion: A brief history

Established by Sugar Minott, Youthman Promotion, with its headquarters at 1 Robert Crescent in Kingston, was not only about music but also about nurturing young talents.

Pashon Minott, singer and the older sister of Ashanty shared that whether from local communities or the global diaspora, her father wanted to provide a platform for emerging artistes.

Historically, this pioneering establishment has been instrumental in catapulting the careers of notable names like Tenor Saw, Garnet Silk, and Junior Reid, among others.

Revamping and renewal

The funds gathered through the GoFundMe campaign will be utilized to rejuvenate the Youth Promotion Music Centre.

This includes undertaking structural repairs, mural artworks, revamping studio equipment, and giving the interiors a fresh look. Despite the daily operations catering to young talents, the center is in dire need of these enhancements.

Sugar Minott in studio. (Photo via Sounds of the Universe)

Sugar Minott: A musical journey

Originating from Maxfield Park, Minott's journey in the music domain began as a selector for the Sound of Silence sound system.

His alliance with producer Clement ‘Coxsone’ Dodd at Studio One marked a significant turning point. Minott's unique talent involved creating fresh tracks on pre-existing rhythms, a novel approach at the time that later became central to the emerging dancehall style.

Throughout his career, Minott produced remarkable hits and albums that shaped the dancehall and roots reggae genres. His influence was not limited to Jamaica, as his popularity soared in the UK, leading him to shift there.

Notably, his rendition of Michael Jackson's “Good Thing Going” secured the 4th position in the UK Singles Chart in 1981.

Remembering Sugar Minott

Sugar Minott’s demise on July 10, 2010, left an irreplaceable void in the reggae world. However, his contributions have not gone unnoticed.

The Jamaican Government honored him with a Reggae Gold Award in 2019 for his unparalleled influence as an artiste and producer.

Additionally, the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association recognized him posthumously for his undying commitment to youth mentorship.

With the restoration of Youthman Promotion, Minott’s children aspire to ensure that their father’s vision, dedication, and passion for music and mentorship continue to inspire and elevate future generations.