Barry Boom

Barry Boom is the pseudonym Paul Robinson first employed to mask his musical backroom duties. These activities were many; he helped to write and produce Maxi Priest’s debut album, and Phillip Papa Levi’s groundbreaking ‘Mi God Mi King’ single. He had also been part of the hotly tipped One Blood with other family members, until his brother and fellow band member, Errol, died. Robinson briefly worked with Sly And Robbie before electing to pursue a solo career under the name Barry Boom, which he had previously only used in a production capacity. He kicked off his career on Fashion Records’ subsidiary Fine Style in 1989, cutting a number of hit singles, including the reggae number ones ‘Making Love’ and ‘Number One Girl’, and ‘Hurry Over’. His debut album was a consistent, polished affair that mixed lovers rock lyrics with more cultural concerns, all conducted over an understated, rootsy backing. Boom is still striving for the kind of mainstream success his talents deserve, and 1994 saw him reunited with Fashion once more.