Rothadam Rebel

Rothadam’s “Rebel” is without doubt one of the deepest and most sought after Roots 45s to ever come out of Canada. It evokes Black Ark studio wizardry with Rothadam’s delicate yet defiant vocal, Leroy Sibbles thunderous bass and a massive horn section. Two different versions were recorded by the unusually named singer in Toronto circa 1975, 76 by different producers (Sid Lovejoy and Ron Lewis) and backed by different bands. Oddly neither 45 ever included a Dub version and so this rediscovery combines both tracks for a monster double sider.

Shella Records tracked down the mysterious Rothadam after years of searching and with his blessing bring you this lovingly restored and fully licensed reissue project.

The “Rebel” message in Rothadam’s music is obvious but more than anything the song is a call for peace and unity reflecting on his life in Jamaica..

…..because where I was living , It’s hard to don’t get involved. It wasn’t an easy thing to just live and just be happy…..

Hard life man, hard life…most of my friends when they were doing things that aren’t right…Not me. So in other words, I was born to be a strong man.”