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ISSUE #10 OCT 2014

M A G A Z I N E ROOTS / ROCK / / RESPECT

The Life, Spirit and Legacy of “ , OM And I Will STEPPING RAZOR Advertise It.”

IRIEMAG.COM OCTOBER / 2014

“ In the beginning there was the word. The word was . The word is in I, Jah is in I. I make what is good, better, and what is better, best. I follow this in every aspect of life.” - Peter Tosh

Nicholas “Nico” Da Silva Founder/Editor in Chief

IRIEMAG.COM

ROOTS. ROCK. REGGAE.

Stepping Razor Peter Tosh, OM I Am That I Am Legalize October 19, 1944 – September 11, 1987

RESPECT. REWIND. .

Kindah Reasoning Irie Trax One Family Fikisha Cumbo & Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee Peter Tosh @ The Pier, NYC 1983

TABLE OF CONTENT. JAM

ROOTS.

STEPPING RAZOR I Am, That I Am STEPPING RAZOR I AM THAT I AM

Biography FOLLOW Peter Tosh I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations Neither are you here to live up to mine, yeah I don’t owe no one no obligation No I don’t mean noneSo everything is fine, fine I said, “I am that I am, I am, I am, I am”

PETER TOSH, I AM THAT I AM

Peter Tosh was more than a luminary in the development of reggae music. He was the ultimate firebrand, speaking out against oppression around the world in both his songs and his public statements. He was a man who demonstrated the power of personal and artistic integrity, and pride and defiance in the face of authoritarian power. His music’s insurrectionary fervor has inspired artists of all stripes, from reggae disciples to punk-rock acolytes like The Clash.

Born Winston Hubert McIntosh in the rural parish of Westmoreland, , in 1944, he moved to the notorious slum of at age 16. His mother strongly influenced him, and her sensibility would become apparent in both his lyrics and views; she was particularly concerned that he have a Christian upbringing. He attended the local church daily, and his experience there – singing in the WEBSITE choir and learning to play the organ – formed a sort of musical apprenticeship that prepared him for his subsequent career. petertosh.com

Peter also sought refuge from the rigors of poverty in pop music, notably the R&B and doo-wop beamed to the Caribbean by stations in Florida and Louisiana. Having cultivated his guitar skills IRIEMAG.COM and his expressive baritone vocals, he began percussion and other instrumentation formed playing with fellow Trenchtown roughnecks the foundation of the Wailers’ sound and Bob and Neville ‘Bunny’ Livingstone in essentially set the course of reggae music. He the early 1960s. As he never knew his father, was also a prolific and powerful songwriter, his he came to see the group as his first real family militant perspective offering a bracing contrast and his bandmates as his brothers. to Marley’s more reassuring tone. In a sense he FOLLOW Peter Tosh played Lennon to his bandmate’s McCartney. This nexus was the very earliest seed of the Wailers, who scored a #1 hit in 1964 with the This was borne out in his solo work, especially jam ‘.’ The band’s affinity for in such stirring songs as the purposeful plaint American soul and gospel was further ignited ‘Equal Rights,’ the unstoppable unity anthem by a burgeoning interest in global rhythms and ‘African,’ the ganja manifesto ‘Legalize It’ and the teachings of the Rastafarian religion. his mesmerizing, indelible take on ’ ‘Stepping Razor.’ The latter title was also one As the ’60s wound down—and world political of Tosh’s nicknames (alongside Bush Doctor, consciousness heated up—the Wailers pio- The Toughest and other monikers) – a highly neered a new musical direction: slower than fitting one, given the slashing wit of his word- ska and rock steady, this new sound combined play, the keenness of his intellect, and the cool thick grooves with more socially relevant lyrics slice of his guitar. “I’m dangerous,” Tosh sang (strongly informed by the tenets of ). on the latter song, and as everyone from local What we now recognize as modern reggae toughs to government enforcers would come was born. to understand, he wasn’t kidding.

Tosh was the backbone and heartbeat of the His work trumpeted freedom and the struggle Wailers as well the group’s most accomplished against injustice, and he emphasized the musician – and a constant in the band through- connection between music and revolution by out the arrivals and departures of his musical toting a guitar in the shape of an M-16 rifle. brethren. His tireless guitar, keyboards, Hounded, beaten and jailed by Jamaican IRIEMAG.COM authorities, Tosh never backed down or soft-pedaled his views. But he often expressed those views with humor, and was capable of lighthearted surprise as much as full-voiced outrage: an accomplished unicyclist, he often pedaled onstage, to the delight of his audiences. FOLLOW Peter Tosh His playful side and irrepressible charisma proved especially charming to women; Tosh’s reputation as a ladies’ man was well deserved.

Among the causes about which he spoke most eloquently and campaigned most tirelessly: the peril of nuclear weapons, the injustice of Apartheid (he was the first major songwriter to discuss the issue openly), and the benefits of legalizing marijuana.

He felt music was a vital tool in all these struggles, and to that end performed count- less benefit concerts (including the Youth Consciousness performances in Jamaica, designed to galvanize young Jamaicans against violence and toward political enfranchisement) and established a ‘Rasta Reggae Radio’ station in Jamaica to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. Peter also joined such megastars as Bruce Springsteen, , James Taylor, the Doobie Brothers and IRIEMAG.COM for the celebrated ‘No Nukes’ concerts mounted for Best Reggae Performance in 1987 for by MUSE (Musicians United for Safe Energy) ‘’ – just months after he was in 1979, which ultimately became a successful murdered in a controversial home-invasion and film. declared the robbery. Though his life was snuffed out by performances “a stunning testimony to the violence, his star continued to shine ever depth of the shared beliefs of the generation brighter in the ensuing years. FOLLOW Peter Tosh which came of age in the sixties.” Unlike his U.S. peers, however, Tosh frequently put himself in “Truth has been branded outlaw and illegal,” danger as a result of his activism – especially Tosh’s voice declared on an audiotape found his constant needling of Jamaica’s rulers. after his demise. “It is dangerous to have the truth in your possession. You can be found But Tosh’s vision wasn’t limited to changing guilty and sentenced to death.” laws and reducing weapons. In “African,” he offers a moving testimony to shared roots, Peter Tosh’s example, as both artist and declaring, ‘Don’t care where you come from/As activist, continues to inspire creators and long as you’re a black man, you’re an African.’ idealists around the world. He was and is The song’s passionate demand that black a true leader whose music and message people ignore the shades of their ‘plection’ inspires people on every continent and celebrate their common origins continues throughout the world. to resonate powerfully. ‘Get Up, Stand Up,’ which he co-wrote, became the anthem of Amnesty International.

Tosh hit the global charts with the classic- soul cover ‘Walk, Don’t Look Back,’ his smash duet with (and became the first artist to sign with Rolling Stone Records), and was awarded a posthumous Grammy Award IRIEMAG.COM Celebrate 420 everyday! JAM

ROCK.

