Tribute to Donovan Kingjay

BLESSED be the COURIER

Tribute to Donovan Kingjay

Under the word 'courier', in my Reader's Digest Universal Dictionary, it states amongst other explanations, 'A messenger employed on urgent business...'. A perfect description I think, of Donovan Kingjay.

Born in England, then resident in Jamaica during his primary years, he returned to the land of his birth, where he completed his formal education – and began his musical apprenticeship. This training consisted of time with the legendary East London sound, King Original, who released his debut ''State of Mind'', as well as time with roots icon Sugar Minott, whose Youthman Promotion label, released his 1998 recording, ''Never Too Late''.

Since then, like many roots singers past and present, he has released music by various producers: dispatching positivity here and there. With that deep reservoir of talent, natural warmth and infectious smile, he has become the carrier of cohesion: bearer of a songbook for a sweeter humanity.

Happy to be the holder of the precious mailbag, this is reflected at its best, with his 2013 debut album, 'Higher Meditation' – co-produced by fellow UK stalwart, Nereus Joseph. Songs of self-affirmation and for global peace; three of my favourites are 'Self Confidence', 'No Weapons' and 'Trials and Crosses. World – weariness grips us all sometimes: Kingjay no less. The enforced daily diet, of hardcore intolerence and relentless conflict. He sings of our woe – asking the crucial question...

''Tired of the trials and crosses,
Tired of the tribal war.
Tired of the endless killing,
Do they know what they're fighting for ?''

As the engagement in war continues unabated, I think of the second of the aforementioned three – and its uplifting chorus...

''No weapons, Can conquer I and I.
No oppression,
Can stop we from shine.''

Sometimes, for whatever reason, we may falter or stumble, but this envoy of empowerment, in his message called 'Self Confidence, reminds us...

''Yes you can go far, Just reach for the stars: Turn your vision into reality.

One step at a time,
One brick in the wall.
Let no one get you down,
Stand firm on solid ground.''

We are glad to be the recipients, of what the Rasta Courier brings us, from his meditations with the Most High: so we eagerly look forward to the next album. Blessed be the Courier.

                                                                                      (c) Natty Mark Samuels, 2016, The Dub.


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