As he chats up his latest song, ‘Reggae A di Remedy’, Skatta Lopa recalls a colourful career that involves working on sound systems and with top producers like Steely and Clevie and Bobby Digital.

The veteran singer, who has been Inner Circle’s front man for over 20 years, goes solo on ‘Reggae A Di Remedy’ which is co-produced by Shandari Entertainment and Gapbonn Production. It was released on February 28.

Its rub-a-dub sound is different from the pop-reggae songs Inner Circle are known for, and a return to Skatta Lopa’s dancehall roots.

“Anything fi do wid reggae, dat a my thing. Dancehall, roots, lovers rock…once it have a hardcore feel mi comfortable wid it,” he said.

While ‘Reggae A Di Remedy’ is his first solo effort in some time, Skatta Lopa has not been twiddling his thumbs. He has recorded a number of songs for different producers but they have not been released.

Most of his time has been spent on the road with Inner Circle, the Grammy-winning band who tours as many as four months a year, especially in North America and Europe.

“Touring is a great thing for any artiste, because yuh on di stage an’ it give yuh dat edge. Recording also great, ‘cause yuh build up a catalogue on yuh own,” said Skatta Lopa.

Born Trevor Bonnick, he is from Whitehall Avenue in Kingston — arguably the hottest dancehall community in Jamaica during the 1980s. Sanchez, Red Dragon, Flourgon, Daddy Lizard and Buju Banton all made their names on its sound system circuit.

Skatta Lopa’s big break came in the early 1980s when he met Paul Blake, who was lead singer of The Bloodfire Posse. Through Blake, he was introduced to that band which had several hit singles such as ‘Get Flat’ and the instrumental ‘Pink Panther’.

“It’s because of Paul Blake where I am today. He also took me to Boris Gardiner an’ I did a little time with the Happening, Boris’ band,” Skatta Lopa recalled.

As lead singer of The Bloodfire Posse, he sang lead on songs like ‘Do You Feel Like Dancing’ and ‘Can’t Stop Rocking.’ Later, he joined Ruff Kutt, a band known for backing dancehall acts like Shabba Ranks.

(Photo contributed)