One of Reggae's most exciting talents is conscious vocalist Mikey General. His high tenor voice, like a warm breeze over sands, carries a message of faith and optimism to the world. His unyielding devotion and his genuine sincerity sets this Jamaican singer apart from the rest.Mikey General, long known for his association with Luciano, has spent two decades honing his craft navigating the upper echelon of producers and studios in the industry, both in the United Kingdom and Jamaica.
British-born Jamaican Mikey General, born Michael Taylor, moved back to Jamaica at age two and not long after, began to imitate songs on the radio and television, His public recognition began when he sung in the school and church choirs. In his teenage years, he was already voicing on large Kingston sound systems like Killamanjaro and Virgo Sounds. At sixteen, he recorded his first song for sound system owner Ruddy Silence.
Mikey returned to Britain in 1982 and continued to voice on top sounds- only this time it was the British sounds like Coxone International and Saxon. The latter gave him a taste of the road, touring Europe in 1984 along with Smiley Culture, Papa Levi and Maxi Priest. 1985 was a big year when the DubVendor produced tracks "Dancehall Vibes" hit ..1 on the trend-setting New Musical Express chart and ..2 on the Echoes chart. Accolades continued as Echoes' readers awarded Mikey "Newcomer of the year,"
After ten years in England, Mikey's spirituality was becoming front and center in his life and he moved back to Jamaica.the key moment came when he met Luciano for the first time at Castro Brown's New Name Studio,"I noticed the godliness in his movements," stated Mikey, in 1993,the two friends became mainstays in Phillip "Fatis" Burrell's Xterminator Crew which toured America and Europe "exterminating slackness in reggae music,"
Mikey grew his dreadlocks, adopt a true and natural lifestyle,and watch things fall into place,with the Xterminator Crew, Mikey released two albums within two years, "Sinners," and "I Am Just A Rastaman" on the British Jetstar Records. He also opened for Luciano and Sizzla on tour in the mid-1990s.
It reached time for Mikey and Luciano to branch off from the XterminatorCrew, and in 1998, they formed Jah Messenjah Productions and Qubala First Music with the aim "to provide p[eople with spiritual uplifting music in these times of degradation." With hard work the two singers built a nice home base, and Mikey released the full-length "Spiritual Revolution" on their own Qabala label. John Marcus of Echoes UK dubbed it the Album of the year.
"Exalt Jah," Mikey's follow-up to "Spiritual Revolution" was released in 2003 on Stone Tiger Entertainment and showcased a mature and confident Mikey General whose lyrics reflect his commitment and deep faith in Jah. Between recording, Mikey opened for Luciano on his "New Day" tour, followed by a solo club tour of the United States.
The industry giant VP Records, got hold of mikey's next album, "Red Green and Gold," and through strong distribution took Mikey's music to another level. The well-received album featured tracks "He That Keepeth Isreal," and "Joy," which reflect Mikey's belief that "music should reflect the life we live!
