Prince Far I - Megabit 25, 1922

Prince Far I - Megabit 25, 1922
Label - Tamoki Wambesi
Released - 1985
Style - Dancehall, Dub, Reggae, Lee Library, Rasta Far I

Prince Far I was born Michael James Williams in Spanish Town, Jamaica in 1945. Growing up in the Waterhouse area of Kingston he attended dances MC'd by the early Djs who would become his inspiration. With confidence and experience he assumed the role of lead DJ with the Sir Mike the Musical Dragon Sound System. It has often been written that his early DJ name, King Cry Cry, was derived form either the pleading nature of his delivery or the righteous content of his lyrics. The actual explanation of the "nom de mic" is much more prosaic.

(review from OTW blog)
The temptation to put Far I’s name on an album prompts a cut and paste job from Roy (The Royals) Cousins back catalogue, but in the hands of Sir Freddie Viadukt aka the (albeit late) Minister of Noise the result becomes almost tasteful. On the perimeters of Warrington lies NAFFI HQ where original tapes from Randys, Tubbys and the Black Ark have been manipulated into their current state, and on the whole a fairly reverential piece of work with Far I voice samples worked into the mix a la Sherwood with Dub Syndicate. But the game is really up on the pseudo (?) Amharic-titled ‘Ejarsa-Gora’ where the ‘marvel of miracles’ sample appears in the mix on top of Vivian Jackson’s ‘Yabby You’ rhythm and traces of Gregorian chant. All traceable back to the Minister’s classic ‘Voodoo Soul’ period where he bravely introduced Far I to Alice Coltrane. With the divine vocals of Roy Cousins, plus contributions from Knowledge, Charlie Chaplin and the Minister’s ex-Mrs Brenda Ray this works out as a recommendation rather than a warning.

Tracklist:
1. Negusa Negast
2. Janhoi
3. Tenastelin
4. Itege
5. Ejarsa Gora
6. Gebbi
7. Menelik 1
8. Itchege
9. Hapta
10. Maskal
11. Tesfa
12. Waizero
13. Qurban
14. Abun
15. Ras Makonnen
16. Kebra Negast

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