Garnet-Silk

Garnett Silk

“Lord Watch Over Our Shoulders” the title of one of the many songs by the late great Garnet Damion Smith better known as Garnett Silk or the “Silky One” or “Bimbo”. Garnett left us on this day 9th December 1994, it is hard to believe that it is already 25 years since he passed. I will always remember exactly where I was when we heard this sad news. I was at Mr Chin’s party in Battersea; when Mr Chin got the call from Jamaica informing us of this truly tragic event. I remember “Infinity Sound” was playing on the night and the vibes just changed after we received the sad news.

Garnet started writing his own lyrics and was singing/DJing from a very young age starting on the ‘Soul Remembrance‘Sound System in 1978 aged 12. His first song “Problems Everywhere” was released in 1985. He went on to give us hit after hit like ‘Lord Watch Over Our Shoulders’, ‘Kingly Character’, ‘Skylarking’, ‘Slashing Dashing’, ‘Jah Jah Is The Ruler’, ‘Every knee Shall Bow’, ‘Hello Africa’, ‘Like A Mother’, ‘Mama’, ‘It’s Growing’, ‘Oh Me Oh My’ ,’Bless Me’, ‘A Man Is Just A Man’, ‘Love Is The Answer’, ‘Keep Them Talking’, ‘Lion Heart’ , ‘I Am Vex’, ‘Place In Your Heart’, ‘Slave’, ‘Complain’, ‘Music Is The Rod’, ‘Disadvantaged’, ‘Fill Us Up With Your Mercy’, ‘Singing For The People’ , ‘Zion’ and ‘In A Vision’. There were collaborations with other artistes like Richie Stevens, Tony Rebel and Charlie Chaplin. Garnet did many other songs and dub plates for Sound Systems worldwide which are sound killing tunes; if you can play them. Garnet also worked with a number of producers during his career.

Garnet was only 28 when he left us; but what a legacy! Garnet’s contribution to reggae and to Jamaican music is immeasurable. Garnet’s music is still widely played and inspirational today, his music and memories will live forever.

SIEP Mr Silk

“Lovers Magic Is The Only Answer”

1 Comment
  • Sha
    Posted at 12:58h, 11 May

    Beautiful tribute