Tappa Zukie goes back to basics
PRODUCER/deejay Tappa Zukie says it is time for Jamaican music to get back to its roots.
After over 20 years of dominance by digital rhythms, Tappa Zukie says live recording is poised for a comeback.
“I see a lot of bands coming up now and it’s a good sign for the business,” he told the Jamaica Observer. “We need to go back to original music and leave out this techno thing. The original is music; techno is just a beat.”
Known for hit songs like Phensic, Oh Lord and Natty Dread A Wey She Want (with Horace Andy), Tappa Zukie is also a respected producer whose hits include Gregory’s Isaacs’ Hard Drugs, Beres Hammond’s Putting Up Resistance and Death Before Dishonour by Dennis Brown.
Last year, he went back to basics by releasing songs on the live Natty Dread rhythm, from his Tappa Zukie label. Hammond, Tarrus Riley, Luciano and John Holt are some of the artistes who recorded songs for that project.
Tappa Zukie (whose real name is David Sinclair) got his start in the music business as a protégé of producer Bunny Lee.
He lived for many years in Britain, where he developed a following among disciples of the punk movement in the 1970s.
Tappa Zukie also produced a number of songs by Jamaican artistes, specifically for the British market.
For all his success in Britain and Europe, Tappa Zukie says his productions are yet to enjoy similar recognition in Jamaica.
“My songs are played all over the world, but as an artiste I can’t enjoy that kind of airplay in Jamaica. I’m recognised abroad but have very little appreciation here,” he said.
