By Clinton Lindsay
A true “Dan” (example: from the Tribe Of Dan) is spiritually and musically a positive and strong individual, and Latty Guzang is one such person. Guzang is creating a touch of nostalgia among his many Jamaican countrymen and their friends, with the catchy-phased hit song “Run A Boat,” which reminds the listener of the days when “man and man” (brethren) used to gather whatever little food and vegetables they could find, and cook up a big pot for the gathering.
Latty Guzang was born in the western parish of St. James, Jamaica, and started his musical journey in 1972, while attending high school. He hooked up with keyboard wizard Augustus Pablo, and recorded his first song “Ken-tones Rock.” On his journey, Latty has worked with various producers, including the legendary Lee Scratch Perry, in 1976. By 1978, he teamed up with Mikey “The Dread At The Controls” Campbell and recorded the big European hit “Blow Mr. Latty.” In 1981, Latty Guzang began recording for Trevor Elliot’s Musical Ambassador label, which produced some minor hits like “Cool Down Woman” “Don’t You Chuck It” and “Let’s Go Dancing” – which all entered the JBC and RJR charts.
By 1992, Latty Guzang, (now living in New Jersey, USA) scored his first major US hit with “Six For A Nine,” which peaked at No.11 on The New York Top 20 Chart. After spending a total of eight weeks on the chart, it earned Guzang a New Artist Of The Year nomination by The Tamika Reggae Awards. From this success, his debut album “Positive & Strong was released by RAS Records. Latty Guzang relocated to the warm climate of South Florida, and immediately released the hit single “God Loves You” which also earned him a nomination by The South Florida Reggae/Soca Awards in 1996. Over the years, outstanding releases like “Don’t Be No Kruff” with legendary Marcia Griffiths, “Sweet Sweet Africa” “One Love Session” and “Rat Trap” have graced the airwaves of South Florida. His last album, 2007’s “New Day Coming” is still getting played on various radio shows in the area.
With the buzz now created by his latest No.1 single “Run A Boat” on The South Florida Top 25 and the WAVS 1190am Top 11 charts , this highly spiritual singer/songwriter is once again the talk of the town. Being influenced by the likes of Bob Marley, Burning Spear, Bunny Wailer, Junior Byles, and Augustus Pablo, Guzang is taking it one step at a time. He is back in the studio working on his latest album, which will include his smash hit and other outstanding, and potential chart-topping tracks.
Damn, I wish I could think of seomtnhig smart like that!