Yellowman, Sister Nancy Headline ‘Champions of the Mic (Reggae)’ Virtual Show
Dancehall veterans King Yellowman and Sister Nancy have headlined the first installment in a new series showcasing Reggae legends, dubbed Champions of the Mic (Reggae), the latest production from creator and executive producer Brad Eaddy and Top Gun Entertainment.
The series is available to be streamed on championsofthemic.com and also features the last recorded performance by their Volcano Records stablemate, the late Purpleman, as well as performances from their compatriots Triston Palma, Milton Henry, Winston Hussey and Martin Campbell.
The show features performances from concerts, which were filmed in Hawaii, and is hosted by comedian Faizon Love, star of Friday, The Replacements, Elf, Couples Retreat and several other popular movies.
In addition, rapper Snoop Dogg is featured, as according to Eaddy, he and his team “took a unique approach when producing this concert by adding in the hip-hop element with comedy and reggae”.
“The concerts [will] captivate audiences with smooth, yet power reggae tunes and celebrates the incredible acts that use their platform to bring awareness to injustices many face in the United States and across the world, such as social injustice, sexism, racism and poverty,” he added.
According to a Top Gun release, the film will feature “powerful performances” from the artists as well as “exclusive interviews with them as they share their stories with the audience at home and provide “a little bit of thrill in such bizarre times”.
“The concert offers family fun entertainment through reggae and hip-hop and creates a space to learn about injustices in the world and make them a little easier to deal with,” a release from Top Gun said.
“Fans all over the world can enjoy watching amazing performances filmed over the years that are a must-see for the holidays. The film is a definite must-see for all reggae fans around the world & for those interested in watching some of the best reggae performers out there… Fans can enjoy a series of concerts from the wonders of reggae music from the comfort of their homes by streaming the concert online,” it added.
The event unveiled 15 months after the death of Purpleman, who passed in August last year from a heart-related illness, at age 58.
Purpleman, along with Yellowman and Sister Nancy were members of producer Henry “Junjo” Lawes’ Volcano Records camp in the 1980s.
Under the label, the trio recorded an album in 1982 dubbed The Yellow, The Purple & The Nancy, which will mark its 40th year on January 2022.
The Yellow, The Purple & The Nancy was released by Greensleeves Label and featured 10 tracks including Feeling Irie, Get Ready, Out of Hand and Westmoreland Skank by Purpleman; A No Any Man Can Test Sister Nancy, Dance Pon The Corner and Bang Belly by Sister Nancy and Mr Wong, Baby Father and Mash It Up Now by Yellowman and Fathead.
As for the other artists who will feature on the show, singjay Triston Palma, is known for his hit song Entertainment and other tracks such as Water Bubbling, Spliff Tail, Raving, Touch Me, Take Me and Run Around Woman.
Milton Henry is famous for his 1976 cover of The Impressions’ Gypsy Woman while Winston Hussey is known for Bury the Soundboy, My Sound and Joe Grind Last Night. Martin Campbell, a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, beatmaker and producer is known for Hard on the Rootsman and Just Another Day.