Matumbi "Empire Road" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #UK #Birmingham #EmpireRoad #Reggae #Music #13thStreetPromotions #Matumbi #UKReggae #ReggaeBand #1978 #EMIRecords #Caribbean

OLDIES SUNDAY: Matumbi – Empire Road (1978)


There are songs that have made an impact in the culture that may have fallen by the wayside over the years, but because of “Oldies Sunday“, they get a chance to reconnect with familiar ears, and connect with the new generation. Today, our selection comes from British Reggae Band Matumbi with the track, “Empire Road“.

Matumbi’s “Empire Road” was produced by the Band, and released it through the Harvest label in 1978. The track was a theme song from the short-lived BBC series of the same name, which was written by Guyanese-British Writer Michael Abbensetts, and starred Guyanese-British Actor Norman Beaton (Desmond’s), Trinidadian-British Actress Corrine Skinner-Carter (Eastenders), and St. Lucian-British Actor Joseph Marcell (The Fresh Prince Of Belair).

The series was set in a street in Birmingham, England called “Empire Road” that hosted a racially diverse mix of African-Caribbean, East Indian, and South Asian residents, highlighting the day to day incidents that occur there through the life of a Residential Property Landlord. The series made history as the first British Television series to be written, directed, and acted predominantly by Black Artists. The song highlights the clash of cultures from food to way of life in the community, but making a call for better living there. While the song was originally made for the TV series, it gained a lot of popularity to the point where it had to be released as an official single. The track was featured on the Band’s 1978 debut album “Seven Seals“.

Since the release of “Empire Road”, Matumbi went on to become one of the top British Reggae Bands in the 1970s and early ’80s. They released a number of singles and albums until their split in 1982, with some members having solo careers, and others joining The Cimarons and The Squad. “Empire Road” still has a place in the hearts of many, and holds a significant place in British Black History.

Thank You Matumbi For This Classic!

Check out the track below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter, TikTok, Threads, and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.

Continue reading “OLDIES SUNDAY: Matumbi – Empire Road (1978)”

Conky a.k.a. Mighty Conqueror "Sweet Mother" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #TrinidadandTobago #Calypso #Music #13thStreetPromotions #Conky #MightyConqueror #SweetMother #1978 #MothersDay #HappyMothersDay #Mom #Mama #Mother #Caribbean

OLDIES SUNDAY: Conky – Sweet Mother (1978)


Today is for the Mom, Mama, Mommy, Ma, Grandma, Auntie, and Mother. It’s Mother’s Day on “Oldies Sunday“, and we send a shout out to them all. Today’s selection comes from the late Calypsonian, Mighty Conqueror a.k.a. Conky with the track, “Sweet Mother“.

Arranged by Art De Couteau, “Sweet Mother” was released in 1978 through the Jumbo Caribbean Disco label. Conky’s track was a cover of Cameroonian/Nigerian Singer Prince Nico Mbarga’s mega popular track that was released in 1976. The song speaks of a person’s gratitude towards their Mother as she has been there for them in every stage of life. Even when she’s not physically present, a Mother and her love are not forgotten in the heart of her Child. Conky’s version of “Sweet Mother” was a popular track in the Caribbean, and was highlighted yearly in some Islands including his home of Trinidad & Tobago. Celebrate your Mom today, and every day of the year.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

Check out the track below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter, TikTok, Threads, and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.

Continue reading “OLDIES SUNDAY: Conky – Sweet Mother (1978)”

Jimmy Riley "Tell The Youths The Truth" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #JimmyRiley #Reggae #Music #Oldies #13thStreetPromotions #Caribbean

OLDIES SUNDAY: Jimmy Riley – Tell The Youths The Truth (1978)


Greetings! How about a throwback? Today, we celebrate the birthday of a Jamaican Music Icon, and his name is Jimmy Riley! Today, we go back in time to check out his track, “Tell The Youths The Truth“!

The self produced track was released in 1978 through the High Note label in Jamaica, and in the UK through Trojan Records. On the track, Jimmy Riley spreads a message that everyone should be conscious of where they’re coming from, be proud of their roots, and call out those who choose to hide the knowledge. “Tell The Youths The Truth” was a hit for Jimmy Riley, and became one of his memorable singles. The track was featured on his 1978 album of the same name. Prior to his solo career, he was a member of The Sensations and The Uniques, and has worked with Bunny “Striker” Lee, and Sly & Robbie.

Since the release of “Tell The Youths The Truth”, Jimmy Riley scored more hits as a solo Artist, and assisted in developing the career of his son Tarrus. Jimmy Riley transitioned to the big dance session in the sky in 2016, and has left behind a legacy that will inspire many.

thank you Jimmy Riley For This Classic!

Check out the track below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.

