BIOGRAPHY OF HOPETON LINDO AKA “THE PEN” - SINGER, SONGWRITER AND PRODUCER.
Hopeton Lindo grew up in the Kencot community of Kingston Jamaica. He recorded his 1st song entitled “Black History” for producer Mikey “Dread at the control” Campbell and have since recorded for Music Works, King Tubbys, King Jammys, Two Friends, Cell Block, Heavy Beat, Joe Frazer, Irie Pen label and others. He produced and recorded his 1st hit song entitled “Territory” in 1987, this song is a genuine classic and continues to be a vital weapon in any dance clash. Hopeton got his dancehall experience from being a part of the Black Star Int’l sound system crew with Brigadeer Jerry, Tiger, Anthony Malvo and others. During his stint at Music Works Studio in the 1980s he established himself as one of the great songwriters in reggae and was given the name “The Pen” for his lyrical prowess to write hit songs. He has written /
co-written songs like “Telephone Love” by J.C Lodge, “Mr Loverman” by Shabba Ranks, “Red Roses for Gregory” by Gregory Isaacs, “Confidential” by Aswad, “First Impression” by Dennis Brown, “Can You” by Brian and Tony Gold, “Temptress” by Maxi Priest, “Wanna be Loved” by Buju Banton, “Don’t Test Me” by Deborah Glasscow plus many more songs. Hopeton was honored by ASCAP in 1993 for co-writing “Mr. Loverman” which was among the songs that reached the top ten R&B music charts in 1992. He was also the recipient of the Martins Int’l songwriter of the year award for 1993.
Being kept busy behind the scenes he made the decision to focus on his songwriting and production career. Still he has had his share of successes over the years as a vocalist recording hit songs like “Territory” (1987), “Lonely Night”(1988), “Gun Ting” (1991), “Silent Consent” (1993), “Live Life To The Fullest” with Marcia Griffiths (2004) “I’m So Proud” (2005), “Stand Up for Love” with Peter Gayle (2006) and “Turf” (2007). Hopeton has recorded and released 3 solo albums so far, “The Word” in 1991 for Two Friends label, “For Whatever The Reason” in 1994 for Irie Pen label, and “Turf” in 2007 for Irie Pen label. Along with Syl Gordon of Cell Block Records, Hopeton was co-executive producer / producer for Marcia Griffiths Grammy nominated album entitled “Shining Time” in 2005 and he also did duties as songwriter, singer and project manager for the making of the album. “Shining Time” featured guest appearances by Shaggy, Beres Hammond, Annette
Brissett, Hopeton Lindo and Cutty Ranks. During that year he also co-produced tracks on Turbulence “Nah Sell Out” and Causion “One Life To Live” albums. In 2006 Hopeton’s newly designed Irie Pen label made a bold statement with the release of songs on the Treatment Riddim various artists album featuring artists like Everton Blender, Annette Brissett, Hopeton Lindo, Peter Gayle, Cherine Anderson, Fiona, Anthony B, Glen Washington, Anthony Cruz, Ambilique, Dean Frazer and others.
In late 2007 the international popularity of the original dancehall classic “Territory” lead to a “Territory Remix” which featured Anthony B and Hopeton Lindo, it was well received worldwide and became another massive hit. Hopeton then released his 3rd solo album “Turf”. This album was patiently put together and featured guest appearances by Gregory Issacs, Anthony B, Lady Saw, Annette Brissett and Peter Gayle. The themes that resonated throughout this nineteen set collection are songs of praises in defense of women, classic lovers rock and songs about the escalating inner-city violence. All in all, this compilation makes for a well balanced album.
The year 2008 saw the official return of the vocalist Hopeton Lindo, taking the airwaves in Jamaica by storm and reclaiming his turf with his new album and video getting heavy rotations, plus increased media visibility and album sales. This all resulted in the “Turf” album earning the 1 position on the Jamaican Music Countdown Album Charts for two consecutive weeks.
Lindo began to spread his wings by recording for Sly and Robbie’s Taxi label "I'm In The Mood" which featured Fiona plus other songs and for Bobby Digital’s Digital B label "Collie Man" plus others. This move no doubt increased his popularity among the masses. Hopeton also paid tribute to the Reggae Boyz football programme by recording a special “Reggae Boyz Territory” song as his original Territory song is always played at the National Stadium in Jamaica whenever the Reggae Boyz plays at the office.
He also wrote "We Want Peace" a song appealing for world peace, this song was produced by Willie Lindo for Heavy Beat label and performed by Beres Hammond, Jimmy Riley, Cynthia Schloss, Kasief Lindo and Hopeton himself.
After the outstanding performances of Usain Bolt and the rest of the Jamaican athletees at the Beijing Olympics 08, Hopeton recorded "Jamaica Take Over The Territory" as a special tribute to celebrate this historic achievement.
Over the years Hopeton has shared the stage with some of the best artists in reggae and after a long break of regular up front performances, his new album “Turf” marked his highly anticipated return to the stage.
The year 2009 started out great for Hopeton with his EME (Excellence in Music & Entertainment) Award nomination and the release of his highly acclaimed song "Finally We Made It" (A tribute to President Barack Obama). Hopeton next teamed up with Jahtari / Maffi crew from Denmark to produce "Rude Boy" an awesome digital style hit tune with tuff street lyrics quite similar to his massive hit "Territory".
In 2010 he co-wrote and produced the Jamaican Diaspora movement theme song entitled “I Am Jamaica” which features Shaggy, Freddie McGregor, Marcia Griffiths, Fiona, Anthony Cruz, Peter Gee, Sophia Brown, Courtney John and himself an impressive list of some top reggae artists making their contribution through music towards the upliftment of Jamaica.
He’s a product of patient development in all the right places and is safe at all levels, as quoted “The true measure of greatness is a combination of talent and ‘heartical’ humility, Hopeton Lindo is more than equal to the measure”.
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