Inspired by Rastafari and the classic reggae harmony groups from the 1970s, Link & Chain are unapologetic purveyors of roots-reggae.

The quartet have been around since the mid-1980s. Protégés of producer Lawrence “Jack Ruby” Lindo, they are from Port Maria, St Mary.

To date, they have recorded two albums and a number of singles, the latest being Dirty Works, produced by Issachar Muzik.

Recently, group members spoke about their passion for the Festival Song Competition as well as roots-reggae. In the spirit of ‘Emancipendence’, they also gave their favourite songs from both fields.

Dwight Campbell

“My favourite Festival song is Dance dis ya Festival/Big Heel Boot by Freddie McKay…saw him perform it at the Carifesta 1976 at Clemhards Park, Port Maria, and I think that’s where the music bug bite me. I was mesmerised.

“My favourite roots /Jamaican song is Book Of Rules by The Heptones… ‘Each is given a bag of tools, a shapeless mass and a book of rules’. Your mind is a shapeless mass. it is you who shape it into what you want it to be…you have tools, physical and mental. You have the book of rules, your spiritual and moral faculties. Great song.”

Paul Williams

“Well, my favourite Festival song is Cherry Oh Baby and why is it my favourite Festival Song? Because whenever I hear that song it always gives me a sweet vibration especially whenever I’m in Jamaica. It give an irie feeling in the atmosphere, I think it is one of the best Festival song ever.

My roots-reggae song that I love is Concrete Jungle by The Wailers; I think that song is one of the greatest song ever come from out of Jamaica, I just love the way it is arranged and structured.”

Trevor Douglas

“I select the Land of my Birth by Eric Donaldson. I chose this song because it speaks highly about my country. This song also help to show me and others the good qualities that my country carries. This song also build our confidence in wearing and showcasing the colours that represents us as a country. It showcase our strength, talent and creativity. One of our main talents as Jamaicans is singing and, of course, creativity which is one of the main reasons why tourists love to visit our country. As stated in the song, ‘Miss tourist, Mister tourist, leave your land and come’.”

Oniel Griffiths

“My favourite roots-reggae song is One Love by Bob Marlrey because it shows universal love. This is a song that influences good behaviour towards people, it also exhibits unity towards all race and all people.

My favorite Festival song of all time is Land of my Birth by Eric Donaldson. Land of my Birth highlighted the beauty of Jamaica in every aspect. My favourite roots song is War by Bob Marley. As a roots singer myself who is projecting positivity, War is a speech by Emperor Haile Selassie I. It was then transformed into a song to uplift and empower. Marcus Garvey philosophy and opinion is pointing into the same direction. War resonates with me because of its truth that has become a regulation.”