Skeng Don and friends happy to reunite at birthday bash

Businessman and music producer Kenneth 'Skeng Don' Black and intellectual property rights expert Maxine Stowe were among the well-wishers at Gary Thompson's big 60th birthday bash at Dunn's River Park in St Ann last Saturday.

The highlight of the event was a masterful juggling with legendary British disc jock David 'Ram Jam' Rodigan and Bass Odyssey. They all go back a far way and for them it was a wonderful reunion.

"Gary Thompson's 60th birthday was a great and timely reunion of the Skengdon/SKD team from our Miami years in 1985, as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Skengdon label catalogue SturMars Sound System with ace selector/producer Danny Dread. A reissue and rebrand campaign through VP/Greensleeves Records has been scheduled," Skeng Don, who was in a good mood, told THE STAR. He promised that more information on this project will be coming soon.

Stowe, who was an integral part of those "Miami years" met Thompson during that time and she has fond memories of working alongside him. She is an integral part of the team working on the reissue of Skeng Don's catalogue. On Saturday, however, she was more about enjoying the music provided by Rodigan and his nemesis, Bass Odyssey, than anything else.

"Having David Rodigan sparring with Bass Odyssey was great," Stowe said, adding that "his legendary 1985 radio sound clash with Barry G forms part of the 40th dancehall narrative".

"The year 1985 is acknowledged as the transformative 'digital year' and it was then that the sound system clash-themed stage shows such as Sting were launched. The Skengdon label and SturMars sound system were essential stylistic contributors," explained Stowe, who is the widow of the late musical legend, Sugar Minott.

Birthday boy Thompson shared that he was in his element having his friends from back in the days being a part of his celebration. He was referring to Skeng Don, Stowe and Rodigan. Thompson said that he was "lucky" to have Rodigan, who just happened to be vacationing in Jamaica at this time, playing at his event.

"Me and Rodigan friendship go back years and years ... decades ... and Skeng Don is family. So I appreciate him and Maxine and everybody who show up," said Thompson, whose mother, aunt and other relatives were present to shower him with love and affection.

Every so often Rodigan and Bass Odyssey selectors could be heard shouting out the man of the moment and reminding patrons that "It's Gary's birthday!"

The night's juggling lived up to Rodigan's promise to "let the music breathe" and Bass Odyseey was in tune as they told fans that tonight there would be "no long talking". The selectors came with their 'A' game and Rodigan, of course, gave some 60-second music courses as he introduced some of the songs, shouted out the UK massive in the house and even his driver, Delroy Tappa.

Singer Althea Hewitt graced the sage as she sang Happy Birthday, Jamaican-style to Thompson.