LP: Tony Tuff – How Long (Jah Shaka Music 651)

Messenger Jah Is Everything Run Come How Long Prophecy African Woman Let Jah Arise Keep Weh Give Thanks And Praise [MUSICIANS] BASS: Flabba Holt DRUMS: Flabba Holt KEYBOARDS: Tony Asher HORNS: Tony Asher PIANO: Tony Asher PERCUSSION: Skully A timeless roots reggae statement from two legends of Jamaican and UK sound system culture A landmark collaboration produced by Jah Shaka, featuring the unmistakable voice of Tony Tuff. Originally released in 2006 on Jah Shaka Music, How Long remains a powerful expression of roots, culture and conscious reggae. Some records are made for a moment. Others carry a message that transcends generations. How Long, the celebrated collaboration between legendary UK sound system pioneer and producer Jah Shaka and Jamaican roots reggae vocalist Tony Tuff, stands firmly in the latter category. Originally released in 2006 on the Jah Shaka Music label, the album brings together two distinctive forces in reggae history, united by a shared commitment to spiritual consciousness, cultural identity and the enduring power of roots music. Produced by Jah Shaka and recorded at Leggo’s Studio in Jamaica, the album features the musical talents of Flabba Holt, Tony Asher and Skully. Across ten tracks, Tony Tuff delivers his unmistakable vocals over a foundation of heavyweight roots reggae, drawing on the deep musical traditions of Jamaica while reflecting the uncompromising spirit of the UK sound system movement. From the title track, How Long, to Messenger, Jah Is Everything, Prophecy, African Woman, Let Jah Arise and Give Thanks and Praise, the album carries themes of faith, righteousness, perseverance and cultural awareness. Its sound is rooted in tradition, yet its message remains relevant in a world still searching for justice, unity and spiritual direction. For Jah Shaka, How Long represents the philosophy that defined his life’s work. Known throughout the world as the Zulu Warrior, Shaka built one of the most influential sound systems in reggae history, championing roots music with a deep spiritual foundation and an uncompromising commitment to the message. Through his productions and the Jah Shaka Music label, he created a body of work that connected Jamaican musical heritage with generations of listeners in Britain and beyond. Tony Tuff brought an equally distinguished legacy to the project. Born Winston Anthony Morris, he first came to prominence as a founding member of the African Brothers alongside Sugar Minott and Derrick Howard. He subsequently established himself as a respected solo artist, moving between conscious roots reggae and the emerging dancehall and rub-a-dub scenes. His collaboration with Jah Shaka brought his expressive vocal style into a setting that celebrated the spiritual depth and enduring strength of roots reggae. The album’s legacy was further extended through How Long Dub, the companion release in Jah Shaka’s celebrated Dub Salute series. Featuring dub versions of the original songs, the project explored the instrumental dimensions of the music, with the dub set mixed by Gussie P at A-Class Studio in London. Together, the vocal and dub albums offer a compelling illustration of the relationship between Jamaican studio musicianship, roots vocal traditions and the creative possibilities of dub. Following the passing of Jah Shaka in April 2023 and Tony Tuff in April 2024, How Long carries an additional significance. It stands as a lasting document of two artists whose contributions helped shape reggae culture across generations. Their music continues to resonate with sound system operators, selectors, collectors and listeners who recognise roots reggae as more than a musical style: it is a vehicle for history, spirituality, resistance and cultural continuity. Nearly two decades after its original release, How Long remains a reminder of the enduring relationship between Jamaica’s rich musical traditions and the UK roots reggae movement. It is a testament to the vision of Jah Shaka, the voice of Tony Tuff and the timeless power of music made with purpose. A roots reggae classic. A meeting of musical legacies. A message for the generations!