From Sound System Selector To Dancehall Pioneer : The Story of Sugar Minott

Lincoln Barrington "Sugar" Minott, born on May 25, 1956, was a Jamaican reggae and dancehall singer, record producer, and sound-system operator. With a career spanning several decades, Minott made significant contributions to the Jamaican music scene and is considered a pioneer of the dancehall style.

Minott's musical journey began in the late 1960s when he worked as a selector on the Sound of Silence Keystone sound system. He later formed his own sound system called the Gathering of Youth. In 1969, Minott joined The African Brothers, a vocal group that also included Tony Tuff and Derrick Howard. The group released several singles in the early 1970s, showcasing the influence of the Rastafari movement on Jamaican music.

After the African Brothers disbanded, Minott collaborated with producer Clement "Coxsone" Dodd at Studio One. He worked as a studio apprentice and recorded his own singles, showcasing his talent for writing new songs to fit existing rhythms. This approach became central to the emerging dancehall style. Minott's debut LP, "Live Loving," released in 1978, solidified his name in the industry and established him as a leading figure in dancehall.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Minott released numerous albums and singles that showcased his versatility as an artist. His albums, such as "Showcase," "Bittersweet," and "Roots Lovers," explored various genres like roots reggae and lovers rock. He also gained popularity in the UK, where his self-produced hit "Hard Time Pressure" became a major reggae success.

Minott's talent as a producer shone through his own label, Black Roots, where he nurtured and produced talented artists such as Barrington Levy, Horace Andy, and Trevor Hartley. He also worked with renowned producers like Mikey Dread, Sly and Robbie, and Prince Jammy, further cementing his influence in the industry.

In addition to his musical endeavors, Minott was dedicated to helping young singers from similar backgrounds as his own. He formed the Youth Promotion organization, which provided opportunities for aspiring artists to showcase their talents. He also ran the Youthman Promotion sound system, giving young performers their first public exposure.

Tragically, Minott passed away on July 10, 2010, at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Jamaica. He had been battling a heart condition since 2009. Despite his untimely death, Minott's legacy lives on through his music and the impact he made on the Jamaican music industry.

In recognition of his contributions, the Jamaican government honored Minott with a Reggae Gold award in 2019. His music continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.