BBC - Radio 3 - Womad 2004

LUCIANO (JAMAICA)

There's a widespread belief that 'conscious' reggae had its heyday in the 1970s and barely survived the death of Bob Marley. Whereas it's true that bump 'n' grind dancehall and ragga did take over in the '80s and '90s, just as cocaine took over from weed as the Jamaican drug of choice, there were a handful of artists who managed to keep singing and writing songs about society, race, identity and spirituality whilst all around just chatted about guns and gals.

With the release of his first heart-wrenchingly soulful hit 'It's Me Again Jah' in 1995, 30 year old Jephter McClymount , an upholsterer from Manchester parish, JA, became Luciano, redeemer of the reggae massive and the Moses who would lead reggae back to the land of the conscious. His success wasn't entirely 'overnight'. It rarely is. Luciano had already spent several years struggling to gain a foothold in the ruff 'n' tuff showbiz world of Kingston, but once he made his mark, hits followed in quick succession: 'Lord Give Me Strength', 'Your World and Mine' and 'Heaven Help Us All'.

Island Records released his records internationally and his fame became worldwide. Luciano's soulful, spiritual voice and musical approach seem to answer a deep need in reggae fans who haven't found the sustenance they need in the new era of gunshot dancehall music. A succession of successful albums and a collaboration with Senegalese sensation Baaba Maal set Luciano apart from your average latter day reggae star. Live, with help from the legendary Firehouse Band, Luciano exudes the spiritual and joyous intensity of a latter day Bob Marley. So don't fear, conscious reggae's still ridin' high Luciano style!

Courtersy of Andy Morgan, July 2004

Read other people's comments then

Tell us what you think:

PM Musindo- Zimbabwe
Luciano is a true messenger righteous in his prophetic , spiritual message . He inspires people to believe in jah works and follow .

Savious Hari,Zimbabwe
Luciano is a great messanger,a true Moses.I can't wait to listen to his new album,Gideon.He keeps us inspired,especially when the going tough.

Mojo Carlisle
Luciano is a legend 'Forever lovin Jah' Jamacia 1995.

melody Ireland
Luciano you r bless God have realy use you for his purpose I thank the living God who lives within you and set u out on your journey I heard your messages and I knew u r sent from above u r honoured and greeting to the woman who carry u in her wombs and bless to the woman who won your heart. Bless, bless, bless and I hope and trust the God of Israel will continue use you. Melody

Kudzayi Tarisayi,MSU,Zimbabwe
Luciano is my source of inspiration.His music gets me through tough times-Thank you mama summarises what most of our mothers had to go through raising us-no wonder why it's my favourite.Unfortunately out of all his albums here in Zimbabwe we only have two on the self-Where there is life and Messanger

Kudzayi Tarisayi ,Zimbabwe
Luciano is da messanger!His music is a source of devine inspiration.Let Jah's blessings continue pouring pon da brother.Bro,continue teaching dem youth about Jah.Tal up.

george - KENYA
Luciano is the undisputed JAH messenger!

nolan gava in zimbabwe
i am a big fan of lucciano though we have less coverage of reggae music on our national fm.may god bless him,his song called-its me again jah-hit me the most,i wish i could meet him.

RE
Luciano is a very talented inspirational artist he was sent to awake people up out off the long sleep we are in music is a message and he comes with one so listen carefully

Langa - Azania
I'm looking forward to bringing "Jah Messenger" to Africa, South Africa to be specific. wont't waste time commenting on how 'boring' he was at Reading. I guess to many white South Africans who afforded WOMAD Pato Banton was also 'boring'.

Jack Pearsall, Halifax
I just want to say that this guy is a hereo. He really inspired me and it was such an emotional end to a great WOMAD. Shame there was no oncore. But still one of the best gigs of WOMAD 2004.

Jimmy Smeets Heerlen
Conscious reggae foremost representant wiht a tight band. Great perfomer, great singesr. Good uplifting vibes. Great show all the time. More of his music should be brought to the youth of today, as today's youth are no more rebels with a cause.

Hudson Frogg, Trefynwy, De Cymru
Listen to a message? It's reggae. I just wanted to dance and my memory was just getting revved up to the beat, only to find they gone off playing rhythms that made me feel I was dancing in treacle.

verna, toronto, canada
I think luciano is one of the better "messengers" right now, whoever thinks luciano is boring does not understand the message behind his words....read and enlighten your mind.

chris - reading
luciano is a legend, a great show on the night, respect to womad for such a treat

Caritina Montoya, California
I am sorry that you people don't know how to appreciate real Spiritually Concious Reggae. Yes, Spear and Cliff are great! But, as far as Luciano bieng boring, is ridiculous. He is one of the best live performers out there. In case you didn't get the message he is the "Messenger". Take amoment to Listen by doing so you will Learn and have a greater appreciation. One Love, Suga

Mick Coleman - Swansea
Cabaret reggae at it's worst. My mind went back to Jimmy Cliff last year - what a difference

bill, aldershot
got bored. very showbiz. went walkies.

Rich, Reading
What a load of rubbish! Great band, great musicians who would be better off without the ego out front. And where did they get the MC? Then Luciano - highlight of his performance was when he got his mike stuck in his cape at the start.

Joe from Swindon
Couldn't agree with Peter from Crookham more. Bring back real reggie like Burning Spear etc.

stuart wright - north warks
TrenchTown Rock LIVES!

peter from crookham
Talk about over hype.I was looking forward to this but they never really got going,too much stop/start and far too many"Reading's are you ready" we had been ready for ages and were slowly loosing interest. never mind everything else was great.