Back in the 1980’s when General Jah Mikey began recording songs, reggae artists were still singing Africa’s praises and longing for a return to the Motherland. The veteran singjay retains that passion and lets it known on Ethiopia Calling, one of his latest songs. It is produced by Lloyd Shaw for Issachar Muzik, an independent label in Los Angeles.
General Jah Mikey not only yearns for black re-settlement in Ethiopia Calling, but laments widespread corruption and violence in Jamaica, his homeland. Although he has not been to Jamaica since 1986, he follows developments there and notes animosity has also found its way into the music. “Every time yuh hear artist a fight ‘gainst artist an’ is pare bad vibes. Yuh never hear mi thump up Josey (Wales) or Briggy (Brigadier Jerry). Wi never inna dat!” he exclaimed. Based in San Bernardino, California, General Jah Mikey first came to the United States in 1985 as part of a package tour with Josey Wales, Brigadier Jerry, Charlie Chaplin and Sister Carol. He did the reggae rounds in New York City, South Florida and Southern California before settling in Northern California just over one year ago.
He moved to Los Angeles 21 years ago and was part of its active reggae scene. Things were not the same for the music when he left the City of Angels. “The reggae scene change big time. Most a di people who used to keep di culture festival dem either stop or drop out (died),” he said. Like many of the Jamaican acts who live(d) in Southern California, General Jah Mikey has dabbled in other genres including hip hop, techno and dubstep.”Yuh have to, yuh nuh. Music is universal,” he said.
In addition to Ethiopia Calling, General Jah Mikey is pushing Disiplin Child (with Chakra) which he produced for his Jah Sky Muzik label.
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