Count Ossie

The Profile

Count Ossie was a Jamaican Rastafarian drummer and bandleader of the Mystic Revelation of Rastafari, influential in bringing Rastafarian/Burru percussion into Jamaican popular music and the development of ska and reggae.

Associated with Burru/Ashanti drumming and Rastafarian ritual sessions at Salt Lane and Wayreka (described in reviews). Credited with contributing the Rastafarian/Burru sound to tracks such as "Oh Carolina" (produced by Prince Buster). Leader of the Mystic Revelation of Rastafari; key collaborators included Cedric "Im" Brooks. The albums Tales of Mozambique and Grounation are frequently cited as landmark recordings.

Reviews celebrate Count Ossie as a foundational figure who fused Burru/African percussion with Rastafarian ritual and Jamaican popular music. Tales of Mozambique and the sprawling Grounation set are repeatedly singled out for their spiritual, tribal and experimental qualities. Collaborations (notably the drums on "Oh Carolina") and key contributors such as Cedric "Im" Brooks are highlighted.