Mykal Rose

Perhaps the highest profile recognition came in 1984, when Michael Rose and the other Black Uhuru members (Duckie Simpson, Puma Jones, Sly Dunbar, and Robbie Shakespeare) won reggae's first Grammy award for the album, Anthem. But the story doesn't begin with Black Uhuru. In 1976, Michael Rose was already a seasoned performer, having honed his skills by performing on Jamaica's hotel circuit. When an early incarnation of Black Uhuru (Ducky Simpson and Errol Nelson) approached Michael to join the group, he already had several solo singles to his credit. These include the original "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner" and "Clap the Barber," both recorded for producer Niney The Observer, and "Running Around" for Winston Campbell.

Throughout the first half of the 1980s, Black Uhuru continued their success with albums like Sinsemilla, Red, Chill Out, and Anthem, along with compilations, dub albums, and live albums for Island Records. They became the best-known reggae act since Bob Marley, and won the first reggae Grammy for Anthem in 1984. At the forefront of the recordings and live shows of Black Uhuru was the charismatic Michael Rose, who had incredible stage presence and a vocal style all his own. So popular was his trademark sound that singers like Don Carlos, Junior Reid, Yami Bolo, and others embraced it as the "Waterhouse" sound.

With lead singer Michael Rose seemingly at the top of his game, he parted ways with Black Uhuru, with the intention of redefining his musical direction as a solo artiste. In the early 1990s, Rose suddenly appeared on the scene with new material including Jamaican singles produced by Sly and Robbie. Monkey Business, Visit Them, One a We Two a We were notable singles which came along with three albums: Proud, Bonanza, and King of General which was released in Japan.

As a solo artiste, Rose regularly tours the United States and Europe, and has maintained his Jamaican fan base with hit singles on the island and abroad. He is a modern roots singer, and fits perfectly into today's scene. With a glorious past and a wide-open future, Rose is truly a reggae superstar.