Tappa Zukie releases digital copies of timeless projects
World-renowned artiste and producer Tappa Zukie is releasing the digital copies of some of his most iconic productions that were previously only available on vinyl.
The releases got under way on March 22 with Cornell Campbell’s Follow Instructions and The Heptones’ Pressure. There are seven more digital re-releases scheduled.
“I have been in the music business for over 50 years, so I have seen the evolution of music and its distribution. As such, I am hoping to reintroduce these classic reggae albums for hardcore fans in a format that is with the new age of music distribution,” Tappa Zukie said. “I’m hoping to give fans accessibility to their favourite artistes’ music from Tappa Records without having to buy a classic vinyl.”
Other digital re-releases will include: Max Romeo’s The Cross or the Gun, Yami Bolo’s Cool And Easy, Gregory Isaacs’ Gregory In
Red,
Minott’s Breaking Free. For the projects that have made their digital debuts, the producer noted that he is encouraged by the reviews. Tappa Zukie’s career began in the 1970s with songs addressing social injustices both in Jamaica and Africa. The message of his music was well received, and it gained the attention of music lovers around the world, including ‘Queen of Punk Rock’ Patti Smith and English billionaire Richard Branson, who offered Tappa Zukie a recording deal through his Virgin Record Label.
After a musical hiatus in England, Tappa Zukie rebranded his music career as a producer in the mid1980s, following the footsteps of his mentor, Bunny Lee. Having a consistent career that has spanned many decades, Tappa Zukie revealed that he is working on several other projects, while preparing for African and European gigs. “I recently finished recording my 21st studio album, so that is scheduled for release later this year. I am also looking to perform for my fans more. I recently performed at the 30th staging of Rebel Salute and I’m looking to perform more for the fans,” said Tappa Zukie, who reiterated that he has no plans to retire soon.
“Music is an art form used to express our culture and experiences. I want to advise the youngsters to be more expressive of the issues we all face as Jamaicans,” he continued.