Mikey General

One of Reggae’s most exciting talents in conscious vocals is that of Mikey General. His high tenor voice, like a warm breeze over the ocean, carries a message of faith and optimism. His unyielding devotion and genuine sincerity sets this singer apart from the rest. Mikey General, long known for his association with Luciano, has spent decades honing his talent, navigating the upper echelon of producers and studios in the reggae industry, both in the United Kingdom and Jamaica. British-born Jamaican Mikey General, born Michael Taylor, moved back to Jamaica at age two, and not long after, began to imitate songs on the radio and television. His public recognition began when he sung in the school and church choirs. In his teenage years he was already voicing on large Kingston sound systems like Kilamanjaro and Virgo Sounds. At sixteen, he recorded his first song for sound system owner- Ruddy Silence.. Mikey returned to Britain in 1982 and continued to voice on top sounds—only this time it was the British sounds like Coxsone International and Saxon. The latter gave him a taste of the road, touring Europe in 1984 along with Smiley Culture, Papa Levi and Maxi Priest. 1985 was a big year when DubVendor produced tracks “Dancehall Vibes”, this earned him ‘performer of the year.’ After 10 years in England, Mikey’s spirituality was becoming the centre in his life and he moved back to Jamaica. A great moment came when he met Luciano for the first time at Castro Brown’s New Name Studio. “I noticed a Godliness in his movements” stated Mikey. In 1993 the two friends became mainstays in Phillip “Fatis” Burrell’s Xterminator Crew, they toured America and Europe, “exterminating slackness in Reggae music”. After ten years in England, Mikey’s spirituality was becoming front and center in his life and he moved back to Jamaica.the key moment came when he met Luciano for the first time at Castro Brown’s New Name Studio,”I noticed the godliness in his movements,” stated Mikey, in 1993,the two friends became mainstays in Phillip “Fatis” Burrell’s Xterminator Crew which toured America and Europe “exterminating slackness in reggae music,” Mikey grew his dreadlocks, adopted a true and natural lifestyle, and watched things fall in place with the Xterminator Crew. He released two albums within two years. “Sinners” and “I am a Rastaman”, on the British Jetstar Label. He also opened for Luciano and Sizzla on tour in the mid 1990’s. It reached time for Mikey and Luciano to branch off from the Xterminator Crew, and in 1998, they formed Jah Messenjah Productions and Qabalah First Music with the aim “To provide people with spiritual uplifting music in these times of degradation”. With hard work the two singers built a nice home base, and Mikey released the full length “Spiritual Revolution” on their own Qabalah Label. John Marcus of Echoes UK dubbed it the ‘Album of the Year.’ . It reached time for Mikey and Luciano to branch off from the XterminatorCrew, and in 1998, they formed Jah Messenjah Productions and Qubala First Music with the aim “to provide people with spiritual uplifting music in these times of degradation.” With hard work the two singers built a nice home base, and Mikey released the full-length “Spiritual Revolution” on their own Qabala label. John Marcus of Echoes UK dubbed it the Album of the year. The album “Exalt Jah” 2001 was his next album which showed a mature and confident Mikey General whose lyrics reflect commitment and deep faith in Jah. He continued to tour the world with Luciano, opening for him on the “New Day” tour throughout Europe and the United States. The industry giant, VP, got hold of Mikey’s next album “Red Green & Gold” and through strong distribution the album was well-received. The album featured tracks “He That Keepeth Israel” and “Joy” which reflects Mikey’s belief that “music should effect the life we live”. He has a new Album released on the Qabalah First Music Label, Confidence in Self. He believes this album will be the catalyst to propel him to greater heights, to separate the singers from the chanters—if you will. With hits such as “Jah Time”, “Looking A Way Out”, and the popular “Heartbroken” featuring Contractor. After touring Europe, Africa and North America numerous times, Mikey General is truly a world citizen of Music, he says ”Haile Selassie I set the example, and we must take this message to the four corners of the earth.”