Michael “Mikie” Bennett
Listen to ace songwriter and producer Mikie Bennett describe what is involved in his songwriting class:
Michael “Mikie” Bennett began his career in the early 80s as a member of the group Home T 4. In 1986, under his direction, the reformed group — now named Home T — had its most successful period with hits like “Don’t Throw It All Away,” “Who She Love,” “Pirates Anthem” and “Spreading Rumours”, all massive reggae hits internationally.
This period saw him working with leading producers at both King Jammy’s and Music Works studios as a vocal arranger and staff writer. Songs like “Telephone Love,” “Rumours,” “Champion Lover” and numerous other hits for Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Cocoa Tea & Sugar Minott, brought him greater recognition. The demand for his services grew and in 1989 along with friend Patrick Lindsay formed Two Friends Ltd. a recording and management company.
Two Friends allowed Mikie total creative freedom and a chance to showcase young artists he had been mentoring such as Brian and Tony Gold and Chevelle Franklin. Billboard hits like “HOUSECALL” with Maxi Priest and Shabba and “MR LOVER MAN,” served to cement his reputation.
Mikie has also worked with international music stars such as Roberta Flack, Cyndi Lauper, LL Cool J, Doug E Fresh, Caron Wheeler (soul to soul), Aswad, David Hinds (Steele Pulse), Third World, John King, Nicholas Brancker, Chris Alman, Toni Norville (4D People) to name a few.
In 1998 when the Reggae Boys qualified for the Football World Cup his song “Rise Up” helped champion their cause. Mikie has built his repertoire as song writer and producer by working with music industry stalwarts like Beres Hammond and Buju Banton but also younger icons such as Tarrus Riley.
Mikie was an instructor with Songwriters’ Boot Camp for over 10 years, Master Class organizer with guitarist Ernie Ranglin, bass players Robbie Shakespeare and Val Douglas, in addition to being the founding musical director of Calabash International Literary Festival.
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