Yabby You is one of the more intriguing figures in the world of roots-reggae. Born in Waterhouse as one of 12 children in his family, he grew up in extreme poverty. As a teenager he suffered malnutrition and developed severe arthritis that would leave him on crutches for much his life.
He was also notable for his traditional Christian beliefs, which often left him at odds with many of his Rastafarian contemporaries. However despite his differing interpretation of the Bible, he still shared many of the concerns of his Rastafarian bredren. Particularly in his dark vision of the futility of the Babylon shitstem - which led him to the recording studio.
He voices this dark vision of Babylon's demise brilliantly in the 1972 track - Run Come Rally. His apocalyptic description of Babylon as 'the land of the sinking sand' creates a deep sense of dread that is mirrored by the brooding, minor-key dominated riddim.
Naram
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Big Up Yabby You.
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