Major Mackerel

After 17 years of being overseas and absent from the Jamaican music scene, long-time reggae star Major Mackerel now has his eyes set on making a comeback.

Known for songs such as DuttyBungle, Pretty Looks Done and Sorry Fi Botha, the artiste, whose real name is Garfield Dixon, seemed very optimistic about the comeback as he spoke with The STAR during an interview at the Truckback Records' studio recently.

"Mi is a big man, but mi have a 14 or 15-year-old youth spirit. In other words, I'm a kid but mi trap in a big man body. Mi have to get involved in what going on. Mi have to do new things, create new sounds and do new work with the people dem that's in the industry," said Major Mackerel.

Thus far, the artiste has recorded songs such as Pepperpot on the Question rhythm for Truckback Records, Gal A Road on the Firewire rhythm for Lockecity Entertainment and he has also modified his 1987 Pretty Looks Done which was originally done with King Jammy's for Cashflow Records' Bus Stop rhythm.

New music

He is also set to do work with TJ Records and Stephen McGregor.

"New music, new words and new ideas. We young again, young and fresh. Major Mackerel come again, a deejay like di youths dem because di youths dem a tomorrow," he said.

Adapting to the changes music underwent during his absence has been posing a challenge for himbut he said he plans to work hard and eventually he will get it.

"It's challenging for me as a big man because a 17 years now mi lef Jamaica. For me to do these new records it's definitely challenging but I'm willing to go up to the challenge and face what is reality," said Major Mackerel.

He continued, "Dem (the producers) drill mi because mi have to seh di words right and say dem on time. Mi affi change di flow, change the melody and change di key. Mi have to go up, mi have to come down and mi have to sit level. Yeah, it is very hard and very challenging."

Before lauding Bounty Killer and Vybz Kartel for the role they play in developing the careers of upcoming artistes, he said he loves all the artistes who are in the industry but there is a lack of love and respect among them.

He believes his return will be accepted bycurrent dancehall and reggae fans as he has what it takes to get them to listen and enjoy.

Major Mackerel at Truckback Records studio.