Continue reading “OLDIES SUNDAY: Jimmy Riley – Tell The Youths The Truth (1978)”

Tyler The Creator Call Me If You Get Lost Fil Callender Jah Stitch Baby My Love Thought You Wanted To Dance Music Blog 13thStreetPromo 13thStreetPromotions GolfWang UK LA USA Caribbean Jamtech Foundation Run The Track

Fil Callender & Jah Stitch’s “Baby My Love” Featured In New @TylerTheCreator Album


US Rapper/Producer Tyler, The Creator may have his share of controversy over the years, but you can’t deny his talent. With a cult like following with his OddFuture collective and brand, Tyler has set himself to become a very successful person. He still manages to shock people, but a lot of times in a good way thanks to his lyricism and production, and his new album, “Call Me If You Get Lost” is no different. One stand out on the album, is a track that sampled a Reggae/Lover’s Rock hit.

On track 10 a.k.a. “Sweet/I Thought You Wanted To Dance“, the 2nd half of the track (“I Thought You Wanted To Dance“) features a sampling of the 1978 Fil Callender single, “Baby My Love“. Produced by Phil Mathias along with Callender and featuring Jah Stitch, “Baby My Love” is considered a Lover’s Rock classic. With Fil Callender’s delivery which can be said was inspired by the late American Soul Musician Curtis Mayfield paired with Jah Stitch’s deejaying, the single quickly became a hit when it was released, and a favourite for many. “Baby My Love” was featured on the soundtrack for the 5-part Steve McQueen directed series, “Small Axe” in 2020. “Baby My Love” can be heard throughout “I Thought You Wanted To Dance” along with a sample of Jamtech Foundation’s 2000 single, “Run The Track” (which we believe sampled Bounty Killa’s voice). Fil Callender was a member of the Reggae Band, The In Crowd, but went solo in the 1980s and became a born again Christian. He was awarded the Order of Distinction in 2013 by the Jamaican Government for his contribution to Jamaican Music.

Tyler, The Creator’s “Call Me If You Get Lost” album is out now, but you can check out the track, “Sweet/I Thought You Wanted To Dance” below. Please share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.

Continue reading “Fil Callender & Jah Stitch’s “Baby My Love” Featured In New @TylerTheCreator Album”

Toney Barrett Trying Man Reggae Music Blog 13thStreetPromo 13thStreetPromotions Caribbean 1978 Isabel Records Old School Oldies Sunday Oldies

OLDIES SUNDAY: Toney Barrett – Trying Man (1978)


Today’s Oldies Sunday selection is for the Creators. Time and time again, many of us have spent a great portion of our lives creating, but never can seem to catch a break. Sometimes it’s like no matter how great our talent is, or how awesome our projects are, they all get overshadowed but something else, or someone. Today, the selection comes from Recording Artist/Producer Toney Barrett with his track, “Trying Man“.

The Roots Reggae track was released in 1978 through Isabel Records. With lyrics that can resonate with many even in today’s society, Toney asks what’s the meaning of his sufferation as he possesses wonderful talents, but can’t seem to get the needed opportunities, and be able to achieve the things that he wants. What’s special about the track is not only Toney Barrett singing on it, is the fact that he also wrote it, arranged it, and produced it. A track that became well known over time, it was one of a handful that Toney Barrett released. We dedicate today’s entry to all the Creators, keep pushing and making things happen, we’ll get our time soon!

Check out the track below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.

Continue reading “OLDIES SUNDAY: Toney Barrett – Trying Man (1978)”

Everton Thomas & The Pathfinders - Make A Joyful Noise Jamaica Music Gospel Music Blog 13thStreetPromotions 13thStreetPromo I Shall Make It Oldies Sunday Oldies 1978 Caribbean Pastor Everton Thomas

OLDIES SUNDAY: Everton Thomas & The Pathfinders – I Shall Make It (1978)


Providing a lil inspiration this Oldies Sunday, we’re going back to Church with Everton Thomas (Now Bishop Everton Thomas) & The Pathfinders! With all the craziness going on, we need a lil peace, and soothing sounds (and other types of sound that keeps you going). Going back to the year 1978, we check out, “I Shall Make It“.

Produced by Everton Thomas and Stephen Stewart, this Gospel track was released through the Growth Label. On the track, the Sextet consisting of Everton, Jenny Tracey, Juliet Thomas, Lorna Otto, Silbert Thomas Jr., and Sharon Thomas, they come together to assure us that no matter how challenging our journey and trials are, GOD is there every step of the way, and we will be taken care of. “I Shall Make It” was featured on the group’s album, “Make a Joyful Noise“, which was released in 1978 (re-released recently), and boasts almost all original material, and Funk, Soul, and Country influences, something that not many Gospel acts would delve into. Fun fact, the album features background vocals from “Jamaica’s SongbirdKaren Smith, and Cleveland Browne, 1/2 of the legendary Production duo, Steely & Clevie (he also played Drums on the album).

Since then, Everton Thomas & the Pathfinders disbanded. Everton went on to deliver God’s word at the Immanuel Apostolic Church, while the others continued to minister to people over the years. Carrying on the legacy of the group is Recording Artist Chris Malachi, who is doing pretty well for himself so far in spreading the Gospel (and talent).

We urge you to stay safe, quarantine wisely, and stay sanitized always.

Check out the track below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.

Continue reading “OLDIES SUNDAY: Everton Thomas & The Pathfinders – I Shall Make It (1978)”