Yellowman“King” Yellowman as he is known, is one of the most popular reggae
artists to have come from Jamaica. Born as Winston Foster in 1959, in
Kingston, Jamaica, he was also an alumnus of the Alpha Boy’s school
where many reggae artists and musicians got their early musical
training. Yellowman, nicknamed for his albino appearance, got his start
in the late 1970’s as a young DJ (toaster or rapper).
He built his early career around the fact that he was an albino, and
his audiences accepted him for his self-effacing humor and lyrical
cleverness. He won the annual Tastee Talent contest held in Jamaica in
1978, and within a matter of months became a headlining act on Jamaican
stage shows. His records were both witty and relevant, and his slack
lyrics were as prevalent as the strong social commentary he could
record. His first few albums recorded with (the recently late) producer
Henry “Junjo” Lawes were released internationally on the UK label,
Greensleeves in the early 80’s. After Bob Marley’s death in 1981,
Yellowman became one of the most popular Reggae artists, and the new
“dancehall” style that he performed was taking hold in Reggae. He was
successful with tours in the UK and US, and in the mid 80’s, his
success led to a recording contract with CBS/Columbia Records for his
album “King Yellowman.
make more yellow children!!