Yasus Afari Biography

Yasus Afari (born: John Sinclair) is one of Jamaica’s top dub poets. A childhood friend of record producer Garnet Silk, Afari has collaborated with Silk on many of his best-selling recordings including several singles recorded with Maxi Priest. Afari has also recorded as a background vocalist and dub poet for Everton Lender, General Degree and Tony Rebel. Much of Afari’s early inspiration was provided by his mother who prayed that he enjoy “a better life”. Afari showed great potential as a youngster, excelling at St. Elizabeth Technical High School. Although he went to work as a repair technician for the Jamaican telephone company, he returned to school after receiving a scholarship to the College of Arts, Science And Technology. While at the school, he became more politically-conscious. Although elected vice president of the student council, he declined the position based on his anti-conformist views. Afari began performing while still a student, appearing regularly at the University of The West Indies, a nursing school and a teachers college. His fortune began to dwindle after leaving college. When his debut single, released on cassette, failed to sell, he retreated into a period of meditation and isolation. Afari’s career began to turn around after he teamed with Silk. The recipient of an award as “Dub Poet Of The Year” in 1993, Afari toured throughout the United States and the Pacific Islands with Black Uhuru.