In 1981 a group of seven female musicians formed a band called African Woman - the world's first widely-known all female reggae band. They were Shelomi Coke, Diane White, Caroline Williams, Paulette Coke, Valerie Skeete, Barbara Grossett and Vyris Edghill. Their debut album 'African Woman Abroad' was released in 1982. Two more tracks, recorded in Germany, were also released on a compilation album called 'People Unite' on a label of the same name.
In 1985 Valerie Skeete and Vyris Edghill took another avenue and recorded a soul track, "Watch Yourself" under the name of Akabu.
Subsequently it was decided to merge the two ventures, incorporating both reggae and soul under the name Akabu. In 1988 the self-titled album 'Akabu' was released on their own Viva Records label. They went from strength to strength, travelling extensively and making an impact on the live circuit, not only as a band in their own right, but also backing for the likes of Shara Nelson. They have shared the stage with Ziggy Marley, Freddie McGregor, Lee 'Scratch' Perry, Aswad, Culture and Maxi Priest, to name but a few.
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The "Warrior Queen" LP |
During the late 80s and early 90s lead vocalists Valerie and Vyris frequently provided backing vocals to On-U Sound releases and acts of the period, especially Bim Sherman, Dub Syndicate and Gary Clail. The long and successful collaboration with On-U culminated in Akabu's 1995 'Warrior Queen' album (ON-U LP71), co-produced with Adrian Sherwood, turning out to be the last studio album of the original line-up, though many live shows followed.
Lyrically speaking, introducing wild child style to the realm of reggae-personified in the man known as the 'wild child Josiah his songs and poems cross borders and defy cultural expectations. a poet/dj with a distinctive style that seeks to decipher the way of these artificial realities and uplift down pressed people anywhere they can hear music.
Josiah's debut single 'roots and culture'(english digital ny) was released in ny in 1999, 'reggaematical mystic'(hilltop records ny)was released in September of the same year.
I was born in Chapleton Clarendon Jamaica I’m an ex student- not past student of Clarendon college}. Josiah Kevin Haywood migrated to the us at age (15), where he graduated from boys and girls high school in brooklyns rough and tough Bedford Stuyvesant neighbourhood
He acknowledges dub poet oku onura as one who helped to point him in the right direction for his blessed natural ability with the spoken word-'the vibes grow inna Brooklyn nuff basement jams and block parties-clive hudson reggae star search inna biltmore ballroom days
round studios like 3r, sir tommys and don one-after years performing at various clubs and studios and college campuses in the ny area-he returned 2 Jamaica in 1998...'to feed more from the roots of the music'
After a 4 yr break he is currently............................with upcoming releases................. and a book of poems entitled.........when asked about future plans Josiah replies-‘let the music play’
