Stir it Up: Clive Chin Goes Back To His Roots Tonight At Bed Bar

Most people don’t know it, but China has played a seminal role in the development of reggae music. But those who do know this fact will then know Clive Chin. Back in the 1970s, the record shop he inherited from his father, Randy's Studio 17, became the birthplace of classic recordings by Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Peter Tosh, Lee Scratch Perry and many, many others. He plays Bed Bar tonight.

The Beijinger: Where do your Chinese roots trace back to?
Clive Chin: My roots trace back to Guangdong and I do feel much affinity as my Chinese roots are part of my heritage. This is my first trip to China.

tbj: What is the Chinese community like in Jamaica?
CC: The Chinese community is very prevalent in Jamaica. About 20 percent of the population has some type of Chinese background

tbj: Would you have got into the music industry if your father didn't own a record store?
CC: No. If my father was not involved, I probably would have pursued other endeavors

tbj: When you left Kingston, you went to New York. What food from the island did you miss most?
CC: Ackee and saltfish is one of my preferred Jamaican dishes.

tbj: You used to run a restaurant. Do you miss that? How different was it to being a producer?
CC: I do not miss running the restaurant – it was very hard but a great experience. Producing music and running a restaurant are very different but both very challenging. Mixing a song and a pot of stew for instance both require the right ingredients to get the right results. I enjoy doing both.

tbj: Which current artists do you like?
CC: Tarrus Riley, Morgan Heritage, Etana and many others who keep the Roots & Culture music alive.

tbj: Is there anyone that you wished you could have worked with but never got the chance?
CC: Culture, The Mighty Diamonds, Marcia Griffiths and Freddie McGregor, just to name four.

tbj: Below are people you have worked with in your prolific career. Can you give one word to describe each?
CC: Black Uhuru – relaxed. Toots & The Maytals – thrilling. Peter Tosh – essential. Bob Marley – special. Lee "Scratch" Perry – innovative.

Vibe with Clive Chin at Bed Bar tonight. RMB 50 (includes one drink). 9pm. 17 Zhangwang Hutong, Xicheng District. (8400 1554) 床吧，西城区张旺胡同17号