6 months ago
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The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) band’s soulful rendition of Sizzla Kalonji’s 2003 hit song Give Me a Try has attracted the attention of the song’s producer, Don Corleon, who has expressed pride in producing music that stands the test of time.
On Sunday the JCF’s Corporate Communiucations Unit shared a video of six young police officers: saxophonists Joshua McDonald and his compatriot Lukel Miller Jr performing Sizzla’s enriching melodies, along with guitarist Zayon Huggins, bass player Kemiel Edie, Gifted Troy on drums and Sean Campbell on keyboards.
“We hope the JCF Band’s soulful rendition of @therealsizzlakalonji Give Me a Try, brings a soothing close to your weekend. Have a restful Sunday afternoon,” the JCF captioned the video.
Taking note of the Instagram post which celebrated the 2003 Reggae classic, Don Corleon replied: “One thing I know I make timeless music 🔥”.
The Constabulary also earned commendations from veteran music selector Foota Hype who commented: “This bad.”
Other followers also flooded the police officers with requests for performance bookings and commendations, one of whom urged them to leave the police force and enter music fully.
“Fling wey the uniform and go link Skatta or Romeich,” the commenter quipped, while musician Phil added: I think this is the best musical presentation from the JCF BAND out of everything else that you guys ever shared”.
One commenter even compared Constable McDonald to Dean Fraser, one of Jamaica’s most eminent saxophonists.
“Dean Fraser son this???” he noted.
Give Me A Try, which Sizzla recorded in his falsetto voice, was the third track from the King of Melodies 18th studio album titled Rise to the Occasion.
Rise to the occasion, which is a mix of dancehall and Reggae tracks, was released on September 30, 2003. The 17-track album also consisted of the title track, Rise to the Occasion, All Is Well, Give Praises, The One, Fire Blaze, Hype, True Love and All I Need, among others.
As for the JCF Band, that division was established in March 1958 and made its public debut at Fort Charles in Port Royal in November that year. The division was founded by Superintendent C.T. Beare, an English Band Master who was appointed Director of Music.
In 1962, the band embarked on its first overseas tour, performing in Grand Cayman. Since then, the band has also showcased its talents in the United States.
The primary role of the Band Division is to entertain Jamaicans and citizens of neighboring countries. This initiative fosters a sense of mutual acceptance between the public and the police, helping residents perceive the police force as a professional entity genuinely invested in their safety and security.
Over the years, the Band Division has expanded its community outreach efforts. These programmes include offering music lessons to youths, providing homework assistance, engaging in police youth club activities, and arranging motivational speakers for at-risk youths.
Don Corleon, who hails from St. Elizabeth, made a significant impact in 2002 with his debut beat, the Mad Ants Riddim, which quickly became a classic, earning worldwide acclaim.
Corleon went on to produce iconic riddims such as Egyptian and Good To Go. His status as a leading producer was also solidified through hit notable singles such as Elephant Man’s Pon Di River, Pon Di Bank and Sean Paul & Keyshia Cole’s Give It Up To Me.
By 2005, Corleone had amassed numerous Dancehall hits and introduced a modern take on one drop Reggae with his iconic Drop Leaf Riddim, which riddim featured legendary tracks such as Be Strong by Sizzla, It’s OK by Bounty Killer, Longing For by Jah Cure, Footprints by TOK, After You by Tanya Stephens, and Intoxication by German singer Gentleman.
Following the success of Drop Leaf, Corleone also released the Seasons Riddim which featured Morgan Heritage’s How Come, Natural Black’s Far From Reality, Fantan Mojah’s Thanks And Praise, Wayne Wonder’s I Still Believe and Wayne Marshall’s Happy Days.
Corleon has also played significant roles in the production of several Billboard-charting albums, among them Sean Paul’s The Trinity, Rihanna’s A Girl Like Me, and Gentleman’s Confidence.
English (US) ·