Early in his career, Duane Stephenson recalls getting advice from Gregory Isaacs, who was one of the elders of the reggae industry. Sixteen years after “The Cool Ruler’s” death, Stephenson will pay tribute to him in a country where he was revered.

The singer is among the featured acts for Republica Do Reggae, a show scheduled for November 28 in Salvador Bahia, Brazil.

Isaacs, who died in 2010 at age 60, was massive in that region.

“I had the pleasure as a young artiste to share the stage and tour bus with Gregory and he was never shy about imparting tips and wisdom. Always fun to be around, and was always preaching the business and the things you should and should not do,” Stephenson told the Jamaica Observer.

‘Playing’ Gregory was suggested by his agent and Isaacs’ family, who thought Stephenson would be perfect to reimagine songs like Night Nurse and Soon Forward, which brought him global fame.

Isaacs’ base in Brazil is particularly strong in Salvador Bahia, which has the largest black population in the South American country. He performed there several times.

Stephenson is from August Town in St Andrew. His 2007 album, From August Town, announced him as a singer-songwriter of promise.

Produced by Dean Fraser, it contains songs such as August Town, Ghetto Pain, and a cover of Tyrone Taylor’s Cottage In Negril.

His favourite ‘Gregory’ songs are fan favourites.

“For me, Number One is the song, it is one of the most Gregory songs ever done — smoothly wrapped in the track and simple with enough to keep you dancing and smiling while getting lost in the vibe it created,” said Stephenson. “And Night Nurse was the tune that I grew up hearing almost every day on Bryce Hill Road [in August Town] where I lived.”

Alpha Blondy, Jah9, and Johnny Clarke are also on Republica Do Reggae.

Author Peter Price will also launch the Portuguese version of his book, The Cool Ruler: The Incredible Life Story of Gregory Isaacs, at the event.

— Howard Campbell