Daweh Congo

b. Rohan Graham, 28 March 1969, Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies. This highly rated young vocalist came from a musical background. His father, Leo Graham, had established a career in the Jamaican recording industry, initially as lead vocalist with the Bleechers and later as a soloist. The young progeny began singing professionally at eight years old when he supported his father on stage. On leaving school Congo pursued a variety of professions before embarking on his musical career. His initial recording session was with Alton Ellis who produced ‘Bread Winner’, a song that was never released. Undeterred Congo recorded with a number of producers, including Andrew Nash on ‘Reggae Journey’ and Stewart Brown on ‘Rainy Days’. By 1995 he was recording with Barry O’Hare of the X-Rated Crew, and released ‘Jah Call Them’, which utilised the ‘Drum Song’ rhythm. Subsequent hits included, ‘No Peace’, ‘Study Garvey’ and ‘Coconut Chalice’. The success of these releases resulted in a promotional tour of Europe where he performed alongside the Gladiators, Prezident Brown and Holland’s Panache Culture. The singer was also a prominent performer on the popular Heathen Chant, mixed by Irie FM’s Mighty Mike. Congo’s career has blossomed since, and he is particularly popular in America. US critics have compared him to a young Burning Spear, Everton Blender, Ini Kamoze and even Nitty Gritty, yet he has managed to create a style solely his own. His critically acclaimed 1997 debut featured his early hits alongside ‘Travel East’, ‘Love Is Real’, and the sublime ‘In America’, which acknowledged his US devotees. By 1999 his career was firmly established with the release of ‘Prophecy Fulfill’.