Azizzi Is Ready To Step Up To Continue His Father, Max Romeo's Legacy

May 19

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The death of Max Romeo has left a yawning void in roots-reggae. Azzizi, one of his sons, is eager to step up and carry on his father’s legacy.

Max Romeo, who died at age 80 on April 11, was sent home to Zion on May 17 in Kingston, Jamaica. A thanksgiving service, attended by a number of music industry figures, took place at Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre.

Azzizi, who has toured Europe with his father, performed three of the old man’s songs during the service. He is looking forward to making a name for himself by performing original songs as well as his father’s classics.

“A lotta people come to me an’ they say they see my father in me. But it’s not jus’ me, there’s my sister an’ brother. He had us in training all along, now we’re waiting to seize the opportunity and we’re ready for it,” said Azzizi.

At the time of his death, Max Romeo was preparing for his latest summer tour of Europe which Azzizi says there is a strong possibility he may honour. Michel Jovanovic of Paris-based Mediacom, was Romeo’s booking agent, for many years. He also attended the thanksgiving service.

Born Maxwell Livingston Smith, Max Romeo was a pivotal figure in the roots-reggae movement. Songs like ‘War Ina Babylon’, ‘Chase The Devil’, ‘Let The Power Fall’ and ‘Jordan River’ were recorded during the 1970s when that genre emerged on the strength of Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Burning Spear.

While determined to carry on his father’s name, Azzizi is keen to emulate him in other ways.

“He was a good man, genuine and kind. Humble. He could afford to live any life but he didn’t like the fast lane and that’s something I will always remember about my father,” he said.

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