Smiley Culture (Born David Emmanuel)
DOB Unknown – March 15, 2011
David Emmanuel, known professionally as Smiley Culture was a popular reggae singer and DJ who had several UK hits during the ’80s. His two most popular were 1984’s “Cockney Translation” and “Police Officer.” As a DJ for Saxon Studio International sound system, Emmanuel worked with the likes of Maxi Priest and Tippa Irie. In 1986 he appeared alongside David Bowie, Ray Davies and Sade in the Julien Temple film, Absolute Beginners. On March 15, 2011, David Emmanuel, age 48, died during a reported police raid on his home. Early reports indicate he was killed by a self-inflicted stab wound but that a local watchdog group was investigating. In a twist of irony, his 1984 hit, “Police Officer” told the story of a time he was arrested for marijuana possession but was let go when an officer recognized him as a reggae star.