Mikey General

Mikey General, born Michael Taylor on 9 October 1963 in Harlesden, London, moved to Jamaica with his family at the age of two. Growing up in Kingston, particularly around Valentine Gardens, he developed an interest in singing through the music he heard on radio and television. His early influences included Horace Andy, Peter Tosh, Sugar Minott, Desmond Dekker and Bob Marley.

He began singing in church and school choirs before becoming involved with the sound systems operating around Kingston. While attending St George's College, he recorded his first song, Roots Mi Roots, for producer and sound-system operator Ruddy Silence in 1980. Although the recording received little commercial attention, it gave him his first experience in a recording studio.

British Sound-System Years

Returning to Britain in 1982, Mikey became involved with London's reggae scene, performing on sound systems including Saxon, Coxsone and Viking. He recorded for producers including Levi Roots and Blacka Dread, as well as Sugar Minott's Black Roots label.

His early UK recordings included a cover of Michael Jackson's Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' and Babymother, followed by songs such as Kuffin Dem and Dancehall Vibes. His growing reputation brought opportunities to tour Europe alongside Smiley Culture, Papa Levi and Maxi Priest.

In 1985, Mikey was voted Best New Artist by Echoes magazine, recognising his growing presence within Britain's reggae and sound-system culture.

Xterminator, Luciano and Rastafari

In the early 1990s, Mikey returned to Jamaica and began recording for producer Philip 'Fattis' Burrell's Xterminator label. During this period, he developed a close musical relationship with Luciano, becoming part of the influential Xterminator Crew alongside artists including Sizzla, Jesse Jendah and Shadowman.

The collective became associated with Jamaica's growing roots reggae movement, bringing spiritually conscious lyrics and traditional reggae influences to a new generation of listeners.

Mikey released Sinners in 1995 and Just a Rastaman in 1997, while touring internationally with Luciano and musicians including saxophonist Dean Fraser and the Firehouse Crew.

Following their departure from Xterminator, Mikey and Luciano established Jah Messenjah Productions, allowing them greater independence over their recordings. Mikey also continued developing his Qabalah First Music label, with Rastafari beliefs remaining central to his musical direction.

Albums and Pauzeradio

His subsequent albums included Spiritual Revolution in 1999, Exalt Jah in 2001, Red, Green and Gold in 2004, Confidence in Self in 2008 and Born to Rule in 2010.

On 6 December 2012, Mikey visited the Pauzeradio studio during the sixth anniversary of DJ Gav Pauze's Unique Reggae Mix Show. During the visit, he delivered a copy of his new album, African Story African Glory, for review and recorded an exclusive dubplate for Gav Pauze.

The album was subsequently covered in Pauzeradio's original review, highlighting songs including Unbelievable, Empress and Don't Stress Yourself. The project also featured collaborations with Lutan Fyah, Toussaint and Ifa Tunde.

Continued Recordings and Collaborations

Mikey continued recording and performing internationally, releasing Tewahedo in 2018 and We the People in 2020.

In 2022, he collaborated with British producer Kris Kemist of Reality Shock Records on Hold A Heights. The eleven-track album brought together experienced musicians including Earl 'Chinna' Smith, Horseman and Ray Carless, combining traditional roots reggae with soul influences and spiritually focused songwriting.

The album was reviewed by Pauzeradio, followed in 2023 by coverage of Hold Strong, his recording released through Dubquake Records with O.B.F.

These projects demonstrated Mikey's continued involvement with independent reggae producers, while his extensive catalogue remained closely connected to the messages and musical traditions of roots reggae.

Medhane Alem and Recent Music

In May 2026, Mikey released Medhane Alem, a twelve-track album through his Qabalah First Music label. The title translates as Saviour of the World, reflecting the spiritual themes that have remained central to his songwriting throughout his career.

The project combined new material with previously released recordings, with production contributions from Mikey himself, Yared Taylor and several established producers. Much of the album was recorded at Nayakaza Studio in Jamaica.

Songs included Solace, Road of Life, Prayer and Breath of Life, a collaboration with Miriam Simone released earlier in March 2026. Produced through Dredda Records, the latter celebrated life and gratitude, bringing together two established voices within contemporary roots reggae.

More than four decades after his earliest recordings, Mikey General continues to record and collaborate with musicians internationally, maintaining the conscious lyrical approach and Rastafari foundations that have defined much of his career.