In scene one of the DVD Black History part 1 (2006), a must have for any lover of conscious, roots reggae, the Jamaican interviewer asks the organizers of this historic concert to address Bob Marley’s influence. All three men bust out into beautiful harmony singing Marley’s classic, Soul Rebel:
I’m a rebel, soul rebel
I’m a capturer, soul adventurer
Two of the men are easily recognizable to reggae fans worldwide – Luciano and Mikey General, legendary singers, songwriters, and founders of Jah Messenjah productions. The third is less recognizable but has an equally strong presence. With a commanding authority and a very melodic voice he sings,
Stop your fussin’ and fighting brother…
His sequence is short but it is instantly apparent that he is not a newcomer to the profession but a seasoned professional. His name is Milton Blake and his soon-to-be-released debut album should assuage questions of “Who’s that?” from international reggae fans.
Much of Blake’s lyrics focus on spiritual upliftment, black consciousness, “economic sufferation,” and having respect for humanity with the guidance of God (Jah). He affirms, “The process of my songwriting is to elevate others positively.” In fact, positivity is a theme that Blake expresses continuously in song and speech.
In contrast to the über-bravado of most reggae artists young and old, Blake seems more comfortable in humility both with how he conducts his inner and outer lives. “On a regular day,” he explains, “I get up and give praise to the Most High first, then in the kitchen to make breakfast, get my children off to school. Then it’s time for me to ready myself to go to the studio where I spend all my day.”
His raw, melodic voice follows in the footsteps of Bob Marley, Luciano, and Mikey General as well as Peter Tosh, Dennis Brown and Maxi Priest, all of whom Blake considers major influences on his career. His voice could be described as a mixture between Jah Cure’s sincerity and Dennis Brown’s clarity.
Blake is poised to make some noise! But it is his spiritual foundation and guidance through Jah that illuminates this talent. As he states in his aptly titled song Let Your Light Shine:
Remember you are gone
to a spiritual warfare
Not against one another
but deeper forces are there
So don’t you ever take off your armor
Just let your light shine before man
That they may see Jah
and glorify the father in Zion.
(This article was written 18yrs ago.)
