Nereus Joseph
Nereus Joseph first emerged on the Reggae scene in 1979 as lead singer with rootsband Coptic Roots withwhom his debut single “Roots & Culture” was released.
After a few years of touring with the band he signedto London based record label FASHION RECORDS, this liaison resulted with his first number one hit “Sensi Crisis” quickly followed by “Special Lady” firmly establishing him on a sound footing.
His debut album “Loves Gotta Take Its Time” included “Sensi Crisis” and “Move On Up” singles. He subsequently recorded two more albumsfor fashion,” Yours To Keep” and“Guidance” from which the titletrack has become a classic U.K. eighties release.
In the latter part of the 80’s he toured extensively in Europe and the Caribbean andsupported names such as Bunny Wailer, Dennis Brown and Chakademus& pliers as well as headliningtours in Turkey and other places.
After taking some time out, the early 90’s saw Nereusrecording with Saxon Records whoreleased his three hit singles “Shouldn’t Touch It”,” Wonderful Feeling” and “Giving All My Time”. Then came the collaboration with Reggae SuperGroup ‘”Passion” in 1996with the National Chart hit “Share Your Love” on Charm Records who Nereus was then signed to.
In March 1997, Nereus Joseph Unleashed his highly acclaimed album "REJOICE" for Charm Records from which came the hitsingles” Rejoice” produced by GussieP, “Keep Loving You” and “Keep up the Vibes” both produced by the Ruff Cutt band.
Moving into the new millenium the collaboration with RuffCutt continued the result being hiscurrent highly acclaimed album “HOPE FAITH & LOVE" from which the singles "Jah Never Fail" and "African Resistance" were released by Ruff Cutt Records.
His highly acclaimed new album “Real Rebels Cant Die”(SIRIUS RECORDS) recorded in EastLondon with producer Kenny Edgehill, is being touted as one of the best albums of 2009 (Amazon).
This album sends out a positive message to all loversof quality roots reggae, with 16 tracks. The title track “Real Rebels Cant Die”is currently on rotation on US radio. Pure uncompromisingly roots” songs “Kultural Herb”, “Grounded”, “AncientMonarchy” and the lead single “Africa for Africans”(for which a video has beenshot) along with “One love Tonite,” “Make A Stand” & the acoustic, “SendThem A Message”, fully showcase the quality of his vocals
Combinations with dub poet Benjamin Zephania- “Shield& Armour,” veteran dj Dennis Alcapone- “No Peace”, and Jah Mirikles-“Rastafari Lives” compliment, appearances from Selah Collins & AfrikanSimba on “Warn Them”
Musicians including Mafia & Fluxy, Ruff Cutt’sCarlton “Bubblers” Ogilvie, Tony Phillips, and Kenton “Fish” Brown all playtheir part in making this album a truly outstanding effort.
Ranked as his best offering to date, Nereus says“this was a labour of love, and Kenny and myself really put a lot into this”This sixth studio album, surpasses even the excellent “Hope. Faith &Love”(Ruff Cutt 2001) and not one to rest on his laurels, he is already lookingforward to releasing his next effort in early 2010.
