Singer and songwriter Max Romeo (left), in this 1974 file photo, presenting Prime Minister Michael Manley with one of his most recent hits 'Socialism is Love', at his Devon Road office. - file

Sunday Gleaner: Why do they call you the 'original rude boy of reggae'?

Max Romeo: I started this whole sex revolution with lewd images. I recorded this song Wet Dream; it's all about sex. It played twice on BBC, some Jamaicans called and reported it. It hit the top, stayed on the British charts for 22 weeks. The year 1969 was a time when England was saintly, so for someone to do such song. between 1969 and 1971, I sung pure of those songs, more-than rude lyrics. Not as explicit as today, though, my songs are more tame.

What inspired the song 'Wet Dream'?

The devil made me do it (he laughs). We were recording and writing songs. Derrick Morgan did a slightly-rude song and I took it further than that. Honestly, I never thought the song would be so big. It's a rag-to-riches story; no one could tell me I would be in England entertaining the Royal family.

Was the ban ever taken off the song?

It's still banned till today; it's not officially declared though. Some radio stations play it now.

What was your relationship with the PNP?

I did the song Let The Power Fall On I. I have nothing to do with politics, but Michael Manley was campaigning. He thought it would make a new political slogan. He asked me to use it. I was an admirer of Manley's politics. There was no political side, I'm an artiste, I entertain everybody.

What inspired you to try making it on Broadway with the play 'Reggae'?

It wasn't an inspiration, it was a job. I was contacted by Chris Blackwell who needed a Jamaican songwriter. It ran for seven weeks; the critics claimed the message was too strong. It was depicting politics from 1972-1976, showing the violence, rape, a strong Rasta doctrine. I wrote most of the songs, along with a co-writer.

Was it successful?

That's the problem. It took off. All the nights people came. People were flocking to it. Everyone was curious about Jamaica.