Veteran performer Jah Cutta (real name Carlton Williams) is celebrating his first #1 song in a career that spans over 40 years. His cover of the Marvin Gaye classic ‘How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)’ is the new #1 song on the Reggae North Canadian Top 20 Reggae chart.
When the Jamaica Observer caught up with the Montreal-based Jah Cutta (he is originally from Yallahs in St Thomas and migrated to Canada at age 10 in the 1970s), he was ecstatic about the song’s accomplishment.
“It’s like a grader truck lift you up out of a pit and put you on solid ground. Mi say, yes, people finally a recognise the hard work that I have been putting in all these years. Is over 48 years mi a sing, and God never gave up on me. This is truly inspiring,” said the artiste
He thanked Reggae North Radio in Canada for supporting his career and those of emerging reggae acts in Canada.
“I have to big up Tony Anthony, him know mi from long time and him see the work that I have been putting in. God see the emergencies that I have faced in my life, the hardships that I have been through over the years. I spent several months in the hospital and God pulled me through. This song was inspired by the blessings from the Almighty and all the obstacles that I have been through,” Jah Cutta shared.
‘How Sweet It Is’ is produced by Bee Rich Productions and included on the album ‘Jah Cutta Sings Gold,’ which was released a year ago. It also has covers of classic songs including ‘Pitta Patta’, ‘Tears on My Pillow,’ and ‘Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.’
Some of the musicians who played on the project include Lloyd Parks, Dean Fraser, Robbie Lyn and Dwight Pinkney. The album was recorded at Tuff Gong studio.
“For many years I was a deejay, but I made the switch to singing. This is my second hit song. In 1980 I had a song that was popular in Canada called ‘Tribute to Ethiopia.’ It became my signature song and from there I never looked back,” said Jah Cutta.
He has, to date, released eight albums and he has performed in Jamaica at Rebel Salute and Western Consciousness. He is gearing up to commence a tour of Canada to promote the album.
Elsewhere on the Reggae North Canadian Top 20 Reggae chart, ‘Wheel and Come Again’ by Skystar inches up to #2, while ‘The Fire Inside’ by 12-year-old Jazmin Headley featuring Richie Stephens and Bounty Killer falls from #1 to #3. ‘Protect Us’ by I-Noah and ‘Set Me Free’ by Memberz Syndicate are #4 and #5.
