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)
Stir It UpBob Marley & The Wailers
Bob Marley & The Wailers, the legendary reggae group Jamaica is proud of.
The soulful vocals of their leader, Bob Marley, combined with the band’s sound, create music whose soothing rhythms and profound messages resonate deep within the heart.
Their songs address social issues and universal love, and their sincere words are still cherished around the world today.
If you listen to masterpieces like Exodus, which also incorporates elements of blues and rock, you’ll feel the warmth and strength of their music.
When everyday life wears you down a little, surrender yourself to that soul-stirring groove.
My Master’s WillIsrael Vibration
Israel Vibration, known as a legendary roots reggae group from Jamaica.
The members’ background—overcoming the challenges of polio to build their careers—adds profound depth to their music.
Their greatest appeal lies in lyrics rooted in Rastafarian spirituality and a “trinity” harmony where the three voices blend miraculously! This rich, beautiful vocal sound resonates warmly to the depths of the listener’s heart, as if a single soul were speaking.
Their songs, filled with powerful messages, are sure to gently give you a push forward!
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.
Recommended bands from Jamaica: Popular overseas bands (11–20)
Tomorrow PeopleZiggy Marley And The Melody Makers
Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers are a reggae band representing Jamaica.
Composed of Bob Marley’s children, they formed in New York in 1979.
With a distinctive sound that fuses pop and roots reggae, they won a Grammy in 1988 for the album Conscious Party.
Their songs, imbued with social messages, have garnered widespread support.
Even after the band disbanded, Ziggy continued to thrive as a solo artist.
Since 2003, he has released albums such as Dragonfly and Love Is My Religion, achieving further success.
They’re recommended not only for reggae fans but also for a wide range of music listeners thanks to their pop elements.
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.
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.
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.