When Switzerland-based reggae artiste Cookie the Herbalist collaborated with legendary Jamaican producer Lee “Scratch” Perry in 2017, it was a dream come true.
“Recording with Lee was truly a wow kind of moment. I felt honoured because I knew of his works and his track record in music over the years,” Cookie The Herbalist told Observer Online on Friday.
Earlier this week, Cookie the Herbalist received a Billboard plaque for the Lee Perry collaboration EAZE, which is featured on the Billboard-charting topping compilation series Tropical House Cruises to Jamaica.
Tropical House Cruises to Jamaica topped the Billboard Reggae Albums for four straight weeks in 2018 and clocked 18 weeks inside the Top Ten.
Among the other artistes featured on the Contractor Music executive produced project are Ed Sheeran, Sean Paul, Stephen and Damian Marley, Alonestar Sheeran, Sean Kingston, Wyclef Jean, Chronixx, Mojo Morgan, Capleton and Sizzla, among others.
Cookie the Herbalist recalled working with Perry.
“Back in 2017, when my mentor Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and I wrote and recorded the song EAZE, the purpose and message of the song were very clear—and they still are today; to tell the world to ease off from war, fighting and all kinds of stress, and to rediscover morals and manners in order to help turn this world into a better place for everybody,” the reggae musician shared.
He added, “During all the years I had the honour of working with Lee Perry and travelling the world with him, I learned so much about music, art and, of course, life and spirituality. Lee was—and still is—a great inspiration and icon, and I’m deeply grateful for everything I was able to learn from having him as a friend and musical mentor. I miss him a lot.”
Cookie The Herbalist is one of Europe’s most successful and respected reggae and dancehall artistes. His musical journey began early in Italy, singing in a church choir and inspired by legends like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff, and Errol Dunkley.
From 2000 to 2006, Cookie immersed himself in the local music scene, touring Switzerland as an MC and collaborating with various acts. His career gained momentum in 2007 when he joined the label Gideon Production, quickly establishing himself as a live performer. He toured Europe with Jamaican reggae artiste Jah Mason and appeared at major festivals like Rototom Sunsplash and Rumble Reggae Festival.
In January 2008, Cookie released his first official debut single, Don’t You Tell Me, which received significant airplay on Swiss radio. His first EP, The Good Weed, featured the popular track Cyaan Stop, included in a Red Bull skiing video.
His 2010 debut album, Like A Tree, featured the summer hit A Girl Like You, a charming love song with Jamaican singer Sophia Squire, alongside the herb anthem Herbalist’s Tale, featuring his Rastafarian brother Jah Mason.
In summer 2012, Cookie released his second album, Stand Tall, on the German label Rootdown Records, showcasing collaborations with reggae superstars like Sizzla, Luciano, and Prezident Brown.
