Garnett Silk Quietly Remembered

Manchester, Jamaica:-

On December 10th 1994 Garnett Silk, one of Reggae’s most revered and promising stars passed away. In Jamaica, he was quietly remembered, as radio stations across the country paid homage to the music phenomena that left us too soon. 

Born in the sleepy town of Hatfield in Manchester, Jamaica, Garnett born Damion Smith, inhibited musical aspirations as a young boy and by his mid teens had taken on the moniker “little Bimbo”.  

But it was not until his move from rural Jamaica to central Kingston did the artist we know as Garnett Silk begin to take shape. After stints with various labels including stalwarts such as Sugar Minott Youth Promotions and Penthouse Records, he collided with the musical tag team Steele & Clevie, who some credit for discovering the silky smooth voice that became the signature sound behind the man we now know as Garnett Silk. 

During a brief sabbatical in 1992, Garnett had become an understudy of Rastafari, and close friends with Tony Rebel, and Yasus Afari, two influential members of the fledging Roots Dancehall scene. 

Under this strong mentorship, Garnett became involved with the world renowned Roof International Label, a small recording outfit located in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.  

There, he recorded early hit singles such as “Mama”, and “Nothing Can Divide Us” amongst others. His success sparked local radio, mesmerized the dancehall, and soon captured the ears of Kingston based producer, Bobby Digital, who invited the rising star to record his debut full length album entitled, “Its Growing”. 

The new soundscape that emerged from this collaboration sewed the seed that catalyzed the fledging Roots Dancehall Genre, and labeled Garnett Silk as Reggae’s most groundbreaking artist since Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. His prophetic and haunting lyrics pierced the social fabric that lay taunt across Jamaica and ignited a return to social consciousness. 

His success continued, and his popularity attracted some of the best producers of the time, but it was the Star Trail produced single “Hello Africa” that solidified Garnett’s presence on the international music scene, eventually conquering UK where he earned his first international chart topper. 

By Fall of 1992 “Its Growing” had earned Garnett Silk international acclaim, and is still considered one of Roots Dancehall’s most ground breaking collective musical works. 

For the next few months Garnett embarked on a grueling schedule filled with live appearances and studio recordings. It seemed, somehow, Garnett knew his time would be short and the trail of singles that followed has left messages that have marked us indelibly. “7 Spanish Angels”, “Zion In A Vision”, “Kingly Character”, “Jah Jah Is Ruler” have all become some of the Reggae genre’s most loved singles.

After a second sabbatical in fall of 1993, he entered into discussions with Kariang Records and by Spring 1994 had secured an international recording contract with Urban music giant, Atlantic Records under the BigBeat imprint. 

Summer 1994 marked the height of his career. His spiritually charged performance at Reggae Sumfest 94 left the audience mesmerized by its intensity and his strong, yet silky smooth voice. 

To hear him on tape or vinyl is one thing. But to see him live was almost a spiritual experience.  

By fall 1994 Jamaica was undergoing the early symptoms of “Garnett Silk” mania. Radio, TV, T-Shirts, Flags, Posters, Garnett Silk was everywhere. 

As late November rolled in, and the hints of Christmas crept across airwaves, Garnett returned to his sleepy hometown to prepare a family holiday with relatives. 

Sadly on December 10th, under suspicious circumstances, his home caught a blaze and his mother became entrapped in the engulfed home. Despite escaping the inferno, Garnett returned to the flaming building in an effort to rescue his mother. 

There were no survivors. 

Since that shocking day, over a decade has passed, but the musical legacy left behind speaks his message true. 

Fans and fellow artists alike have continued to spread the word in over 30 languages. Collective bodies of work containing Garnett’s music, has sold millions globally, and in the process, has exposed Roots Dancehall to the international forum. 

We have seen the rise of Buju Banton, Sizzla, I-Wayne, Queen Ifrica, Tarrus Riley, and Junior X who, in the spirit of their musical forefathers, have kept the spiritual flame alive in the Dancehall, and have emerged as Reggae’s new crusaders of consciousness. 

His brother and fellow artiste Aaron Silk took the day to quietly reflect on his sibling, and is still amazed at the love and strength that is extended to Garnett everyday. 

“Garnett lives” he says, “In music and in spirit….he lives itinually”. 

Gibbi Geraz
Senior Correspondent

The Reggae News Agency

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