The Confidential side of Wayne 'Sleng Teng' Smith

Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

Singer Wayne Smith's place in reggae history is assured through his 1985 song, Unda Mi Sleng Teng, a computerised monster hit that transformed the landscape of Jamaican music.

Now 46, Smith still records, but these days is more into establishing his Sleng Teng label. He is currently in Kingston producing songs and promoting his Confidential All-Star compilation album.

"Wi always give thanks fi the chance wi get as a youth, so wi trying to give some young artiste the same opportunities," Smith told The Gleaner.

The 'All-Star' set is built around the Confidential beat which Smith built at his studio in The Bronx, New York. It contains songs by Luciano, Fantan Mojah, the Meditations, Mikey Melody and Fiona Sanderson.

Smith launched the Sleng Teng imprint in 1987. Its catalogue includes recordings by the biggest names in dancehall including Ninja Man, Shabba Ranks, Carlton Livingston, Courtney Melody and Junior Demus.

He says he gets as much satisfaction directing artistes in the studio as he does performing.

"Is a great feeling especially when yuh can get a hit with a young artiste," he said.

The Waterhouse-born Smith was only 19 years old when he recorded Unda Mi Sleng Teng for producer Lloyd 'King Jammys' James, in late 1984. He recalled creating the beat with Noel Davy - a friend from Waterhouse - on a Casio MT40 keyboard, before taking the song to James where it was recorded.

Released in early 1985, Unda Mi Sleng Teng was an instant sensation in the dancehalls and on radio. Just about every artiste jumped on the beat, including Tenor Saw (Pumpkin Belly), John Wayne (Call The Police) and Anthony Red Rose (Unda Mi Fat Thing).

Unda Mi Sleng Teng's success inspired other producers to follow James' lead and record computer beats. The best known were his protégés, Steely and Clevie, who masterminded his biggest hits of the late 1980s.

Smith says he has never earned substantially from Unda Mi Sleng Teng. He claims the biggest royalty cheque he earned was US$6,000, which came when rap group Cypress Hill covered the song.