Shereita Grizzle, Gleaner Writer

It may come as no surprise as many dubbed him the obvious choice for new lead singer of reggae ambassadors, Third World.

He had been filling in for the ailing William ‘Bunny Rugs’ Clarke for most of their 40th anniversary tour last year, and with the death of its lead singer, it seems A.J. Brown has officially been granted ambassador status as part of the iconic reggae band. The singer made the announcement at last Saturday’s R&B Reggae Concert held on the grounds of Jamaica College.

PASSING THE BATON

Brown, who is off the island, said being offered the chance to be a part of Third World was a true honour and described his new role as a “passing of the baton.” When The Sunday Gleaner contacted Third World to get an official statement regarding Brown’s succession, the band’s publicist, Heather Cameron, confirmed the news, saying Brown has joined the group as the lead singer. “He is working with the group, doing the shows we have scheduled for the coming months,” she said. Leader of the reggae band, Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore said the members of Third World were happy to have Brown join them and expressed his optimism for the band’s future. “A.J. Brown is undoubtedly one of Jamaica’s finest baritones, and it is with pleasure and great expectations that we welcome him to the Third World family,” he said. “Just like Bunny Rugs, who can never really be replaced, A.J. has a great personality on top of his obvious talent, and we look forward to great things together musically with him,” added Coore.

BEGINNING OF AN ERA

Brown told The Sunday Gleaner that this new opportunity marks the beginning of an exciting period in his life. “This is a very exciting time in my life as I have always admired and respected Third World for their music and achievements over the years. I look forward to this musical journey and sharing the stage with such accomplished musicians.” Third World is slated to perform in the Cayman Islands next month before returning to the island to perform at a private event in Montego Bay in May. The band is also expected to perform at a slew of shows in California, the United States during the summer, including the highly anticipated Reggae on the River event. This year’s Reggae on the River will mark the 30th anniversary of the concert and will be held in Gaberville, California. Third World will join the likes of Jimmy Cliff, Sly and Robbie, Gaudi and Michael Rose, among others.