He was ‘reggae revival’ before anyone thought of the term. In the mid-90s, when the current crop of roots ambassadors were still in short pants, Yvad released a potent combo of hope and idealism in the form of Bright Day and We Need Love.
The latter earned him the then Jamaica Music Industry (JAMI) Award for Best Produced Single in 1995, and brought teams from BET and other international media to see reggae’s latest bright spark.
Now 40 years old, he is doing the live-show rounds in Jamaica, and looking to make his mark once again.
According to the stocky singer, he is up to the task even though he has been away from the country for some time.
“I think I still have what it takes to adjust to the times. The music keeps changing but we follow the changes,” he said.The Manchester-born Yvad (real name Kevin Davy) started his career touring with the Marleys. He would also go on the road with the Mighty Diamonds, Israel Vibration, Bunny Wailer, Andrew Tosh and the Wailers.
Early in his career, he was signed to Gary ‘Dr Dread’ Himelfarb’s Ras Records which produced Young Gifted and Dread, his debut album. His latest album, Cease Fire, came out this year.
Yvad is currently promoting the song Riverton, about the infamous Kingston dump.
Yvad
Last week, he performed at the Alibi in St Andrew. He is set to appear Monday at Triple Century and January 15 on Rebel Salute.
As for the current crop of roots-reggae acts, Yvad is impressed.
“I think they’re good. I really like Chronixx, he’s a serious lyrical youth,” he said.
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