Kojak

Papa Kojak (30 September 1959 – 12 September 2024; Kingston, Jamaica), born Floyd Anthony Perch and also recording as Nigger Kojak or simply Kojak, was a pioneering reggae deejay and singer. A charismatic figure in the transition from 1970s "cultural" toasts to the dancehall-centric chat of the 1980s,

Perch was best known for his collaborative work under the duo name Kojak and Liza. His stage persona was a direct homage to Telly Savalas's character from the American television series Kojak; Perch shaved his head and frequently performed with the character’s signature lollipop, creating one of the most recognisable visual brands in the Jamaican sound system circuit.

Early Life
Born in Kingston, Perch was raised in the city's tough Waterhouse district, where he attended Tivoli Gardens High School. His musical foundations were laid in the competitive world of local sound systems, where he initially performed under the moniker "Pretty Boy Floyd" on sets such as Montigue and the legendary Ray Symbolic.

Seeking a more distinct identity to separate himself from the era's gangster-inspired deejays like Dillinger and Alcapone, Perch adopted the "Kojak" persona. This rebranding proved immediate and effective, allowing him to command attention in the dancehall not just through his lyrical delivery, but through a dedicated visual performance art that mirrored the popular TV detective.

Career
Perch’s recording breakthrough came with his debut single "Massacre" (often subtitled "Green Bay Killing"), a commentary on the controversial covert military operation in Jamaica, which became a significant local hit. His mainstream visibility exploded after he featured on the 12-inch version of Dennis Brown’s "Ain't That Loving You," delivering the toast "Hole In De Bucket." This track introduced the "Kojak and Liza" concept—a male-female vocal combination that would define much of his output.

While the "Liza" persona was performed by various singers, most notably Beverly Brown and Jacqueline Boland, the act released a successful debut album, Showcase, in 1980. The duo’s popularity was such that Perch’s solo track "Nice Up Jamaica," recorded on the "Real Rock" rhythm, was officially endorsed by the Jamaica Tourist Board.

In 1983, Perch released his second major LP, Rock Jack Kojak, recorded live at King Jammy’s studio, capturing the raw energy of his sound system performances. He also established his own label, Nigger Kojak, releasing material by contemporaries like Delton Screechie.

Personal Life
Perch remained a fixture in the reggae community throughout his life, transitioning into a respected elder statesman of the dancehall genre. In 1996, he surprised audiences by resurfacing as a vocalist under his legal name, releasing Floyd Perch Aka Papa Kojak, a well-received album of soul cover versions on the Mouthpiece record label.

He was married to Benicia Williams, who was also affectionately known within the music fraternity as "Mother Liza." On 12 September 2024, Floyd Anthony Perch passed away at Linstead Hospital in St. Catherine, Jamaica, at the age of 64, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most colourful and innovative character deejays of his generation.

Current Activities

Following his passing, interest in his catalogue has led to the surfacing of posthumous material; notably, the Heartical label released "Chant Dem Down" in 2026, a track recorded over the Basque Dub Foundation’s "Ras Beethoven" rhythm. His early vinyl releases, particularly those on his own imprint and the Joe Gibbs label, remain highly sought after by collectors of the rub-a-dub and early dancehall eras.