Govanah in reggae

Di Govanah

Desmond Ray Williams began his career as Di Govanah at age 15 when he stamped his class as a talented  lyricist by decimating his teacher in a DJ showdown on a concert at his school, Maldon High, St James. With his star potential now exposed, Di Govanah's fan base quickly started to grow and by age 17 he had already recorded two albums: "Combination" and "Musically Equipped".

From those relatively humble beginnings, Williams matured rapidly in the business, and has racked up an enviable list of performance credits, including Reggae Sumfest and Reggae Fever. On the recording front, his output includes such tracks as "Time Like This", "Jah Say Don't" and "Inna Trouble."

Having been thus seasoned, the artiste believes he is close to the top of his game creatively, and anticipates a busy period over the coming months , during which time he will appear on several local shows whilst he prepares for a European trip come this summer. To accompany him on that tour of the continent is Swiss band Gully Echo, with producer Aron Franchetti. 

Ahead of that though, Govanah remains very active in the studios and is set to release a new EP, entitled "(Jam) Session". Already his fans are eagerly anticipating his arrival and commonly regard him as the "Young Peter Tosh". Accompanying him on this tour is 

Assessing his career to date, and reflecting on the struggles he quietly and humbly endured, the artiste is filled with pride, optimism and a sense of mission. "This marks a very exhilarating time for me musically as I strive to achieve the heights. My goal is to be a  voice for Jah people bringing a positive message while maintaining my musical relevance". 

Fully confident in the abundance of his talent and blessed with talent and with an infectious personality to match, Di Govanah is now set to unleash his arsenal of conscious reggae/Dancehall music to the world and is tipped to become one of Jamaica's leading break-out artistes of 2015.

Look out for Di Govanah, he is definately one to watch.

Riddims, Rasta and Redemption: Reggae Wednesdays night 1

Inasmuch as he starred in several Pantomimes, the late Randolph "Ranny" Williams (also lovingly known as "Mas Ran" was not widely acknowledged as a singer, nor would he have been expected to have much facility with the reggae genre (he passe about 6 months before Bob Marley, but at the gae of 68)

So it was ironic yet fitting that under  the light of a new moon (and man-made props), the Centre named in his honour hosted fantastic expositions of the very essence of the reggae genre - the percussion-driven Afro-centric rhythms of the likes of Ras Michael and the Sons of Negus.

Complete with life-size screen backdrop, and full production credits, the Ranny Williams stage seemd tailor-made for the regal Ras Michael dressed in a peach caftan and trousers with immaculate white sneakers. He regaled the constantly growing audience with tracks such as "Birds in the Treetop"  "Give love" and "None A Jah Jah Children Nuh Cry"
ably supported by both his son and grandaughter, the latter a vocalistto watch in her own right.

They were preceded (and aided) by the Warrior Love band, who have been stalwarts for the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) in its annual presentations of Reggae Month, now finding, since last year, a permanent home at Ranny Williams.

Before them, the night started in rousing fashion, with the Akwaaba Drummers, comprising some of the most accomplished percussionists working in Jamaica today. A lone female dancer sought o accentuate and translate some of the energy being generated by the instruments, which included the "kitchen cabinet" a homemade percussion and multi-phonic creation of writer-musician-artist M'bala.

When this writer left, the audience had been treated to a sterling display by a unique multi-generational cast: the likes of trombone virtuoso Nambo Robinson and  drummer extraordinaire Desi Jones alongside youngsters such as Shiah Coore (son of Stephen "Cat" Coore), saxophonist Sheldon Palmer and Desi's son Joshua on bass. their expanded repertoire  took in soul (the Isley Bros. "Livin' for the Love of You") as well as r n' b (the Whispers' "And The Beat Goes On") and contemporary reggae.

Above it all, "Mas Ran" flashed a toothy, silvery grin of approaval.


The Reggae month calendar featuresa wide range of musical and other cultural events throughout february. For details, visitthe JaRIA website at www.jariajamaica.com