Merritone’s Monte Blake honoured by Ribbiz
In a fitting tribute on Father’s Day, Merritone Disco’s Monte Blake was honoured by Ribbiz Ultra Lounge for his significant contribution to Jamaica’s music and entertainment industry.
Blake has been at the helm of Merritone Music since 2016, following the death of his older brother Winston.
According to Brian “Ribbie” Chung, co-director of Ribbiz Lounge Limited, Monte Blake is the consummate professional and an icon in the business.
“Men like Monte are pioneers in our local entertainment and music industry. Merritone is the first real sound system and first to use vinyl in Jamaica. They really led the charge for the evolution of our sound system culture,” he told the Jamaica Observer.
Blake, youngest of four brothers, was happy to be recognised.
“I feel quite honoured to receive this tribute and to be surrounded by so much love. It’s one of the best Father’s Day gifts; it was just wonderful and Ribbie is such a gracious host. It got me quite emotional,” he shared.
In 2024 Monte received the distinguished Doctor of Letters (DLitt) from The University of the West Indies, Mona, for his pioneering work in music.
The Merritone story had its genesis in Morant Bay, St Thomas, in 1950 when the Blake brothers’ (others being Trevor and Tyrone) father launched the parish’s first sound system.
Said Monte: “In the beginning, the upper and middle classes were able to go to places like Myrtle Bank, but the poor people could not. They had to go to Torrington Bridge and for us in Morant Bay, seven decades later, Merritone Music still rocks steady. It is one of Jamaica’s longest-running family-owned businesses and the only continuous sound system left from the original sound system era.”
Monte leads a team of Merritone selectors, who include Mikey Thompson, Craig Ross, Richie Clarke, Glen Campbell, Fernando Bogle, and Jeremy Scott.
He and his daughter, Monique, are the directors of Merritone Music.
Trevor Blake, eldest of the brothers, lives in the United States. Tyrone died in 2012 at age 69.
Merritone was at its most popular during the 1970s when the Blakes operated Turntable nightclub on Red Hills Road in St Andrew. That venue was a hang-out for well-known personalities from the corporate, political, and entertainment sectors.
Merritone played a vital role in promoting Jamaican talent by hosting the Merritone VIP Talent Exposure, which launched the careers of artistes like Cynthia Schloss and Beres Hammond.
Dr Monte Blake of Merritone Music responds to the tribute and recognition by Ribbiz Lounge for his 75 years in music and entertainment as Brian Chung, co-director, Ribbiz, shares in the moment.
Monte Blake receives a plaque from Ribbiz Lounge Co-Director Brian Chung on Father’s Day at Ribbiz Ardenne Road.
