Eek-A-Mouse - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

The name Eek-A-Mouse may sound frightening to some, but Ripton Hylton's uniqueness expanded to the stage and his high-pitched sound that made him a hit. His 6'6 is far from mousey and neither is his persona. With two songs created while in high school behind him, in 1980 Mouse started recording with Joe Gibbs, this after working briefly with the Papa Roots, Black Ark, Gemini, Jah Life, Black Scorpio and Virgo sound systems.

After hits such as Wah Do Dem, released in 1980, he followed up with Modelling Queen, which appeared on his first album Bubble Up Yu Hip. By 1981 he had teamed up with producer and Volcano sound system owner Henry 'Junjo' Lawes and had achieved significant hits such as Once A Virgin. In 1985 Eek-A-Mouse began working with producers Anthony and Ronald Welch, for whom he recorded the Assassinator album, which was his United States (U.S.) debut on the RAS Records label. Other U.S. album releases followed.

Mouse signed to the Island label and even grabbed a role in the film New Jack City. Mouse's following years consisted of extremely heavy touring all over the world and the release of numerous albums. He bounced back on the local scene briefly with the Khaki Suit in collaboration with Junior Gong and Bounty Killer on the Welcome to Jamrock album and Mouse's unique high-pitched sound captured the attention of a new era of listeners. The Sunday Gleaner caught with Mouse over the phone while the deejay was on yet another tour.

Sunday Gleaner: How did you get the name?

Eek-A-Mouse: I got my name from a race horse in Jamaica called Eek-A-Mouse. I always bet on him and I lost. The one day I was broke and I couldn't bet on the horse he won. From then people call me Eek-A-Mouse.

Do you still gamble?

I will go to the track sometimes. I like poker, though.

Did you always want to do music?

Yeah. You know even from school days I loved music. Everyone knew me as a singer. Every school concert and play I would perform. One day I knew it was gonna be big.

How did you get started in the business?

I got started by going round the sounds. I used to go by Gemini sound, Lees Unlimited, and I would go there and sing. They called me loud mouth, 'cause I was singing all the time. One day a producer took me in a studio and recorded me; he said I was so unique.

What was your first song?

Back in school in 1974 My Father's Land and one called Creation done by my teacher Bunny Duhaney. In 1979 I was just walking and started freestyling 'bang ding ding'. That became my signature.

What did your family think of you doing music?

Well, they loved it. I was singing from birth.

How would you describe your music?

My sound is like unique, different from anybody else. Most unique sound in the world, every time.

How many albums do you have?

About 22 now.

Did they do well?

Yeah, but you know in reggae music you don't really know how much you sell.

Is there anything that you regret in your career?

Yeah, I regret that I wasn't Prime Minister of Jamaica (laughs) ... I had a song If I Was. I regret that these artistes in reggae music are messing it up by hating on all groups of people. They are banned from America and Europe now. Jamaican artiste don't promote each other. When they go on TV they don't talk about each other.

Do you think Major Mackerel imitated your sound?

Well, it's a compliment. Capleton doing it, Shaggy doing it, Sean Paul doing it, it's a compliment. They are making money and I ain't.

How did you get your unique high-pitched 'mouse' sound?

The high-pitch thing, my dad couldn't sing and mom could sing and I got both voices (laughs). It just come natural. I had that voice from long time. I just decide to do it in the studio and they loved it and I kept doing it.

When was the last time you performed in Jamaica?

It was about two years ago. Me andJunior Gong. Before that it was in 1982. I got banned from Reggae Sunsplash in 1984.

Why did you get banned?

Because I was to go onstage at 10 p.m. During the day the promoter said I was to go on at 7:30 p.m. I was like all my fans expecting me at that time, they would miss me, so I said I want to go on at 10. He said I won't perform. Ten o'clock came and the band just changed I came onstage and told my fans what was going on. I didn't perform and they banned me.

Do you plan to perform here again?

Yeah, planning to come to Jamaica again, when I make some songs.

Where do you live now?

I live in Jamaica, but I'm overseas all the time. I'm moving around.

How many shows do you do yearly?

About 200 shows in Europe, Gambia, Israel, Mexico, Peru, America - all over.

Which market is the most profitable?

Anywhere Eek-A go they love Mouse. We make reggae music but people like Gentleman, UB40, making zillions of dollars and we making nutting. It's a conspiracy to steal our music. Just like the U.S. rappers stole it from us.

How did the collaboration with Junior Gong for 'Khaki Suit' come about?

Well I was working in California on the street scene and Gong came to me after a show. I know Gong from long time when he was a baby. They said come on down and it was a big hit.

What are you doing at present?

I'm on a serious tour and I have another one planned for next month. Nobody sound like mouse.