From Reggae to Dancehall, Jamaica has produced a number of outstanding artistes with captivating vocal abilities. This list features the top Jamaican singers per Yardhype, with an emphasis on vocal ability and not solely popularity.
Popular names including Bob Marley, Sanchez, Gregory Isaacs, Maxi Priest, Harry Belafonte, Alton Ellis, Delroy Wilson, Ghost, Mavado, Alaine, OMI, Grace Jones, John Holt etc are not mentioned for one reason or the other. Nevertheless, they are recognised as good/great singers/artistes.
10. Dexta Daps
Born Louis Grandison, Dexta Daps grew up in one of Jamaica’s many poverty- and violence-afflicted communities that have produced talented individuals despite the societal issues they face. Unlike his Dancehall peers, who grew up in similar surroundings to his upbringing in Seaview Gardens, Dexta’s music is a reflection of more than just the violence in the country.
While he has the ability to deliver more hard-hitting Dancehall tracks like Shabba Madda Pot, the singjay’s vocal range has captivated thousands of female fans on more seductive tracks, like Owner. His versatility is easily recognisable across songs like Twinkle, Call Me If, Breaking News, Leader featuring Masicka, No Underwear, and Forever.
9. Romain Virgo
A native of St. Ann, Romain Virgo began showcasing his musical abilities in front of the nation during his teens, appearing on the school choir competition All Together Sing. His solo vocal abilities were later put to the test on Digicel Rising Stars, and the young artiste quickly proved that he had a voice stronger than the average teen.
At the age of 17, Virgo was the youngest person ever to win the singing competition, thus beginning his artistic career. His smooth voice and style were naturally suited for classic Lovers Rock and Reggae, and the artiste found early success with songs like No Money, Love Doctor, Mi Caan Sleep, Who Feels It Knows It, and Taking You Home.
8. Beres Hammond
Born Hugh Beresford Hammond, the artiste’s music reflects his youth spent listening to his father’s music collection featuring R&B and Jazz stars like Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and Marvin Gaye. Combined with his Jamaican influences like Alton Ellis and Ken Boothe, Hommond developed soulful and soothing vocals filled with emotion that combined American R&B and Soul with Jamaican Lovers Rock.
During his early career in music, he was the lead singer of the Reggae Band Zap Pow but found greater success after departing the group. As a solo artiste, Hammond captivated audiences with his immaculate voice in songs like What One Dance Can Do, Sweet Lies, They Gonna Talk, Rockaway, Can’t Stop a Man, and I Feel Good.
7. Garnet Silk
Garnet Silk’s rise in Reggae in the early 1990s came amid Dancehall’s growing dominance in Jamaica. Local audiences had become enthralled by Dancehall’s modern hardcore sound, sidelining Reggae.
However, Garnet’s emergence and music were reminiscent of the spirituality that music lovers loved in Reggae. Born Garnet Damion Smith, it is said the name Silk was chosen because of the artiste’s smooth voice.
Despite passing away at the young age of 28 in a house fire, Garnet’s voice continues to enthrall in songs like Hello Africka, It’s Growing, Oh Me Oh My, Lord Watch Over Our Shoulders, and Zion in a Vision.
6. Christopher Martin
At the age of 18, Christopher Martin put his vocal abilities to the test in the first season of Digicel Rising Stars and walked away as the competition’s first winner in 2005. After winning the competition, the artiste’s fame slowly grew, with his emotive vocals blending well with his fusion of Reggae and Dancehall.
Some of the artiste’s well-known songs are Mama, Paper Loving, Under the Influence, Life, Take My Love, Chill Spot, and Jamaican Girls.
5. Barrington Levy
A native of Kingston, Barrington Levy began performing in his teenage years in a band with his cousin Everton Dacres. Over time, the artiste developed his now signature vocal style that is instantly recognisable.
Levy is also known for the unique ad libs used throughout or in the intro of his songs. Described by some as Reggae’s ‘Mellow Canary’, Levy continues to please with his music catalogue, which includes songs like Too Experienced, Here I Come, Prison Oval Rock, Black Roses, and Murderer.
4. Jimmy Cliff
Born James Chambers in the parish of St. James, Jimmy Cliff is one of the few Jamaicans to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The singer’s music blends Reggae with Soul and Rhythm & Blues to create his distinctive sound.
His rich emotive vocals as well as his immaculate writing abilities have led to the creation of powerful anthems like Many Rivers To Cross and You Can Get It If You Really Want. The artiste is also known for songs such as The Harder They Come and his cover of Johnny Nash’s I Can See Clearly Now.
3. Marcia Griffiths
Marcia Griffiths’ career in music goes back to the 1960s, with the artiste’s professional career beginning with the iconic band Byron Lee and The Dragonaires. After Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, Griffiths joined another iconic group, the I Threes, which provided backing vocals for Bob Marley & the Wailers.
Her solo career was equally successful, with her song Electric Boogie considered the best-selling single of all time by a female reggae singer. Her illustrious career has earned her the title of the Queen of Reggae.
Griffith’s eloquent vocals are captured in songs like I Shall Sing, Feel Like Jumping, All My Life, Don’t Let Me Down, and Put a Little Love in Your Heart.
2. Jah Cure
Jah Cure’s career in music has been a unique one, with the artiste rising to popularity while serving a 12-year sentence on rape and robbery charges. Two of his most beloved songs, Longing For and Love Is, were recorded illegally in prison.
Despite the violent nature of the charges against him, his rich vocals, filled with emotion, captured the hearts of audiences. After being released from prison, Jah Cure’s voice continued to charm listeners and is known for songs such as Only You, Never Find, and Reflections.
The artiste was recently dubbed the best Reggae singer by Vybz Kartel, who also called for him to be released from prison after he was convicted in the Netherlands.
1. Dennis Brown
Dennis Brown’s musical abilities began manifesting at an early age, and the artiste was dubbed the “Boy Wonder” during his youth. As his voice matured, he was given the even more significant title of “Crown Prince of Reggae” by none other than the king of Reggae at the time, Bob Marley.
Despite his passing at 42, Brown’s voice, described as a sweet, soulful, rich baritone, continues to thrill listeners in his songs such as Here I Come, Money In My Pocket, Revolution, and Easy, Take It Easy.
