6 months ago
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Legendary Jamaican reggae artiste Freddie McGregor is a true icon whose soulful voice and timeless hits have resonated with fans worldwide for over five decades. Known for his distinctive style and enduring presence, McGregor has played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of Jamaican music. His legendary career, marked by unforgettable tracks, like Big Ship and Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely, has earned him a place in the hearts of reggae lovers across the globe. As one of the genre’s most respected figures, McGregor inspires new generations with his music, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to the craft.
1. ‘Big Ship’ became an anthem for fans worldwide. How did the success of that track shape your career and influence your journey in reggae?
Big Ship really took my career to another level. It became a global hit that resonated with fans from all walks of life. It gave me the chance to tour the world extensively, spreading reggae music to places that I never thought it would reach. The success of that track has been a blessing—it’s not just a song; it’s a movement that continues to inspire people.
2. You’ve worked with many of reggae’s greats over the years. Is there one collaboration that stands out as particularly meaningful or memorable, and why?
One collaboration that stands out is Not As Happy As You Want To Be, which I did with Miss Cynthia Schloss, produced by Gussie Clarke. The song became very popular in the United Kingdom, staying at number one for about 10 weeks. Another memorable collaboration is with Dennis Brown on Run From Trouble. I was voicing the song when Dennis walked in, saw me, and shouted, ‘Leave my verse, fire!’ We vibed together and created something beautiful. Though it didn’t become as popular in Jamaica, it’s still a beloved track in the music industry, and I’m hoping to reissue it on Vinyl soon because it’s still very relevant today.
3. Being named a Red Stripe Living Legend is a remarkable honour. How does it feel to have your contributions to reggae celebrated in such a significant way?
Any accolade is exciting, and this one is no different. It’s not my first connection with Red Stripe—I did one of their first big radio and TV commercials back in the day. I remember the ‘shooting the breeze’ commercial, which even aired at Sumfest. I’m grateful that Red Stripe still recognises my contributions. Music and Red Stripe go hand in hand, and I joked with them about creating a ‘Fred Stripe’ with a moringa flavour. It’s great to see Red Stripe, a true Jamaican brand, still thriving.
4. From your early days as a young artiste to now as a respected veteran, how has your view on reggae music evolved over time?
I’ve seen many changes in the music industry over time. It’s changed for the better because we now see so many young artistes doing extremely well, with opportunities and technology that we didn’t have back in the day. Nonetheless, I’ve also noticed that we need to focus on keeping our lyrical content more positive and respectful. The things we say in our music shape the lives of the young people who listen to it. If we spread good, kind, and loving words, they will gravitate to those. So, we have a choice—good or bad—let’s make the right one. I’m also inspired by younger artistes like Chronixx, whose positive lyrical content is a real inspiration.
5. What advice would you offer to the younge r generation of reggae artistes entering the industry today?
From my experience, I’d say it’s vital to focus on the business side of music. Many young artistes are excited about performing and entertaining, which is great, but they must understand the business too. If you don’t protect your music legally, you won’t benefit from it as you should. My advice is to never sign any legal agreements without consulting a music lawyer. Many of us, myself included, made deals early on that came back to haunt us. So, learn the business and always stay informed.
English (US) ·