BUSH DOCTOR Legalize Marijuana BUSH DOCTOR Legalize Marijuana

By Nicholas Da Silva FOLLOW Peter Tosh “Legalize Marijuana, Down here in Jamaica Only cure for asthma, I man a de Minister (of the Herb) So there’ll be no more Police brutality No more disrespect for humanity”

PETER TOSH, BUSH DOCTOR

The year was 1974 when Peter Tosh, a founding member of the Wailers (1963-1974), left the group who were already without , to pursue a solo career. The gifted musician cited (among other things) the unfair treatment and disproportionate payments they received from , whom Tosh often referred to publicly as ‘Christopher Whiteworst’.

As he embarked on his solo journey, the world would soon discover that Peter Tosh was more than just a musician. Tosh was a messenger, a philosopher, a revolutionary, a cannabis crusader and an ambassador for Rastafarianism. The uplifting music that Tosh created, were more than just songs; they were powerful messages of equality and justice. Tosh spoke out against police brutality and government corruption. He spoke out against apartheid and segregation, demanding equal rights and justice for every man. He even advocated for the legalization of Marijuana. Tosh didn’t just talk WEBSITE the talk; he walked the walk. petertosh.com

When Tosh wrote his songs, he did so spiritually enlightened by the herb; Marijuana. To smoke the herb gave him great inspiration. He believed and preached that Marijuana was the healing of the nation. IRIEMAG.COM Legalize It

In September 1976, Peter Tosh released his first solo album,Legalize It. The album’s title track instantly became FOLLOW an anthem for supporters Peter Tosh of marijuana legalization, Reggae music lovers and Rastafarians worldwide. It also catapulted Tosh to international fame. Legalize It Peter wrote the song 1976 not only as a response to the constant victimization he received at the hands of the Jamaican police every time he wanted ‘a little draw of herb’ but also as a push for the legalization of Marijuana, in particular, for medicinal use. The title track, however, was deemed controversial in Jamaica when released which prompted the Jamaican radio to ban the song from airplay. But Tosh had an answer for them. He took out an ad in a Jamaican newspaper and printed the lyrics of the song. Any attempts to suppress the track, just made it more popular.

On April 22,1978, Peter performed at the National Stadium during the One Love Peace 2 of 5 IRIEMAG.COM Concert in front of an audience of 40,000 strong. The Jamaican police were present along with dignitaries including Prime Minister and Opposition Party Leader . In between songs, Peter lit a huge spliff and began a seven minute long livatribe that was pure fire and brimstone. He lashed out at everyone in power in Jamaica, condemning both the government and the opposition. He demanded that there be an end to all police brutality against Rastas and the growers and smokers of Marijuana. He lectured about the benefits of marijuana and blasted those FOLLOW Peter Tosh in power for their failure to recognize or even consider a legislation to legalize Marijuana in Jamaica. There was instant approval from the reaction in the audience. That night, Peter preached the truth.

The concert would ultimately be remembered for joining the hands of political rivals Michael Manley (PNP) and Edward Seaga (JLP) on stage, an act that would garner Bob Marley the UN Peace Medal. Peter’s livatribe, however, would become the speech that Jamaica forgot.

Five months later, Peter would suffer the consequences for his candor. On September 26, 1978, Peter was arrested by a plainclothes officer for what was left of a spliff (roach) while stand- ing outside the studio in Kingston. Taken into custody, he was beaten mercilessly by twelve men with battlesticks for over an hour at the Half-Way Tree Police Station. He suffered severe head wounds that require 30 stitches and a broken arm which Peter used to shield himself. Peter survived the ordeal by playing dead. When Peter was asked if he was considered a threat to the Shitstem, he re- plied, “Yes mon! They worry about me ‘cause I tell the truth.”

Despite all the police brutality, Peter remained in Jamaica. After all, he was the Toughest! Peter would go on to record seven as a solo artists. And with each album release, he shared his beliefs with the world through the titles of his albums and songs. Peter truly believed he could change the world through his music. And that is why his legacy will live forever.

Peter Tosh will always be a man of the past, living in the present and walking in the future.

IRIEMAG.COM ROLLING STONES/PETER TOSH ’ and Mick Jagger with Peter Tosh IRIEMAG.COM JAM

REGGAE.

PETER TOSH, OM October 19, 1944 – September 11, 1987 PETER TOSH, OM October 19, 1944 – September 11, 1987

Introduction FOLLOW Peter Tosh Peter Tosh lived and died fighting for equal rights and justice for every man! Through his music, he expressed his discontent with the corruption and injustices taking place in Jamaica and around the world. This was evident in the titles of his songs.... ‘Equal Rights,’ ‘No Nuclear War,’ ‘Downpressor Man,’ ‘Apartheid’ and ‘Legalize It’. “Everyone is crying out for peace, yes None is crying out for justice I don’t want no peace I need equal rights and justice!”

PETER TOSH, EQUAL RIGHTS

Perceived as a threat by the Shitstem, Peter never waivered. A man of his convictions, Peter felt that he had a job to do… that he was a messenger put on this earth to preach the truth… the word of Jah. And he preached the true word. To the people, he was a Rebel Hero!

A founding member of the Wailers (alongside Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer ), Peter was a voice for the poor and the downtrodden; a freedom fighter for those who could not fight for themselves. WEBSITE “I am not a politician... I only suffer the consequences.” petertosh.com To celebrate Peter Tosh’s life, spirit and legacy, IRIE sat down and reasoned with three of Peter Tosh’s children; , Tosh 1 and Niambe McIntosh. It is with great honor, pride and respect for the Stepping Razor that we present these interviews. IRIEMAG.COM Interview with Niambe McIntosh Discography

IRIE: Can you share with us your role as the administrator of the Peter Tosh estate?

I have been the administrator of the Peter Tosh Estate since 2008. Along with the help of my brothers and sisters, it is my responsibility to work to promote my father’s brand, music and Legalize It message, and to carry on his legacy. We are 1976 presently working to build an endless collection of merchandise and to develop Peter Tosh Memorial Garden in Westmoreland, Jamaica and the surrounding neighborhood, into Peter Tosh Town. It is also very important for the estate to be heavily involved in humanitarian endeavors as well, as my father incessantly sang about equal rights and justice. He was also the original musical ambassa- dor for the legalization of marijuana for it’s medical, spiritual, and inspirational benefits. So we are very much involved in aligning the Estate with the very new and evolving industry of cannabis.

IRIEMAG.COM IRIE. You were five years old when your lost your father. How well did you know him?

I am actually the youngest of my father’s 10 children. When he died, my mother, brother, and I had already moved to the US from Jamaica where I was born. So unfortunately I didn’t have the opportunity to get to know my father. Most of my memories are from stories that I’ve heard growing up. The stories I have heard have all had very similar sentiments. He was an amazing man; very FOLLOW Peter Tosh charismatic, very talented, and he was so funny that he could “make you piss your pants” as my mother and other would often tell me.

IRIE. What was it like growing up in the Tosh family?

