Luciano: Messenjah Singles | Reggae Vibes

Born Jepther Washington McClymont in Davey Town, Jamaica on December 20, 1974, Luciano is rightly known to many as The Messenger, also known as The Messenjah. Raised in the choir of an Adventist church, as Luciano grew older he began rocking out on the mic at local dances and youth clubs. At 17 he made his first recordings for producer Earl Hughes, but it was with Sky High of Mau Mau Productions that he was given the opportunity to release his work on an album, albeit under the name Luciana. After working with Sky High he moved to Castro Brown’s New Name label before teaming up with reggae veteran Freddie McGregor, resulting in the release of an album entitled Shake it up tonight also known as After everything.

His real breakthrough, however, came when he met Xterminator label head and producer Phillip ‘Fatis’ Burrell. It was a string of trend-defying Xterminator singles that propelled his career in the right direction, while also helping to grow his name and fame. It even resulted in the release of his first Xterminator album Going up. In the years that followed, Luciano rose to the top and became undoubtedly one of the most important forces in the development of modern cultural reggae music. In retrospect, Luciano’s association with Phillip ‘Fatis’ Burrell and musicians such as Sly & Robbie, The Firehouse Crew and Dean Fraser played a major role in Luciano’s developmental stages.

01 | Luciano – Gun Zalis (Exterminator 1997)

On Luciano’s 7” vinyl, Rifle ZalisSly Dunbar draws from his own oldies catalog. Here he samples the riddim of Ini Kamoze’s killer tune from 1984 Generaland it still resonates wonderfully. Conscious reggae artist Luciano delivers sharp, insightful, anti-gun lyrics. Truly impactful.

02 | Luciano – Over The Hills (Exterminator 1997)

Luciano is undoubtedly one of Jamaica’s finest reggae vocalists to emerge in the 1990s. His significant impact on the elevation of conscious themes in reggae reshaped the genre in that decade. This song, previously featured on his Island Jamaica album Messengeris presented with a separate (yardee stylee) remix for the Jamaican audience. This 7″ vinyl delivers a grittier sound compared to the more refined production of the Island-Jamaica release, while maintaining a raw and roots-inspired vibe.

03 | Luciano – Sweep Over My Soul (Xterminator 1997)

Supported by a striking new take on the Mean girl/I need a roof riddim, Luciano’s hoarse, tired but determined voice moves powerfully over the majestic riddim, marking one of his best performances ever. The repeated invocation of ‘Gethsemane’ sends shivers down the spine. An incredible single from the Messenjah that creates huge spiritual vibes.

04 | Luciano & Sizzla – Build a Better World (Firehouse Crew 1997)

A 7″ single that showcases the vibrant original break out riddim, created, produced and arranged by the Firehouse Crew, who played on so many classics for Xterminator. Released on their own label, the collaboration between Luciano and Sizzla delivers an inspiring message of hope. Released the same year by Greensleeves in the UK on 12″ vinyl, Luciano & Sizzla’s track is supported by selections from Half Pint, Lukie D and Glamour Murphy.