Observer senior reporter—-

This year, the Twelve Tribes of Israel organisation celebrates its 50th anniversary. Since it was founded by Vernon “Prophet Gad” Carrington, the Rastafarian group has made its mark on various sectors.

Their impact on the entertainment industry is immense. Bob Marley, Dennis Brown and Judy Mowatt were members. Freddie McGregor, Little Roy, Fred Locks and Sangie Davis are still among its ranks.

The “Tribes” were at their musical peak in the 1970’s and 1980’s when members produced a catalog of outstanding songs.

Davis, a stalwart of the organisation, excelled as a writer. He is composer and singer of Words of my Mouth, Marley’s Wake Up And Live, Girlie Girlie by Sophia George and Tinga Stewart’s 1981 Festival winner, Nuh We Nuh Better Than Yard.

Groups like The Visionaries and Still Cool, musicians Pablove Black, Dalton Browne and Earl “Bagga” Walker, and deejay Brigadier Jerry, carried the Twelve Tribes banner high during the glory years.

The music of these members had a formidable platform through the Jah Love sound system which attracted hundreds of fans to its weekly dances.

They could hear songs like Tribal War by Little Roy (covered by George Nooks), Bobby Babylon (Freddie McGregor), To Be Poor Is A Crime by Still Cool (covered by McGregor) and The Visionaries’ To Have A Home.

A new generation of artistes have ties to the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Hempress Sativa, Micah Shemaiah, Jah9, Italee, Kabaka Pyramid and Chronixx are among those associated with the group.

Activities to mark the Twelve Tribes of Israel’s golden anniversary are scheduled to start in March.