I’ve grown up with a strong appreciation for my family. My mother only had my brother and I from my father. But we have always been close to our 8 other brothers and sisters. Andrew Tosh and Dave Tosh lived with us in Jamaica for a period of time. Michelle and Erone use to babysit my brother and I. And we have always maintained a strong connection with all of our other siblings. With that being said, we have all grown up with much pride and humility instilled in us for being our father’s children.

IRIE. What are you most proud about your father?

I’ve always admired my father’s relentless and undying passion to discuss and sing about the true conditions of the world in which we live. He was razor sharp in his delivery and could care less about any establishment that may have been offended by the truth.

I also recently read Remembering Peter Tosh by Ceil Tulloch, a compilation of essays from people that knew my father personally. Many of the writers, some of whom I’ve become good friends with, shared how unbelievably educated, kind, and humorous he was. That’s something I am exceptionally proud of. The media has always portrayed him as something else, so I’m very proud to know that the man behind the interviews was simply a very nice human being. IRIEMAG.COM IRIE. You chose teaching as a career path. Why not follow in in your father’s footsteps? Discography

Well my father and I do have the same career path. He educated and continues to educate people through his music and I chose to educate people in the classroom. We are educators. We both serve the same purpose. Although I am a full time Math Special Ed teacher in Boston Public Schools, I take every opportunity to enlighten my students with the truth about the world around them.

IRIE. In what ways has your father’s legacy influenced you in your life?

My father was a musical ambassador for the legalization of marijuana, equal rights and justice, and Equal Rights 1977 Pan-Africanism. These core values have become such a very strong part of who I have become. I have an engineering degree and worked as an electrical designer for a few years before taking a leap of faith into teaching. It was important for me to feel a direct connection to children and to help shape and empower the minds of the future generation. These are also the core values that I consciously weave into everything that the Estate becomes involved with.

IRIE. How do you keep his memory alive?

My father’s music was originally released decades ago. But with songs like ‘Legalize It,’ ‘Equal Rights and Justice,’ ‘Hammer,’ ‘’ and I could name dozens more, his music remains timeless. So we work to bridge the gap between his generation, today’s youths, and every generation to follow. He was a revolutionary. A man before his time. A rebel. A firebrand. The message in his music is something that continues to resonate with people of all ages across the globe. So as an estate, we provide people with the access; various platforms to be reconnected or be introduced to someone in many ways that speaks to a part of who they already are. The family is now seeking to do major development on Peter Tosh Memorial Garden in Westmoreland, Jamiaca to provide the world with a major tourist destination where they can celebrate the life of and pay tribute to a man of paramount significance. We are also in the process of developing an official documentary and a major motion IRIEMAG.COM fictional movie based on my father’s platinum selling album, Legalize It. We just completed a very successful campaign with Stussy, a major urban clothing company. And of course there so much more to come. The opportunities are endless.

IRIE. Why do you think Peter’s music has continued to endure? FOLLOW Not only was the sound of my father’s music very unique, but the message in his music is very rele- Peter Tosh vant to today and tomorrow. Take for example the song Legalize It. My father not only pushed for the world’s government establishments to legalize marijuana, but he also expounded on some of the various health benefits of cannabis that are presently being validated by many of the most pres- tigious doctors, hospitals, and universities across the globe today. Or a song like “I Am That I Am” a song that speaks to the pressures of today’s society on individuals to follow the status quo. He sings “I am not in this world to live up to your expectations, neither are you here to live up to mine.” The song makes a stand and artistically promotes the concept of individuality. Another song is “African.” When we look at how black people today across the world identify themselves often this identity starts in an era of slavery and they feel most connected to the country that their ancestors were shipped to as slaves. So the idea of a connection to our ancestors dating back to Africa, the original people on earth that walked as kings, queens, warriors, engineers, inventors, etc has been lost. And a song like African has played and continues to play a critical role in the movement to unite people and to educate all.

IRIE. What artists today do you think are most influenced by your father’s work?

I think that there are countless musicians that are influenced by the music and message of my father. In the reggae industry, young conscious musicians like Chronixx, Morgan Heritage, Sizzla, are often paying tribute to my father in their concerts. I also know that my father has definitely made an impact across many musical genres. Musicians like Nas, Snoop Dog, Adam Levine, the Rolling Stones, Wiz Khalifa, Sinead O’Connor and many more have shown their love and respect for my father in various ways. IRIEMAG.COM IRIE. On October 15, 2012, your father Discography received the Order of Merit, an honor you accepted on his behalf. What did that moment mean for you?

There was a mix of many emotions. I have longed known the importance of my father’s existence in history as a revolutionary musician that spoke out against injustice and used music to edu- Bush Doctor 1978 cate and unite people across the world. So to some degree, 26 years after his death, I felt as though it was long overdue. Did you know?

Nevertheless, it couldn’t have happened A British record retailer at a better time. I wore my last name with banned the album, a degree of pride that was culminated in Bush Doctor, upon its release because of a a ceremony that captivated the strong scratch-n-sniff sticker on sense of accomplishment for my family its cover, that apparently and for fans across the globe. I also won- smelled of marijuana. dered what my father would do, and al- though I don’t consider myself a smoker, I thought about lighting up a spliff right after shaking hands with the Governor General in true honor of the Stepping Razor. But that thought was short lived. I am not my father and I don’t ever pretend be. IRIEMAG.COM IRIE. If Peter were alive today, what would he write and sing about?

If my father was alive he would continue to write about issues most relevant to all people. There continues to be injustice around the world, there continues to be war, crime, and oppression. He would continue to promote the revolutionary messages in his music that not only educate people, but is great inspirational music. He would continue to stand firm on his spiritual practice of Rastafari, FOLLOW which really is just a message of love and consciousness. Although the times would be different Peter Tosh I think all the messages would be very much the same. Pan-Africanism, Equal Rights and Justice, and Marijuana Legalization.

IRIE. Is there one song by Peter that speaks directly to you?

There is a Tosh song for every season and every occasion. Different songs are most impactful in different ways at different times. Right now my Tosh Theme Song is ‘Hammer.’ The lyrics go “They keep on holding me, and they just won’t let go. Lend me your hammer…and let me hammer them down..…” Being the youngest of 10 and posed with the task of carrying on the legacy of such profound musical revolutionary, one could imagine that the task is anything but easy. It requires an implacable determination to never give up no matter what challenges come my way. These distractions are only meant to “break my cup.” I’ve come to the point where I look forward to enjoying a side of bull**** with every meal. But even so, the journey is most rewarding, because as the song also says, “They can’t stop the sun from shining.”

IRIE. Peter was known of his kind character, full of jokes and a straight forward way of speaking. Are there things from his character that you see in yourself?

Yes I actually do. I think that many of my siblings possess these qualities. For me, it’s what makes me a good teacher, a good administrator of the Estate, and most importantly a good mother. My daughter is three. Youths and people in general often need the truth unfiltered. Sometimes its served cold and can be difficult to swallow, but I think and hope that my genuine love for people and my need to make a laughter apart of everything that I do makes it a lot easier. IRIEMAG.COM Interview with Tosh 1 Discography

IRIE: Your music is a perfectly balance mix of your father’s music and hip-hop. Are we correct to say that?

