When he performed at Pon Top Seafood Grill and Bar in April, it was the first time Carl Meeks performed in Jamaica for nearly 20 years. One week later, the singer took the stage at nearby Dancehall Thursday.

At both events, Meeks did Youthman and Weh Dem Fah, songs that announced him during the 1980s. Both were produced by Hugh “Redman” James.

“It was overwhelming, I picked up right where I left off. My people remember and love my songs wherever I perform. I am going back in a few months from now to do a couple shows,” Meeks told Observer Online.

Meeks’ return to Jamaica coincided with the release and promotion of Redman International: We Run Things, a 40-song retrospective album released last December by VP Records.

It includes Youthman and Weh Dem Fah, as well as Danger and Heard About my Love which were also recorded during the late 1980s, a period of success for the diminutive James.

Meeks met James shortly after placing second in the 1985 Tastee Talent Contest. They struck up a fruitful partnership that resulted in Weh Dem Fah and Youthman, which were big hits in the dancehall and on radio.

Based in North Carolina, Meeks still records. Tek Life, Feelings For You and Never Fail are some of his latest songs.

– Howard Campbell