OLDIES SUNDAY: Roy Rayon – Love Fever (1985)

Last night (July 26), the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) hosted the finals of their yearly “Jamaica Festival Song Competition“. Since 1966, the competition showcased a variety of talent from the Island, with one becoming the ultimate winner for the year, winning cash prizes and local recognition. Today on “Oldies Sunday” we thought, why not highlight one of the competition’s biggest winners. We go back in time to check out “Mr. Festival” a.k.a. Roy Rayon, and his track, “Love Fever“.

Produced by Fab 5, written by Grub Cooper, and released through Stage Records in 1985, Roy Rayon stepped out as a winner with his track, “Love Fever”. The song is about a feeling that one can’t just shake out of, and is very addictive. Rayon’s entry was made to connect with the people, and bring on some nice vibes. “Love Fever” was an entry in the 1985 staging of the JCDC Festival Song Competition, and it was emerged the victor that year. The song’s popularity spread to Rayon’s 1985 debut album, “Trash ‘N’ Ready“, which was also a successful release.

Since the release of “Love Fever”, Roy Rayon went on to become a household name. He would go on to win 3 more years at the JCDC Festival Song Competition, earning the nickname, “Mr. Festival”. Rayon would also gained consistent bookings yearly during Independence Day festivities, and various national events. He would also hold the position as celebrity judge on Digicel’s “Rising Stars” competition series for a number of years. He is recognized yearly for his contributions to the JCDC, and “Love Fever” is considered one of his favourite releases.