BUSHMAN
“Superior vocal style combines with heartical lyrics and powerful stage presence to make Bushman one of Reggae’s hottest tickets!” Reggae Festival E-guide
Born Dwight Duncan, in the lush picturesque hill top village of Spring Garden, St. Thomas, Jamaica. He was raised as a Rasta since the tender age of two. Dwight attended the Lysson All Age School, where his music teacher noticed his potential for music and nurtured him in his developing stages. Dwight then went on to Yallas High School where he continued to shine musically as a member of the school choir, a member of the Yallas drum core, playing the bass organ, also participating in numerous school concerts. He was also a member of the New Testament Church of God Choir, where he earned the name Ark Angel.
During his teenage years he became the selector for Black Star Line sound-system, then known as Junior Melody he took part in several singing competitions and talent searches in and around St. Thomas. Gaining a strong local fan base Junior Melody began to sing dub plates for local sound-systems such as Lees Unlimited, Mello Construction, King Majesty and others. The rave reviews from the sound selectors and the people of his community encouraged Junior Melody to take his talent to the next level. The studios of Kingston Jamaica was the place to be if he wanted to make a name for himself in the reggae business.
These were hard times for Bushman. Traveling to Kingston is a seventy mile return journey. Being poor he would have to hitchhike most of the time, sharing one bulla and a bag juice with anyone of his friends that dared to make the journey with him. Bushman later recorded a song relating to this period of his life, titled ‘Life ain’t no bed of Rose.’ The hard times did not deter him from seeking his dream. After many month of travelling to Kingston and waiting around at the studios. It was during an impromptu game of football at Arrows Dub plate studio where Junior Melody met Steely and Clevie. Steely commented that Junior Melody was not to good at football, Junior Melody’s response was ‘I can sing though’ in hearing that Steely prompted him to sing something. Right there in the yard Junior Melody sang, Steely immediately invited him to audition at Studio 2000.
Their first song together was “Grow Your Natty”, an outstanding debut. Swiftly followed by the hit “Call the Hearse”. With talks of an album Steely wished to change the name Junior Melody to Bushman. Initially the singer/song writer was not happy with this name at all, he thought it some how derogatory to him coming from the country, until he researched the name only to discover that ‘Bushman’ was an Afrikan name for ‘Medicine Man’. Bushman became the musical ‘Medicine Man’. Bushman has been full filling the meaning of this name to date.
Bushman has recorded countless 45’s and seven full length albums including: Nyah Man Chant, Total Commitment, A Better Place, Higher Ground, Toe to Toe, My Meditation and Signs.
Despite the ever-increasing recognition of his talent Bushman remains a humble down to earth figure, who still lives in St.Thomas with his wife and children. Enjoying the frequent trips to the lush bath fountain where they bathe in the hot mineral water. Bushman and his family stay healthy with a life style of strictly ital foods and juices. Yes Bushman leads a humble but enlightening life in his birthplace parish of St. Thomas.
Bushman with his natural talent for singing, is an outstanding artist carved from the same iritical musical tradition as Bob Marley, Dennis Brown and Luciano (with whom he has a very close relationship), who he quotes as being his most dominant influences.
With his dynamic lyrics, superb showmanship and classic performances, the Rastafarian known as Bushman is an artist with which to hold a joy with, and a force to be reckoned with.