Two pivotal late 1980s recordings by dancehall pioneer Sugar Minott will make their streaming debut as part of 17 North Parade’s Skengdon reissue series. Ghetto Child (out June 20) and its dub companion Ghetto Dub (out June 27) spotlight Minott’s collaboration with influential producer Kenneth “Skengdon” Black.
Originally released in 1989 and recorded at SKD Studios, Ghetto Child features Minott’s introspective songwriting and vocals over backing by the Abbashante Band. The album was produced by Minott himself, with Maxine Stowe and Black as executive producers. Meanwhile, dub engineer Anthony Graham, better known as Bunny Tom-Tom or Crucial Bunny, applies his Channel One-developed skills to Ghetto Dub, offering stripped-down, bass-heavy reinterpretations that distill the originals to their rhythmic core.
Born Lincoln Barrington Minott in 1956, the singer was raised in Kingston’s Maxfield Park, near the iconic Channel One studio and Waltham Park dancehall. Immersed in sound system culture from a young age, he began performing in local dances as a child. He rose to prominence with his 1977 debut for Studio One, helping to usher in the dancehall era. His 1981 cover of “Good Thing Going” earned international acclaim.
Nevertheless, Minott remained deeply involved in his community. Through his Youth Promotion foundation, a combination sound system, mentorship initiative, and artist incubator, he supported emerging talent including Tenor Saw, Junior Reid, Garnett Silk, and Triston Palma.
Minott passed away in 2010, but his impact endures.
Author: World Music Central News Room
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