If like me you like singers that tell stories in their lyrics then this Historyman is going to be right up you're street as this man tells story's a plenty in his songs. He sings tales of Jamaican, African and well black history in general really as well of covering current and topical affairs from Beijing to Obama. The following is profile from the World of Jah web site along with a review of his CD 'Chronology Vol 1'
You may know him for his chronological music background, where he sings about the biography of Hail Selassie I, our own pioneers, Bob Marley & the legacy of reggae music, Marcus Garvey, Africans Inventors, there inventions and the forty-three presidents of the United States and many other topical issues.
The man who sings this monikers himself as
The Informative History Man. Born Andrew Kiffin in Kingston, Jamaica, to parents Bernice Stewart and Dalbert Kiffin, the informative singer grew up in Kingston St, James and Clarendon. Andrew's father migrated to the states and left him and his sister with there mother to raise, growing up without a father was ruff. Andrew's first Schooling started at a private institution in Kingston, after moving to St James he attended the Chatsworth All Age School, and then he moved onto the Marldon High School. However, History Man then decided to sharpen his skill, which was deejaying. This gave him the opportunity to DJ on the Soul Shack Disco in his community. Then in 1987 after moving to Frankfield in Clarendon, he hooked up with two other sounds 'Destroyer' and 'Zion Roots'. While in Clarendon, he attended Knox College for only three months, due to lack of funding. In all of this, after History man return to Kingston he decided to concentrate on his spiritual development with the Ethiopian Coptic Rite School and Church of Vision, which carved out the direction of his writing. According to History Man, the religious experience provided the foundation for his future in the entertainment world. In the year 1992, the singer recorded his first single 'I Cry, What Do You Cry' at the Kilamanjaro recording studio. He also got his first air play on the radio station IRIE FM. History Man, in wanting to establish himself, as a singer had not much help, nevertheless he was self- motivated. The Tastee talent competition in 1992 was the channel that would have led History man into his zeal for eminence in the musical arena. Although not successful at his first attempt, he kept at it, until the year 2000; he claimed the first place victory. Then again, in 2003, he placed third in the finals. Since then the informative singer as been making a name for himself on the musical scene, performing at several stage shows over the years. These included Rebel Salute, Sting, Saggle to the East, St. Mary WI and many others. Over the years, he has done multiple recordings and several singles for various producers. During 2004, when hurricane Ivan was approaching Jamaica, he penned the song 'When Di Hurricane A Come', which was played on local television. A video was also shot for the song. Not only is the singer inclined to writing songs about our pioneers, but also involved in enlightening and educating the public on the deadly disease aids. He did a song entitled 'Positive In Mind, Positive In Spirit', which Jamaica Aids Support used as their theme song. He has become a regular supporter of theirs and has performed at many fund raising events, with performances at shows put on by the Ministry of Health island wide as well. The chronological singer also elaborated that he always found history irresistible while attending school. He now emphasizes that the history is the blue print of where we are coming from and where we are going. Armed with information, in the year 2005, History Man Knocked into lyrical shape his hit song Bob Marley Story, telling the tale of Bob's life. The song was done on the Taxi Rhythm, created by Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare. For this, he was well received by Bob Marley's family and close friend, Allan Skill Cole and Bunny Wailer with much enthusiasm. With his album now in store entitled Chronology vol 1, the Bob Marley Story is also located on the album; with this you can get a comprehensive look on the singer's life. In the same year 2005, he represented Jamaica as an activist at the Champion for Change in Guyana. He was privileged to be the only artiste to perform at the Guyanese Prime Ministers Ball. History Man has just completed his video called 'Strap Up' informing and depicting to persons about the preventative measures to keep them safe. That is using a condom every time. It has gotten major plays on the local cable stations. The song was done under the Kings and Queens production. History Man will continue to sing his way into history and he will educate the people about our history.
http://worldofjah.ning.com/profile/informativehistoryman'Chronology Vol 1' - Review
To say that this artist is an average artist coming out of the Jamaican reggae spotlight would be a total injustice. In I'n'I choosing this artist as the September spotlighted recording artist for this month's musical recording artist review, was not only to do justice to his incredible musical contributions, but also on his behalf, as a personal public service announcements to uplift the masses of Jah People.
the signature style of informative history man is surely a chronological tapestry of renditions fit for the chronicles of history of Jah people using his creative genius of word sound ingenuity backed by fresh slamming DJ style as well as classical rhythms, this walking talking encyclopaedia of the life and times of our greatest heroes keeps the listening audience glued on with each track, curiously eager for more!
I'n'I was so impressed with this musician's style, rhythm and delivery of interesting new beats for as many tracks included on his current release, Chronology Vol 1 that I'n'I found it compelling to not just voice and pen my review of his music, but also to get in an actual one on one reasoning on his music from his own words. This compilation resulted in the hnn (haile noteworthy news) personal interview on world of Jah's I-news, (first article under entertainment, Sept 3rd edition). The interview was released prior to this music review, as to introduce the people to the man, his music and the essence of the driving quality of his works. May I present chronology I: rather than itemize every track, which can easily be done by reading the track list on new CD release cover, ini choose to use this review rather more as a "menu" of his tantalising delights, for at least the 9 tracks that are laid down on his music player here on WOJ.
