Reggae says goodbye to one of its greatest legends. To the 80 years of age died Maxwell Livingston Smith, better known as Max Romeo, product of cardiac complications in a private medical center. Andrew, Jamaica, between the 15:00 Y 16:00 FRIDAY HOURS 11 of April, According to information reported by the Jamaicin medium DancehallMag.
“The family is devastated. My father, Maxie Smith, It is no longer in this dimension; You are not here to talk to him, But it's still alive. The family is mourning and asks for privacy at the moment”, declared said media Azana Smith, Daughter of the singer.
According to the aforementioned publication, Azana Smith -Cantante that acts under the name of Xana Romeo– He revealed that his father was going to be discharged on Saturday, But he died unexpectedly.
An extensive musical career
Max Romeo's career began in 1965 as a vocalist of The Emotions, a musical group that included Lloyd Shakespeare, older brother of the reggae icon Robbie Shakespeare.
Nevertheless, His first great success as a soloist came in 1968 With the simple provocative “Wet Dream“, Top reached 10 from the United Kingdom despite its controversial letter, and gave rise to his first album –A Dream-, Posted the following year.
In an interview of 2023, Romeo told the youtuber Teach Dem what, after 25 weeks on the list of singles of the United Kingdom, decided to interpret similar songs with double meaning as “Play with Your Pu–y”, “Pu - and Watchman” Y “Wine Her Goosie”, But he had a revelation two years later and decided to give up.
His song of 1971, “Let the Power Fall on I”, of his second album Let The Power Fall With the producer Bunny Lee, became a hymn for the National People's Party (PNP) During his successful electoral campaign of 1972, who led Michael Manley to power.
The adoption of nickname “Joshua” by Manley, Inspired by the biblical figure, He was reinforced for his statement to have received a rod from Emperor Haile Selassie I to guide his people. This symbolism was adopted by many, including Romeo, who composed other songs in favor of Manley as “Michael Row the Boat Ashore” Y “Press Along Joshua”.
But nevertheless, With the passage of time, Romeo's perspective changed. In 1976, launched “No Joshua No”, A song that expressed its disappointment with Manley's leadership.
One of his most celebrated achievements came in 1976 With your fourth album, War Ina Babylon, produced by Lee “Scratch” Perry And with the support of The Upsetters. Posted by Island Records by Chris Blackwell, The album included “Chase the Devil”, considered the greatest success of Romeo's career.
Despite “Chase the Devil” appears in several Hollywood films, In the video game franchise Grand Theft Auto And it has been sampling by artists like Jay-Z, Kanye West y The Prodigy, Romeo said he never received royalties for the song or the album War Ina Babylon.
In 2022, Romeo filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (A G), now owner of Isand Records, alleging almost 50 Years of unpaid royalties, racial discrimination, Breach of contract and other complaints.
“After 47 years, I have exhausted all the resources at my range to solve this matter”, Romeo declared in 2023 On this matter.
“I had to stay aside while my most outstanding work was exploited without due compensation. I have seen and heard my music and my voice used in numerous commercial projects and I have only enjoyed the opportunity to interpret these songs for my fans live”, The singer added on that occasion.
further, He said that “to my 78 years, I can't enter this new stage of my life being docile and quiet, I have to raise my voice, I have to fight for what corresponds to the forces that I have left. I have to do this for the new generation, to raise awareness, since they often call me ‘legend’ The 'veteran', A title that I have with great pride”.
The New York Supreme Court has not yet ruled on UMG's last attempt to dismiss the demand. The musical company has argued, among other things, That Romeo's accusations, that cover almost five decades, have prescribed according to the six -year prescription period established in New York for this type of claims.
His farewell tour and his only visit to Chile
In January of 2023 jamaican singerannounced its farewell tour called“The Ultimate Tour”and the subsequent release of a commemorative album after almost 60 years of artistic career.
“I have performed all over the world and received nothing but love from all of you.. To the 78 years, I thank the Most High that I am still healthy and can say goodbye to all of you, correctly ", He held on that occasion through his social networks.
Within the framework of his farewell tour in which he toured multiple countries in Europe, United States and South America, The legendary singer visited Chile -his first and only presentation in the country- providing an unforgettable presentation at Club Chocolate.
In January of 2024 He presented the first single from his new EP called “Max Romeo Sings Classics”, A production of 6 songs that was launched in March of the same year, production that brings together only classic songs of Jamaican music.
