Papa Michigan – The Rhythmic Revolutionary of Reggae Papa Michigan, born Anthony Fairclough in Kingston, Jamaica, is a foundational figure in the world of reggae and dancehall. Rising to prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Michigan gained fame as one half of the iconic duo Michigan & Smiley, whose playful, infectious deejay style helped bridge the gap between roots reggae and the emerging dancehall movement. The duo's breakout hit, "Rub a Dub Style" (1979), became a cornerstone track of early dancehall and was produced by the legendary Studio One under Coxsone Dodd. Their unique blend of singjay harmonies and socially conscious yet humorous lyrics made them favorites in both Jamaican dancehalls and international reggae scenes. Papa Michigan's vocal style — characterized by smooth toasting, syncopated rhythms, and call-and-response interplay — influenced a generation of artists. Even after the peak of Michigan & Smiley's fame, Papa Michigan remained active, releasing solo projects and collaborating with producers in both the Caribbean and abroad. In the 2000s and 2010s, he staged a quiet resurgence, releasing new music independently and appearing at reggae festivals, often championing positive messages, youth empowerment, and spiritual consciousness through his lyrics. Though not a household name globally, Papa Michigan holds a cult status among reggae aficionados. His contributions helped pave the way for future generations of deejays and toasters, and his work is often cited in retrospectives on the evolution of Jamaican music. Papa Michigan’s influence is felt not just in the rhythms of dancehall but also in the socially-aware lyrical traditions of reggae. His music, laced with wit and consciousness, remains a hidden gem for those exploring the roots of Jamaican sound system culture.