A former musical prodigy, Alborosie played in a variety of bands, most notably Reggae National Tickets, who enjoyed popularity throughout Europe during the mid-to-late nineties. When the Tickets performed in Jamaica and the island immediately enveloped Alborosie in its spell, prompting him to jump ship and take a job as engineer at Gee Jam studios in Port Antonio – a tropical hideaway on Jamaica’s north coast where the likes of Amy Winehouse, Gorillaz, No Doubt and many more have recorded.
It was at Gee Jam where Alborosie honed his craft and made the connections that would enable him to become one of reggae music’s biggest names – not through gimmicks, but due to the fact he was making songs of such power and relevance. His breakthrough hits included self-produced songs like ‘Herbalist’, ‘Kingston Town’ and a cover of Black Uhuru’s ‘Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner’ which he issued on his own Forward label. All were steeped in old school reggae vibes and inspired by everyday life in Jamaica. A debut album, ‘Soul Pirate’, soon followed and brought him to the attention of Greensleeves, who released his second set, ‘Escape From Babylon’. Like its predecessor, Escape From Babylon was ablaze with old school references. Alborosie says that’s because he was born in the seventies and is therefore “a vintage guy” himself. By his own admission, he identifies more with veterans than younger contemporaries and describes his own Shengen studio – named after the visa Jamaicans need to visit Europe – as “a museum.” That’s because it’s full of period-piece equipment, including King Tubby’s original two-track tape machine.
Hit albums have poured liked rain ever since backed up a thrilling stage shows across the globe. Just like reggae legends of the past such as Bob Marley, Alborosie is intent upon making music that can help bring about social change, a freedom fighter and a poor people defender, this a rebel music!
