Sophia George

b. Jamaica, West Indies. In 1985 the reggae media were printing laudatory articles about a pre-release from Jamaica produced by Sangie Davis, entitled ‘Girlie Girlie’. The song was a tale about a philandering juvenile manipulating the opposite sex. By December, the record was released in the UK and crossed over into the pop chart, peaking at number 7. George’s appearance on the UK chart show Top Of The Pops was commended because she actually performed the song live. While in the UK she embarked on a tour, where her performances included a cover version of Dire Straits’ ‘Walk Of Life’. In 1986 her follow-up, ‘Lazy Body’, originally a hit for Echo Minott, made a minor impression in the pop charts and proved a favourable hit within the reggae market. The single was released as a double a-side with the carefully crafted ‘Can’t Live Without You’, which demonstrated her fine vocals. In 1987 George recorded ‘Final Decision’ with producer Willie Lindo, a warning to domineering males emulating the dancehall style of her debut. Other notable recordings included ‘Aint No Meaning’ with DJ Charlie Chaplin, ‘It Burn Me Belly’ and ‘Maga Dog’, loosely based around the Peter Tosh classic. Between her extensive touring, which included the 1989 Reggae Sunsplash Festival and supporting Yellowman on his 1990 US concerts, George returned to the recording studio with producer Home T and the Two Friends crew to cut For Everyone. George continued to record for the Pow Wow label during the 90s without ever coming close to matching the impact of her greatest hit.