‘Young man see vision’, Bongo Herman says of Badge of Honour

Percussionist Herman ‘Bongo Herman’ Davis is one of the 2026 recipients of the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service for his significant contribution to Jamaican music and culture. It is another feather in the cap for the foundation musician who has been present throughout the eras of ska, rocksteady and reggae, and who enjoyed a close relationship with the King of Reggae, Bob Marley.

“I hear that I’m the first one getting an award and a reward,” he told The Gleaner, laughing and beaming with pride. “I feel good when mi hear man … although mi have several trophies that I collect for music through the years. This is something that the entire government decide on … so mi feel good.”

Quizzed if this level of recognition from the government of Jamaica was something that he had dreamed about, Bongo turned to the Bible for his answer.

“ No … well, mi nuh dream yuh know. Old man dream dreams, young man see visions,” the 82-year-old Bongo Herman told The Gleaner.

“So mi did see the vision that it a go come certain time. But mi nuh really run it down because Marcus Garvey did seh that honour is like a beast,” Bongo added, before going in depth about his own relationship with Marcus Garvey’s son, Dr Julius Garvey.

He described Julius Garvey as his “good, good friend”.

“When him come Jamaica, is me did carry him go down to Irie FM to meet Kabu, and then me and Big Stone did carry him to Capleton show, A St Mary Mi Come From,” Bongo shared

He also told The Gleaner that whenever Dr Garvey is coming to Jamaica, he tells him to meet him at the airport.

“And I go out there with mi drum and play something fi him. And, don’t forget that I play for [Ethiopian Emperor] Haile Selassie too,” Bongo added quickly.

“ In 1966 when Selassie come Jamaica, I played alongside Count Ossie of Mystic Revelation of Rastafari, Filmore Alvaranga, Samuel Clayton, Mortimer Planno … we are the only ones who could go near the king out at the airport. And mi play fi Winnie Mandela, and [Nelson] Mandela … and mi tour the world. The only place mi nuh go a pon di moon … yet.”

Bongo Herman has visited Ghana three times and shared that he helped welcome the President of Ghana John Dramani, during his historic four-day state visit to Jamaica from August 2 to 5. Bongo had the honour of playing drums for President Dramani when he visited the Bob Marley Museum on Hope Road.

“Mi play my part in history. Mi mek 82 runs now. I going to mek 83 runs in September. All I can advise my senior bredren dem is to avoid the liquor … the drinking and the smoking. Go doctor and mek some check-up. Prostate is a thing that [is] killing off our bredren dem,” he said.

Bongo Herman grew up in Trench Town where he rubbed shoulders with a young Bob Marley and others who would become ambassadors of Jamaican music. He began playing in the late 1950s, and in the 1960s, performed on the ‘Vere Johns Opportunity Hour’ and in Kingston’s live music scene.

Bongo Herman’s recording career began in 1969 when he recorded as a duo with Eric ‘Bingy Bunny’ Lamont for producer Derrick Harriott, having hits in Jamaica including Know For I in 1971. His Wikipedia bio states that, in the 1970s and 1980s, he was much in demand as a studio musician, recording with The Abyssinians (including kété drums on Sattamasagana), Jimmy Cliff, Prince Far I, the Congos, Culture, the Revolutionaries, Roots Radics, and Mikey Dread. He acted as percussionist for The Itals for several years.

Bongo Herman is extremely pleased about his acting appearances in the 1978 film Rockers, and the 2009 documentary Rock Steady: The Roots of Reggae.

Known for his colourful, African-inspired garments, Bongo Herman has planned out what he will be wearing to King’s House on Heroes Day to officially receive his Badge of Honour.

“Mi waan represent Africa. Mi have plenty clothes like that, but I am going to get some brand-new garments … extra special for that extra special occasion,” the father of three said.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com