A legend and one of the pioneers of the sound system, Kenneth Gordon, Known in music circles as “Fat man”, the past passed away Sunday 15 from December in the United Kingdom, as confirmed by his family through social networks.
“It is with great sadness that we report that our father Fatman passed away on Sunday 15 from December to 2024. On behalf of the whole family, We would like to thank you all for sending your condolences., love and support during this difficult time”, Dj Flip shared on his networks, Gordon's son.
The next 23 December the producer's wake will be held in London, on the ninth night of death, to honor Fatman's life with his family and friends.
In several African countries there is a tradition called “Nine Nights”, which is a nine-night wake where family and friends gather to celebrate the life of the deceased, a tradition that has been adopted in Jamaica and other Caribbean countries. In this case something similar will be done, but only on the ninth night.
The life of “Fat man”
Born in Jamaica, Kenneth Gordon moved to the UK in 1962 and founded the KG Imperial and Fat Man labels, together with the publisher Ken Songs, in addition to directing Fatman HiFi, a famous sound system located in Tottenham, north of london.
“Fat man” He began his career collaborating with Sir Fanso The Tropical Downbeat, where I was responsible for selecting the music for the sound, but when Sir Fanso dismantled it and returned to Jamaica, Fatman decided to start his own Sound System.
In 1974 founded his own system, whom he initially called Sound Wild Bells, although he later renamed it Imperial Downbeat before finally adopting the name Fatman HiFi, project he financed by working two jobs.
Later “Fat man” opened in 1977 a record store on West Green Road, en Tottenham y, before that, ran a shop on Tottenham High Road, for later, in 1979, Fatman Hifi won the title of best sound system at the Black Echoes British Reggae Awards.
At the beginning of the years 80, MCs Raymond Naptali and Roy Ranking performed regularly in the sound and released albums under Fatman's KG Imperial Records label..
In the decade of 1990, The Sound System was discontinued and Fatman turned his attention to production, distribution, promotion and management of your child's Sound System, Gold Star Music. Finally, Fatman Hifi resumed its activities and participated in recovery dances and various festivals.
He also collaborated extensively with reggae legends King Tubby, Prince Jammy y Bunny Lee to release his music in the UK.
