King Shark Releases Four Albums to Pay Homage to His Hometown

At first glance, Greenwich Farm seems like a typical inner-city community in Kingston, Jamaica’s capital. There is a lot of urban decay, the result of political neglect, and residents often live in fear of gang violence.

King SharkMusic producer Alphanso “King Shark” Henclewood was born and raised in Greenwich Farm. He remembers the good old days of the 1960s and 1970s when there was a sense of brotherhood in his community.

He revisits those times on four albums released by his Montego Records in September. Those are Instrumentals to The Fullest, Roots And Culture Sound Clash, Welcome to Greenwich Town and Green Farm All Stars.

The New Mexico-based King Shark called on artists and musicians who were part of Greenwich Farm’s glory days to make the albums authentic. They include singers Earl Zero and Sylvan White, and guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith, arguably the most prolific musician in reggae history.

“Greenwich Farm was the place to be in the ‘70’s. As a little boy, all my friends were singers or players of instruments. We had so much fun in those days!” he recalled. “We would sit down in the back of my yard cooking Ital (unsalted) food and praising Jah,” King Shark recalled.

The Greenwich Farm music story is built around stalwarts like producer Bunny Lee, a colorful character who produced the lion’s share of hit songs from the area which is a hop and skip from Trench Town, former home of Bob Marley.

With his latest albums, King Shark is determined to spark a revival in his hometown.

“I am so blessed to have an opportunity for God to choose me to help these great musicians. It is a dream come through for me,” he said.