Ijahman Levi

Ijahman Levi (born Trevor Augustus Sutherland; 26 June 1946) is a Jamaican-British conscious roots reggae chanter, artist and musician. In his early years, Levi was tutored by musician and vocal teacher, Joe Higgs. His first album, Haile I Hymn, was released on Island Records in 1978. He became Ijahman Levi after a religious spiritual conversion to Rastafari when he was in prison between 1972 and 1974. It and his following records preach Rastafari movement as well as Twelve Tribes of Israel doctrine.

Biography Levi moved with his parents to the United Kingdom in 1963. In 1966 and 1969, he released two singles under the name of The Youth. The first one was in 1966 for Polydor 56121 "As Long As There Is Love" b/w "Your One and Only Man", both covers of Jimmy Ruffin and Otis Redding songs. Levi has mentioned he is an Otis Redding fan. They were cut in a typical mod R&B soul style. His second single was for Deram, released 17 January 1969, and featured "Meadow of My Love" b/w "Love Me or Leave Me". The B-side was self-written, being credited to 'Sutherland'. He recorded "Fire Fire" b/w "Jesus Keepeth My Soul" as The Youth on Pama in 1971. His next three singles were "I'm a Levi" and "Jah Heavy Load" on Concrete Jungle followed by "Chariot of Love" on Organisation, all produced by Dennis Harris, in 1976, before signing to Island Records. In 1985 Levi released "I Do", a duet he recorded with his second wife, Madge. The song performed well on the British reggae chart, reaching the top position. Levi's most famous composition is "Jah Heavy Load", recorded and released in 1976.

Discography 1978 – Haile I Hymn (Chapter 1) 1978 – Haile I Hymn (Chapter 2) 1979 – Are We a Warrior 1982 – Tell It to the Children 1984 – Lilly of My Valley 1985 – Africa 1986 – I Do (Ijahman and Madge) 1987 – Forward Rastaman 1987 – Culture Country 1988 – Ijahman and Friends 1988 – Over Europe Live 1989 – Inside Out 1991 – On Track 1991 – Love Smiles 1992 – Kingfari 1993 – Entitlement 1993 – Gemini Man 1994 – Two Double Six 1994 – Black Royalties 1995 – Home Free by Madge 1995 – Live in Paris 1994 1995 – Ijahman Sings Bob Marley 1996 – Ijahman & Bob Marley in Dub 1997 – Live at Reggae on the River 1997 – Beauty and the Lion 1997 – Lion Dub Beauty 1998 – Crocodile Man 1998 – Monkey Man 2000 – Arkart 2001 – The Roots of Love 2006 – Versatile Life