Max Romeo, the renowned roots reggae vocalist, passed away on April 11 due to heart-related complications at the age of 80. Born in Alexandria, Jamaica, he rose to fame in the 1960s with hits like 'Wet Dream' and marked his legacy with politically charged music in the 1970s. His notable works include the landmark protest anthem, 'War Ina Babylon,' and 'Press Along Joshua,' reflecting Jamaica's political landscape. Beyond music, Romeo's influence extended through collaborations with legendary figures such as Lee 'Scratch' Perry and significant cultural contributions during a turbulent era in Jamaica's history.
Romeo's songs grew avowedly political, taking the form of rebel music and leftist anthems like 'Press Along Joshua' and 'Let the Power Fall on I'.
His revolutionary streak is best represented on the classic 1976 album War Ina Babylon, backed by the Upsetters as part of Romeo's ongoing partnership with Lee 'Scratch' Perry.
The title track playfully jabbed at political corruption and factional violence in mid-1970s Jamaica, balancing fire and wry humor to become a landmark protest anthem.
Romeo's first international hit was 'Wet Dream,' banned by the BBC for its raunchy lyrics but hit the UK Top 10, prompting his debut album.
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