A MAJOR chasm has been left in the reggae world with the passing of the greats, the inimitable Delroy Washington. 

I remember first meeting Delroy as a young aspiring artist. It was back in 1979, on a bright summer afternoon outside Jetstar record shop, then situated in the heart of Harlesden,  which at the time felt like the epicentre of the UK reggae scene.

The energy in the area was incredible, the atmosphere buzzing and crackling with excitement, creativity and possibilities as a wonderful and eclectic mix of British-born and Jamaican producers, DJs, singers and sound men laughed and reasoned together. 

Delroy, a well-known and imposing figure, fitted perfectly and comfortably into that scene and environment. 

“As an advocate for reggae music his enthusiasm was tireless”

Carroll Thompson

I was sitting in a car with musical legends Sugar Minott and Jackie Mittoo, waiting patiently for my producer Bertie.  I’m So Sorry, my debut single, was riding high in the charts but I was a relatively unknown artist feeling slightly anxious, fresh as I was to the industry and surrounded by so many emphatic and charismatic artists that were providing great excitement.

Somehow Delroy spotted and recognised me sitting quietly on the backseat and presented himself confidently with a huge smile.

He said: “Lovely to meet you, Miss Thompson.” He was warm and charming, wearing a red, gold and green tam and army fatigues. I smiled back and shook his hand at which point he engaged me in a thirty minute conversation of advice and anecdotes. The thirty minutes extended into an hour or so as others joined in. 

That was the essence of Delroy Washington – always at the heart of what was going on. He prided himself on the art of conversation and debate expounding his insatiable quest and acquisition for knowledge, research and the pursuit of excellence. 

IMPRESSIVE

He was impressive also with his disciplined lifestyle. He was a black belt disciple of the martial arts and an early advocate of healthy eating. As a Rasta and a Garveyite he was always striving to teach, assist and serve his community. His passion was for giving advice to his fellow musicians and his encouragement of their work is legendary.

That summer’s day in Harlesden was the beginning of a forty-year friendship between us. 

As a human being he was not flawless. However he had many strings to his bow. A talented musician and singer/songwriter in his own right, his publishing and production legacy speaks for itself. Additionally, he was extremely well-connected within the music industry both in the UK and in Jamaica on a corporate and grassroots level, and as a community activist within the borough of Brent he was well-known and highly regarded with the council, councillors and local MPs. 

ESTABLISHED

As an advocate for reggae music his enthusiasm was tireless. He always seemed to be trying to create new opportunities for young, emerging and established talent. 

Delroy also supported UK reggae music through the creation of a federation to assist and support artists for this country. 

I will remember him as a supporter, friend, musician and campaigner. A game changer. An enabler with a particular engaging charm and a wonderful smile. 

Rest in Zion, King. 

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