Well if there is such a thing as perfection in this world I would hope my music comes closest to bal- ancing the two. The same cutting edge, revolutionary, inspirational, thought provoking message that comes across in my father’s lyrics is what I bring to the table in my style of music. I believe in the Power of “The Word” as my father did, and my music is my weapon against injustice and those who conspire against humanity. If life and death is in the power of the tongue, then my words are life and 1979 freedom from all forms of oppression spiritually and physically imposed upon Jah Children, and a consuming fire for all that is exalted against the Most High and his saints.

IRIE: Your first live concert was at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston, a venue your father had played. Can you describe what you were feeling when you first went on stage?

To be perfectly honest it felt like a fulfillment of some unknown prophecy, given the fact that not only had my father graced this stage many years ago, but this was also the place where my mother met my father. So besides the natural feeling of nervousness prior to my performance there was definitely a sense of divine providence and purpose about the whole event which served to energize my perfor- mance even more. And the moment I Toshed the stage, even to my surprise, I felt right at home.

IRIE: How did your father’s music influence you?

I grew up listening to my father’s music but it wasn’t until I became a young man, I would say about the age of 21, that I truly understood it and fully absorbed it. In fact there was a period whilst I was in college where I listened to nothing but my father exclusively, this wasn’t planned or premeditated it just happened that way. Me and a very close friend of mine who I consider like a brother, named IRIEMAG.COM Mbosonge from Zambia, would chill out, burn some herb and just reason about life, our people, and the current state of world affairs especially Africa. And without fail my father’s music would be playing in the background inspiring the entire conversa- FOLLOW Peter Tosh tion. This was our daily ritual for months on in, it felt as if the music had become embedded in my soul and his words became my truth. So to put it succinctly my father’s music defines the very perception of my reality. In my eyes Peter Tosh is more than just a musician but one of the last great Prophets and Freedom Fighters who lived and died for the sake of the TRUTH.

IRIE: What do you remember most about your father?

I was very young when he passed, 7 years old to be exact. I remember him being a larger than life figure; he just had this very powerful aura and presence about him that made him different from everyone else. And this was before I became conscious of the fact that he was a musical superstar. IRIEMAG.COM IRIE: Tell us something about your father Discography that a lot of people don’t know?

Well many people may not know this but my father was extremely generous, he would take me with him to go certain places and carry large sums of money, and before he reached his des- tination he had given away half or even more of what he brought with him. My father was truly empathetic to the suffering and the struggle of Wanted: Dread And Alive 1981 the people so it’s no surprise that he did this on a regular basis. Did you know? IRIE: Why did you choose the name Tosh 1?

Peter Tosh had a great I chose the name Tosh 1, first and first and fore- interest for unicycles, or most as a visible representation of the continu- ‘I’n’I-cycle’ as he called them. He could ride ation of the Tosh legacy. I also chose it because forward and backward it represents the fact that me and my father’s and even hop on the bike. work are one. My work is just a continuation of Peter would often ride his work in this dispensation of time. his unicycle during his shows, even singing while free-wheeling on stage.

IRIE: Do you see yourself as an activist for the legalizations of cannabis?

Most definitely, I think it is absurd that in the 21st century we still have to fight to legalize a IRIEMAG.COM plant created by GOD for the use of man for mental, spiritual, and medicinal purposes. We haven’t even begun to scratch to surface of all the uses of this blessed herb, but once legalized, when we begin to explore all its qualities I believe we will be pleasantly surprised at its potential. Legalize it and I will advertise it.

IRIE: What does equal rights and justice mean to Tosh 1? FOLLOW Peter Tosh To me equal rights and justice simply means freedom from oppression in all its forms for all of mankind regardless of race color or creed, and justice for all the crimes committed against humanity from the very of civilization. The world powers that exist today did not come into being without committing various atrocities against humanity, and one day they will have to pay the piper it’s as simple as that. The powers that be are doing everything in their power so we forget where we came from through the miss-education of our youths and programming via various different media outlets. True history and knowledge are suppressed, while false ideologies and lies are exalted, in order that we can be ex- ploited and enslaved for the material benefit of the elite. But what is in the dark must come to the light; this is a universal law of nature, so it’s only a matter of time before the TRUTH is revealed for the world to see.

IRIE: You majored in Economics at Northeastern University. What was the first thing you learned in economics class?

I was first exposed to the subject at an international private school called Northfield Mount Her- mon, in Northfield Mass. I received a scholarship from program called summer search in Boston to study there and I chose Economics. Interestingly enough the one of the first gems of knowledge the teacher shared with the class was that 90% of the global wealth is owned and controlled by 5% of the world population. IRIEMAG.COM Needless to say I would never see the world Discography in the same light again; The source of all the world’s problems became crystallized in one simple statistic. I always knew there was gross inequality in the distribution of wealth between the haves and the have-nots but I never knew it was to that extreme.

IRIE: We know you are working on your album, Death to the Shitstem. What can Mama Africa 1983 we expect from the album?

Expect a spiritually and emotionally charged masterpiece that will change the way listeners view the world and inspire them to break free of the mental shackles impeding them from their true potential. Expect to hear a unique sound and revolutionary message that promises once again to wake up the world, as the Wailers and many other artists did before me.

IRIE: Listening to your music is like a resurrection of your father’s work? Is this done intentionally?

I believe this is just the way GOD intended it to be, though my father may not be here physical- ly, the spirit of my father has never left me. The IRIEMAG.COM spiritual war against wickedness in high and low places did not die with my father, so it’s only right I take up the sword and continue the fight until the battle is won.

IRIE: What are your thoughts on the unrest FOLLOW Peter Tosh that is taking place all over the world?

We are living in times prophesied by the bib- lical patriarchs such as Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and Even the Christ Himself. We are swiftly approaching the great and terrible day of the LORD and the unrest we see across the globe Did you know? is just a sign of the times.

Peter Tosh was known for The days are coming where we will not be able his great play own words: to hide behind comforts of our own homes Politricks = Politics entertaining ourselves with the technologi- Shitstem = System cal trinkets of the modern era, but we will be Tricknology = Technology brought face to face with the reality of our Shitty = City existence in the truth of Who GOD really is. Beauracraps = Bureaucrats Grudge = Judge Liar = Lawyer It is truly an exciting time to be living in, Hell A = L.A. (Los Angeles) depending where you stand with the Most I’n’I-cycle = Unicycle High. I believe many of us will live to see the Wise-Man = Wisdom fulfillment of his word, and what a great glorious day it shall be when wickedness ceases to exist. IRIEMAG.COM IRIEMAG.COM Interview with Andrew Tosh Discography

IRIE: What was it like growing up the son of Peter Tosh and being around the Legendary Wailers?

It was pretty normal…Back in the day in Jamaica; artist lived an everyday normal life. They were not into the ‘Suppa Star’ ting. Captured Live 1984 IRIE: What are some of your greatest memories with your father?

