Smokey 007 – The Bahamian Music Legend
Early Life and Background
Smokey 007, born Leroy McKenzie, was one of the most influential Bahamian musicians of his time. He grew up in the Bahamas, surrounded by the rich musical culture of the islands. Born in 1945, Leroy's early years were steeped in the sounds of traditional Bahamian music, African rhythms, and the vibrant blend of Caribbean influences that would later define his sound.
Growing up in Nassau, the bustling capital of the Bahamas, McKenzie was exposed to a wide array of musical styles. Calypso, rake 'n' scrape, and goombay were dominant genres in the Bahamas during his youth. McKenzie was deeply influenced by these traditional forms but also by the Western music styles that had begun making their way into the Caribbean, particularly jazz, blues, and soul.
Although little is documented about his formal education, it’s clear that McKenzie’s true schooling came from the streets and beaches of Nassau, where musicians would gather to play their instruments, improvise melodies, and tell stories through song. Leroy McKenzie developed his own style early on, a reflection of his desire to merge the traditional Bahamian sound with contemporary global music trends.
