Super Cat

Real Name: William Maragh
Born: June 26th, 1963
Place of Birth: Kingston, Jamaica

Supercat began his musical career at the age of seven on the Soul Imperial sound system. "Mr Walker" was produced by Winston Riley in 1981 but his recording career was put on hold when he was imprisoned in the General Penitentiary. When he was released Early B encouraged him to chant for the Kilimanjaro sound system. This afforded him the chance to perform alongside artists such as the Lone Ranger, John Wayne and Jim Kelly. The single "Ride And Shut Off", and his contribution to the notorious Sleng Teng rhythm, re-established Supercat's career. His big hit single "Boops", the story of a "sugar daddy", and "Cry Fi De Youth", which featured on his debut set Si Boops Deh, followed. "Don Dada" continued this success and was a warning to the up-and-coming DJs of the time such as Shabba Ranks, Ninjaman and Cutty Ranks. Despite a somewhat confrontational approach on the record, he was invited to perform at the UK One Love concert in 1991. He was in New York a few weeks before the show when one of the exponents of the Waterhouse style, Nitty Gritty, was shot. Media speculation pointed to Supercat as the prime suspect and this led to him not appearing in the show.

His innocence was proven by the time Columbia Records signed him in 1992. A combination with Josey Wales, "It Fe Done", was released before Supercat crossed over into the hip-hop market when he appeared on "Jump - Supercat Dessork Mix" with young label-mates Kriss Kross. Still with Columbia, he went into production work under the name Will Apache the Don Dada, named after his dancehall hit. He recorded his own version of Fats Domino's "My Girl Josephine" with Jack Radics and featured in the movie, Prêt A Porter. Ini Kamoze contributed to the same soundtrack and his recording somewhat overshadowed Supercat's track. The Struggle Continues featured Sugar Minott and U-Roy on the classic "A Class Rub A Dub".

Encyclopedia of Popular Music
Copyright Muze UK Ltd. 1989 - 2005
Source - BBC Music Profiles