Inamix is a group that has its roots in the late 80‘s; being the first band in The Netherlands to present the Jamaican dancehall style from that time. They rocked the crowds with a then upcoming style where exsisting songs from every genre would be played in a dancehall (then known in Europe as “Bubbling“) style with additional DJ lyrics. In 1992 the lead singer / DJ, Robert “Jahrebbel“ Thomas, left the band to settle in Caribbean. He returned in 2009 and found the band still existing, albeit with many different members. First hour member Mariano “Melodyman“ van Minde; the keyboard player, had kept it going for the 17 years Jahrebbel was away. Solid by his side was Joris “Jay“ Neijenhuis who joined the group 10 years before Jahrebbel returned. Forces were joined and Inamix continued with Jahrebbel taking on the lead vocals again and giving the group a complete new style away from the „Bubbling“. 

 

The group was focussing mainly on live performances until in 2012 veteran reggae artist Dennis „King Kong“ Thomas (Legal wi legal) visited The Netherlands to promote his new album “Ethiopian Dream“. Jahrebbel and King Kong had had previous contact and in a natural flow, King Kong set up base at Jahrebbel’s place from where the two of them would move to do King Kong’s promotional tour. King Kong gave Jahrebbel pointers on his DJ‘ing and would present him at every show to warm up the crowd.

 

One night at home, King Kong heard some recordings that Jahrebbel did while he was living in Caribbean, a full never released demo containing 10 songs, with as title „Restore Jah Order“. He was blown away. Insisting that Jahrebbel had to release these songs, things were put into motion. For the following two years intensive work was done to re-record all those songs and create the sound and the vibe that Jahrebbel was looking for; an authentic 70’s and 80’s vibe.

 

Countless hours the group sat together; recorded and re-recorded under the technical and musical guidance of Regillio “Karoe“ Koorndijk; a true genius and perfectionist. He relentlessly pushed the group to their limits in order to make a -what he would call- „responsible“ production. Investing countless hours, arranging for additional musicians, continually unleashing his harsh and unletting criticism, he was the key that Inamix needed to open their true potential.  Key members of Inamix, Mariano “Melodyman“ van Minde (keyboards) and Joris “Jay“ Neijenhuis (bass),  were imperative in laying down a strong foundation and adding their creativity to the project. These are the ones that did the many “all nighters“ and helped making sure that the works continued.

 

Many great singers and musicians were brought in to help complete the project, real live horns to give the right “feel“ to the music by John “Brotherman“ Zeko, soul singer “Rockel“ alongside Diana “Loxx“ Sommerville, Isha, Lady Mar and Ed Rust putting down their heavenly harmonies, Dwight Starke and Karoe himself on drums, guitar works by Brian Muntslag, Gillan Mijnals, Yasper Molle, „Funky" Frank Baijer and even the multi talented Inamix member Jay. Additional keyboards were done by Asis Bajnath.

 

Naturally there is a collaboration with the legendary reggae veteran King Kong on the album. “Jah Reign“ was recorded during the time King Kong was moving with Jahrebbel and Inamix. Also on the album, the title track has become a collaboration with the greater than great Papa Michigan (Michigan and Smiley), who has been a musical mentor during the recordings. Another surprise artist to be found on the album is none less than the Mighty Diamonds’ lead singer Donald “Tabby Diamond“ Shaw.