Reggae singer Duane Stephenson is taking a special tribute to Brazil. On 28 November he will perform at Republica Do Reggae in Salvador, Bahia, where he will honour the late Gregory Isaacs with reworked versions of ‘Night Nurse’ and ‘Soon Forward’.

Who else is on the bill

Stephenson shares the line-up with Alpha Blondy, Jah9 and Johnny Clarke. Author Peter Price will also be there to launch the Portuguese edition of his book The Cool Ruler: The Incredible Life Story of Gregory Isaacs.

Why Duane Stephenson?

The idea came from his agent and from the Isaacs family, who felt he was the right voice to reimagine Gregory’s songs. There is history there too. Stephenson says Isaacs gave him advice early in his career, and that they shared both a stage and a tour bus. He remembers Isaacs as someone who was “never shy about imparting tips and wisdom”.

‘Night Nurse’ is personal for him. He said it was the tune he “grew up hearing almost every day on Bryce Hill Road” in August Town, St Andrew, where he lived. Another favourite is ‘Number One’, which he calls “one of the most Gregory songs ever done”.

Brazil is the right place for it. Gregory Isaacs, who died in 2010 at the age of 60, built a strong following there and played Salvador several times. Stephenson, known for his 2007 album From August Town, produced by Dean Fraser, now gets to carry that legacy back to the same crowd.

Source: Jamaica Observer