Step into the vibrant sound of early ’80s Jamaican dancehall with Kojak & Liza’s “Showcase LP”, a dynamic album that captures the playful energy and lyrical wit of one of reggae’s most charismatic male–female DJ duos. Recorded in 1980 at the legendary Channel One Studio, the sessions feature heavyweight engineering and mixing from the titans of the dub world — King Tubby, Scientist, and Crucial Bunny — ensuring the sound is as deep, clean, and bass-heavy as reggae gets.
Kojak, known for his rapid-fire delivery and humorous storytelling, and Liza, with her sweet yet confident vocal presence, were pioneers in bringing a distinctive male–female call-and-response style to the dancehall stage and studio. The “showcase” format here means each vocal track flows seamlessly into its dub version, offering a complete listening experience that was popular in the roots-to-dancehall transition period.
Across six blazing dub versions, the mixing is raw, inventive, and unmistakably of the golden era. Female DJ Liza delivers sharp, commanding lyrics, with the unique twist that the name “Liza” here refers to two vocalists—Beverely Brown and Jakielyn Boland—both leaving their mark on the record. Kojak, who once performed under the name Pretty Boy Floyd, adds his own distinctive style, and even pens a back-cover story giving fans a glimpse into his journey.
Standout moments include “Penitentiary Dub Version”, a track that pushes the limits of dub intensity and creativity, rivaling any classic of the genre. The album’s striking cover—featuring Kojak in a matching suit beside a sleek 1984 SC—visually matches the confidence and style of the music within. For collectors and fans of vintage Jamaican sounds, this LP is a scorcher from start to finish.
This LP is a snapshot of reggae’s evolution: the rhythms are still rooted in roots reggae warmth, but the lyrical style leans into the streetwise energy that would define dancehall’s golden years. Sound system culture is embedded in every groove, making this record a prime choice for selectors who want authentic, vintage dancehall firepower in their crates.
Original pressings like this are coveted by collectors, not only for their musical quality but also for their historical significance — linking the final years of roots reggae dominance with the rise of the dancehall era, all under the guidance of Jamaica’s most celebrated studio engineers.
