Buccaneer walks comeback plank
DEEJAY Buccaneer, a prolific hitmaker during the 1990s, is making a comeback with The Darkside, a 20-track album which features previously released material.
This includes a number of collaborations including Real War with Mavado and New Frens which was done with Grammy-winning pop group No Doubt.
Other ‘duets’ on The Darkside feature American ska/rock band 112, Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley, Spragga Benz and Lady Saw.
According to Buccaneer, 2014 is a significant milestone.
“This year marks my 20th year in my industry so it was only fitting that I re-launched my career this year,” he told the Jamaica Observer.
“Most of these songs were recorded between 2001and 2008 and released in Europe.”
The Darkside — which includes songs produced by Steely and Clevie, Steven ‘Lenky’ Marsden and Def Jam — will be released on Buccaneer’s Opera House label.
His previous releases, Hunter and Electrifying, were released in 2009.
“I am in no hurry to record any new tunes. I will just have have to get the vibes… I will not force it,” the 41-year-old entertainer said.
Buccaneer is also active as a producer. Among his productions are the Blackout ‘riddim’ which he did with Daniel ‘Blaxx’ Lewis. Vybz Kartel’s Picture This, Sean Paul’s Bounce it and Someone Like You by Tami Chynn are some of the songs on that beat.
Even with the changing standards, Buccaneer believes he has what it takes to be competitive in an industry that caters to young acts.
“The 1990s was really the best time for dancehall music and I believe that this is one of the reasons why there are days when the radio stations just play retro music,” he said.
“This is even evident in parties like Best of The ’90s and Heineken Good Times. The sounds and styles of the music have changed, I don’t have a problem with the changes unless they are trying to change the genre.””
Buccaneer emerged in 1994 as a member of producer Danny Browne’s Mainstreet Crew which also included Richie Stephens, General Degree, Lady G, Red Rat, Goofy and Chrissy D. His signature eye patch and his bleached patch of hair made him one of the decade’s popular deejays.
Among his hit songs were Set The Place, Bruk Out and Skettel Concerto, Browne’s dancehall adaptation of Toscannini’s Barber of Seville.
