Papa San

Tyrone Thompson (born 1 July 1967), better known as Papa San, is a Jamaican reggae, dancehall and gospel singer.

Biography

Born in 1967 in Kingston, Jamaica, he was raised by his Rastafarian grandmother and began performing with sound systems (including Stereophonic the Bionic, Black Scorpio and Creation) in the late 1970s. He won the Tastee Talent contest in 1981. He went on to become one of the major dancehall artists of the late 1980s and 1990s, with hits such as "Animal Party", "I Will Survive", "Style and Fashion", "Legal Rights" and "Round Table Talk" feat. Lady G & Maddy Maddy Cry.

His brother and fellow deejay Dirtsman were murdered in 1993. In the three years that followed, his sister was killed in a motorcycle accident, his cousin was killed by police, and he himself had legal problems after being arrested on weapons charges. He turned to Christianity in 1997. This is also reflected in his style, as he started off as a true dancehall deejay, later adopting traits of gospel and Christian music.

Papa San sponsored a concert known as Papa San and Friends, to raise funds for orphanages in rural Jamaica. Since becoming a Christian, he has continued to produce his roots reggae...

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