Singer Autarchii was not born when his father Donovan Joseph did the song 2000 Years as a member of Time Unlimited, in 1983. As he became socially-aware, its Afro-centric message resonated with him.
In January, the emerging roots artist covered the song in Nyahbinghi fashion, backed by Earl “Chinna” Smith and his Binghistra drummers. Joseph is on background vocals.
According to Autarchii, the song’s powerful tone is timeless.
“2000 Years depicts the cry of the sufferer seeking help to get out of frustrating living conditions within a neo-colonial society. Both me and my father equally decided that doing the cover would be impactful,” he said.
Smith, a legendary guitarist who has performed with Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Jimmy Cliff and Lauryn Hill, produced the original for his High Times Records. The current version is released on Autarchii’s Red A Red Music Group.
“I am always elated to cover any song that my father was a part of because his messages are revolutionary and liberating. I am even more excited to have this song released on my record label,” said Autarchii, who also welcomed working with a Nyahbinghi cast.
“It bring I closer to my African ancestry,” he said.
Joseph joined Time Unlimited in the late 1970’s. The group formed in 1973, recording songs such as 23rd Psalm, Run Baldhead and Repatriation for Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry.
They also provided backing vocals on Mutabaruka’s 1983 song, Johnny Drughead.
In December, Swiss company Fruits Records reissued Right Time Come, another song Joseph and the group recorded in the 1980’s with Smith’s High Times Players.
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