Startime, the long-running vintage music show, returns on January 9 at the Mas Camp in Kingston. The Jamaica Observer, an associate sponsor, continues a series of features on the event.

IT was early 1986 and one of the hottest songs in the United States was Sara>, by the rock band Starship.

One year later, singer Frankie Paul covered it dancehall style and made the song his own. His version, produced by Lloyd ‘King Jammys’ James, is one of the genre’s standards.

The original topped Billboard Magazine’s pop chart and was one of 1986’s biggest hits. Paul’s version may not have been a million seller but it lit up dancehalls from Kingston to London and Tokyo.

It was the latest hit for the talented Paul who despite being visually challenged, became a dancehall heavyweight during the 1980s along with Barrington Levy, Tenor Saw and Junior Reid.

Prior to Sara, Paul hit Jamaican and overseas charts with the herb-man anthem Pass the Ku-Sheng Peng, Worries in The Dance and Tidal Wave.

The 50-year-old singer is likely to belt out Sara on Saturday when he performs at Startime.

— Howard Campbell