Jamaica's Albino Son Returns

Yellowman, or King Yellowman as his is often called, has an incredible history in Reggae music. His upbringing at the Maxfield Home orphanage in Kingston and being albino in Jamaica were two obstacles the he overcame to become one of the biggest reggae artist since Bob Marley.
After winning a talent contest at the famous Tastee Patties in Kingston, Yellowman went on to excite reggae crowds all over Jamaica and the rest of the world with his boastful and sometimes bodacious lyrics. His ability to ride rhythm and excite a crowd made Yellowman an instant hit in Jamaica.
About that time he also began to work with the Ace Sound System in St. Thomas U.S.V.I. and drew big crowds at his dancehall performances.
Later in his career, Yellowman began to spread out and work for a number of different producers, sometimes releasing as many as five albums per year. This led to a recording contract with CBS Records. Yellowman recorded one album with them before he was diagnosed with jaw cancer and was given six months to live. That was nearly 27 years ago.
After surgery an extended leave of absence from the record industry, Yellowman began his comeback with the song “Blueberry Hill,” and his career was re-launched. His first album for RAS Records came from producer Phillip ‘Fatis’ Burrell and was called Yellowman Like Cheese.
Once considered the “rudest Dancehall toaster of the 1980s,” Jamaica’s albino son Yellowman made as many enemies as fans with his controversial, often overtly sexist (if tongue in cheek) lyrics. Now back on the Reggae scene, singing at a slightly slower pace, Yellowman’s witticisms are as cheeky, spirited and intelligent as ever, and delivered with his customary sharp, melodic style.
 
Yellowman plays Tuesday, Aug. 13 at The Pour House, located at 1977 Maybank Hwy. For more information call 571-4343 or visit www.charlestonpourhouse.com