CELEBRATING JAMAICA 62: A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO INDEPENDENCE

Each year, on August 6th, Jamaicans take time to reflect on their journey to freedom. This day, which marks their independence from the United Kingdom in 1962, is filled with pride and celebration. This year was no different, and Tad’s International Record marked the occasion with the release of Celebrating Jamaica 62, an album that captures the unique sounds of the island.

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Produced by Tad Dawkins Jr., Celebrating Jamaica 62 is the third in a series of albums dedicated to celebrating Jamaican sovereignty.

The album features 19 tracks that span the genres that have made Jamaican music famous worldwide, from dancehall and roots reggae to rocksteady. This collection is a tribute to the cultural richness that defines Jamaica.

CELEBRATING JAMAICA 62 IS OUR WAY OF PAYING HOMAGE TO WHO WE ARE AS A PEOPLE

Previous albums in the series, Celebrating Jamaica 50 and Celebrating Jamaica 61, set a high standard, and this latest instalment continues that tradition.

The album includes gems like “Rocking Miss Lou,” a medley performed by saxophonist Dean Fraser and singer Nicole Bolt. This track pays homage to legendary folklorist Louise “Miss Lou” Bennett Coverley, with renditions of her famous songs “Evening Time” and “Linstead Market.”

Other highlights include Gregory Isaacs’ reggae take on Mike Williams’ “Lonely Soldier” and Duane Stephenson’s version of The Melodians’ “Sweet Sensation.” The album also features covers by artists like Beenie Man, Hezron, JC Lodge, Josey Wales, and Richie Spice.

Tad Dawkins Sr., the founder of Tad’s International Record, emphasises the significance of the Celebrating Jamaica series. “These albums showcase our reggae and dancehall culture and highlight the talent of Jamaica’s vocalists and instrumentalists. This is our way of paying homage to who we are as a people,” he says.

Celebrating Jamaica 62 is a collector’s item and a treasure trove for reggae and dancehall music lovers.

TRACKLISTING

01 Sweet Sensation Duane Stephenson
02 Sweet and Dandy Richie Spice
03 Rocking Miss Lou Nikki Bolt & Dean Fraser
04 Too Much Gun Josey Wales
05 Tun Up Remix Ginjah, Bounty Killer
06 Penny for Your Song Tanya Stephens
07 Don’t Let Me Go Etana
08 Original Song Sanchez
09 Promises Stevie Face
10 Ain’t Too Proud to Beg Hezron & Beenie Man
11 Private Party JC Lodge
12 Rocking and Grooving Screwdriver
13 Ain’t that Loving You Kelly Shane
14 Daddy U-Roy Skank Busy Signal
15 Gully Bank Dean Fraser
16 I See Jah Light Shining Brigadier Jerry & Anthony Cruz
17 My Best Girl John Holt & Bounty Killer
18 Lonely Soldiers Gregory Isaacs
19 Wear You To The Ball (Instrumental) Franklyn ‘Bubbla’ Waul