Semi’s Reggae Twist on Christmas Classics: A New Album for the Holidays

Prolific Saint Lucian singer/songwriter Werner Semi Francis has released a 15-track collection of reggae cover versions of well-known Christmas songs. Born in Ciceron, Semi grew up on music, in particular 45s and LPs spinning on the record players at home. “I have fond memories of listening to my father playing classical music, which at first sounded strange to me but after a while became quite soothing,” Semi recalls. “He also used to listen to Bob Marley and Peter Tosh and there was also my uncle who was into guys like Ken Lazarus and Pluto Shervington—actually my first reggae cover was a take of Lazarus’ Put Yourself in My Place.” “Christmas was also a very special time for my family, so I always looked forward to the toys growing up from my parents. But again, it was the Christmas music that really did it for me,” he further explains. According to the singer, listening to Christmas carols on Radio Saint Lucia, including local hits from Pelay, the Tru Tones, and Lennie Stone, became a strong musical influence.   Semi knew his calling was music from the age of nine when he started singing in school. Since then, Semi has enjoyed a successful...