Andrew Minott to Prove ‘Em Wrong
MOST persons who write autobiographies usually leave no stone unturned, publishing even the most intimate details of their lives. It was no different with Andrew Minott for Prove ‘Em Wrong, his memoir which is scheduled for release on February 1.
A South Florida resident for many years, Minott has promoted numerous reggae shows and acted as manager for package tours to Africa, Europe and Dubai. Initially, he planned to help Sugar Minott, his cousin, with his autobiography but that was shelved after the singer died in May, 2010.
After encouragement from veteran American publicist Angelo Ellerbee, Minott decided to tell his story with Kevin E Taylor. It traces his roots from his hometown of Montego Bay to attending Cornwall College, migration to the United States at age 18, serving in the US military, and serving time in prison.
“I found it very hard to talk about myself. I’ve done shows and promoted people but to promote myself is kinda weird,” said Minott who began work on the project in August 2022. He and Taylor completed Prove ‘Em Wrong in November.
The book, which contains just over 140 pages, will be distributed on Amazon. While he enjoyed writing essays at Cornwall and term papers as a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, it is Minott’s first serious effort as an author.
Although he wants to reach a wide audience the dreadlocked Minott dedicates Prove ‘Em Wrong to a demographic he believes has gotten a bad rap for many years.
“I wanted to shine the light on good fathers, the struggle that we go through and the trauma we face — and I’m talking about single, black fathers who are often portrayed as deadbeats,” he stated. “When I got in trouble I basically lost my kids so I felt I betrayed them.”
Minott leaves it to the reader to find out the extent of his indiscretions. He also covers his close relationship with Sugar Minott, often regarded as the godfather of modern dancehall music.
“As big as he was he had to put up with a whole bunch of crap, like the lack of respect. He always said he got respect in Japan and Europe but not in Jamaica. Sugar was very honest, very open,” said Minott.
Andrew Minott plans to promote Prove ‘Em Wrong in Jamaica, possibly during February, celebrated as Reggae Month.
