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When Niney the Observer made his grand entrance in The Jamaica Pegasus hotel’s prestigious Talk of the Town last Tuesday, his appearance was well worth the wait. One of the veterans in the music business, Niney is known for his trend-setting outfits as much as for his music, and he was dressed to the nines. And so, too, was his son, Winston.
The red-carpet-ready duo smiled for the cameras, as friends from the worlds of music, politics and academia gave him their full support at the launch of Niney Holness The Observer, his first personal album in more than two decades. Much time was spent heaping praises and telling amusing stories about the man named both Winston Holness and Winston Boswell, who celebrated his 80th birthday last December.
“Niney is an icon and we don’t use that word loosely. Niney has contributed to this music in so many ways ... in terms of business, in terms of creativity, in terms of organisation, and in terms of the art itself; he is an artiste, and it’s a unique combination. And to be doing it for so long, we have to give him a round of applause,” author and ethno-musicologist Dr Dennis Howard, who was the guest speaker, told the gathering.
Noting that Jamaica “has not exploited its UNESCO Creative City of Music designation”, Howard said that while the Government continues to play a role, it is now time for the private sector to join in giving fulsome support for Jamaica’s music, which has a proven track record of impacting the country’s GDP.
“We praise the success of the luminaries that do it and are successful, the Shaggys, the Sean Pauls ... now we see Vybz Kartel and the Aidonias doing well. But we need to understand that those are just a few ... and with the wellspring of talent that we have, we could be encouraging and supporting more people, so that we have more Shaggys, more Shabba Ranks ... and we have the potential to do that. Despite of our small size, we can contribute more to music. We have done well, but we need to do more. Niney is an example of what it means to be creative, consistent, and continue the work of reggae music. It is unbelievable for somebody to be in the music for close to 60 years and still contributing,” Howard said.
Clyde McKenzie, who spoke to the making of the album, described Niney the Observer as “a restless, experimental innovator who has done so much to shape what we call Jamaican music”.
“At a time when many of us would have comfortably retired, Niney is still making fashion statements and still showing how creative one can be ... and that age is really but a number. I have avowed admiration for him with how he carries himself and maintains his standards by going for the best. I personally, without reservation, would recommend this album,” McKenzie said.
Emcee for the evening Dennis ‘Isis’ Miller declared that it was a night of ‘One Niney’ and many who know Niney well easily bought into the concept.
“To top it all off, we all agree that there is only Niney ... right Isis?” Queen of Reggae Marcia Griffiths said. “You know what I like about this ? Niney is always being himself. Him pronounce the words the way how him wants, and he sings any melody that come into him mind ... it don’t have to be perfect. It was a pleasure to sing with Sister Judy Mowatt on this album, and I know that it is going to do well,” Griffiths said
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange regaled the audience with tales of Niney back in the day, and even mentioned his famous fight with Reggae King Bob Marley. Her highest commendation for Niney, however, was reserved for the care he gives to his autistic son, Winston, who is always by his side.
“The stories about Niney are legendary. Alcapone, for example, recalls that Niney and Bob Marley got into a spat ... and Bob made the song Mr Chatterbox, and Niney .... typical Niney ... responded by making the song Blood and Fire. There are so many hilarious stories about Niney ... and even one about how he lost his finger and was then called Niney. There are also stories about Niney being one of those producers known for getting the most beatings. Is that true, Niney?” Minister Grange asked with a chuckle, as she shared that Niney always brings her back a bottle of perfume from his trips overseas.
“So if you see us disappear, I’m going to collect my perfume,” she said to laughter and a comment from Opposition Leader Mark Golding : “Perfume? That’s your story and you are sticking to it right?”
Golding stated that Niney is not somebody who he associates with current musical production, and “when somebody who has done so much four decades ago is still looking to produce material and have an album launch in 2025, it is remarkable”.
“And I just want to say to Niney, may Jah bless you continually and give you strength,” Golding concluded.
Event organiser Bridgett Anderson, who was also responsible for the stunning décor, gave the vote of thanks.
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