Sounds of Blackness – Optimistic
This was our wedding tune the first time I got to share my love for Karen, my wonderful newly-wedded wifey. It’s definitely a song to help us give thanks and blessings for the miracle of life. As I have since the day I nearly died.
Soul II Soul – Back To life
Jazzie B used to bring Covent Garden to life once a week at the Africa Centre, dropping the original funky dread vibes. That healing feeling.
Bob Marley — Could You Be Loved
Football is freedom. Bob’s love of football is no secret and Cedella, his eldest daughter, is inspirational with her work for women’s football in the Caribbean and Latin America. This video was inspired by her Football is Freedom initiative.
Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers — Tomorrow People
Ziggy and his crew once took us to his special place in the hills of Jamrock to enjoy the river, hot springs, and healing. Just beautiful.
Stephen Marley — Cool As the Breeze
Perfect for after I return home from a few hours by the sea. Gently healing, slowly recovering. It’s all connected.
Peter Tosh — Legalize it
A lyrical homage to marijuana and it’s healing benefits. A word to the wise is enough.
The Clash — Rock the Casbah
My favorite club night in Tokyo was called the Casbah and always made me think of the boys. I trimmed Joe Strummer’s quiff on a shoot for GQ with Michael Roberts, and he told his wife that I would be really good at her makeup because he liked my vibes.
Gorillaz — Feel Good Inc.
Theme tune tings! I might have to give the genius that is Damon Albarn a tinkle to see if he does jingles. And Jamie Hewlett’s a bloody good illustrator.
The Specials – A Message To You Rudy
The sound of our youth, and also of the Return of the Rudeboy photography exhibition I worked on with Harris Elliot and Dean Chalkley in 2014. John ‘Brad’ Bradbury — The Specials drummer — gave my son Zion his first pair of sticks.
Marvin Gaye — Sexual Healing
One of the questions I was asked before going into the operating room by my neurosurgeon Dr Patrik Gabikian — AKA my Armenian Angel – was, “How’s ya libido, me old china?” I think he was trying to make me feel comfortable.
Bob Pinodo — Love is Love
The show master. It’s not a party without this man. My papa and mama loved to dance, and Uncle Pinodo was always on the turntable. Memories to heal by.
