OLDIES SUNDAY: Toyan – Spar With Me (1981)

When it comes to Jamaican music, there is respect given to the Artist/Writer, and the Producer. What some forget about is the DJ/Selector who helps to break the Record. Before Social Media was a thing, it was the Disc Jockey who made sure your song got played. It’s still relevant in some scenarios today, and we still have to respect their role. Keeping with the theme of songs that may have been hits in the Summer, today’s Oldies Sunday selection comes from Toyan a.k.a. Rankin Toyan a.k.a. Pupa Toyan with his single, “Spar With Me“.

Produced by Henry “Junjo” Lawes and released through the Jah Guidance label in 1981, Toyan dedicated “Spar With Me” to the DJ, more specifically the legendary Barry “Barry G” Gordon. Toyan’s energetic delivery makes the song a very interesting one to listen to as he invites listeners to tune into the Barry G “The Boogey Man“, a name that has been one of the DJ’s trademarks, and invites the ladies to bubble with him as Barry selects the hits. Barry G has been a part of Jamaican music for nearly 50 years, and has used his platform and skillset to break Artists and Records, helped generations of Artist secure #1 chart success, and secured his place as one of the greatest Jamaican DJs whose name has travelled near and far.

“Spar With Me” became a popular track when it was released, and was featured on Toyan’s 1982 album of the same name. Toyan was one of the top Dancehall acts in the 80s, and he had a great following, inspiring a number of Artists. Since the release of “Spar With Me”, he went on to release more songs, and took his talents to various parts of the world. Sadly, he tragically lost his life in 1991, but his music continues to hold a significant place in the lives of many. Big up to the DJ.