Keithus-I recalls 'Then & Now'

Roots reggae singer Keithus-I recorded his first single in the late 1970s, the title of the track was Red Hot. The song was produced by the late Ashton 'Family Man' Barrett, who was then a member of Bob Marley's famous backing band the Wailers.

"I began my music career in 1975 by recording a single for Ashton 'Family Man' Barrett called Red Hot, it was fairly well received. This song really helped to give me the start I needed at the time. It was a very good song and it was produced by one of the leading musicians of those days, and featured several others. The whole thing was just great," said the soft-spoken singer.

That song helped to launch Keithus-I's career, as he later recorded a number of singles such as Dread Locks I and Save the Children for various producers. These singles failed to bring him the commercial success that he desired and he eventually took a break from music to pursue other goals.

"I went on to record for other producers but things weren't too bright, so after a while I decided to put the music thing on hold."

Keithus continued to record in the 1980s, but not frequently enough to really keep apace with what was happening in music at that time. During those days, he spent most of his time focusing on a career in film production while living in Montreal, Canada, and on his return to Jamaica.

He continues to work in that field today; he currently works at a television station, WFFB, a CBS affiliate in Rocky Hill, Connecticut.

Keithus is currently working on his debut album which is titled Then and Now. The album is slated to be released later this year on his Jah Dynasty imprint. He says the album will feature a number of his previously recorded tracks, as well as new ones.

"Music is something I love very dearly, and although I have done many different things over the years, I still have to find the time to record my music, because I will never stop singing. Right now, I am preparing my debut album. I was in Jamaica recently recording tracks for my album, it will feature a variety of songs from the past and the present," he said.

Keithus-I is also getting ready to release a rhythm project called the 'Denial rhythm'. This project will feature songs from artistes like Junior Reid, Andrew and Wada Blood and Keithus-I.

(from Jamaica Star)