Tappa Zukie

Tappa Zukie, born David Sinclair in Jamaica in 1955, is a reggae DJ and producer associated with dub, roots reggae and DJ reggae. He is known for recordings made under the names Tapper Zukie and Tappa Zukie, and the nickname “Tapper” comes from his grandmother. “Zukie” comes from a youth gang of friends called The Zukies.

Early life and first recordings

He grows up in Kingston, Jamaica. In 1973 his mother sends him to England to stay with relatives because of his tendency to get into trouble. Soon after arriving in London, producer Bunny Lee arranges recording sessions and live shows for him with UK entrepreneur Larry Lawrence, including support slots for Jamaican DJ pioneer U-Roy. His first release is the single “Jump & Twist”, produced by Lawrence.

At the same time, he records material for Clem Bushay, later used on the album Man A Warrior, which appears in 1975. He also returns to Jamaica and cuts “Judge I Oh Lord” for Lloydie Slim and “Natty Dread Don’t Cry”.

Albums and London connection

Using rhythms from Bunny Lee and Joseph Hoo Kim, he toasts over them at King Tubby’s studio, creating the album MPLA, which appears in 1976. Man A Warrior develops a cult following in the UK, and he returns there in 1975. The title track “MPLA” is issued as a single and proves successful enough for Klik to release the album of the same name in the UK.

He becomes part of the punk-reggae crossover scene in London in the late 1970s. Patti Smith is a notable supporter of MPLA; she gives him a support slot on her UK tour and writes sleeve notes for his 1977 album Man From Bosrah.

Stars label and production work

After this period of success, he sets up his own Stars label and begins producing other artists, including Junior Ross & The Spear, Prince Alla and Horace Andy. He also releases two dub albums in 1977: Escape From Hell and Tappa Zukie In Dub.

A deal with Frontline, a Virgin Records subsidiary, leads to the albums Peace In The Ghetto and Tapper Roots in 1978. He continues to release records on his Stars label in Jamaica.

Later production work

After 1986, he concentrates on producing music in Jamaica. Among the reggae artists he works with are The Mighty Diamonds, Max Romeo, Ken Boothe, Sugar Minott and U-Roy.