In terms of bringing Jamaican music to the rest of the world, Bob Marley is undisputed champion.

But firmly clutching the silver medal is Desmond Dekker, who brought reggae to the UK years before Marley.

Still touring more than three decades after he topped the UK charts with 007 (Shanty Town) and The Israelites, Dekker brought a selection of his infectious hits to Brighton last week.

Even before he came on stage, the atmosphere was pumping thanks to a solid support act and freely-flowing Red Stripe lager.

When Dekker appeared around midnight, things only got better.

Backed by an excellent five-piece band, Dekker led us on a high-energy tour of his extensive back catalogue.

One advantage of a lengthy career is it offers a wide range of material on which to draw.

Apart from the famous hits, classic Dekker recordings include King Of Ska, Pretty Africa and It Mek, as well as the Jimmy Cliff tune You Can Get It If You Really Want.

From ska, through rocksteady and into reggae, the rude-boy icon has been there, done it, and got the T-shirt - although I doubt whether the flashy dresser - decked out in a shiny black-and-white shirt with tasselled sleeves and his usual beret - would ever wear such an item.

For the best reggae on record, one would still turn to Bob Marley. But for Jamaican musicians still touring today, Dekker and his band are in the top league, alongside The Skatalites, Burning Spear and Ernest Ranglin.

Certainly, the current line-up of the Wailers, who bear scant resemblance to the band that backed Marley, is no competition.