Mikey Chung

Michael Chung (1950–2021), also known as Mao Chung, was a highly respected Jamaican musician, arranger, and producer known for his mastery of keyboards, guitar, and percussion. Born in Christiana, Jamaica, and raised in Kingston, he was of Chinese Jamaican descent and attended St. George’s College. He began his music career in the late 1960s, playing with bands such as the Mighty Mystics, The Virtues, Generation Gap, and the Now Generation Band, building a strong foundation as a versatile session musician. During the 1970s and 1980s, Chung became a central figure in reggae and roots music, collaborating closely with influential artists and producers. As a member of Word, Sound and Power alongside Sly & Robbie, he backed Peter Tosh on landmark albums including Mystic Man, Bush Doctor, and Wanted Dread and Alive. He also worked with Lee “Scratch” Perry’s Upsetters, the Compass Point All Stars, and played guitar on key Black Uhuru albums such as Anthem, Red, and Chill Out, contributing significantly to their signature sound. Beyond Jamaica, Chung’s talent earned him international recognition, leading to collaborations with artists across genres, including Grace Jones, Maxi Priest, the Rolling Stones, James Brown, Joe Cocker, Sinéad O’Connor, and Serge Gainsbourg. He was the brother of renowned producer Geoffrey Chung and the father of one daughter, Katharine. Michael Chung died in Kingston on 28 December 2021 from myeloma at the age of 71, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of reggae’s most accomplished and far-reaching musicians.