It was the influence of my father to see Rasta as a good religion. My father started to teach me about Rastafari at the age of 13. I was mesmerized by his knowledge and just wanted to learn more and more! I was christened in the Catholic Church and really grew up on the Christian ting. But I knew in my heart Rastafari was my true calling.

IRIE: Your father encouraged you to study piano. Can you tell us what was the first song you learned to play and why?

The first song I studied and played was my dad’s song called ‘Fools Die’. It inspired me!! IRIEMAG.COM IRIE: You began riding the unicycle (unicycle) at the age of 14. Did you inherit your father’s unicycling skills?

No doubt! To see my dad riding a one wheel bicycle, I was blown away! I had to learn, no FOLLOW Peter Tosh matter how many times I bust my a** (laughing) until I mastered it.

IRIE: You recorded your first record with Charlie Chaplin when you were 18. To what extent was your father involved in your musical career?

Yes… That song was called ‘Vanity Love’. My father gave me great advice. He said education first, then you can pursue a music career.

IRIE: In September 2010, you released Legacy, an acoustic tribute to Peter Tosh which features your uncle, Bunny Wailer and Kymani Marley. My favorite track is ‘I Am, That I Am’ which features Bunny Wailer. How important is your relationship with Bunny Wailer?

He’s my “Uncle Bunny.” We have a very close relationship.He has become a second mentor, IRIEMAG.COM advising me on voice exercises and a fitness regiments. He keeps me grounded (smile). Discography

IRIE: As an artist, your father was the first to speak out for the legalization of Marijuana. He said it best, “Legalize it, and I will advertise it!” With legalization already passed in several states in the US, along with the Jamaican government beginning its move towards decriminalization, how important was Peter’s stance on legalizing Marijuana to the current growing movement today?

Extremely important! Peter educated his self 40+ years ago and was brutalized and misunderstood for the truth, regarding cannabis. He was a prophet and a man before his time. No Nuclear War 1987

IRIE: Do you consider yourself an activist for the legalization of Marijuana? Did you know? Yes that’s a major part of my father’s legacy, so I must continue the mission…

Peter Tosh received IRIE: Do you remember where you were on the evening your father’s death - Friday, a Grammy Award for September 11, 1987? What was going through your mind when you received the news Best Reggae performance and how did it change you? in 1987 for his last album, No Nuclear War.

All I can say is that it was the saddest day of my life.

IRIE: Peter was the ultimate firebrand! He used the power of music to shake up the system with truth and rights and speak for equal rights and justice. What do you think is his legacy to Reggae Music?

My father stood for Equal Rights and Justice. He stood up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves.

IRIEMAG.COM IRIEMAG.COM “ What does Peter Tosh’s legacy mean to you and your music?”

1. Hempress Sativa Pressure Busspipe

JAH9 Lutan Fyah Bushman

“ If there was one Peter Tosh song that you could cover, which one would it be and why does that song resonate with you?”

Kabaka Pyramid Jah Bouks 2. RESPECT. RESPECT JAM JAH9

1. Tosh to me was a real revolutionary bredrin in his livity and how he shaped the world around him. From watching documentaries and hearing him speak and of course the themes he chose to cover, it is clear that he was not trying to fit in with mainstream. Potent and powerful... those are the example i took from his legacy. From reasoning with the elders who interacted with Tosh during his musical career, a lot of has now been demystified. But what alway remains is his unwavering sense of justice and equal rights... whatever that meant for him at the time.

2. I’ve covered a couple already in live perfor- mances. So many come to mind. But i would say stepping razor. Musically i like the potential it has for rearrangement. I love the simple pro- fundity of it. Not just the physical size of the individual but potential of an entire nation that sometimes is made to feel small... people power, and consciousness/awareness of it. It stands as the Davids warning to Goliath... a favorite. IRIEMAG.COM Bushman JAM

1. Peter Tosh’s music as been an influence in my life since I was a child. i grew up listening to my father play Peter Tosh, having his music played in my surrounding help me understand my culture and the in justices that take place in Society. Now I am grateful to have gotten to opportunity to pay a Tribute to Peter Tosh, like a musician accomplished knowing that this generation can see Peter through my eyes, and that same generation can see I through my eyes, meaning I Bushman is a part of the Legacy of Peter Tosh

2. Well the world knows how we feel about Ganja, It is a natural medicine, good for meditation. I think it was no coincidence that I was called Bushman, that name was ordained for I. Bushman meaning medicine man and Ganja being the natural medicine. The title for the album could not have been any thing else. Bush Doctor is one of my favorite Peter Tosh songs I also favour Igzibeher, Down Pressor Man, The Day the Dollar Die, Jah Guide.

Thanks to my many fans and the Tosh family for supporting my tribute to one of Jamaica’s top Reggae artist Sir Peter Tosh. Give Thanks Jah Rastafari

Taffari

1. The inspirational messages in Tosh’s music have assisted me in the roughest and darkest times of my life. I was like a land experiencing drought and his message was like the water that satisfied my thirst. In addition to that I am currently working on a Peter Tosh which will be released in the near future. With that said, there is that his legacy means a lot to me.

2. The song that I would cover is entitled Pick Myself Up; reason being, it propelled me during my process of rebirth. Covering it would be easy, because I can identify my self with the words.

IRIEMAG.COM Hempress Sativa JAM

1. The legacy of Peter Tosh means to me and my music a path cut for an uncompromised stance against social injustice, legalization of marijuana and spiritual enlightenment through the sounds of resistance on a local and international basis. He was considered to be a ‘Rasta Revolutionary Rebel’ to whom music was more than mere entertainment but a reflection of his life’s experiences and endurance which often times was conveyed vicariously through his works. The Stepping Razor, The Mystic Man, The Bush Doctor or The King of Marijuana which ever name is used to make reference to Peter Tosh the fact will remain that he is one of the Pioneer of Reggae and his contributions even to this day is most valid.

2. Albeit there isn’t just one song that resonates with me but for the sake of the question If there’s one I could cover It would be ‘Igziabeher’. I personally consider this to be a song of Praise and Thanks giving to H.I.M I the First Power of the Holy and as a Rastafari conscious individual I ravel in servitude to the King.

IRIEMAG.COM Pressure Busspipe JAM

1. Peter tosh was a revolutionary in reggae music that inspired me to use my voice to speak up against injustice anywhere and everywhere.

2. I would cover the song ‘Equal Rights’. That song represents a sole part of my mission as a reggae artist and as a Rastaman. Lutan Fyah

1. The legacy of Peter tosh mean to me, Justice and equal rights for all. It give me the drive to go on and believe in what I do.

2. Equal rights and justice is my favorite peter tosh song Because elitism in our Jamaican society is causing disunity and mistrust Separation. Jah Bouks

1. Peter Tosh means a whole lot to I N I. His militancy is always speaking for and on the behalf of the downtrodden.

IRIEMAG.COM Kabaka Pyramid JAM

1. Peter Tosh is like the Malcom X of reggae music. I wish I got the chance to meet him in person, but all I can do is carry on the works he, especially, set out to do. His work is an ongoing work of breaking the chains of babylon through music and he was exceptional at it.

