A Reggae Tribute to Michael Jackson
Kashief Lindo A Reggae Tribute To Michael Jackson
A Reggae Tribute To Michael Jackson is the new 18 track compilation album from Jamaican born and Miami raised Kashief Lindo. Singing some of Michael Jackson’s most popular and meaningful songs, Kashief wails his alto over original arrangements adapted to rhythms that cover the spectrum of Jamaican popular music. From ska beats to rock steady, reggae to dancehall flavors, he portrays MJ’s signature vocals.
Starting with the first track, the popular sing-along, ‘Wanna Be Starting Something’ followed by ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’, both are done on addictive, upbeat ska rhythms, setting the pace for a joyful, sound-alike ride of Jackson favorites. The catchy selections include ‘Man In The Mirror’, ‘Will You Be There’ and ‘I’ll Be There’ the latter featuring sibling Nikesha Lindo. Moving on, he brings us the touching ‘Earth Song,’ which is truly striking, the infectious groove of ‘Butterfly’, which is delivered as beautifully as the name would imply, and the solemn rock steady ‘Man Of War. Continuing, ‘Don’t Stop till You Get Enough and ‘Liberian Girl’ are voiced on dancehall style rhythms. Not to be outshown is the lovers rock, ‘She Is Out Of my Life’, followed by the traditional reggae vibes of ‘Never Can Say Goodbye’
Produced by reggae’s legendary Willie Lindo, who also doubles as guitarist, the album shines with other top knotch musicians such as Robbie Shakespeare, Paul Douglas, Robbie Lyn, Computer Paul, Charles Farquharson and Kashief Lindo.A Tribute To Michael Jackson is the latest of the singer/producer’s –father/son’s remarkable collaboration of 11 prior albums and the result of a venture which started when Kashief was in grade school.
Kashief says, “I love what I do. The making of this album was an adventurous pursuit and a lot of work but I really enjoyed doing it”. He further explains “I grew up listening to Michael Jackson. I have always latched onto his music. He played a big role in my development. He, along with Beres Hammond, has greatly influenced me as a singer, and this is my tribute to him”.
KASHIEF LINDO
Kashief Lindo was born, lived, and nurtured in an environment dedicated to the creation of music. His father Willie Lindo produced and wrote some of reggaes most popular songs, for artist such as Beres Hammond, Dennis Brown, Maxi Priest to name a few. Willie took his son Kashief to the studio almost every day from his birth.
One day Willie and Beres Hammond were in the studio recording for about 12 hours, while four year old Kashief sat and watched patiently, as the two geniuses worked. On their way home the idea for one of Beres’s popular songs was born, and they played with the melody in the car until they got to their destination, they knew they had a hit, so they decided to record the song the following day, unfortunately as it often happens, neither Beres or Willie could remember the melody of the song, they tried tirelessly but could not get it, when they had all but given up they heard four year old Kashief humming the melody quite nonchalantly, at that point they realized that this young boy was someone special.
Beres Hammond insisted that Willie Lindo record Kashief, thus at the age of four, his first recording, “Live with Love”. Although Kashief is highly influenced by the great Reggae Balladeers, he grew up listening to his personal C.D. collection, which includes, R&B, Hip Hop, Latin, Country, Pop, all genres of music. His voice has been described as a cross between Stevie Wonder, Sam Cook, and Michael Jackson, all mentors of Kashief. Coincidentally Michael Jackson and Kashief are both born on the 29th of August.
Kashief Lindo’s first album entitled “Trouble Free” swept the charts in the United States, Europe and Japan. This album features his remake of a Jimmy Cliffs classic, “Many Rivers to Cross” a rendition that brought rave reviews. He has subsequently released six other albums, “Push For Your Goal” and album targeting young children, motivating them towards educational upliftment. “Soul and Inspiration”, What Kind of World”, “Kashief Sings Christmas”, and his first all original album “We Need Love” which demonstrated Kashief’s writing and production skills. His album “Solid Soul” is a collection of soulful ballads paying tribute to soul music. When asked why he chose to do an all ballad C.D. Kashief replied, “Through the years I have learnt that to be good at your craft you must pay close attention to others that have mastered theirs. So, from Nat King Cole to Michael Jackson, I have listened, studied, pondered, and sometimes mesmerized by their amazing gift. As a Reggae Balladeer it is normal to cover R&B songs while demonstrating our pulsating reggae rhythms, but I felt the need, the desire, almost an obligation to pay tribute to soul music, by covering some of my favorite songs, with the same soulful, rhythmic delivery that they were originally done in. So my gift to you sixteen of my favorite ballads, which I hope are some of your favorites, that you can share with your favorite person” “Solid Soul”. To date Kashief has a total of 11 albums to his credit the last 2 being “Keep On Keepin On” which include songs such as “How Can We Ease The Pain”, “Paradise Jamdown (remix)” and “Send Me Your Love”; “Outtake Album” that has songs such as “Is It All Over Now”, that is currently No. 1 on Reggae Charts in South Florida, “All In Love”, “Human Life” and “Music is a Part of Me”
Kashief has matured into a complete artiste. At his young age he now has the skills of a seasoned veteran. Kashief is a laid back and humble person, but when he touches the stage he transforms into an illustrious performer. In 1998 the Tamika Awards presented Kashief with the award “Best Male International Singer”. The 1999 Reggae Soca Music Awards bestowed the honor of “Album of the Year” for the work “We Need Love”.
Kashief Lindo is an exceptional vocalist, musician and producer, but additionally, he exhibits exemplary character. He greets everyone with a smile and a positive word. Kashief spends most of his time in the studio with his father Willie Lindo, not seeking fame, not seeking fortune, but making a positive contribution to the world with his music, and in so doing he will achieve fame and fortune. Kashief lives by his convictions, and will not produce or be a part of anything negative or derogatory. So he continues to live his life trouble free.
