It all began in the late 60s when a quiet young man living on the streets of Kingston (Jamaica) was offered a keyboard flute (Melodica) that was generally used only in music classes at schools. His real name, Horace Swaby, but better known as Augustus Pablo.
The first recording came in 1970, when the single "Iggy Iggy" was released using for the first time — in a song recorded in studio — the Melodica as the base instrument. This single was recorded at Randy's 17 studios, Jamaica, and was produced by Herman Chin-Loy.
From that moment, countless harmonious melodies were built and the "Far East" sound type was established. Notable songs such as "East of River Nile", "Java", "Pretty Baby", "Skanking Easy" using the original rhythm base of "Swing Easy" originally played by the Soul Vendors at the famous Studio One.
After these and other successes, Pablo began a brilliant producer career developing his own style, already referred to as "Far Eastern Style", becoming as popular as the original style of Clement Dodd (Studio One) or Lee Perry (Black Ark), without setting aside his creativity and originality. It was when he became a producer that King Tubby's ("Inventor of Dub") teamed up with Pablo mixing their productions, and from this association emerged in 1976 a "MILESTONE" in Reggae Music History: the LP "King Tubby Meets The Rockers Uptown".
Undoubtedly, one of Pablo's most recognized characteristics was having given the opportunity to record to very young and completely unknown singers, such as prodigy Hugh Mundell (who at only 13 years old recorded the LP "Africa Must Be Free By The Year of 1983"). Besides Hugh, Delroy Williams, Tetrack and even Dillinger recorded with Pablo.
Dillinger became internationally known for the song "Cokaine In My Brain" produced by Jojo Hookin and also Jacob Miller. Without a doubt, until the end of the 70s, the "Far Eastern Style" was one of the sounds that dominated the island of Jamaica. In the 80s, more successes for Pablo, especially through productions with artists Junior Delgado and Johnny Osbourne.
Augustus Pablo passed away but will always be remembered for the enormous contribution he gave to Jamaican Popular Music over about 29 years of career.