It is currently Wed Feb 22, 2012 9:21 pm

  • Biography
  • Isiah Mentor was born in Rae Town, Kingston, Jamaica. He was surrounded by music 24-7 as his great Aunt, Miss Lore was a political vocalist and every household had a sound system with music to sing. Isiah started to sing at school, Tivoli Garden High School in Kingston. In surrounding communities and amongst his friends, the news of his talent spread fast.

    When the Ministry of Health held a concert for the sick in Spanish Town, Isiah was one of the first names on the line up. He soon became the most recognized new Artist in Spanish Town. Promoters and night club owners had him performing on weekends. He performed with artists such as Anthony Redrose, Wicka Man, Papa San, Major Worries, Dirts Man to name a few.

    Isiah relocated to St. Catherine, Jamaica where his career took off like a rocket. He quickly became the top vocalist in dancehall and landed the job as Sound System vocalist on the Sound that substituted for U Roy’s Stur Gav. He also sang for the area number 1 Sound called Runner Tone. It was when he was singing on a sound called Count Bassie Intl in Old Harbour when he met King Tubby and the studio engineer, “Professor” who were impressed with his performance. He was then invited to become a member of the Fire House Crew at the studio in Water House, Kingston.

    At King Tubby's, Isiah recorded dub plate specials for sound systems worldwide. Sound Systems like Coxon, Saxon, Arrows, Stereo Malt, Wadat, Stur Gav, Unity and more. King Tubby was and still is the most respected Producer in Jamaica. Most top Reggae Artists recorded for him and Isiah got the chance to meet and work with them.

    Isiah's childhood dream came true when he met the artists who had inspired him. Black Uhuru, Ini Kamozi, Burning Spear, Barrington Levy, The Wailers, Edi Fitzroy and Dennis Brown. Their influence on him can be heard in Isiah's own singing style. They were his teachers in his musical school.

    Isiah got his first show overseas in New York with Johnny Osborne, Lt Stitchie and Little John all produced by Clinton Lynsey. He got more shows and travelled back and forth from America and England. While performing in the US, he ran into Professor. Together with Philip Smart from H.C and F they produced the single “Big Ina Bed” that went to #2 on the New York and British Reggae charts.

    Up to this point his name was Lilly Melody, a name he got because he was always singing by the river early in the mornings where lilies grew. He continued to record more singles and perform shows for independent producers as Lilly Melody. But as Isiah was getting older he started to feel he had to help the human race avoid self destruction so he took a break from writing and recording to re-educate himself in order to better carry out this mission.

    He got re-energized by Luciano, Sizzla and Garnett Silk and felt he had to return to his work and step it up a notch. During one of his daily meditations, Jah Rastafari came to him in a vision and told him why he was here, his mission and that his name should be symbolic of his work, Isiah Mentor was born.

    Whilst maintaining links with the early Dancehall and sound systems scene, Isiah's output has become more spiritual and uplifting. He has established his own Village Roots recording label and has toured Germany, the UK and the United States.

  • In the pipeline

  • Europe 2012


    Planning is underway for my tour of Europe in 2012. Event Organisors and Promoters link me!

  • New singles


    Look out for singles being released on Higher Region Records and Next Room Records

  • Up coming album


    I am in the process of recording my next album scheduled for release in 2012 on the Doobie Sound record label.

  • Latest EP


    Released on Solardub Records the I Blame You Riddim - Availabe in January 2012

  • Latest CD


    It’s a 16 track set including tough tracks like Rasta Government, Fight Fight Fight, Cry Africa. It also features First Class with the Bobo singjay Turbulence and Threes Company with the diva Tanya Stephens.
    It is available from major online stores world-wide

  • Remembering Lilly Melody
  • Lilly Melody - Give It To Me
    Park Heights
    Released: 1988 • Format: LP • Producer: Raphael & D. Francis
    01. The Number 1 Sound
    02. Left Your Weapon
    03. Sandra
    04. She Need Me
    05. Every One Is Talking
    06. Jah Guide
    07. Help Them Jah
    08. Give Me Your Loving
    09. Rumors
    10. So Nice




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