Information Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. July 9, 2025: To have fun what would have been Jamaican reggae legendJohn Holt’s 78th birthday, VP Information’ traditional imprint 17 North Parade is giving followers a present: an unreleased, Henry “Junjo” Lawes-produced monitor titled “We Nah Go away.” And sure—you may hear it right here first.
Set to drop July 11, 2025, the heavyweight roots anthem was initially recorded in 1981 and is now being launched in full high-definition glory. The monitor has been lifted direct from the unique Reel To Reel 1/4” 15 IPS grasp tape—delivered to Greensleeves Information greater than 4 a long time in the past however by no means formally put into manufacturing. Mastering engineer Billy Polo has reworked the monitor, making certain it now hits as laborious and clear because it was meant to.
Although variations of the music beforehand circulated on Randy’s Jah Steering label in Jamaica and New York—and even underneath the title “Not Leaving” on Holt’s personal imprint—this marks the first-ever official digital launch of the unique combine, full with instrumental and prolonged variations accessible throughout all main platforms.
“We Nah Go away” was crafted by the identical sonic dream group that constructed “Police In Helicopter,” one in all reggae’s most iconic protest tracks. Backing Holt is the legendary Roots Radics band, captured in full drive at Channel One Studios in Western Kingston. With Type Scott’s militant drums and Flabba Holt’s heavy, hypnotic bass, the monitor is pure insurgent soul—a real sufferah’s anthem for individuals who know the burden of battle and the hearth of resistance.
And Holt’s vocal? Classic and defiant – like a person refusing to be moved.
John Kenneth Holt, OD, was a legendary Jamaican reggae singer who rose to prominence as a member of The Paragons earlier than launching a profitable solo profession that helped form the sound of lovers rock and roots reggae.
Born within the Greenwich Farm district of Kingston, Jamaica, Holt was immersed in music from an early age. His mom, Amy, labored as a nurse, whereas younger John shortly confirmed indicators of outstanding vocal expertise. By the age of 12, he had turn out to be a well-recognized face on the island’s expertise present circuit, recurrently competing within the fashionable Vere Johns Alternative Hour contests held at native theatres. Holt received 28 competitions, lots of which had been broadcast reside on Radio Jamaica, setting the stage for a profession that may span greater than 5 a long time. Holt died in October 2014. He was simply 67.
“We Nah Go away” drops July 11 on all digital platforms by way of VP Information. LISTEN TO IT HERE FIRST
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