Papa Michigan travels ‘So Many Roads’

Papa Michigan was one of the special guests at I-Nation’s weekly Monday night live concert in downtown Kingston, and, days after, persons are still talking about his performance. He not only presented music from his decades-old but still fresh catalogue, Michigan also selected songs from his just released, 12-track album, So Many Roads.

Released on August 14, it is one of three albums released in two years by the entertainer who describes himself as “a foundation veteran who possesses discipline, passion and a clear vision”. On April 24, he released a gospel album titled I Adore You and his Survivor album arrived in 2025.

“You want to know why three albums in two years? Well, when the creative energy is flowing, you can’t bottle it up,” Papa Michigan, whose real name is Anthony Fairclough, told The Gleaner.

One half of the legendary duo Michigan & Smiley, he has been bringing authentic reggae to the world since 1978. As an engineer and producer with his own Rashanco record label and publishing company, one of the biggest advantages for him is that he “doesn’t have to wait to book studio time” or deal with corporate red tape when producing and releasing his music.

“I can reach out to the best musicians in the business and bring all the elements together to produce high-quality music straight to the people while the fire is burning hot,” the Uptown Downtown singer said.

He added, “I work twice as hard, but the greatest thing is owning your masters. As Michael Jackson said, ‘He who owns the masters owns everything’. Independence means that you do all the heavy lifting, but I would definitely recommend it to every artiste ... but you must be willing to learn the business,” Michigan outlined.

On So Many Roads, which has been submitted for Grammy consideration, Papa Michigan serves up a cornucopia of styles, moving effortlessly through foundational roots, rub-a-dub and into the contemporary zone.

An introspective and educational offering, So Many Roads is a musical tapestry depicting the sometimes tumultuous, oftentimes exciting journey of the man christened Anthony Fairclough as he meets the artiste called Papa Michigan.

“The album reflects my entire journey not only as an artiste … but also the inspirations on the journey ... every track represents a different turn on that highway,” Michigan said.

Take the song Natty Rebel, for example. It is a clear homage to Daddy U-Roy, the foundation artiste known as The Originator, a title which can hardly get any more “foundation” than that.

It is noteworthy that there are also echoes of Bob Marley & The Wailers, who originally recorded Soul Rebel in 1970 but, in 1976, Daddy U-Roy re-imagined it as Natty Dread. Daddy U-Roy entered the musical chat with his signature toasting style – chanting, scatting and talking over a re-recorded version of Marley’s rhythm track. Michigan evokes fond memories and as he injects the track with his own originality.

The title track So Many Roads paints a moving picture while exploring themes of persistence, resilience and loyalty. The only gospel track on the album is Fear No Evil, and Michigan explained that it was important for it to have this kind of representation.

“It is my spiritual armour that gives me the strength,” Michigan told The Gleaner as he reminisced on his foray into gospel, which started when a pastor friend invited him to sing at his church.

Upon encouragement, he decided the best thing to do was to “spin round the lyrics”.

“I said ‘ No more uptown downtown … Satan yuh barriers bruk down’ … and the whole church get up. Then I said … ‘ Long time mi nuh deejay inna church, long time mi nuh chant inna church. From that they keep on putting me on gospel shows,” he shared.

Gospel singles and a complete album followed.

“People love the gospel album. I didn’t drop the standard ... I keep it true like a general,” Papa Michigan said.

Now totally filled with excitement about his latest project, Papa Michigan is ready to take to every stage and sing the songs with vigour.

“ So Many Roads makes me feel fulfilled. … every detail was crafted with purpose. There was no compromise. I feel energised and inspired,” said the reggae and dancehall trailblazer, whose voice helped shape a generation.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com