Internationally renowned music producer and radio disc jockey Kurt “Party Animal” Riley has declared his intention to become one of Jamaica’s most esteemed record producers, a distinction achieved by his late father, Winston Riley.
“Positioning myself to become one of the greatest record producers from Jamaica the world will know about. Get ready for ‘My Vibe’,” Riley teased on Instagram recently, hinting at new music under his Jambian Music label, although he withheld specific details.
Fans of the musicologist eagerly responded with encouragement, among them one supporter who noted: “We’re ready for it. Put your stamp on the world. You are one of the best out there. Go forth and conquer—we’re right there with you.”
Another follower acknowledged Riley’s past successes, particularly his production of Charly Black’s global hit, Gyal You A Party Animal on the Jambe-An Riddim, which peaked at No. 18 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Electronic Songs, adding: “Well, you already produced the biggest song… So, you’re already on your way”.
Kurt’s father, Winston Riley, was a legendary singer, songwriter, and record producer who led The Techniques band and made significant contributions to Jamaica’s music industry.
Winston Riley’s legacy includes producing timeless tracks such as I’m in the Mood for Love by Pat Kelly, Super Cat’s Boops, Tenor Saw’s Ring The Alarm, Sister Nancy’s version of Bam Bam and Sanchez’s Loneliness.
His Stalag riddim remains the most sampled dancehall beat of all time.
He also holds the dubious distinction of producing Jamaica’s first “slackness” album, Slackest EP by General Echo.
Kurt’s journey in the music industry began under his father’s tutelage. He also had a long career as a radio disc jockey on Fame FM.
Now the CEO of Jambian Music, he has continued to build on his father’s legacy, producing numerous successful tracks, among them Romain Virgo’s Trouble from the Love Sick album and Beres Hammond’s My Kinda Girl, which was featured on the Never Ending album.
He also served as Beenie Man’s selector during the iconic VERZUZ clash with Bounty Killer and co-curated the tunes for the iconic face-off back in 2020.
Kurt Riley has also created popular riddims such as Via, Rum Runner, Animal Instinct and Caribbean Rock, which featured artists such as Busy Signal, Elephant Man, and Leftside.
Winston Riley passed away in 2012 at the age of 65, following a tragic shooting at his St. Andrew home. His death came months after his landmark Techniques record store on Orange Street, downtown Kingston, was destroyed by fire.
Earlier this year, Kurt paid tribute to his father, reflecting on the elder Riley’s profound influence on his career, describing him as “not a perfect man, but a very great and smart man”.
Kurt had also highlighted his father’s unmatched ear for music and dedication to perfection, pointing out that he oftentimes hired the best musicians to ensure a song was ‘just right’.
“This man has flaws like most men. He can’t read music to save but he is a gifted record producer. His contribution has help to shape to culture of reggae and dancehall as we all know it. This man can hear a wrong note from an artist in the studio while he is snoring,” Kurt had noted.
“He has international recognition under his belt way before I went to Wolmers Prep and Kingston College. This man been producing music for regions outside of Jamaica and working with musicians from all over the world. This man will fly een a guitarist from Spain just to play 16 bars or a track. This man had an ear for music,” he emphasized.
