KINGSTON, Jamaica — Before he started his career, Sultan Ali knew he had big shoes to fill, being the son of ska legend Prince Buster.

But he has made a name for himself, writing and recording original songs and breaking ground by performing in areas like Hong Kong.

“Establishing my name in this business requires creative ingredients, a uniqueness in music, style and persona. But the most critical component is on stage, capturing your audience with a show-stopping, masterful performance,” Ali told OBSERVER ONLINE from his home in Los Angeles.

One of his recent performances was in Hong Kong, the first by a ska artiste in that Chinese city. Currently, he is promoting the self-produced songs, Beautiful Angel and Love, Kindness, Joy and Happiness.

The Kingston-born Ali, who is in his mid-50s, first recorded during the late 1970s with his famous father. Prince Buster is a giant of ska through songs like Judge Dread and Wash Wash, which he produced for his Voice of the People label.

Ali performed alongside Buster several times before branching out on his own. He says his biggest base is Europe, particularly the United Kingdom, traditionally ska’s most thriving market.

He has also done shows in Asia, Central and South America.

In addition to pushing his latest songs, Ali is working on an album of original and cover songs as well as a project with saxophonist Lester Sterling, founding member of the Skatalites.

Howard Campbell