Carl Meeks’ “Weh Dem Fah” Will get First-Ever Digital Launch

Information Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. July 10, 2025: VP Data’ reissue arm 17 North Parade is ready to drop a digital-era dancehall gem this summer time with the first-ever digital launch of Carl Meeks’ “Weh Dem Fah.” The Hugh “Redman” James-produced observe – and full album – will arrive on July 18th, remastered from the unique studio tapes for streaming and digital platforms. You may, nevertheless, take heed to it right here first.

Initially launched as a 12″ single in 1987, “Weh Dem Fah” rapidly grew to become a standout in Meeks’ catalog, capturing the vitality of Jamaica’s then-emerging digital dancehall motion. Recorded at Gussie Clarke’s Anchor Studio, the observe options manufacturing by Steely & Clevie, whose Yamaha CS-01, DX-100 synths, and Oberheim DX drum machine outlined the futuristic sound of the period.

The reissue marks a key second in VP’s ongoing high-definition archive sequence, spotlighting foundational dancehall and roots releases from the late Nineteen Seventies via the digital revolution of the late ’80s.

“Weh Dem Fah” was a breakout second for Meeks, who first gained nationwide consideration in 1983 after ending runner-up at Jamaica’s Tastee Expertise Competitors, performing Johnny Osbourne’s “Ice Cream Love.” That efficiency caught the eye of Yellowman, who introduced Meeks into the sound system scene—opening the door to future studio work with Redman.

In an archival interview, Meeks recalled the studio session that launched his profession: “Redman heard me sing and mentioned, ‘Yeah, I’m going to have studio time at Gussie studio with Souljie—be there.’ That’s how ‘Weh Dem Fah’ occurred.”

Following the success of the only, Redman and Meeks returned to the studio to finish a nine-track album, enlisting Steely & Clevie to offer riddims. The 1988 LP was accompanied by cowl artwork from Wilfred Limonious, one in all Jamaica’s most iconic visible artists.

Whereas the album circulated on vinyl and cassette in its authentic launch, this would be the first time the complete undertaking is on the market digitally, full with an instrumental and prolonged model of the title observe.

“Weh Dem Fah” can be obtainable globally on July 18 by way of VP Data / 17 North Parade. LISTEN TO IT HERE