AS he approaches his 74th birthday, Cedric Myton retains an enthusiasm for making music, even after 55 years in the business. A firm believer in renewal, he knows the importance of staying fresh.

This month saw the release of Reggae on Top, his latest solo album. It is produced by Alphanso Henclewood for Montego Records.

“It’s always good to do new songs because it renew di spirit. Music is di real revolutionary; it’s di number one platform to express yourself,” he said in a recent interview with the Jamaica Observer.

There are nine songs on Reggae on Top which Myton recorded late last year, mainly at Small World Recording Studio in downtown Kingston. Guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith, with whom he has worked with for over 40 years, is one of the musicians on the set which contains the title track and Rainbow Bridge.

Best known as lead singer for The Congos, Myton’s piercing falsetto has helped make some of that trio’s songs roots anthems, including Fisherman and Youth Man.

Prior to The Congos, he was a member of three groups — The Bell Stars, The Tartans and The Royal Rasses. The latter had a massive hit with Humanity which was covered by John Legend.

With The Congos, Myton recorded The Heart of The Congos, a 1977 Lee “Scratch” Perry-produced album considered among reggae’s finest.

Reggae on Top is evidence, the slimly-built vocalist stressed, that he can hold his own as a solo artiste.

“Wi have a lotta stuff for people to hear. Di Rasta movement remains an important part of our culture an’ being a Rastaman I have a lot to say,” Myton stated.

Cedric Myton is from Old Harbour Bay in St Catherine, where his family (which includes Olympian Neville Myton) have lived for over 100 years. The area’s seafaring culture inspired Fisherman, and is featured in Inna de Yard: The Soul of Jamaica, a 2019 documentary directed and produced by Academy Award-winning British film-maker Peter Webber.

‘Inna de Yard’ focuses on Myton, and some of his contemporaries including fellow singers Ken Boothe, Kiddus I, Winston McAnuff and Judy Mowatt.

For most of 2019, he toured the world with Kiddus I and McAnuff promoting the film.

Myton is looking forward to doing the same for Reggae on Top.

“It have some good songs. Once di madness (COVID-19) clears up wi hope to go out an’ di people can ‘fuljoy’ it,” he said.