SHINEHEAD + DJ PAPALOTL = KINGSTON12 HiFi
About Us
Collectively, KGN12hifi with Legendary SHINEHEAD and DJ PAPALOTL aka BUTTAHFLY provides STAGE, DJ, and SOUND SYSTEM performances for different types of events and venues within Southern California and throughout the country as well as globally in a variety of musical genres (Soul, RnB, Hip Hop, Funk, Disco, Rare Grooves, Latin Grooves, Cumbia, Afrobeat, World Music), specializing in Jamaican Reggae Roots and Dancehall of all eras to accommodate and entertain Caribbean and non-Caribbean music hubs around the world!
DJ PAPALOTL aka BUTTAHFLY
DJ
An analog and digital turntablist of various eclectic styles, DJ PAPALOTL's specialty revolves primarily around Reggae Roots and Dancehall music outta Jamaica. In 1995, after living a year in Jamaica, a dj friend schooled her on how to cut and mix on Technics 1200's, and for over 30 years, she has taken those skills into clubs, festivals, cultural events, cruises, art exhibits, theatre, radio programs, and comedy shows all over the world, bringing a unique flavor wherever called to play.
NOT JUST A DJ...
Becoming a DJ in the mid 1990s was challenging at many levels for a woman who began spinning at college radio programs on Pomona College's KSPC 87.9 FM and at college and theatre events. So to give herself an edge, Papalotl attended a trade school program and became a Certified Sound Engineer in Audio Multitrack Recording in 2001, just two years after becoming a doubly Certified Elementary School Bilingual Educator.
THE MULTI-MEDIA ARTIST
THE MULTI-MEDIA ARTIST
Since becoming an engineer, Papalotl has worked on a variety of creative projects assuming multiple roles in front and behind the scenes: as a Hip Hop DJ and lyricist for an all female group known as GUERRILLA QUEENZ; and Stage Manager, Sound Director, Instructor, Script Writer, and Actor for grassroots theater group TEATRO ChUSMA. She had also performed as back up vocalist and percussionist for local band projects. In addition, Papalotl expanded into website and desktop publishing and videography for creative groups and small businesses, which led to her producing her own livestream show known as BUTTAHFLY FX, where she interviewed artists including SHINEHEAD that led to their eventual partnership in music and life in 2012. All while still teaching in South Los Angeles!
Life and music were truly beginning to heat up for the rising star, culminating with an unprecedented contract for a "Reggae" artist at the time with Elektra Records from 1988-1995. Signed by A&R Raul Roach - son of the legendary jazz musician Max Roach - Shinehead was a diamond in the rough, displaying a style and talent the labels had never seen before! The international artist is credited as being one of the first Jamaican Reggae Dancehall acts to merge Hip Hop with Reggae music and sign to a U.S. label.
Shinehead's music catalogue is one to be rivaled. Whether one is inspired by the timeless and inspirational "Strive" or grooving to "Know How Fi Chat," "Collie Weed" "Billie Jean," "Try My Love," "Chain Gang" or "Rough & Rugged," Shinehead's music permeates the mind, body and soul of fans. Much to his credit, the wildly innovative artist is known globally for his rendition of Sting's “Englishman in New York, retitled as "Jamaican In New York" on the "Sidewalk University" album (1993). It peaked at #30 on the UK Singles Chart in April 1993. Consequently, Shinehead was produced by the late Jam Master Jay of Run DMC on his Unity album.
The melodious sound of Shinehead is unwavering, as it "shines" through recent releases on the U.K. Peckings imprint, including the explosive Reggae Soul gems "Never Had a Dream Come True" and "The Makings of You." Shinehead proves he's got the "Golden Touch." Both songs are fan and DJ favorites, as they showcase Shinehead's pitch-perfect vocals over nostalgic riddims. Recently, the renowned singer dropped his first video in more than 20 years for "Never Had a Dream Come True," which is garnering wide audience support.
Quite a music force, Shinehead's "Chain Gang" was the first music video to air on the premiere episode of the cult classic show "Yo MTV Raps" in 1988. The music giant has broken barriers and opened doors, allowing Reggae music to have a respected place on mainstream, global platforms. From popular TV talk show performances, worldwide tours, and heavy radio & video rotation to international TV appearances, brand Shinehead (and all its music greatness) reached ubiquity.
Shinehead shows no signs of slowing down. The living legend has recorded independently with producers from throughout Jamaica, U.S., Europe and Japan. The "Strive" singer has worked with greats like King Jammy's and Steelie and Cleevie, who heavily influenced his production and arrangement abilities. Truly one of the most diversely talented artists to travel the music space in this lifetime, Shinehead is a humble giant, who quietly accepts his flowers. In 2020, a delivery was made. In a full circle moment, Shinehead was honored alongside Kool Herc on International Reggae Day 2020 for their unprecedented Caribbean contributions to Hip Hop culture.
The melodious sound of Shinehead is unwavering, as it "shines" through recent releases on the U.K. Peckings imprint, including the explosive Reggae Soul gems "Never Had a Dream Come True" and "The Makings of You." Shinehead proves he's got the "Golden Touch." Both songs are fan and DJ favorites, as they showcase Shinehead's pitch-perfect vocals over nostalgic riddims. Recently, the renowned singer dropped his first video in more than 20 years for "Never Had a Dream Come True," which is garnering wide audience support.
Click Below to watch Jamaica's ONSTAGE TV coverage of SHINEHEAD's first stage performance on Damian Marley's WELCOME TO JAMROCK REGGAE CRUISE (2015)
