Page 39 - Reggae Festival Guide Magazine 2019
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to the studio, Robbie Shakespeare overdubbed As one whose career was so closely influenced
the bass; Sly did the drum pattern. I just went by and identified with Bob Marley, she keeps
in and voiced the song – Bunny taught me the his work ethic close to her heart as a source of
song – ‘Electric Boogie.’ And it was released in inspiration. “One of the reasons why I made a
December ’82. Straight to the number one spot.” turn in my career – to make sure I am sending
positive messages to people, to teach, educate
The song’s popularity would peak again and and uplift – was because of Bob. When I saw
achieve a peculiar pop culture status when a how seriously this man took his music…I had
dance, “The Electric Slide,” was created for it never seen anything like that. It was his life.
in the late 1980s, more than six years after its Nothing came before his music. He never cared
release. It’s more of a wedding party song than a about money. His music and the people were
real reggae hit, but it has helped ensure Griffiths’ the most important things in his life.” In keeping
legacy doesn’t stop in the niche genre alone. that ethic close to heart over the span of her
Marcia Griffiths’ status as Jamaican music’s career, Griffiths has inspired new generations of
matriarch has not been in any question since the women to pursue the “melody life,” ensuring her
success of the “Electric Boogie” nearly four decades status as one of reggae’s living legends.
ago. Through the 1990s, Griffiths recorded Carter Van Pelt has been a radio producer and host
successful songs for producer Donovan Germain since 1991 and is founder of Coney Island Reggae
and others, ensuring an active profile in reggae On The Boardwalk.
and dancehall through the new millennium. For more, visit coneyislandreggae.wordpress.com
Marcia Griffiths and Robbie Shakespeare perform at Reggae on the River in 2017 – 35 years after recording the hit “Electric Boogie” together.
Photo by © Lee Abel Photography
Reggae Festival guide 2019 39
