by Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer

Lenky Roy

For most persons and organisations 21 years is a landmark, a time to celebrate, reflect and assess. And it is no different for singer Lenky Roy, who launched his second album, On The Journey, at the Ashanti Oasis Restaurant, Hope Gardens, in early December.

For the Rastafarian singer, though, the period marks renewal, as it has been 21 years since his previous full-length effort, Rastaman Unity. The time, however, has not been wasted.

"We did deh overseas a grow up some youths. We put family first," he told THE STAR.

That growing-up process, which took place between Boston and Atlanta in the United States, is now past the most trying phases as "the youth them kinda reach a stage now. And you have to obey the father, so for the past four years me deh a yard wid de music ting".

Come next Saturday, January 13, Lenky Roy will be performing at Tru-Juice Rebel Salute 2007 at the Port Kaiser Sports Club, St. Elizabeth.

He said Babylon Don't Like, the final track from the 13-song set, has been getting the best response so far, with videos being done for Oh Yes I and Jah Mek Ya, featuring Keke I. There are also remakes of Lay Lady Lay and Your Love Is Amazing.

Name by a friend

Music has always been a part of Lenky Roy's life, as he grew up in Greenwich Town, around people like Bunny Lee, Tony Chin, George Fullwood, John Holt, Ken Boothe, Tappazukie and all the great singers who live in that community. The name came from friends in Duhaney Park, where he moved to in the early 1970s, "who say me long and lenky like a Lenky Roy from Jungle".

His first song, eventually the title track of his previous album, was done for Lee Perry in 1978, after an introduction by singer Junior Delgado. he hooked up with Sugar Minott in the 1980s, and members of the Youthman Promotion crew were well represented at the recent album launch.

"Dem woulda say me age an dem ting deh, but me preserved. Mi can't waste no time, mi jus' feel like a 19-year-old," Lenky Roy said.

Still, he has his moments of doubt. "Nuff time mi get scared and wonder if a trick myself, but me jus' ago continue," he said.

"Just like how me fascinated with the universe is how me fascinated with music. Mi love the music and the music love me back," Lenky Roy said.