Rap on a Roll

“He used to play music from Jamaica,artists such as U-Roy,Big Youth,Dillinger,Bob Marley and Denis Brown. I used to listen to old school emcees and imitate them. Then I started to enter talent competitions and win them,and began to emcee on bigger sound systems,such as King Tubby’s,Sir Lloyd and Saxon Sound system. Record labels then became interested in me and I made my first record at 17,called The Opposite,” he says.

In the years since,reggae and rap styles have changed considerably,as Henry points out. “In the ’80s there was a more laid-back style of rapping; over the decades the style has gotten more up-tempo

and quicker,which suited me fine,since that is what I am known for,” he says.

Even the audience,their numbers and tastes have changed over the years. “There was a huge following for our music in the ’80s because we were fresh at the time. It has changed a little now,because our fan base is older and has more responsibilities than they had then,” he says.

As a rapper,whose lyrics mostly explore social commentary,Henry has little patience for rappers who choose more frivolous themes. “I like intelligent rappers that talk about positive things,things that uplift their people,educate their people. I have no time for rappers that talk about bling-bling and

gun violence,” he says.

As popular as Henry is in the reggae-dancehall scene,he has also dabbled in pop successfully,with quite a few popular numbers such as Hello darling,which made it to the pop charts and was number one on the reggae charts. He also collaborated with American band Black Eyed Peas on Hey mama,a part of the band’s third album,Elephunk. For his tour in India,Henry has planned a mixed set-list,with old and new songs. Expect dancehall,roots,dub,lovers rock and ska.

Henry will perform with Reggae Rajahs at High Spirits on Sunday,from 9 pm