One of the standard-bearers for the roots-reggae movement of the 1970’s, Fred Locks made his name with Rasta anthems like Black Starliner and I’ve Got A Joy. As he celebrates his 69th birthday on June 7, the singer takes a jab at some of his brethren who have gone astray with the song, No Threesome Rasta.
In it, Fred Locks dismisses ‘kinky sex’ practices and defends the premise of the authentic roots warrior.
According to the burly vocalist, “It is an interesting song. It could be my next big hit.”
Born Stafford Elliott in Kingston, Jamaica, Fred Locks began recording in 1967 as a member of The Lyrics, a harmony group, at Studio One.
No Threesome Rasta is one of seven songs from Right Away, his new EP which is scheduled for release this summer. It is produced by Diavallan “Dia” Fearon, who has worked with dancehall heavyweights including Bounty Killer and Elephant Man.
After 52 years in the music business, Fred Locks retains a passion for creating new work and recording.
“I am always excited to record fresh songs. It shows that I am still into music ‘cause music is still in I,” he said.
Fred Locks wrote songs on Right Away, which also contains the title track Your Beautiful Black Skin which bemoans the prevalence of skin-bleaching in Jamaica.
A cousin to singers Maxi Priest and Jacob Miller, Fred Locks is best known for the 1975 classic, Black Starliner. The song recalled Marcus Garvey’s 1920s campaign for mass repatriation of black people to Africa.
The song remains his signature and is a show-stopper whenever he performs it.
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