His legacy will always be a man that was never afraid to say what’s on his mind and that he was killed because of it!

We learn from the past so we can step into the future accurately - I won’t be a next Peter Tosh but Kabaka Pyramid is here because of the inspiration from Peter!

2. Mystic Man. I love this song because I feel people don’t really know that much about Rastafari, and this song gives a different insight into how we live.

IRIEMAG.COM Fikisha Cumbo Bunny “Striker” Lee CACE International I am the Gorgon

REWIND. IRIEMAG.COM USA

FIKISHA CUMBO FIKISHA CUMBO CACE International

Biography FOLLOW FIkisha Cumbo Born and raised in , Texas and completed undergraduate studies at Texas Southern University in biology and chemistry, Fikisha accepted a research assistant position in lipid biochemistry at the University of Southern where she co-authored five publications for journals such as Science, Journal of Lipid Biochemistry and Neuropathology. Interested in the adventures of New York City, she accepted a lecturer in biology position at Brooklyn College.

Passionate about music, she was introduced to reggae in the summer of 1975 and immediately fell in love with this music in which she couldn’t tell “where the beat drop.” During this period of her independent study at Goddard College for a master’s degree on “The Sociology of Musicians of the African Diaspora,” she met Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. Initially utilizing the formal sociological interview format she soon realized that it limited the artists’ full expression. Friendship with people prominent in the lives of Tosh and Marley, enabled her to interact on a regular basis with these two legends.

Currently she is the Senior Editor of PURE JAZZ Magazine and the Producer/Director of the weekly CACE INT’L TV SHOW in Brooklyn , NY and on the world wide web with YouTube/caceinternational- tv channel viewers of excerpts from the show in over 212 countries (to date) with over 170 thousand WEBSITE viewers of the tv’s You Tube channel worldwide. caceinternational.com

She is also currently working on a documentary on the Mallems of Morocco.

IRIE had the opportunity to connect with Fikisha to reason about the Stepping Razor... Peter Tosh! IRIEMAG.COM Interview with Fikisha Cumbo

IRIE: Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do?

FISKISHA CUMBO: I am a producer of a television show called CACE International. CACE stands FOLLOW for Creative Artist Cultural Exchange. What we do is showcase international talent. We are cultural FIkisha Cumbo historians. We also do a lot of cultural programs in addition to drama, dance, theatre and music. Music is our main format for the show.

We’ ve been on the air for 28 years as a weekly show. Our youtube channel is in 213 countries. We have over 187,000 views. CACE is also viewed on the Brooklyn Public Network through New York City on all the major cable channels like Time Warner, Cable Vision, RCN and Verizon Vios.

IRIE: You’re also the author of the book, Bob Marley & Peter Tosh GET UP! STAND UP! Diary of a Reggaeophile. How did you come up with the idea of doing this book?

FISKISHA CUMBO: A friend of mine who owns a publishing business in St. Thomas suggested that I do the book. She knew that I had spent a lot of time with Peter and Bob in Jamaica and that I had taken many pictures and notes on two of the three Wailers. She said why don’t you do a book on Peter and Bob? I’ll publish it if you put it together. I laughed at first but after going through my files and pictures I realized she was right. I did have a lot of notes and pictures that went as far back as 1975. That’s why I called the book a diary. The book talks about what happen from getting to know Bob and then finally meeting peter. I actually got to know Peter better because I spent more time with Peter.

IRIEMAG.COM IRIE: You mentioned that you met Bob first. When did you first meet Peter?

FISKISHA CUMBO: It was on my second trip to Jamaica. The Wailers were rehearsing for the Wonder Dream Concert that was set to take place in Kingston’s National Stadium on October 4, 1975. There were a lot of writers and photographers in Jamaica at the time to cover the event which was a benefit concert for the Jamaican Institute for the Blind. Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes FOLLOW FIkisha Cumbo were scheduled to open but cancelled so a young Third World opened the show followed by the Wailers and Stevie Wonder. The concert was the first time had performed together since 1973 and the last time they ever would. I was with another writer from London. We went over to their rehearsal. That was my first time seeing Peter up close.

A day after the concert, I got a call at the hotel from Tommy Cowan. He asked me if I would come over and interview Peter. Of course I was overjoyed to get that call. That was the first time I actually sat down and talked with Peter.

IRIE: What was your impression of Peter during your interview?

FISKISHA CUMBO: When we first did the interview, he was very warm and congenial. And funny. So funny. That was my first real impression of him. I just thought he was a great guy. And it turns out that two of my best friends turned out to be his managers. One was Herbie Miller and one was Ozzie Brown, who passed away a couple of years ago. And they were like my brothers. So I always had access to Peter whenever he would come into New York.

A Rasta girlfriend of mine name Ruth was working for a magazine called HEAD. And they wanted to do a cover story on Peter. She knew that I had met Peter and she asked me would I go to Jamaica and travel around with him and do a cover story. I said of course. That’s why I got a chance to spend some time with Peter.

IRIEMAG.COM Peter was warm. He was polite. He was kind and generous. Now he would definitely talk about the shitstem when it comes to what was going down. And if things weren’t going right or weren’t going the way they should be going, of course, he would run it down. And he was always on point with what society and the Babylon system was doing to humanity and not just Black people but all people or poor people. FOLLOW FIkisha Cumbo IRIE: When you listen to Peter’s music, you not only hear the voice of a spiritual singer but also the voice of an activist, a freedom fighter, a revolutionary and a true Rasta. Peter spoke the truth to what was going on in the world at that time. And to be honest with you, the world really has changed that much. A lot of us won’t speak out against the injustice in our world because we are afraid of the reprecussions. Peter was the opposite. He saw the wickedness and wasn’t afraid to speak out against it.

FISKISHA CUMBO: Absolutely! Peter was a man of his convictions. He didn’t say anything that he didn’t believe in and he didn’t do anything that he didn’t believe in. He wouldn’t compromise his val- ues. He wasn’t the kind of person who ran his mouth all the time. We would be in the car traveling up and down the roads of Jamaica and we wouldn’t say anything. We would be listening to his music or some R&B from American. There were times that he would talk about the shitstem. I interview him a number of times and when he was able to expound on his views on what was happening in the world.

IRIE: How was Peter treated by the press?

FISKISHA CUMBO: Peter was never treated fairly in the press. It was more advantageous for a writer to make him the big bad wolf and to make Bob the sweet, kind guy. But Bob was no joke. Bob was seriously anti-colonialism and anti-establishmentarian. Because they come out of of Rasta. And those are the things that Rastas stand for. Peter had the same ideology as Bob had. He just expressed himself in a different way. Bob was given carte blanche, so to speak. I don’t know whether because he was supposedly had half white blood and had that look about him. I don’t know. IRIEMAG.COM But I do know that they never treated Peter kindly. That’s why I had an issue with John Masouri’s book, The Life of Peter Tosh - Steppin’ Razor. He gives a lot of good information in the book but he talks so much about the negative press that the Europeans were giving to Peter. And much of it were lies. Pure lies. And he didn’t refute it at the point when he wrote about it.

