Yami Bolo Big Up!!
Yami Bolo - Free Mandela 7'' [1986 Skengdon Original Pressing]
Massive, massive tune here, probably one of his best and most famous older releases! Perfect blend of roots and digi production, you can hear Sugar Minott's influence here. Killer instrumental by veteran pianist Jackie Mittoo also. Hard to find, but a must for any collector-
Yami Bolo - Be Still 7'' [1991 Tappa Original Pressing]
Fiery roots revival piece over a Tempo-like riddim. This was cut in '91, way ahead of the times. For reference, Sizzla didn't cut his first 7'' until four years after this. Credit Tapper Zukie for the instrumental as well. Be Still Babylon... Can't Touch The Rasta Children.
Yami Bolo - Hot Stepping 7'' [1993 Digital B Original Pressing]
Here Yami rides Bobby Digital's version of the Billy Jean riddim... bad bad cut.
Yami Bolo - Rasta Lover 7'' [1993 Kingston 11 Original Pressing]
Another hard to find and expensive 7'', this tune was also released as Rasta Soldier on the Patriot label as a 12''. Digi roots inna lover stylee. Not sure if this label has anything to do with King Jammy's label (also named Kingston 11), as there's no mention of him on the production. I also have a 12'' of Steve Harper and Ernest Wilson on same label/riddim that I'll post in the future.
Yami Bolo - Ghetto Youthman Have To Make It 7'' [1993 Yam Euphony Original Pressing]
Not only did Bolo cut tunes for a variety of producers, he also ventured in doing his own productions in the 90's. Heavy roots tunes that fit his singing perfectly, this is a favorite example of it. Unfortunately the tunes weren't always mixed very well, and some of the presses came out with poor quality.
Yami Bolo - Big Up And Live Up 7'' [199x Yam Euphony Original Pressing]
Crucial conscious chune with a bit more dancehall feel to it, was recorded around the same time as the tune above (YAM006 and YAM004). Could do without some of the screaming and exploding sound effects, but still worth a listen. Not only do I love Yami's music, but also his message. Coming up in a time that was dominated by slackness, he never has lost sight of his cultural themes. As someone who works in education, I appreciate how he always big ups the youthman as well. The children are the leaders of tomorrow, and we must be that positive influence if we are to expect them to succeed. Bless Up-
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