Recommended bands from Jamaica. Popular overseas bands.
When people think of Jamaica, what everyone imagines is that Latin-tinged reggae groove! But of course, it’s not only the bright and cheerful sounds you might expect.
This time, I’ve gathered a variety—from classic, mainstream tracks to bittersweet, sentimental melodies with a touch of melancholy—so check them out and see just how diverse it can be.
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Recommended bands from Jamaica. Popular international bands (1–10)
Games People PlayInner Circle
Inner Circle, a band that epitomizes Jamaica’s reggae scene, formed in Kingston in 1968.
Nicknamed the “Bad Boys of Reggae,” they captivate fans around the world with a danceable sound that blends pop and R&B elements.
In 1993, they won a Grammy Award, cementing their international acclaim.
Their signature tracks include the theme song of that famous police drama that became a global hit, as well as a song that topped the charts in Germany for three months.
Having overcome hardships while maintaining faith in the power of music, their songs carry messages of unity and healing.
Highly recommended not only for reggae fans but also for lovers of pop music.
SuffererKingstonians
The Kingstonians were a Jamaican reggae group active from the late 1960s to the early 1970s.
Formed by Jackie Bernard, Foot Bernard, and Lloyd Adams, they embodied the transitional era of Jamaican music from ska to rocksteady and early reggae.
They were known for songs with social messages, and their tracks addressing poverty and inequality resonated with many.
Under the production of Derrick Harriott, they released numerous hits, and their contributions to building the golden age of Jamaican music are immeasurable.
Characterized by tight harmonies and melodic rhythms, they had a significant influence on later reggae artists.
007 (Shanty Town)Desmond Dekker & The Aces
Desmond Dekker & The Aces, a leading ska act representing Jamaica in the 1960s.
He switched from being a tailor to pursuing music and made his debut in 1963 with “Honour Your Mother and Father.” Singing about Jamaican social issues and culture, he gained tremendous support from young Mods and Skinheads in the UK.
In 1968, he broke into the U.
S.
Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 and is regarded as a pioneer who helped bring Jamaican music to the world.
His appeal lies in striking vocals riding on ska’s upbeat rhythms and the superb harmonies with his backing group, The Aces.
He’s a recommended artist for anyone wanting to experience the essence of roots reggae and ska.
Recommended bands from Jamaica: Popular overseas bands (11–20)
Jamaica SkaKeith & Ken with Byron Lee & the Dragonaires
As emblematic acts of Jamaica’s early-1960s music scene, the names Keith & Ken and Byron Lee & the Dragonaires continue to shine.
Celebrated for popularizing ska—born from a fusion of jazz and mento—they left behind a string of legendary performances.
In 1962, they appeared in the James Bond film series, bringing the allure of Jamaican music to audiences worldwide.
In recognition of these achievements, Byron Lee was awarded the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican government in 1982.
A powerhouse band that also backed stars like Harry Belafonte and Chuck Berry, they are known for their lively rhythms and rich harmonies.
They are a top recommendation for anyone wanting to fully savor the appeal of ska and reggae.
Enjoy YourselfPrince Buster
Prince Buster, a quintessential artist of Jamaican ska, is known as a founder of ska and rocksteady.
After switching careers from amateur boxing, he began his musical activities in 1960.
By introducing distinctive rhythm patterns and brass sections, he laid the foundations of ska.
He produced classics such as Oh Carolina and released numerous hits including Al Capone, reaching No.
18 on the UK Singles Chart in 1967.
He was awarded a national honor by the Jamaican government in 2001 and received the Hero Award from the British music magazine MOJO in 2006.
His music greatly influenced the development of later reggae and 2 Tone ska and continues to be covered by many artists today.
He is highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience the roots of ska or is interested in the history of Jamaican music.
There’s A RewardHiggs&Wilson
A band that included Joe Higgs, a figure who laid the groundwork for reggae and later had a profound influence on artists like Jimmy Cliff and Bob Marley.
Their sound, as pioneers, is strikingly simple yet exudes the atmosphere of a genre being forged.
Try Jah LoveTHIRD WORLD
A track where you can feel a fusion of samba, funk, and R&B elements with a reggae flavor.
It’s a bit uptempo, so the beat doesn’t convey a strong reggae feel.
Paradoxically, that actually brings out quintessential reggae phrases.