Augustus Pablo
See Full Discography
See Less
Augustus Pablo, born Horace Swaby on June 21, 1954, in St. Andrew, Jamaica, was a pioneering Jamaican reggae and dub musician, producer, and melodica player. He rose to prominence in the 1970s as a key figure in the development of dub music, a subgenre of reggae
characterized by remixing and manipulating existing recordings to create innovative soundscapes.
Pablo’s distinctive contribution to reggae was his mastery of the melodica, a keyboard instrument resembling a small piano played by blowing air through a mouthpiece. His melodica-driven compositions, such as the iconic “Java” and “King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown,” became synonymous with the dub sound.
He collaborated with renowned producers and artists, including Lee “Scratch” Perry, King Tubby, and Bob Marley. Pablo’s work with King Tubby in particular produced some of the most influential dub recordings in reggae history. His studio, Rockers International, played a pivotal role in shaping the roots reggae and dub scenes.
Augustus Pablo released numerous albums, including “East of the River Nile” and “Original Rockers,” solidifying his reputation as a visionary in the reggae and dub genres. Despite facing health challenges, he continued to perform and produce music until his untimely death on May 18, 1999. Augustus Pablo’s legacy endures, and his contributions to the evolution of reggae and dub continue to inspire musicians across the globe.