Hopeton Lindo

Lindo has been working in the Jamaican music industry from the mid-70s. In 1978, he recorded the classic ‘Black History’, with DJ and producer Mikey Dread. Following his initial hit Lindo began performing on the Blackstar International Sound System. He performed alongside DJs, Brigadier Jerry and Tiger as well as singers Pad Anthony and Tonto Irie. In 1980, Lindo recorded ‘Sidewalk Traveller’ with Gussie Clarke at the producers’ Music Works studio, which led to a long and fruitful partnership. His association with the Music Works posse also led to a songwriting partnership with Home T who co-wrote the quintessential ‘Telephone Love’, a track that revived the career of J.C. Lodge, and ‘Champion Lover’ performed by Deborahe Glasgow. ‘Telephone Love’ led to a slew of hits on the same rhythm including ‘Nuff Respect’ (Lady G), ‘Heavy Load’ (Mighty Diamonds), ‘Choice’ (Ken Boothe) and Lindo’s own performance of ‘Lonely Night’. While ‘Telephone Love’ was regarded a Jamaican classic, ‘Champion Lover’ has the distinction of spawning an international hit for Shabba Ranks when the DJ re-recorded the song with Chevelle Franklin. Lindo’s songwriting pedigree resulted in him working with artists that included Dennis Brown, Aswad and Gregory Isaacs. In the early 90s he became involved with the Two Friends Crew alongside Chevelle Franklin, Brian And Tony Gold, Peter Mann and Patrick Lindsay. Lindo performed the classic ‘Gun Ting’, featured on the one rhythm Ting & Ting, in addition to a plea for human rights on the discerning ‘Orders To Shoot’ and a commemoration of Nelson Mandela’s visit to the USA entitled ‘The Word’ (‘The word - that’s sharper than a razor - the word is stronger than the sword - the word - that’s the power of the word’). The song was featured on the Two Friends historic, One Man One Vote that featured Shabba Ranks, Dennis Brown, Bunny Rugs, Cocoa Tea, Judy Mowatt, Big Youth and Lindo’s Blackstar sparring partner Pad Anthony. Following on from the success of the song the Two Friends crew released Lindo’s critically acclaimed debut.