For example, there was this rumor that Peter had trashed Keith Richards house. And Keith perpet- FOLLOW FIkisha Cumbo uated that lie. It wasn’t true at all. Peter’s cousin who worked with him talks about how Peter was looking after Keith’s house in Jamaica. He and his lady would go up sometimes on the weekend.

Now Peter loved animals. He raised a little goat. He would take the goat up there with him when they went up there. The goat never trashed the house. The house was never trashed. He never had big parties. He never destroyed Keith’s house. He never threatened to shoot Keith when he comes. It was all lies. And that is the sensationalism that you will get when you read about Peter. What a bad guy he was. Because he was going to shoot up this. Peter never owned a gun.

IRIE: When was the first time you saw Peter perform live in Concert?

FISKISHA CUMBO: It was the Dream Concert. Actually, seeing him at rehearsal was really the first time. I walked into this little room. The room was no more than 10 feet by 10 feet. It was a small room. I was amazed because all these musicians were there. Bunny, Peter, the iThrees were on the side, singing. The kids were running around. Bob was sitting up on an amp wiped out of his head. There were like 4-5 horn players. And they were all in this room. You can imagine the sound that they produced. It was just amazing!

That was my first time actually seeing Peter, especially so close. I could have lean over and Toshed him. That’s how small the room was. Seeing him perform at the Dream Concert was my first time actually seeing him in performance.

IRIEMAG.COM IRIE: Did Peter share with you the reason for breaking away from the Wailers to pursue his solo career?

FISKISHA CUMBO: Chris Blackwell, who Peter referred to as Whitewell and then Whiteworst, decided that Bob should head the group. And Peter and Bunny’s problem with that is that Bob went along with that idea. Peter said that I’m not here to be the background man. I have my own talents. FOLLOW FIkisha Cumbo I’m just expressing my own work. Peter did a lot of work outside of the Wailers. He used to be on different sessions in Jamaica. He needed to start his own group because he had his own method of expression. He wanted to get that out to the world.

Peter was the all around musician. He knew the piano. The last time I was with Peter, he sat and played the piano and sang some gospel songs. He knew guitar. He played other instruments. He was a great writer and an arranger. He was just a great musician. He was a better musician than Bob Marley. Bob was probably more prolific as a writer but Peter wrote some great songs as well. He was a better musician.

IRIE: Do you have a favorite song by Peter? Favorite album?

FISKISHA CUMBO: Yes! I have many but my most favorite one is Igziabeher (Let Jah be praised). That is my favorite of all favorites. But I love a lot of his songs. Now I was part of the Equal Rights album because I have photographs on the album. That’s my favorite. It such a wonderful album with a diversity of songs.

IRIE: Can you share with us the story about “Wha ‘appen? Question bag run out?”

FISKISHA CUMBO: Tommy Cowan had called me and ask would I come over to interview Peter. There were a lot of people interviewing Peter at the time. Rolling Stones magazine had just interviewed Peter before I came in. Peter may have had 2-3 interviews before my interview. IRIEMAG.COM I started my whole business of research with musicians when I was studying to do a masters degree for Goddard College. It was an independent study and I had Dr. Leonard Goings and another lady who was a PDH in Sociology. They were my faculty advisors. We had worked together in getting this interview schedule together. Now this is in 1974. There was a lot of racial tension at the time. The civil rights era was still sort of in swing but sort of dying doing a little bit. We had put together this interview schedule which I had already talked with people like Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder FOLLOW FIkisha Cumbo as well as a whole lot of musician of the African diaspora. That’s how I got to do my interview with Bob on June 20, 1975.

It’s October and I am in Jamaica. I realize that I forgot to bring my interview schedule. I basically knew where I was going with the interview because I had interviewed so many people like Maurice White, people in the Jazz and Blues media. I go through all this stuff with Peter. And then I’m trying to see the interview schedule in my head so I can remember to ask some of the questions that are pertinent to the study. We had gone through a litany of discussions. A lot of it is really about politics, social economics situations of the black musician and the music business in general.

So I got to a point to where I pause and I’m thinking, “Ok, what’s the next questions now?” Peter is sit- ting opposite me. His locks are only about to his ears and he’s got the big spliff. And he’s all laid back because Peter was very relaxed. Now this was my first time really hearing Patois other than when I interviewed Bob. I hadn’t really sat and talk with any Rasta to hear Patois. While I’m sitting there thinking, he just says to me, “Wha ‘appen? Question bag run out?” I didn’t hear what he said at first, and then when I realized what he had said, it just cracked me up because I never heard anyone speak like that.

Instead of him saying “You can’t remember the question or what happen to the questions”?, he just said, “Wha ‘appen? Question bag run out? We all just cracked up laughing and he chucked too. I don’t know if Peter really realize how funny he was. He was hilarious. He would say some of the funniest thing. Peter was very funny. That made me realize how funny he was. IRIEMAG.COM IRIE: Do you remember where were you when you heard the news of Peter’s death?

FISKISHA CUMBO: I actually had a dream that had died which was very weird. And about seven o’clock in the morning I got a call from a girlfriend of mine, you may know her, she’s a flutist named Bobby Humphrey. And she said “Fikisah, have you heard about Peter? This is like sev- en in the morning. And I asked, “is he dead? And she replied, yes. And that was how I heard about his FOLLOW FIkisha Cumbo death. But it was just so odd that I had dreamt that Judy Mowatt was dead when it fact it was really Peter. That was really heartbreaking.

IRIE: Can you share one thing about Peter that will always resonate with you?

FISKISHA CUMBO: Peter always said, “the Father and I are one.” And that, in the deepest sense of spirituality and metaphysics, we really are one with the creator. Peter had said that he was here from the beginning which is also a metaphysical understanding that from the beginning of creation, we were all here. And we were all divided into personalities and entities so that the creator can experience himself. His statement that “I am here. I’ve been here throughout the eons. And I will continue to be here. And I will continue to do the work that I’m set out to do.”

IRIEMAG.COM JAM

BUNNY ‘STRIKER’ LEE BUNNY ‘STRIKER’ LEE I Am The Gorgon

By Danny Creatah FOLLOW Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee

On September 11, 2014, 27 years after the passing of Peter Tosh OM, Danny Creatah had the pleasure to reason with the legendary Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee about the Stepping Razor.

IRIE: Since you’re the man with a great reputation when it comes to storytelling, Irie Magazine had to ask you some questions about Peter Tosh and his music. I believe it was in the late 60’s that you first met Peter… Can you recall that moment?

BUNNY LEE: I used to see Peter at Coxsone’s Studio 1 when he was around Bob. Later, I met Peter at VP studios… Randy’s Studio 17. He was already a singer in the Wailers Band when I met him. Peter used to work for me during the period that Bob Marley was in America. I used to employ Peter for 20 Pounds a week. He played his guitar and a do a lot of Harmonies, he and I did a lot of instrumentals together.

