IJahman Levi is by far one of the very best, original, authentic conscious roots reggae singer/writers of the last decades. He was born Trevor Sutherland in Jamaica in 1946, where his love of music first began. He wanted to sing and by his early teens he already had his idol in the form of the legendary Joe Higgs. Though not instantly successful, young Trevor was not to be deterred, despite numerous failed auditions including one for a young Chris Blackwell!

In 1963, Trevor moved to England to join his parents. Here he continued his musical quest with bands like the Vibrations, now with new heros to look up to, like Otis Redding, someone who is still his hero to this day! After a brush with the law, Trevor found himself with some time to spare and a bible for company and so began his conversion from Trevor Sutherland to IJahman Levi.

After his release and a short break to recharge his batteries in Jamaica, he returned to England and penned what would become his breakthrough track "Jah Heavy Load". Released on the Concrete Jungle label in 1975, he had a minor hit! This brought him to the attention of the now established Chris Blackwell who, on a wave of success with Bob Marley and the Wailers, promptly signed him to Island Records. The result was his first album 'Haile I Hymn'. Despite overwhelming acclaim for both 'Haile I Hymn' and its follow up 'Are we a Warrior', the future was not to be the one most people envisioned! IJahman Levi and Chris Blackwell fell out with each other and shortly afterwards IJahman parted company with Island Records.

In 1982 IJahman Levi released his first independent album 'Tell it to the Children' and this was to be the first of many to come from the man whose music covers a range of conscious and religious 'Roots Reggae' through to tender love songs, all performed in his own unique style. By 1985, IJahman Levi had more success both in the UK and in Europe, with his wife Madge and a song called "I Do".

IJahman Levi continues to put out albums to this day through his production company Tree Roots Productions and continues to work with the finest musicians on the reggae music scene. With albums like: 'Africa', 'Inside Out', 'IJahman and Friends', 'Beauty and the Lion', the excellent sampler album 'Entitlement' and his latest offering 'Versatile Life'; having featured over the years the likes of: Chinna, Sly & Robbie, Lloyd Parks, Bobby Ellis, Wire, Errol Nelson, Stephen Wright, Dwight Pickney, Chris Meredith, to name just a few... he has proved to be one of the most prolific reggae artists on the scene. Rediscover him here at the ICU Store, soon available for digital download!