Rankin Pumpkin, African Symbol tour Japan
MONTEGO BAY, St James — Japanese reggae performer, Rankin Pumpkin kicked off an extensive Japan/Asian tour, first stopping in Osaka, Japan, last Saturday night, just two days before an earthquake hit the city.
She performed alongside other Japanese acts including Gri Gri, Yellow Theresa, Daddy P and Oga. Rankin’s second gig on tour will be on Saturday.
The tour, which will also include venues in Tokyo, Okayama, Tokushima, Okinawa, Yokosuka, Shiga, Gifu, Kobe and Hokkaido, will climax in September.
Well-known Montego Bay sound system African Symbol is touring alongside Rankin Pumpkin, with their role being the playing of vinyl records at the start of the shows and during intermissions. Desmond Harvey, founder of African Symbol, is scheduled to leave the island on Friday, July 6, to join the rest of the party in Japan.
African Symbol International was founded in 1977 by Harvey and has carved out a name for itself in the musical landscape of western Jamaica.
Last year Rankin Pumpkin, who is known for songs such as A-One Class, Dem Vex, Wake Up and What A Gwaan, was the first runner-up in the Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall talent show.