April 2, 1966 – December 10, 1994
Garnett Daymon Smith aka Garnett Silk started deejaying as a teenager, calling himself Little Bimbo. He recorded his first single for Delroy Collins, soon followed by sessions for King Tubby, Youth Promotion and King Jammy. He achieved success with his cuts for Courtney Cole, but his debut set, “Its Growing” for Bobby Digital established him as a major roots artists. He rose to prominence under the guidance of First Born Management with Tony Rochester and Bridgett Anderson. He became a local favourite. Reggae lovers everywhere hailed Garnett as the successor to Bob Marley.
However, the promising life and career came to an unexpected and abrupt end on December 10, 1994. According to reports in the press, Garnett borrowed guns from an attorney after his home had been robbed. Someone was showing him how to use and clean a weapon, when it accidentally discharged. The bullet struck a cooking gas cylinder which instantly exploded. Garnett and his mother Teega died, and 2 of his brothers were severely burned in the incident. Many of his fans were in shock for days.
Hits include:
- “Splashing Dashing”
- “Place in Your Heart”
- “Kingly Character”
- “Hello Africa”
- “Mama”
- “Zion in a Vision”
- “Gave You Everything”