Circa 1948 – June 14, 1999
During the early years of dancehall reggae, Henry “Junjo” Lawes was the most important and influential producer around. His raw, street-level sound and use of pre-existing rhythms virtually defined dancehall in its pre-digital phase.
Unfortunately, Lawes was also something of a star-crossed figure; he spent the latter half of the ‘80s in jail, halting his career just as the new, electronic raga sound was changing the face of dancehall. Although Lawes returned to work in the ‘90s, he was no longer on the cutting edge. He was shot to death in the Harlesden area of London by two men – likely gang members in 1999.
Hits include:
- “Wa Do Dem”
- “Diseases”
- “Police in Helicopter”
- “A Love I Can Feel”
- …and many more