ANCESTRAL ECHOES: JUNIOR SCRATCH RESURRECTS BLACK ARK MAGIC
Mark Perry, son of the legendary producer and songwriter Lee “Scratch” Perry, has emerged from his father’s colossal shadow with purpose. Trading his Omar Perry artist moniker for the producer’s desk, he now operates as Junior Scratch, a deliberate separation that lets his studio craft breathe independently. His Congo Shanty Riddim arrives through the resurrected Black Ark Records, a weighty inheritance handled with remarkable assurance.
Congo Shanty Riddim arrives through Evidence Music and the resurrected Black Ark Records, a weighty inheritance handled with remarkable assurance. Junior Scratch builds his foundation on The Congos‘ immortal Congo Man, extracting fresh vitality from Heart of the Congos’ sacred ground. The approach shows a careful rebuild, honouring source material while pushing forward.
JUNIOR SCRATCH BUILDS HIS FOUNDATION ON THE CONGOS’ IMMORTAL ‘CONGO MAN’
The riddim’s African-infused pulse attracts serious talent. Turbulence ignites Show Some Love with characteristic fire, preaching unity through scorched-earth urgency. Chezidek’s pure tenor transforms Strong Fighter into a resilience anthem. Winston McAnuff delivers wisdom on Africa Calling, at once mournful yet restorative, his voice carrying decades of lived truth.
Teacha Dee, Mystical Faya, and Alex Perry complete the roster. Each brings distinct emotional weight: romantic warmth, political fury, melodic reflection. Perry’s instinct proves impeccable.
The extended Here Comes the Congoman reveals Junior Scratch’s true colours. Here, dubwise atmospherics expand with echoes multiplying, space opening, and instrumental conversations deepening. His production philosophy becomes clear: patient, textural, spiritually attuned. Sound system tradition flows through every mix decision.
Perry honours his father’s groundbreaking Black Ark legacy while establishing his own production voice. The lineage continues, transformed and unmistakably alive.
CONGO SHANTY RIDDIM TRACKLIST
1. Here Comes The Congoman – Omar Perry, The Congos
2. Show Some Love – Turbulence
3. Strong Fighter – Chezdiek
4. Africa Calling – Winston McAnuff
5. Love Loving You – Teacha Dee
6. Fake Leaders – Mystical Faya
7. Kiss Of Destiny – Alex Perry
8. Here Comes The Congoman – Extended – Omar Perry, The Congos, Kubix
ABOUT JUNIOR SCRATCH
Mark Perry operates as Junior Scratch behind the desk, keeping his producer work separate from his Omar Perry vocal career. He channels his father Lee “Scratch” Perry’s experimental spirit into contemporary riddim craft. His productions favour warm basslines and spacious atmospherics, honouring roots tradition while pushing forward.
The Congo Shanty Riddim demonstrates his talent for uniting veteran voices with emerging artists, building collaborative chemistry across generations. Junior Scratch crafts riddims that stand firmly on their own terms.
