In these troubled times, Luciano’s engaging baritone resonates like a divinely ordained instrument possessing the power to comfort and, seemingly, the informed biblical authority to warn of impending destruction. While many of his so called “conscious” contemporaries have faltered by recording songs that glorify wanton sex and random violence as a means of topping the charts, Luciano has held steadfast to enriching Rasta principles; these positive lyrical themes have justifiably earned him the title of The Messenger. However, the humble singer also refers to himself as the child of a king, which is the title of his latest CD on VP Records.
Produced by Byron Murray of Kingston’s In the Streetz Productions, “Child of a King” is one of The Messenger’s most esteemed works, mixing classic cover versions and original tunes, recent hits and brand new boom shots. Luciano estimates this to be his 40th album; the prolific artist releases three (full length) CDs per year.
Born Jepther Washington McClymont on October 20, 1964 in Davey Town, a small community located atop a hilly region on the road to Mandeville in the central Jamaican parish of Manchester. In the late 80s, he arrived in Jamaica’s bustling capital Kingston hoping to transform his musical talent into a flourishing career. He sold oranges in the marketplace as a means of initially supporting himself, but when a drought restricted that year’s orange crop, he returned to Mandeville. However, it wasn’t long before Luciano went back to Kingston, this time with even greater determination to succeed.
As the 1990s progressed, Luciano recorded for a few producers but failed to make any significant headway until he met Freddie McGregor. “Shake It Up” (a cover version of Cheryl Lyn’s R&B hit) recorded for Freddie’s Big Ship label became a number one hit in the UK in 1993 and was featured on Luciano’s first release for VP Records “After All.”
With the release of “Where There Is Life” for Island Jamaica/Xterminator, Luciano’s deeply devotional yet accessible lyrics and the beautiful melodies of “Its Me Again Jah”, “Your World and Mine” and “Lord Give Me Strength,” coupled with Fatis’ contemporary one drop riddims, catapulted the singer to the top of the reggae charts, toppling (at least temporarily) the decade long reign of deejays rapping x-rated lyrics over digitized dancehall beats.
Luciano and Fatis (alongside preeminent musicians such as saxophonist Dean Frasier and drummer Sly Dunbar) created several exceptional releases including 1997’s “The Messenger” and 1999’s “Sweep Over My Soul.” Although they parted ways in 1999 due to artistic differences within the Xterminator camp, Luciano consistently acknowledges Fatis’ essential role in establishing the foundation for his far-reaching success.
“I came out of roots and culture as a reggae singer and have proven to people that I can fit into any genre of music,” he proclaims. “I sing reggae, gospel, roots—I will sing rock too, but always keeping my message clean, spiritual and cultural. There are no barriers in music. Although I am well-known as a reggae culture singer, I have an international message so I cannot leave it just to reggae people. I have to extend it to people of all walks of life.”
