Jamaican singer Ronnie Davis was an influential roots reggae artist whose career spanned over fifty years. After rising to prominence with the legendary harmony group The Tennors and co-founding The Itals, he established himself as a successful solo act in the seventies. Davis’s signature was his passionate singing style and his dedication to socially conscious and uplifting lyrics. He passed away in 2017.
His 1976 tune Beware Of Evil Man has been brought back to the forefront by Buyreggae from Berlin. Produced by Davis and Patrick “Scabba” Sutherland, the track was originally released in both Jamaica (War) and Canada (President Records). Davis’s vocal intensity flawlessly carries the track’s heavy message: the lyrics are a sharp challenge to the ‘evil men’ bent on destruction and dominion, referencing themes of historical slavery and the critical need to stand up for one’s rights. His defiant shout is crystal clear: “Beware of evil men, destruction on their minds, but they can’t conquer I and I.” BOOM!
The B-side treats the listener to a striking dub version that, unlike many heavier mixes, favors a more cerebral, stripped-back instrumental meditation. The engineer expertly employs vocal snippets and carefully placed effects to accentuate the core riddim and catchy melody, allowing the track space to breathe. This disciplined approach to the sound highlights the raw authenticity of the music—it is definitive, classic Roots Dub.