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Already renowned for delivering an eclectic blend of Jamaican music genres, Cecil Bustamente Campbell, more commonly recognized as Prince Buster, posthumously graced the music scene in 2025 with the release of ‘Funky Jamaica’. More than an average album, this musical masterpiece features twelve tracks, all bearing the unique touch of Jamaican funk, rocksteady, and early reggae.
Famous for his remarkable songwriting abilities and production talent, Prince Buster has been an influential figure in the evolution of Jamaican contemporary music. He was born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1938, and grew up profoundly influenced by his family’s devotion to Christian prayers and hymn meetings, shaping his early musical experiences. This exposure to spiritual music prompted Cecil to explore more about this huge world, and soon he was drawn towards rock ‘n’ roll in his early teenage years.
Prince Buster achieved significant fame in the 1960s, his records shaping the course of Jamaican modern music. While working numerous roles for Coxsone, a popular music businessman, Buster eventually decided to build his Sound System – the ‘Voice of the People’. His journey was not limited to Jamaica, as his music gained popularity abroad. Buster cemented his legacy even further with the release of ‘Funky Jamaica’, an album that interweaves generations and revives musical memories.
The novelty of ‘Funky Jamaica’ lies not just in the manifold music genres featured but also in the inclusion of seven unreleased tracks. Prince Buster’s rendition of James Brown’s “Bring It Up”, paints an exemplary picture of his musical versatility. Similarly, the artist’s collaboration with Lee Perry in “Call On Me” creates a perfect amalgamation of rhythm and melody. Prince Buster also shared the platform with Teddy Charmers to reproduce the previously unreleased tracks – “Got to Be Free” and “All My Life”.
Buster’s legacy was not confined to his own projects; he also served as a source of inspiration and guidance to other artists of his generation. Just as he was influenced by artists like Fats Domino and James Carr, his own music influenced and moulded the likes of Bob Marley and Winston Samuels. Other notable artists, such as Gregory Isaacs, the Godfather of Lovers Rock and Lee Perry, the reggae and dub artist, have also featured on his albums.
Despite his slowed career in the 1970s due to the shifting musical landscape, Prince Buster’s influence remained pivotal in the music world. He inspired several other artists such as ska band Madness and the Specials, who have covered Prince Buster’s songs, naming their band after one of Buster’s songs, “Madness”. His music still resonates with the audience of today, transcending eras and appealing to multiple generations.
Prince Buster left an indelible mark on Jamaican music. His album ‘Funky Jamaica’ is further testament to his artistic genius. Through this album, Buster lives on, reminding us of the richness and dynamism of Jamaican music, and his unique talent to keep it flowing forever.
