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Top-ranking Dancehall rulers thru the decades

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From a tradition started in 1994 when the International Reggae Day celebration emerged in Kingston, Jamaica on July 1, outstanding contributors to the dancehall music genre were recently announced.

“In accordance with the annual spotlight on an influential era of Jamaica’s rich musical history,” their Secretariat “has compiled and now present, the IRD2023 80s-90s Dancehall Honorees Lists.”

A statement issued by the independent group added: “The creativity, acumen and influence of these persons and entities in various categories were instrumental in dancehall music culture’s ascension to become the global cultural phenomenon and genre influencer it became.”

They named icons of the industry —

1.Supercat 2. Shabba Ranks 3. Beenie Man 4. Bounti Killa 5. Buju Banton 6. Shaggy 7. Sean Paul 8. Chaka Demus & Pliers 9. Lady Saw 10. Yellowman 11. Ninjaman 12. Patra 13. Baby Cham 14. Ini Kamoze 15. Shinehead 16. Barrington Levy 17. Tanya Stephens 18. Sanchez 19. Wayne Wonder 20. Cobra 21. Papa San 22. Lt. Stitchie 23. Tiger 24. Capleton 25. Sizzla 26. Garnett Silk 27. Cutty Ranks 28. Spragga Benz 29. Frankie Paul 30. Sugar Minott.

And listed the best producers —

While some reggae purists might not agree with the compilation of pre-millennial, top ranking dancehall innovators named, based on the global impact of each technician listed, the undisputed truth merits 30 outstanding recorders, 20 producers, 12 sound-system operators, 10 anthems, 10 game changers and 15 women named in each category.

Each deserving of recognition for their role in establishing the lively, reggae beat that transformed Jamaica’s music during the 80s and 90s, citation honors were also issued to 25 miscellaneous influencers.

Wa Do Dem – Eek A Mouse | Volcano (1981) 2. Diseases – Michigan & Smiley | Volcano (1982) 3. Pass the Dutchie – Musical Youth | MCA (1982) 4. Electric Boogie – Marcia Griffiths | Island Records (1983) 5. Jamaica Jamaica – Brigadier Jerry | Ras Records (1985) 6. Undercover Lover – Josey Wales | Powerhouse (1985) 7. Punaany – Admiral Bailey | Jammy’s Records (1986) 8. Wild Thing – Sister Carol | MCA (1986) 9. Serious Times – Admiral Tibet | Jammy’s Records (1987) 10. Rumours – Gregory Issacs | Greensleeves (1988) 11. Nuff Respect – Lady G | Anchor Records (1988) 12. Kuff – Shelly Thunder | Rohit Records (1988) 13. Wild Gilbert – Lovindeer | TSOJ (1988) 14. DJ Roll Call – Charlie Chaplin | Ras Records (1989) 15. Rikers Island – Coco Tea | Greensleeves Records (1990) 16. One Draw – Rita Marley | Shanachie (1990) 17. Bandelaro – Pinchers | Jammy’s Records (1991) 18. Housecall – Shabba Ranks ft Maxi Priest | Epic (1991) 19. Son Bow – El General | New Creations (1991) 20. Informer – Snow | Rhino Records (1993) 21. Gangalee – Louie Culture | Stone Love (1994) 22. Shy Guy – Diana King | Sony (1995) 23. Fire Pon Rome – Anthony B | Star Trail (1996) 24. Everyone Falls in Love – Tanto Metro & Devante | VP Records (1997) 25. Heads High – Mr. Vegas (1997)

These 25 outstanding recordings (listed chronologically) were “highlighted for their invaluable contribution to the growth and export of 80s – 90s Dancehall music.”

Sound-systems operators and selectors were also included in the honorary listing —

Undeniably, there were tunes which hauntingly repeated as a soundtrack IRD organizers tagged anthems of the era:

Bam Bam – Sister Nancy (1982) 2. Ring the Alarm – Tenor Saw (1985) 3. Under Mi Sleng Teng – Wayne Smith (1985) 4. Greetings – Half Pint (1985) 5. Buddy Bye – Johnny Osbourne (1985) 6. You Don’t Love Me (No No No) – Dawn Penn (1994) 7. Action – Nadine Sutherland ft Terror Fabulous (1994) 8. One Blood – Junior Reid (1995) 9. Who Am I – Beenie Man (1997) 10. If Jah Is By My Side – Tony Rebel (1997).

Without questions, hit songs made a global impact in films, plays, on the concert touring circuit, on radio playlists and on TV talk shows.

In addition, women earned their place on music charts as fierce competitors to now rule the dancehalls with established anthems and gender affirming lyrics.

Bam Bam – Sister Nancy (1982) 2. Informer – Lady Ann (1982) 3. One Draw – Rita Marley (1982) 4. Kuff – Shelly Thunder (1986) 5. Nuff Respect – Lady G (1988) 6. Electric Boogie – Marcia Griffiths (1990) 7. Big Tings A Gwaan – Tanya Stephens (1994) 8. Action – Nadine Sutherland ft Terror Fabulous (1994) 9. You Don’t Love Me (No No No) – Dawn Penn (1994) 10. Romantic Call – Patra ft Yo Yo (1994) 11. Pull Up to My Bumper – Patra (1995) 12. Shy Guy – Diana King (1995) 13. Yuh Nuh Ready Fi Dis Yet – Tanya Stephens (1996) 14. Sycamore Tree – Lady Saw (1997) 15. Smile – Vitamin C ft Lady Saw (1998)

The latter honors live events, personalities, record labels, film companies and the first royal ambassador of Dancehall music —

Sting (1984) 2. Bogle the Dancehall Master (1990s) 3. Carlene the Dancehall Queen (1990s) 4. Irish & Chin World Clash (1998) 5. VP Records (US) 6. HC&F Recording Studio (US) 7. Ras Records (US) 8. Greensleeves (UK) 9. Palm Pictures 10. Studio One Catalogue.