MONTEGO BAY, St James – Alarmed by the overwhelming number of foreign acts now satisfying the demand for reggae music, especially in Europe, seasoned roots crooner Papa D is calling for local radio disc jockeys to spin more of that genre of music in a bid to make it more appealing in its land of origin.

“I think the radio stations have to do more to make it (reggae music) stay alive. If the radio stations don’t play it, then people won’t recognise it more and be a part of it more. We can go out there and play it live or play it on sound systems, but people on the corner, who are not going to the sound system or concerts, they need to hear it on the radio and know that it is something live and powerful out there,” argued Papa D, whose given name is Anthony Johnson.

“Reggae music is big all over the world, but it is just because we in Jamaica take it very simple. But if you see the rest of the people doing it, they have the crowd going. They play the reggae music good, so it’s just for us to look upon ourselves and realise that the foundation is Jamaica and we created this rhythm so we have to take care of it.”

‘Papa D’, who has toured extensively with the Sixth Revelation Band, and as a solo act, was quick to point out that he is a fan of dancehall music, a derivative of reggae, but fans around the world still crave the foundation music form.

“Dancehall music is a good music, but it’s coming from the reggae and the people who know the reggae, they are looking for it at all times because that is what they are used to. I talk to people in England and they are asking what happen to the reggae music? They hear mostly dancehall, but they love the reggae music. They need the roots music and that’s what I am fighting for,” the Montego Bay- based performer argued.

He further noted that music fans in European countries such as France, Switzerland, and Germany, “especially during summer, come out for the reggae music and they are enjoying it”.

The singer, recently returned from a tour of Europe and is now busy promoting his new reggae single People’s One Drop, which he says has so far been enjoying moderate success.

“This new single we have now, we call it People’s One Drop. we do the mixing at Tuff Gong,” said Papa D.

He added that a video has been shot for the single and “we are doing some promotion with it same way”.

Meanwhile, the former cabaret singer, who has received awards for performances on the European circuit, is also known for songs such as Jamaica Jamaican, The 23rd Psalms, Guide Me, and A Girl Like You.

He pointed out that he is now looking forward to perform on a show in Kingston and the Ganja Fest in Negril later this year.