Oh_carolina 〈ULTIMATE〉

The track was originally written in 1958 by , a member of the vocal trio the Folkes Brothers .

Decades later, the song became a global phenomenon when it was covered by the Jamaican-American artist Shaggy .

This was the first time Niyabinghi -style drumming—a sacred Rastafarian tradition—was featured on a popular record. At a time when Rastafarians were marginalized in Jamaican society, the song's massive success helped grant the movement a new level of "respectability". oh_carolina

Despite the title, Folkes actually wrote the song for his girlfriend at the time, whose name was Noelena.

Are you interested in the of a specific version, or perhaps more about the history of ska music? Oh, Carolina - song and lyrics by NEEDTOBREATHE - Spotify The track was originally written in 1958 by

Released as the lead single from his debut album Pure Pleasure , Shaggy's version topped charts worldwide, including reaching number one in the UK.

The song's iconic piano riff was an improvisation. Owen Gray , who happened to be at the studio, jumped in and composed the riff on the spot during the session. The Shaggy Cover (1993) At a time when Rastafarians were marginalized in

In 1960, a then-unknown producer named Prince Buster decided to record the track. In a revolutionary move, Buster brought in Count Ossie and his group of drummers from the Wareika Hills to provide the percussion.