‘The Rise of Tapper Zukie’ A Journey of Sound And Success, From Producer to Pioneer

Tapper Zukie (or Tappa Zukie) (born David Sinclair, July 2,1955, Kingston, Jamaica) Tapper Zukie, also known as Tapper or Zukie, is a Jamaican reggae artist and producer who has made a significant impact on the music scene. His journey in the music industry began when his mother sent him to England in 1973 to keep him out of trouble. While in England, Zukie had the opportunity to work with producer Bunny Lee and perform alongside U-Roy.

Zukie's first release, "Jump & Twist," was produced by Larry Lawrence. He also recorded material for Clem Bushay during this time, which later became part of his album "Man Ah Warrior." This album gained him a cult following in the United Kingdom and led to his return to Jamaica.

Back in Jamaica, Zukie recorded "Judge I Oh Lord" for Lloydie Slim and "Natty Dread Don't Cry" for Bunny Lee. After a disagreement with Lee, the two made amends and Zukie recorded over some riddims given to him by Lee and Joseph Hoo Kim. This resulted in the creation of his album "MPLA" in 1976, dedicated to The People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola.

The success of "Man Ah Warrior" and "MPLA" allowed Zukie to establish his own record label, Stars. He produced albums for various artists, including Junior Ross & The Spear, Prince Alla, Errol Dunkley, Ronnie Davis, and Horace Andy. In 1977, he released two dub albums, "Escape From Hell" and "Tapper Zukie In Dub."

In 1978, Zukie signed a deal with Virgin Records subsidiary Frontline, which led to the release of two more albums, "Peace In The Ghetto" and "Tapper Roots." He continued to release records on his Stars label in Jamaica as well. "Peace In The Ghetto" featured a notable version of Cornell Campbell's tune "Blessed Are They," reworked as a tribute to Steve Biko, the anti-Apartheid revolutionary martyr.

Throughout the 1980s, Zukie focused on producing music in Jamaica, collaborating with renowned reggae musicians such as The Mighty Diamonds, Max Romeo, Ken Boothe, Sugar Minott, and U-Roy. In 1978, he achieved a major hit with "Oh Lord," which topped the Jamaican charts for six weeks. "She Want a Phensic" was another popular track during that time.

In the mid-1980s, Zukie's production work became more prolific, working with artists like The Mighty Diamonds, Sugar Minott, and Max Romeo. In 1986, he released his own album, "Raggamuffin." While Zukie continued to focus on production, he also released another album in 1996 titled "Deep Roots." In 1995, his work was reintroduced to a new audience when Steve Barrow's Blood and Fire re-issued "Tapper Zukie in Dub."

After a break from the public eye due to a "diabetic episode" in 2015, Zukie made a comeback with a concert performance in December 2018. He announced plans to record a new album and perform in Europe in the summer of 2019.

Tapper Zukie's musical journey has been a remarkable one, marked by his unique style and contributions to reggae music. His talent as an artist and producer has left a lasting impact on the industry, making him a true legend in Jamaican music.

For more information about Tapper Zukie and other Jamaican artists, visit www.purejamaicamedia.com/ your go-to source for all things related to Jamaican music and culture.