When last in Jamaica we were lucky enough to spend a day at the late, great Sugar Minott's YOUTH MAN PROMOTIONS yard and his BLACK ROOTS STUDIO. Even though the "God Father" of dancehall has passed the Youth Man yard retains a serious vibe and vitality under the watchful eye of both Sugar's extended family and the great Errol Dunkley who is now managing the spot.
Wall Opposite Youthman Yard
Danny Coxson outside Youthman Promotions Gate
We were fortunate to come to the Youthman Yard as guests of the singer Danny Coxson who, as "The Artist," painted all the walls at Youth Man.
Clockwise from top L to R: Yami Bolo, I forget!, Tenor Saw, Garnett Silk
Triston Palmer
Josey Wales painted next to the bar -- his favorite spot!
Danny Coxson & Tiger Worries in front of Dennis Brown
Sugar Minott's favorite corner where he liked to smoke his chalice so Danny painted it with Selassie and Marcus Garvey
As mentioned the great Foundation artist Errol Dunkley is now managing the Yard and Black Roots studio and he likes to drink his rum with straight water -- no extra sugar! There are always artists about the place, either just feeling the vibes or working in the studio.
The great singer Patrick Andy who also is a major bike mechanic -- trust me I saw him rebuild a bike in like 10 minutes -- incredible to watch!
The dub innovator / engineer / mixer Barnabas!
Danny Coxson pointed out the above painting of FIRE FOX a.k.a. FIRE FACTS and I got crazy excited. "You mean Fire Fox who sang Hypocrite?" Danny said Yah Mon! He's right here. Soooo...what do you do when you get Fire Fox, Danny Coxson and Danny's spar Tiger Worries in one place...Well, if you're us, you get a few jingles!
Black Roots Studio where so much great music was recorded is still going strong under the guidance of Daniel Minott -- one of Sugar's sons. He gave us a quick tour of the well appointed studio (where we did some quality tape transfer work!) and then let us in the vaults...
Daniel Minott in the TAPE DEN!
And finally, after a long day with the sun setting, we took off. Nuff respect to Danny Coxson and Tiger Worries for bringing us through and big ups to all of the Youthman Promotions massive who made us feel right at home! We shall be back!
