Mikey General is a reggae singer and deejay from London, England, born in 1963. He is associated with the Upper Cut Band. Raised in the London area of Harlesden before moving to Jamaica as a child, he grows up in Harbour View, Valentine Gardens off Molynes Road in Kingston 19, and Red Hills Road.

Early life and name

After returning to England in 1982, he completes the stage name “General” that he has been using in Jamaica. He says the name comes from remarks about the clothing he wears and his football skill, first becoming “Governor General” and then “General”. The name is later expanded to “Mikey General” by Gappy Dread, owner of the UK sound Vinyl Star, who feels the addition of his first name helps distinguish him from other performers using “General”.

Musical background

He begins singing in church at the age of 7 and also sings in his school choir for five years. At high school, where there is no choir, he sings in class and is encouraged by teachers and by people in his community, who tell him he has a strong voice. He also grows up listening to and mimicking singers such as Horace Andy, Peter Tosh, Sugar Minot, Desmond Dekker and Bob Marley.

Recording career

He records his first song, “Roots Me Roots”, in 1980 when he is around 16 years old. The track is produced by Rudie Silence. He describes it as an unsuccessful first experience in the studio, but one that encourages him to continue. He goes on to write songs as well as perform them, and describes his songs as co-written by Jah.

Rastafari and themes

He accepts the Covenant and the Rastafarian faith, although he says Rastafari is an in-born part of him. He does not belong to any one order such as Twelve Tribes, Nyabinghi or Orthodox, instead following the precepts of Haile Selassie. He defines Rastafari as the goodness of the heart, the cleanliness of the mind, and acceptance of the precepts of His Imperial Majesty.

Albums and production work

He releases five albums, with Spiritual Revolution as the latest named album in the input. He works with Luciano in Jah Messenjah Productions, a company they run together and through which they handle their own production, including his last album. He also works with co-producers including Dean Fraser, the Firehouse Crew and Cell Block Studio, and with producers such as Xterminator, Robert French and Black Scorpio, as well as many other Jamaican producers.

Other work

He works across non-reggae styles including R&B, blues and jazz. He also produces other artists, including Babatunde, Milton Black, Natural Black and Bitter Roots.