Jah Mason

Hailing from Manchester, Jamaica, reggae vocalist Jah Mason entered the scene in 1991 through the release of “Selassie I Call We.” Issued on Junior Reid’s label, the track carried the alias Perry Mason, a childhood nickname earned for his talent at resolving disputes. Rural surroundings have always drawn him more than city life because they facilitate deeper reflection, a preference he has described by saying, “I can communicate with the birds and the trees.” Association with David House, the guide who earlier steered Capleton toward worldwide recognition, helped nurture that introspective dimension. Joining the Bobo Ashanti Rastafarian order in 1995 prompted him to replace Perry Mason with Jah Mason as his professional name and to focus on conscious reggae that gave equal weight to message and melody. Before issuing the 2002 albums Keep Your Joy on Ghetto Technology and Unlimited on Reggae Vibes, he notched Jamaican successes with tracks such as “My Princess Gone” and “Lion Look” while contributing guest vocals to several Jah Cure singles. The 2004 set Never Give Up (On The Corner) paired him with producers from multiple countries, including Israel’s Dan “Piloni” Kark. VP released Princess Gone: The Saga Bed in 2006, an album that reached broader markets through Universal’s worldwide distribution network.