In 1987, Courtney Melody scored his first hit with the song Screechie Across The Border. Produced by Clifton Henry, it was also the singer’s first single.

Screechie Across The Border set the pace for a string of hits for the prolific Melody, who survived a motorcycle crash in the late 1990s.

He is back to recording after years of recuperation.

“I was off the scene for a while because of the accident. I was in hospital for about a year,” he recalled.

Last Monday, Courtney Melody performed at Machel Mondays in Trinidad, one of the annual fetes promoted by soca star, Machel Montano during that country’s carnival celebrations.

“Performing in Trinidad was a very good look. It was awesome, and I am pleased with how the show went,” said Melody, 53, in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

The event featured a retro dancehall line-up. Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Johnny Osbourne, Admiral Bailey, Super Cat and Daddy Lizard also performed.

Courtney Melody’s recording comeback includes the songs We Were Slaves for Mountain Top Productions and Leave I Alone for Lion King.

Originally from Golden Spring in rural St Andrew, Courtney Melody (real name Courtney Newton) developed his singing on the Black Spider and Stereo One sound systems.

His other hits include Key to Your Heart, Ninja Mi Ninja and the chart-topper, Modern Girl.

Courtney Melody has, to date, released six albums. He plans to release a new collection of songs next summer.