Just tuning in with track 1, one is immediately drawn in with the irresistible tempo of "Marcus Garvey" the chronological account of the 1920's "bigger than life" an africanist and visionary revolutionary. A medium tempo rhythm, this leads perfectly into track 2, increasing the zest and wetting the palate for more , straight into the serious dance groove track 2 "Negus Haile Selassi,I" an actual history lesson from 1892 through 1975, the life and times of h.i.m, the crowned king of Ethiopia. rolling nicely into track 3, and bringing one back down a notch in tempo, is the redemptive, chronology of the reggae ambassador, "Robert (Bob) Nesta Marley"....with great sax, a slower chanting style one is taken from February 6th 1945 through a picturesque "journey" through the life span and footprints of this legendary musician. As if sensing the need for the link to the past, the following track 4, takes one straight back into the true African contributions from the builders of ancient culture and civilization to the modern inventions from the lawnmower and typewriter to the traffic stop light, more little known historical facts, more armour of truth! The "Know Yourself African" chant backed by sweet guitars mellows the beat in preparation for the 5th track, a tribute fit for the queen, Empress Menen. "I Love Empress Menen" a voice smooth yet strong honours the queen in celebratory ilyaful backup voices echoing true beauty of the life chronicles of her imperial majesty!...what seems most appropriate here at this junction of the track list is this pure un-cut nyabinghi resounding drumming, track 5, *"reparat ions*",...."*exodusis a must"*, a heartbeat rhythm calling back to mother africa, from 52 states of potential bliss, Mozambique to Nigeria*,"africa is home, not jamaica"...(tek I home informative history man!).... The appropriate follow up to going home is "Manners & Discipline", track 6, as if to stress our very vital focus on the importance of manners, discipline and preparation for reparations... A reminder, 'teach de likkle youth to raspect de elders', even 'some big people need manners & discipline!' (He speaks it truthfully and sternly but with such gorgeous string instrumentations backing up, none can ignore the rastafari truths of right knowledge!).... . Every real aspect of life, from our i-story of ancient of days to the current stories like *"hurricane*" is touched on here in this track 7 making it clear to the listener that this chanter don't like any "cane" from 'Cain' and Abel, to co'caine', to hurri'cane'...thus this one livicated to the survival of the people in "hurricane" , this contagious beat fit for kicking up de boots dem, but putting a serious note...crucial preparation for the facing up of mother nature..."When De Hurricane A Come,"... Wrap up de satellite, de important papers, rice and flour, be prepared! The climax of these righteous and heartical tracks comes in the form of a potent message, track 9, the aids epidemic, "Must Haffa Strap Up" a 'roll yuh waist' rhythm here, but a crucial chant indeed: "rough rider husband haffa strap up, woman haffa strap up, must haffa strap up!" a sure fiyah hit to target the masses and get the attention on the seriousness of the aids proliferation globally. This reflecting the informative history man's works with 'the Jamaica aid support initiatives'.
I'n'I must give more than nuff support, respect and a five stars to this collection of works by this intuitive, selfless and talented artist, in producing a series of documentaries, taking the listener on a virtual journey through time, linked to the past steadfastly but with a true pulse on the current issues plaguing the masses today. For I'n'I to recommend any particular tracks as a must, would render the rest as not as important or as acoustically appealing enough, so I'n'I must recommend all and each, as they were rendered each and every one by this amazing artist, with loving kindness, care, and sincere desire to use his talents to 'headucate" and lift up the consciousness of Jah people globally. As for serious dance track, I'n'I i recommend I favourite track 2 "Bless To The King" tribute to h.i.m, for hypnotic chanting nyabinghi rhythmical trance, track 6, "Repatriation", and a sure fiyah hit, musically "The Respector Of One" track 9 "Aids". *this gift to the world, I'n'I recommended highly even as a back to school back- pack stuffer, to the youth, a history class set to rhythms they can relate to...listen and learn!
*check out this outstanding cd release from Informative History Man, establishing a foundation for the youth to live by from the strengths and powahs handed down from standing on the shoulders of our ancestors, a legacy to live by! *
*link to *cd baby* for distribution by visiting *information history man's* page here on *WOJ!*
1
Biography of Haile Selassie I2
Bob Marley Story3
Marcus Garvey History4
Africans Inventors5
Mada That Great Stone6
Educate the Youngster7
Haile Rastafari8
Empress Menen9
Jamaica Sound Systems10
Give Me Back Mi Name11
Presidents of America12
Old Murderer13
Dennis Brown Tribute14
Miss Lou Tribute15
Mrs. Rosa Parks16
Java Anthem17
Honour & Tributehttp://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=43194112http://cdbaby.com/cd/informativehm 
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