Roykey & His Creo Roots

Roykey – Creo Reggae from the Heart of Aruba

Roykey Wydh, born on the Caribbean island of Aruba, was an exceptional guitarist and a charismatic artist with a truly unique musical vision. After moving to Europe in the early 1980s, he quickly became one of the most sought-after session and live guitarists, performing with artists such as Klaus Doldinger, Lionel Richie, Brian Auger, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Snowball, and many more.

But Roykey was more than a virtuoso guitarist – he was a creator in search of his own voice. Drawing from his diverse heritage of Indian, Egyptian, African, and French roots, and deeply connected to the Creole culture of Aruba, he developed his signature style in the 1990s: Creo Reggae – a powerful fusion of Afro, reggae, and blues, often sung in Papiamento, the creole language of his homeland.

With his band Creo Roots, Roykey released several albums including It Smells Live (1994) and Look Arong (1996), establishing his music as a form of “real-life reggae” – honest, grounded, and socially aware. His lyrics addressed political issues and human relationships with rare authenticity, using the everyday English he learned on the streets of Aruba: “It’s not in any dictionary, but it speaks the truth better than proper English.”

Roykey was a man of depth, soul, and conviction – both on stage and off. He passed away on December 9th, 2017 in Munich. The world lost not only a remarkable musician but also a beloved friend full of warmth, humor, and passion.

His music lives on – as a bridge between cultures, a statement of authenticity, and the lasting legacy of a great artist.