Tony Tuff started his musical journey as a founding member of the African Brothers with the late Lincoln ‘Sugar’ Minott and Derrick ‘Bubbles’ Howard in 1969. As an accomplished singer, songwriter and musician, Tuff was responsible for building the foundations of the group’s early output and beyond, right up until the band parted ways in the mid-70s.
Tuff returned as a solo artist with Roots anthems such as “Oh What A Day,” “Deliver Me” and “Chant Down Babylon”, plus some crucial cuts with Yabby You, which were amongst the many favoured by the Rasta Sounds of the day, most notably Jah Shaka, with whom he later collaborated with on the revered set “How Long” in 2006. However, it was after the turn of the decade in 1980 when Tuff really hit his stride and became one of the key players in the early Dancehall / Rub-A-Dub era after joining the legendary Volcano Sound, owned by famed producer Henry ‘Junjo’ Lawes.
It was with Junjo that Tuff scored his biggest hit, “Come Fe Mash It”, which showcased Tuff’s now signature yodelling vocal stylings to great effect. Tuff continued to write, record and tour up until his recent passing leaving behind an incredible musical legacy.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of Tony’s passing. He recorded many memorable songs that have a lasting impact. We will miss him” said Chris Chin, CEO of VP Records.