Colourman

Colourman (given name Fidel Hugh Henry, born c. 1965) is from the Manchester Asia district and started out with the Clarendon-based Sound System Cosmic Force in the Early 80's and also sounds such as Ghetto International, Master Blaster, Caddett Hi Power. Other than being Colourman he was at this time often known as The Bible Man or even Colourvibes. The name Bibleman due to Colourman often refering to matters religious. He must have released his first album, Cool Profile (erroneously credited to Clourman), during this time. Cool Profile was recorded for the producer Super Bubble Rock (also known as Eric Bubbles of the African Brothers).

In 1984 he moved to Kingston where he was coached by Snagga Puss - who at the time was performing as Dickie Ranking and was the resident DJ on the Gemini Disco sound system. His reputation grew and he was soon invitated by Junjo to perform alongside Burro Banton, Billy Boyo, Little Harry and Danny Dread on the Volcano Hi Power sound. In '85 Junjo invited Colourman to join him when he decided to take the sound to New York. Colourman resisted the offer, preferring to perform in Jamaica.

While often appearing on Gemini he was discovered and soon got recruited to Sugar Minott's Youth Promotion which he joined in '85. The same year he released his »Skin It A Go Peel«, followed by »Vibes Up A Sound«. His debut, however, resulted in him being enrolled by I-Roy to voice a track at Channel One - it surface on the one rhythm compilation Adam & Eve. His biggest two hits were the songs »Dirty Ways Gal« (1985, Creation) and »Kick Up Rumpus« both being produced by Cashima »Dave« Steele and subsequently and also included on the album Kick Up Rumpus. The latter song was banned by both RJR and JBC, as certain lines within the tune were considered blasphemous. This prompted sufficient sales to take the song to the top of both charts.

Colourman Discography

Albums

7 inches

• Jackie Knockshot, Reggae Quarterly vol. 7 (1986), Toronto, Live Good Today