Bob Skens

Desmond Craig, better known by his stage name “Bob Skens”,

Our story

Early Beginnings

Born and raised in Jamaica, Desmond Craig, under the alias "Bob Skens"

gained recognition for his ability to connect with listeners through his deeply reflective and socially aware lyrics. He made his mark in the reggae scene during a time when the genre was undergoing a shift, with the rise of dancehall and the increasing influence of digital production techniques. Bob Skens' music was a reflection of this transition, blending reggae’s traditional roots with the energetic and cutting-edge sound of the digital era. One of his most notable tracks from this period is **"Bun Bun / Preacher Boy,"** which was released in 1987 on Brixton Promotion's **BP24** label. This 12-inch vinyl, with a 45 RPM speed, was produced by **Howard Hill** at B.P. Studios in Brixton, London, and showcased Bob Skens' talents as both a vocalist and a storyteller. The track **"Bun Bun"** features a strong, driving rhythm, with Bob Skens' signature vocal delivery that blends smooth melody with an edge of intensity. The song addresses themes of social unrest and dissatisfaction, while **"Preacher Boy"** offers a more introspective look at societal issues, perhaps calling into question the role of authority and leadership in the community. Bob Skens' work with Brixton Promotion and Howard Hill helped establish his presence on the UK reggae scene, where Brixton was a central hub for reggae and dancehall music during the 1980s. Brixton, known for its strong Caribbean roots and vibrant music scene, was the ideal location for Bob Skens to further his career and connect with fans in London and throughout Europe. The collaboration with Hill, an influential figure in the development of reggae and dancehall in the UK, was instrumental in shaping Skens' sound and giving him exposure to a wider audience.

Reggae Singer

The release of "Bun Bun / Preacher Boy" on vinyl

helped cement Bob Skens as an important figure in the genre, particularly within the UK and European markets, where reggae and dancehall music were gaining significant traction. The track was played frequently on sound systems and in clubs, where it became a favorite in the dancehall circuit. Its infectious rhythms, paired with the socially conscious lyrics, made it a hit in both Jamaican and international reggae scenes Bob Skens' music was part of a larger movement in the reggae and dancehall genres during the 1980s, where artists began to experiment with digital sounds, blending reggae’s traditional foundations with modern electronic production. His work with Brixton Promotion and Howard Hill was an important part of this evolution, as it helped to define the sound of reggae in the digital age. While **"Bun Bun / Preacher Boy"** was one of Bob Skens' most successful releases, it was also a testament to his skill in navigating the changing landscape of reggae and dancehall music.Despite being less commercially known than some of his contemporaries, Bob Skens remains an important figure in the history of reggae music. His ability to capture the spirit of the times, while maintaining the authenticity of reggae’s roots, made his music resonate with a diverse audience. His collaboration with Brixton Promotion and Howard Hill in the 1980s helped lay the foundation for future generations of reggae and dancehall artists, and his tracks, such as **"Bun Bun / Preacher Boy,"** continue to be celebrated by fans of reggae music worldwide.

Legend of Reggae & Danchall

Screwdriver (born Dalton Lindo, 1960, Saint James Parish, Jamaica) is a reggae artist active since the mid-1980s.

Born Dalton Lindo in Saint James Parish in 1960, in the mid-1980s, Lindo travelled to Kingston, where he met and was encouraged in his musical career by Beres Hammond. Taking inspiration from the likes of Tenor Saw, Pinchers, Pliers, and Spanner Banner, he began recording in 1986, having hits with "We Rule", "Soundboy Killa", "Family Counsellor", and "Here I Come". He had a Jamaican number one single in 1989 with "No Mama (Sharon Yuh Pregnant?)", which became a major hit throughout the Caribbean.

His success led to tours of Canada and the United States, and he eventually settled in Florida in the early 1990s. Further hits followed with “Reggae on Broadway”, “Teach Dem”, and “HIV”, and in the mid-1990s he began to blend hip hop and R&B with dancehall, notably on the Calling Calling album from 1995. 1996 saw the release of Screwdriver’s self-produced Let Me Remind You album. Screwdriver made a guest appearance on John Holt’s 1997 album All Night Long. Shortly after the release of Let Me Remind You, Screwdriver began working on his next album, Prophecy, which was released in 2001. He said of the album: “Mi try do a little a everything on it…some ska, some jazz, a little merengue. Is a musician album”.

In 2007’s Road Block mixes new rhythms with old ones and features a new version of his biggest hit, “No Mama”, retitled “Sherron”. Since “road Block” Screwdriver released 2 more albums, “Child Of The Universe” in 2009 for Jalpro Records, and “African Union” in 2013 on Upstairs Music label. Screwdriver wrote the song “Jah Send Him Come” in support of Barack Obama’s presidential election campaign. He initially offered the song to Luciano, but when the offer was declined recorded it himself.