Councillors welcome Jamaican guest to Barry (From Barry And District News)

Councillors welcome Jamaican guest to Barry

12:20pm Tuesday 16th October 2012 in News By Sharon Harris

Barry Town councillors and staff had a taste of Jamaica, when a top dub poet visited the Mayor's parlour recently.

Yasus Afari - born John Sinclair - is a childhood friend of record producer Garnet Silk, and collaborated with Silk on many of his best-selling recordings including several singles recorded with Maxi Priest.

He also recorded as a background vocalist and dub poet for Everton Lender, General Degree and Tony Rebel.

Afari, who was in Barry ahead of a visit to The Sherman Theatre in Cardiff to launch Black History Month, said: "I have a particular affinity to Wales and the people of Wales.

"I see Wales as a nation that's pregnant with possibility and potential.

"In Barry I have seen a spirit of goodwill and friendship."

Town Mayor Cllr Les Sword presented him with a ceremonial crested glass, and in return he gave Barry Town Council a copy of his CD The Ancient Future.