When producer DeLeon "Jubba" White recruited singer Katteye to contribute a song for an album based on The Abyssinians' 1972 hit song, "Declaration of Rights", he recalled his youth in Jamaica for inspiration.
"Hanging around Rastas and listening to Rasta artists, I quickly learned and understood that all black people around the world were from Africa. Nuh Sunday school neva teach me dat," said a defiant Katteye.
His song on the White-produced "Freedom: (The Declaration of Rights)" EP is "African Kings And Queens". The eight-song project was released in June by Tuff Gong International.
Like White, Katteye lives in Portland. He credits Bob Marley's song "Buffalo Soldier" and the teachings of Marcus Garvey for increasing his knowledge of the black experience.
Katteye has been recording since the 1980s when he was known as Delroy Katt. Some of his early songs, like "Kill Me With No" and "Rum Nuh Wrap Up", were produced by Phillip"Fatis" Burrell.
Katteye also did a stint with the Live Wyya Band, singing lead on "Spread The Love", their 2011 album.
For almost 20 years, he has lived in the Pacific Northwest. Portland has a infectious reggae vibe which makes him feel at home.
"The reggae scene has been strong in Portland. Oregon borders California and Washington, and the west coast has the strongest roots-reggae vibe in America," said Katteye. "Artists touring the west coast would work the circuit, from California through Oregon up to Washington. The west coast has the largest reggae festivals during the summers. However, due to COVID, things have really slowed down."
Written By Howard Campbell