The story of how the 'Sleng Teng' rhythm was born must begin with singer Wayne Smith who helped it come into being...In those days of hanging aorund the music spots of Waterhouse. Wayne came in contact with Noel Davey. Davey owned one of those Casio 'Music Boxes', which was essentially a cheap keyboard. Noel was trying to make it as a singer and he used the box to help him practise. One day after one these rehearsal, as Wayne remembers, 'On turning on the box, we came across a rock rhythm and decided to slow it down. After that I started to sing on the rhythm. We then lost the rhythm and could not find it and spent days until he located the rhythm. This time we made no mistake and went straight to Jammy's. The words of 'Sleng Teng' just leapt into my mind and the song was done' Beth Lesser

b. 5 December 1965, Waterhouse, Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies. Smith began singing while at school and in church, where he cultivated his unique vocal technique. After achieving his educational qualifications he began an apprenticeship as an electrical engineer. His training centred around the Papine region of St. Andrew's, where many top performers began their musical careers, including Brigadier Jerry, Sister Nancy, Anthony Malvo and Chaka Demus. Smith spent his free time at King Jammy's (then Prince Jammy) sound system, hoping for an opportunity on the microphone. His persistence came to fruition and, inspired by the audience's response, Jammy recorded Smith's debut, "Aint No Me Without You", followed by the dancehall favourites "Change My Mind", "Life Is A Moment In Space" and "Ism Skism". Smith was featured in the UK's Channel 4 television reggae documentary Deep Roots Music, where he is filmed recording in King Tubby's studio. Like many artists, Smith began working with other producers, including sessions at Channel One, and a series of hits followed including "Smoker Supa", versions of "Karma Chameleon" and Dennis Brown's "No More Will I Roam". In the mid-80s Smith returned to working with the newly promoted King Jammy, enjoying success with "Aint No Meaning" and "Come Along". In late 1984 he was directly involved in what is considered by many to be a pivotal phase in the Jamaican recording industry. The occasion of Smith's and Noel Daley's tinkerings with a Casio music box has been well documented, although the unprecedented success of this event proved to be a turning point for both Smith and King Jammy. The resulting song, "Under Me Sleng Teng", was a massive hit around the world and led to countless versions. From its initial release in 1985 the rhythm continues to provide the basis for a number of reggae hits. Having the distinction of introducing the most covered accentuation in the music's history inevitably led to enormous expectations, which Smith endured with calm assurance. He demonstrated his talent for songwriting and singing, and drew on his formative training for programming on Sleng Teng with the tracks "Icky All Over", "Love Don't Love Me" and "Walk Like A Granny". He continued to produce hits, notably "Rapid Dem Love" and "My Sweet Love", before relocating to the USA where he set up his own Sleng Teng label. DISCOGRAPHY: Youthman Skanking (Black Joy 1982)***, Supa Smoker (Channel One 1983)***, with Patrick Andy Showdown (Channel One 1984)***, Sleng Teng (Greensleeves 1985)****, Computer Mix (Shanachie 1986)****. Source: www.bbc.co.uk