Following in the wake of Steel Pulse, UB40, Pato Banton and other Birmingham artists, the Millennium heralded the arrival of another new reggae sensation, Skibu (real name Gladston Foster). Gladston Foster was born in 1964, in Handsworth, Birmingham, UK, his parents having moved there from Jamaica. Singing was a core part of everyday life with a large family, many of whom are also talented singers. As a youth he was always out following and singing with the local sound systems. He recorded his debut single 'The One I Adore' as part of Birmingham's Silicon Squad sound in the late 80's, and then went on to work with the Kokuma Dance Theatre Company for nine years, performing and teaching as a dancer/musician; helping out with choreography from time to time and getting involved in the different aspects of their work including playing various instruments. Skibu visited Zimbabwe and toured Europe with Kokuma, notching up vast amounts of musical and stage experience. On leaving them in 1996, he spent two months with Badejo Arts in London and on his return to Birmingham, he and four colleagues formed their own company called the African Cultural Exchange (ACE). Supremely gifted, the purity of his vocal performances and quality of his songs can hold reggae audiences spellbound. He holds a deeply held conviction that music should serve a spiritual purpose, and is determined that his work should uplift, educate, and hopefully contribute towards making the world a better place. He writes his own lyrics and melodies. He does occasionally do a cover or adaptation but says, "If I'm going to sing something that someone else sing, then I'm going to mek it mine, if you understand what I'm saying? If I can't mek it mine I won't sing it". In the summer of 1998, Skibu was introduced to "African" and Humal Records (Birmingham, UK). They forged a close artist/producer relationship at the time. His first tune with Humal was 'Your Smile' - a tribute to his late Mother who used to tell him "Don't give up, keep on trying". He heeded her advice to the letter and you can hear the echoes of this message in 'Your Smile'. Both 'Your Smile' and 'God Almighty' were released on singles by the end of the year, with copies being pressed at Tuff Gong in Jamaica after assistance was enlisted from Jam Style's Homer Harris, the man who discovered Luciano and Sizzla. By July 1999, Skibu's 15-track debut album *'Surround Me With Love' was ready for final mixing, and his latest singles 'It's Not Enough' and 'Call On Me' were receiving rave reviews. On its release on the Humal label in November 1999, *'Surround Me With Love' was hailed as the year's most refreshing debut album; widely praised for its many outstanding qualities. Any of the tracks from his album would make successful singles (four did). DJ's and radio presenters have been spoilt for choice when picking out highlights. Brian Allen wrote 'Fire' and plays guitar on the spine-tingling title track 'Surround Me With Love', which Skibu first performed at his mothers funeral. A ballad in its original form, it is another deeply personal song, although the lyrics are adapted. Apart from 'Fire', the only cover version on the album is Burning Spear's 'Christopher Columbus', which he describes as "a wake-up call" and chose on account of its strong message. His music always holds a message, but theres plenty of scope for romance too, as hits such as 'Call On Me' and 'My Mind' demonstrate only too well. Following the album, Skibu also released three further singles on the Humal label: 'My Mind', a cover written by the late Hugh Mundell, and 'Show Love' on the widely acclaimed "Suffering" rhythm, also featuring cuts by Junior Kelly, Admiral Tibbet, Frankie Paul, and Fkire Selassie. In September 2001, Humal released a remix of Be Ready on the "Smiling Face" Rhythm with cuts also by Admiral Tibbet, Macka B, Nereous Joseph and Prince Malachi. Skibu moved on from Humal in June 2001. In 2003 he recorded a single on the YUSH label (UK), with UK Gospel Singer Charmaine called 'Kiss You Goodnite'. Other cuts on the same rhythm included 'Rainy Days' by Sugar Black and 'Thinking Of You' by Richie Davies. Skibu is passionate about working with the youths; trying to see if there could be any positive difference he could impact on someone's life. He wanted his work and his music to be in the community. From September 2003 to July 2006 he studied for a BPhil Degree in Community, Play and Youth Studies. Taking a degree in this field was a natural move towards working with the community and the youths as a performing artist. In 2004 he was invited by the Reggae Revolution band to record a track as a guest artist on their 6 track EP entitled "Pure Promises" released on the Zenith label, UK. This track was called 'I Got A Feeling' on the 'True Love' Rhythm. He is now working towards getting back on the live circuit and in the studios to work on new releases. SKiBU has performed at events up and down England including (whilst with Humal) Sheffield's Music in the Sun Festival, Manchester Carnival, the Peace & Love Concert in London supporting Buju, Capleton, and Cocoa Tea; and supporting Beres Hammond in London. He also performed as far afield as Africa at Gambia's Roots Festival. The response was so great in Gambia that he hopes to go back and "cover the whole of Africa just singing!" Skibu loves live performances alongside a band. He likes to give the audience his all and he does this by rehearsing and deciding prior to a performance how it's all going to come together. He gets a sparkle in his eye when he describes the atmosphere, "Getting the band to be as one for me and when you're performing reaching out to the crowd, and the crowd receiving it. You're on stage and you're in the middle of that: the band to you; the crowd to you". Skibu is a self-confessed perfectionist; with each and every track he writes, records or performs, he goes in with the intention that this will be the best ever, thus ensuring your ears are always in for a musical treat. For live sets, Skibu's backing band of choice are the Reggae Revolution band from Birmingham, infamous for their work with Pato Banton and artists in their own right. Skibu dislikes, as he puts it, the cat and dog business where people who get involved in the music just do so to see what they can get out of it. "Music is supposed to be a blessed ting to inspire people". Skibu practices what he preaches, and this is only too evident in his songs. Ultimately, his music goes beyond lover's rock, roots, or any other category you can think of. It crosses all boundaries and barriers, as music connoisseurs of all tastes give him an equally rapturous reception. "I just know that to be successful you have to work from your heart" he says modestly, "If I can tap into anything that can wake up other people, then I'm happy. It's the heart of man I'm trying to reach, and whilst people will always be looking and saying, "How can we be bettering this place? They'll be looking outside for the answers. It's hard for people to observe themselves and then try to correct themselves, but that's the only way it's going to happen. People have to begin with themselves. That's where it starts." When he has a chance to kick back then he likes to take in a host of artists including Luciano, Garnet Silk, Lauryn Hill, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff. His advice to young and upcoming singers is: "Have faith in what you're doing. Its going to be hard you know, but if you really want it you'll have to sweat for it and pursue it all the way. Right now me a still sweat, me nose still a run, trus' me: nuh get nothing yet, it's hard for some people outside to believe that. Me heart get filled with much more than money because you know I'm achieving a lot." If Skibu's life had taken a different path he thinks that he would have probably been an artist drawing pictures or getting involved in some other aspect of the performing arts. Fortunately for his fans, he decided on being a Singer. Skibu promises even greater endeavours in the future. Now there's something to look forward to!
* 'Surround Me With Love' is now out of production. However, enquiries in relation to this and other materials released on the Humal label can be directed to: African at Humal Records, PO Box 5342, Birmingham, B13 9FH, England or via email: humalmusic@aol.com
YOUTH WORK
