PAUL Elliott launched his album, Reggae Music TUN Up, recently at Reggae City Bar, Camp Road, in Kingston. The event, a joint production of the singer, Stronger Productions, and Big Stone Records, also saw Lifetime Achievements Awards being presented to four cultural stalwarts — 92-year-old Garveyite, Queen Mother Mariam Samad, singers Bunny Wailer and Fred Locks, and percussionist Bongo Herman.

“When I decided to do this launch, I said to myself, ‘I couldn’t do it without honouring the people who set the trend before me,” Elliott told the large gathering.

The launch was also addressed by singer Nadine Sutherland and Councillor Constantine Bogle of St Thomas.

Sutherland praised Elliott’s contribution to music, recalling his “humble beginnings” in the community of Waterhouse where she said he was “baptised in fire and now risen to be called the Chosen One”.

The youthful trio Lalous — comprising two sisters aged 11 and 13 and their eight-year-old brother — overwhelmed the audience with Put it Down and Big Up, songs calling for an end to child abuse.

Backed by the Andrew Bassie Allstars, there were energetic performances from Angela Stewart, who ignited proceedings not only with her singing, but her introduction of one-legged dancer Sister Clare.

After being lifted from her wheelchair, the latter gave an extraordinary performance despite her physical challenges.

Adding to the entertainment package were Isha Bel, EQ, Racquel Sellars, Bongo Herman, Fred Locks, Papa D, Jah Flex, D Medz, Nesbeth, Wild Life, Chicken Hawk, and surprise guest, veteran deejay Eek-A-Mouse.

Performing in Jamaica for the first time in many years, the lanky ‘Mouse’ stirred things up with hits like Wa Do Dem and Ganja Smuggling.

Elliott commented on his album in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

“Basically, it is to revitalise the music by bringing back the energy that was there in the days of Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Burning Spear, Gregory Isaacs, among others. I have taken up the mantle to carry on in that tradition,” he said.

— Basil Walters