Afropop Worldwide

Whenever dub genius Lee “Scratch” Perry needs a giant inflatable gorilla, we will always be there to help spread the word. Perry will be touring this fall across the U.S. with Dub Champions Festival in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of his classic album Super Ape. Emch Subatomic, founder of the festival and leader of Subatomic Sound System, has set up a Kickstarter campaign to help finance the tour. Contributors to the campaign will be helping to acquire a giant inflatable gorilla, as depicted on the Super Ape album cover. The Kickstarter proceeds will also go toward bringing a full backing vocal and horn section along for the tour, and creating animations of the cover art to project at the performances. Check out the Kickstarter video below, which begins with Perry introducing himself: “I am the creator of the alien race globally. Lee 'Scratch' Perry, the alien producer.” As Emch notes, this may be the first and the last time that Super Ape is performed live. Perry, who is 79 years old, is still remarkably productive as a musician and artist, and rarely reflects on his past accomplishments. Check out some photos of his intense creative process here. Emch gives a brief overview of Perry’s legacy, from producer of young Bob Marley to the “madman who burned down his own Black Ark studio, saying he was cleansing it of vampires.” Perry remains a Yoda-like magical figure of dub music, whose volume of eccentric and imaginative output is staggering. Super Ape stands out as one of his most iconic albums. The Kickstarter runs until Aug. 20 and has currently raised $706 of its $3,200 goal. Let’s make that giant ape a reality!