Peter Broggs

Fans across the United States have long embraced Peter Broggs for his optimistic perspective and steadfast dedication to roots and culture, even when his vocals occasionally miss the mark in pitch. Born Henry James in 1954 in Hanover Parish, Westmoreland, Jamaica, he headed to Kingston at the age of 17 and took a factory job, only to lose it once his Rastafari convictions and lengthening dreadlocks drew attention.

Undeterred, he paid for his own session at Channel One to cut “Vank Out” with the Roots Radics, then followed it months later with “African Sister.” Those two tracks opened the door to Progressive Youth, the 1979 album produced by Eric “Bingy Bunny” Lamont. Gary “Doctor Dread” Himmelford, founder of Ras Records, was impressed enough to reach out to Broggs in Jamaica, leading to the 1982 release Rastafari Liveth!, also recorded at Channel One and issued as the label’s first official album.

The records that came afterward include Rise & Shine in 1985, Cease the War in 1988, Reasoning in 1990, and Rejoice in 1997. Frequently introduced as “The International Farmer,” the title of one of his songs about cropping ganja, Broggs now makes his home in Lucea, Jamaica, where declining health and failing eyesight have led him to scale back his musical work.