Album Notes

Along with Mutabaruka and Linton Kwesi Johnson, Oku Onuora is pre-eminent as defining the genre "Dub Poetry". In addition, however, Onuora has proven himself to be a major player in the ranks of instrumental dub producers. In the tradition of Lee "Scratch" Perry, Niney the Observer, Mikey Dread and Prince Far I, he is at home in the studio creating "wizard" hardcore dub tracks, heavy on echo, reverb, digital delay and restructured vocal sampling.

Dubbin' Away, his new CD for ROIR, is much more of a tough dub record than a dub poet outing. Oku has gone back to his original master tapes for some of his earlier recordings and re-mastered, recreated and reinvented them for their pure dub "version" effect.

At the age of 19, Oku robbed a Jamaican Post Office in an effort to raise money for a community school he was helping to fund - a la Robin Hood. Caught and sentenced to 15 years for armed robbery, Oku escaped twice - upon his second capture he survived 5 bullets to his chest, arms and legs. Even within the harshest of circumstances - incarceration within Jamaica's notorious General Penitentiary, Oku's dissident and revolutionary spirit could not be extinguished.

Under the tutelage of Rasta Elder Negus, Oku's voice could be heard through poetry, establishing himself at the forefront of a growing movement of dub poets. His recognition amongst the Jamaican "suffrahs" led to increasing fame both inside and outside of his prison walls. Released early for "good behavior" and an aptitude in literature and poetry, Oku has continued his uphill struggle, fighting for the oppressed all around the world.