IRIE: Peter used to work for you on your sessions in the studio? Why did you pick Peter for these studio sessions?

BUNNY LEE: Well, to me, right… is one of the greatest singers in the world. I used Peter, not as a singer, but as a harmony man. And as a musician, a Guitarist and to play organ and things like these things… Peter was a very good musician as well as a singer. In those times, I had the cream of the crop, with artists like Derrick Morgan and and so on.

IRIEMAG.COM IRIE: Can you tell us a bit about the special bond you had with Peter, when you worked together for a long time?

BUNNY LEE: Yeah, just like most musicians and most young people in the business, as even now. He and I had a special bond together. We always moved close together. If there’s one banana, all of us ate it, you know? FOLLOW Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee IRIE: During Peter’s life, your paths crossed multiples times right?

BUNNY LEE: A LOT OF TIMES!! Always when him and policeman clash, dem come take me out of my session at Dynamics and I have to go and talk to the police and make that they don’t kill him. Peter Tosh was the kind of man that loved to show up on police. Those days in Jamaica you used to have some very bad Police, so I used to keep Peter out of Jail all the while.

I was a very popular man, who used to know everybody… you know. They used to call me Mr. Fix-It, what Bunny Lee can’t fix, can’t be done!

IRIE: Is it true that you never produced a solo track with Peter; only as being part of the Wailers?

BUNNY LEE: No, I might have a track named ‘Father Killam From Vere’ (Father Killam was an Obeah Man) another version of the track by Derrick Morgan and some other ones, right. But my thing was with Peter, He played guitar and a lot of instrumentals like on ‘The Return of Alcapone”, ‘Hot Sauce’ and a few others.

He played some lovely instrumentals, he’s a good, good, good musician. But we never released a song with him. This was when Peter Tosh was forming his band and I took Robbie (shakespeare) to him and Robbie bring in Sly (Dunbar), when he was living out in Spanish Town. IRIEMAG.COM IRIE: Peter, as they say, was one of a kind. Can you to tell us what made Peter the person he was?

BUNNY LEE: Peter was very generous. When I used to go over to Peter Tosh’ Place, at Cow FOLLOW Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee Town - Trenchtown, where pure cowboy come from, They used to call it Cow town, you Know.. When come to Jamaica, in search for original material, for the first time, Because my ‘Bangarang’ tune mashed up Jamaica, he came to find me at Greenwich Farm. When they wanted Herbs I sent dem over them to Mortim- er Planno (a Rastafari Elder) and the Wailers and then the rest is history, Peter was at Planno every day. Like any man else, when you get a person upset he will tell you to Bomboclaat! His favorite Jamaican bad word was Bomboclaat, Rasclaat! Peter had that vibe! Peter was a true Rastaman, he loved that because he practiced it with Bunny and Bob at Mortimer Planno.

IRIE: Is he comparable to Nowadays Artists?

BUNNY LEE: Peter was a bit similar to that African artist.. . he was like that, same type of personality, same way. Everybody has his own personality, Peter was a real IRIEMAG.COM ‘Reggae Revivalist’, them called him the Bush know about Peter whats not in the books? Doctor. Some new artists maybe trying to be Some anecdotes that put a different light a Peter Tosh, but there is only one Peter Tosh! on him? Peter Tosh is Peter Tosh. Not even his son Andrew Tosh trying to sing like him, can’t ever BUNNY LEE: Peter was one great Human be Peter Tosh. So all the young artists, the being, right? will tell you that. FOLLOW Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee wannabees and all that, they can try, probably As you say, when you rub Peter the wrong way, one of them might come through the gate, you might see the wiring side of him. He was a but you won’t have another Peter Tosh! great person, that’s why we are talking about him now. He was a cornerstone of Reggae, IRIE: The stories go that during his career same with what he did with Mick Jagger Peter changed as a person more and more. singing “If it’s love that your running from Did you have that impression too? there’s no hiding place”, Yeah? He had to break the Barriers, only that thing that makes Peter BUNNY LEE: No, Peter Tosh was a cool, cool not as big as Bob , him have the wrong color, youth. Until you get him upset, Peter Tosh liked you understand. his lead singer a lot, Bob, and he and Bunny get on. Peter Tosh was his own man, All the reggae stars, look at them, from when he was no follower. He create and do his own they started. You have Maxi Priest, Shaggy, thing, God rest his soul. It’s Peter Tosh’ way. Sean Paul look Black Half Caste. You have He wasn’t a Badman, but Peter didn’t take , and ... foolishness. He didn’t care if you were big and they reached the fence. Even Jimmy now, and bad, only God him feared. when he’s still alive and he can’t be like Bob. Or Peter he cannot be like Bob because them have IRIE: In the last few years, a lot has been the wrong color. It’s not a race thing you know, written about Peter Tosh, a few books were but the half caste people get through in the released with a lot of info in it, Is there still business more than the darker skinned people. anything you think that People have to You notice that. Yu have to talk the truth, you IRIEMAG.COM know. Until I see they make Peter Tosh as big as Peter was a white or brown guy he would be Bob Marley, right? And that will never happen. the king too! Same for singers like Slim Smith, As long as Chris Blackwell is alive you won’t him had one of the sweetest voice in reggae. have a singer as big a Bob Marley. You know Tricks in trade and matches box in business.”. IRIE: Unfortunately Peter left us way to Me is a man that always talk the truth. If you soon. When did you hear about what went FOLLOW Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee look at Bob Marley’s album ‘’, look on in Peters House? at the cover and you see a white person. If BUNNY LEE: Well..it was a shock, I heard it on the news, with the killing they also killed my friend Free I (Jeff Dixon), a well known announcer (disc-jockey).

Those are the guys that made reggae, Jamaican music. A great loss and a great shock, you know? But Peter Tosh immortalized himself, wanting to legalize Ganja worldwide. That was Peter’s dream! That alone immortalized him. That, and more things he said “Babylon, your Queendom is falling”. Plenty things he said come to pass.

He was a prophet in his own right. His name will go on forever! He was a great humanitarian and a great person.

Long live Peter Tosh and his music!

IRIEMAG.COM RIDDIMS Irie Trax

Welcome to the Riddims section. To celebrate FOLLOW Irie Mag the life, spirit and legacy of Peter Tosh, we’ve included a sound experience for you:

Peter Tosh live at The Pier in NYC (1983)

Hear the concert at: http://www.iriemag.com/irie-mag/issue-10/

IRIEMAG.COM

IRIEMAG.COM IRIE would like to thank the following people who helped make this issue a successful one. Without their efforts, this magazine would not be possible.

Niambe McIntosh, Melody Cunningham, Danny Creatah, Giovanna Guimarães, Fikisha Cumbo, Peter Simon, Adrian Boot, Urban Image, Heather Cameron, Third World and World A Reggae!

Nuff Respect!

IRIEMAG.COM