Chicken Chest

Alton O’Rielly Thomas aka “Chicken Chest”, born November 28 is the youngest of nine children. From an early age, Chest showed a keen interest in music; at age three, he would use the pots and pans in his mother’s kitchen as drums. This interest in music continues during his childhood and he would be later influenced by some of the greatest names in Reggae music. Chicken Chest is known as one of Jamaica’s most conscious and inspirational entertainers. He attended the White Hall Primary School and later Vauxhall Comprehensive High School, where he excelled in Drama and Athletics. He later attended Kingston College on a Track & Field Scholarship. Chicken Chest entry into the music industry start out as a dancehall DJ while performing with some of the most popular sound systems in Jamaica. It was during these performances that he developed and sharpens his skills as an entertainer. Chicken Chest lyrical contents and energetic performances have received high praises while performing around the world to wide and varied types of audiences. His versatility and positive image have made him one of the most sort after reggae performers. His smash hits “Raggamuffin Selector” and Nowhere Negative” not only illustrate his versatility but also illustrate his sense of responsibility to the legacy of reggae music. Chicken Chest has toured and performed all over the world with some of Reggae music’s most popular and successful entertainers. His crowning moments as an entertainer was his first tour of West Africa; the tour gave him a sense of identity and belonging as he feels the experience connected the links between his roots in his African ancestry. Chicken Chest first hit single, Raggamuffin Selector which was released in 1986 went to number one on the Jamaican Chart and it also charted in the top ten for Reggae music in both the US and England. The song was produced by Jimmy Cliff’s Sun Power Production. His second hit, “Nowhere Negative”, produced by King Jammy’s Label went to number one on the European Black Echo Chart. In 1987 Chest was voted Jamaican National Gleaner most conscious entertainer. In 1988 he released his first album, “Action Packed” on the Roir International Label. He received the Canadian Reggae Award in 1989 for most conscious lyrics for the song (Nowhere Negative). He is Co-owner of their label: Jafrika Records and co-produced their latest CD: JUSTICE. Look for Chicken Chest newest CD, “Tribute To Bob Marley”.