January 30 1991: Maxi Priest's album "Bonafide" [Charisma] is certified Gold by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America). 1992: Shabba Ranks' album "As Raw As Ever" [Epic] is certified Gold by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America). 2001: Shaggy's album "Hot Shot" [MCA] is certified Multi (3.0) Platinum by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America).  January 31 ----: Mizuno Yuichi [Ska Flames; trumpet] is born. 1936: Lester "Ska" Sterling [Skatalites; Trumpet, Saxophone] is born in Kingston, Jamaica. 2012: King Stitt (Winston Sparkes) passes away at his home in Kingston Jamaica.  February 1 Black History Month begins. ----: Pam Hall is born. 1865: U.S. President Lincoln approves the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery. (National Freedom Day) 1957: Dennis Brown (Dennis Emanuel Brown) is born in Kingston, Jamaica. ----: Miyazaki Kei [Ska Flames; guitar/bass] is born. 1967: C.J. Lewis is born. 1982: Senegal & Gambia form loose confederation (Senegambia)