Cedric Myton

Cedric Myton

Cedric Myton is a Jamaican reggae singer and Rasta figure, born in 1947 and from Saint Catherine, Jamaica. He grows up in Old Harbor and begins his life in music while also becoming known for his strong Rastafari beliefs and distinctive public persona.

Early career and Rastafari

He starts his professional music career in the mid-1960s with The Tartans and later sings with The Royal Rasses. During this period he develops his songwriting and becomes more visibly committed to Rastafari, growing dreadlocks, eating Ital food and practising baptism by fire. He is also a childhood cricket star.

The Congos and Lee Perry

In the mid-1970s he meets Roydel Johnson, and the two go on to form The Congos with Watty Bernett. They record their landmark album Heart of the Congos at Lee “Scratch” Perry’s Black Ark Studios. Myton’s voice is central to the group’s deep, roots-oriented sound, and he becomes closely identified in Jamaica with the name “Congos”.

Later work and groups

He records many albums under the Congos name, both with and without Johnson and Bernett. His music remains rooted in conscious reggae, and he later performs again with the original harmony trio featuring Bernett and Johnson. He is also a member of Inna De Yard All Stars.

Context and influence

Myton is active during a period when Rastafari is still widely feared in Jamaica, and he faces violence for his beliefs; laws in Kingston are later put in place to protect Rastas after a police beating of him in 1976. His career links The Tartans, The Royal Rasses, The Congos and Inna De Yard All Stars, and his work is strongly associated with roots reggae and Rastafari culture.