IT’S impossible to overstate the importance of reggae star Horace Andy.

While mention of the mild-mannered singer’s name over here might, at best, raise a curious eyebrow, in his native Jamaica it is met by gasps of awe and hushed respect. He is, in short, a Rastafarian legend.

As well as scores of hits throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s, Horace is best known in the UK for his work with Bristolian trip hop outfit Massive Attack.

Now, in what is a major coup for fans of the roots artist, Horace is returning to Oxford after a five-year absence. Next Saturday’s show, at the O2 Academy, sees him alongside recording partner, long-time fan, and revered dance producer Ashley Beedle of X-Press 2.

Or it will, if Horace makes the flight – by no means a foregone conclusion.

“I’ve got to be honest,” confesses Horace. “I always try my best to miss the plane. When I’m coming to Jamaica I run to make the plane, but when I’m leaving Jamaica it’s the hardest thing to do.

“Everyone is scared because they know I’m a person who deliberately misses flights coming out of Jamaica!”

Born Horace Hinds in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1951, Horace was inspired by his own cousin Justin Hinds, who, with his band The Dominoes, was one of the island’s biggest stars in the 60s – recording the hit Carry Go Bring Come, later covered by 2 Tone act The Selector.

Horace’s hits included debut Got To Be Sure, Love of a Woman, Children of Israel, Just Say Who, You Are My Angel, Something on My Mind, Money Is The Root of All Evil and Skylarking (a Jamaican term for messing around) – lines from which feature in Massive Attack’s Five Man Army, on cult classic Blue Lines.

In 1977, Andy moved to the United States, where he recorded for Everton DaSilva, releasing his signature album In The Light. This was followed by Pure Ranking, which anticipated the rise of dancehall reggae, and four years later by his influential Dance Hall Style album.

But in 1979, DaSilva was murdered. And, while Horace continued to record, it was his move to London in 1985 that saw him reach a whole new audience – and where he was approached by Massive Attack’s Robert Del Naja, Grantley Marshall and Andrew Vowles.

He went on to contribute to four of their albums.

A tireless artist, he also worked with Mad Professor, releasing the albums Life Is For Living and Roots And Branches, released his own Living in the Flood album in 1999 on Massive Attack’s Melankolic label, and contributed to the Easy Star All-Stars Radiodread project – a dub styling of the works of Oxford’s Thom Yorke and chums.

The latest tour follows the release of the Inspiration Information collaboration with Ashley, who takes a step back for the show, providing percussion as part of Horace’s backing band.

“The music is brilliant, and I hope my writing is brilliant too,” says Horace. “We have some good tracks and I hope you all love it.”

Ashley, who has been a reggae-lover since his early days running the North London Shock soundsystem, adds: “It’s an absolute dream to be involved in this project. Horace is probably one of the most prolific recording artists to have ever come out of Jamaica. Skylarking is an absolute classic, and Money Money and Girl I Love You are big favourites of mine.

“But we felt we didn’t want to go down the standard reggae route; we wanted to use reggae as the butter in the sandwich, and include funk, soul, rock and different elements. We’ve created something modern that has its roots in reggae.”

And what was the process like?

“Anybody would feel nervous working with Horace Andy,” he admits. “But once we started working on the tracks, and Horace started laying the vocals down, the nerves went away.

“Horace is a very humble man, and he shows you respect, which is a lovely thing. It’s about people making music together – and no egos!”

One man who is overjoyed to see Horace back in town, is the night’s promoter Aidan Larkin – whose own Skylarkin’ Soundsystem was inspired by Horace’s work.

“The man who sang Skylarking is finally playing at Skylarkin!” he says excitedly.

“Horace Andy has one of the most distinctive and distinguished voices in reggae.

“His contribution to Massive Attack over the years cannot be underestimated. His unmistakable voice has always been at the heart of the group’s output.

“I was too shy to talk to him last time he was here – but this time I can’t wait to shake his hand.

“If he makes the flight, that is!”

Horace Andy plays the Skylarkin Soundsystem at the Oxford O2 Academy on April 18. Support comes from Mackating, Roots Manuva and Trojan Records remixer DJ Wrongtom. Tickets are £16, including entry to an after party at the Hi-Lo Jamaican Eating House.

The gig comes before a show by fellow Jamaican legends The Wailers, on April 20. Save money by buying a joint ticket for £30. Contact the venue or wegottickets.com For a behind-the-scenes peep at life on the road for The Wailers, See next week’s Guide