Johnny Osbourne\u2019s Mum wanted him to be an accountant. But Johnny had other plans, he wanted to sing. Thank Jah for that. I mean, what would you do if you grew up just down the road from Studio One? And in the \u201860s no less.<\/strong><\/p>\n

I\u2019ll tell you what Johnny did \u2014 he found Rasta, changed his name from Errol (he\u2019s a massive Johnny Mathis fan) and dedicated his life to music.<\/p>\n

But it wasn\u2019t all sweet and dandy. After battling to be heard by Studio One (considered to be Jamaica\u2019s Motown), Johnny had to gap it to Canada. Kingston was kicking off with violence akimbo, so his Mum wanted him the heck outta dodge.<\/p>\n

When he returned to Jamaica a decade later, Johnny went on to become a musical powerhouse. His classic album \u201cTruths and Rights\u201d (1980) launched him on a track of success and Johnny smashed out hit after hit over the years. Numbers like \u201cRewind\u201d (1984), \u201cBuddy Bye\u201d (1985) and \u201cRude Boy Skank\u201d (1988) gained him massive respect and notoriety both locally and abroad, making him a staple in the selecta\u2019s crate and one of Jamaica\u2019s golden boys.<\/p>\n

Johnny reckons his sound is the perfect combo of new school meets old school. Since Diplo sampled his track \u201cMr Marshall\u201d for \u201cJah No Partial\u201d (2012), we tend to agree.<\/p>\n

At the age of 69 The Godfather of Dancehall finds himself on tour to Australia and New Zealand this month, bringing his trademark voice on tour alongside Max Glazer. Grindin’ got to have some chats with the man himself.<\/p>\n

You ever been to Australia or New Zealand before?<\/strong>
\nNah but I\u2019m looking forward to coming there.<\/p>\n

What have you been up to this year? <\/strong>
\nThis is my first tour for the year, but last year was busy. I toured in Mexico, Europe, Brazil and Russia.<\/p>\n

What does the reggae scene look like in Russia?<\/strong>
\nMoscow was crazy; I was so surprised. I was there last August and found that it can get very hot. There we were one Saturday, in Gorky Park and it was massive. I was surprised that I was so well received. I must say I really enjoyed it.<\/p>\n

When people come and see you perform, what do you hope they leave with?<\/strong>
\nPeople who know my music and is familiar with me, them\u2019s who follow me know I\u2019ve been around since the \u201860s, \u201870s an \u201880s to know I\u2019m still here making music. My voice gets better with time, like vintage wine.<\/p>\n

If your voice is wine, what are it’s characteristics? <\/strong>
\nIt is pure.<\/p>\n