Reggae music is a powerful and timeless form of expression, but who are the female reggae artists that have made this genre what it is today? There have been many talented female reggae singers over the years that have brought their voices to the beats. From Marcia Griffiths to Etana, there are some incredible female reggae artists out there worth knowing about. So grab your headphones, turn up the volume, and get ready to explore the top female reggae artists you need to know!
Top Female Reggae Artists
Reggae music has produced many influential female artists, including Marcia Griffiths, Judy Mowatt, Sister Nancy, Tanya Stephens, Queen Ifrica, and Etana. They are known for their unique styles and socially conscious lyrics and have played a significant role in shaping the sound and culture of reggae music.
Marcia Griffiths
Marcia Griffiths is a Jamaican singer and songwriter best known for her work within the reggae genre. She began her career in 1964, working as a backing vocalist to Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. In 1969 she collaborated with Bob Andy and broke through with their single “Young Gifted and Black”. The song was an instant hit, charting worldwide and later receiving a Grammy nomination.
In 1974 Marcia achieved her first major solo success with the single “Electric Boogie” which topped charts around the world and remains popular today. She continued to release albums and singles throughout the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s, collaborating with numerous other artists such as Beres Hammond, Freddie McGregor, and Bunny Wailer. Her latest album “Timeless” was released in 2011.
Throughout her career, Marcia has been widely respected by fans of reggae music for her soulful singing style. She has been honored with multiple awards including the Order of Distinction (Jamaica) in 2010 as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 from the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA).
Judy Mowatt
Judy Mowatt is a Jamaican reggae singer and songwriter who made her mark on the music industry in the 1970s. She was part of Bob Marley’s backing group, The I-Threes, along with Rita Marley and Marcia Griffiths. Judy released her debut album “Black Woman” in 1980 to widespread critical acclaim. The album featured traditional Rastafarian themes blended with soulful melodies that showcased her powerful vocal range.
In 1982 she released her second album “Working Wonders” which included the hit singles “Many Are Called” and “Satta Massagana”. Her third studio album, “Only a Woman” was released in 1984 and featured the popular single “Jah Jah Is My Light”. Judy continued recording throughout the late 80s and 90s, releasing several successful albums as well as touring extensively all over the world.
In 2008 Judy founded her own record label, JEM Records, through which she continues to produce music today. She is highly respected within the reggae scene for her passionate singing style as well as for being an inspirational female artist. Judy has been honored with multiple awards including Jamaica’s Order of Distinction in 2002 and a Lifetime Achievement Award from JaRIA (Jamaica Reggae Industry Association) in 2017.
Sister Nancy
Sister Nancy is a Jamaican dancehall and reggae singer and DJ who has made an indelible mark on the industry since her debut single “Bam Bam” was released in 1982. Born Ophlin Russell-Myers, she is renowned for her bold lyrics, strong vocal delivery, and infectious rhythms. Her music often deals with the struggles of women in Rastafarian culture, as well as themes of empowerment. She has collaborated with numerous other reggae artists such as Bounty Killer and Beenie Man over the years, as well as appearing on tracks by hip hop icons like Nas and Missy Elliott.
In addition to her own solo career, Sister Nancy has become a major influence in the reggae genre through her work as a DJ at numerous sound systems in Jamaica. In 2012 she was inducted into the International Reggae & World Music Awards Hall of Fame, cementing her stature within the industry. Despite being relatively unknown outside of reggae circles until recently, Sister Nancy has been at the forefront of female reggae singers since her emergence in the early 80s.
Tanya Stephens
Tanya Stephens is one of the most prominent female reggae artists to emerge from Jamaica. She began her singing career in 1997 with the release of her debut album ‘Big Things a Gwaan’. The album, which was a collaboration with producer Donovan Germain, was an instant hit and would become one of the best-selling reggae albums of all time.
Since then, Stephens has gone on to release numerous albums that have cemented her as one of the most important female singers in Jamaican music history. Her lyrics often explore themes such as love, heartbreak, and family life, while her vocal delivery is both powerful and soulful. In addition to having a successful solo career, she has also worked with some of reggae’s biggest names including Buju Banton and Beenie Man.
Stephens is widely respected within the music industry for her passionate performances and outspoken attitude towards women’s rights. She has even been credited with influencing other major female reggae artists such as Lady Saw and Marcia Griffiths. With over two decades in the business, Tanya Stephens continues to be at the forefront of Jamaica’s vibrant reggae scene.
Queen Ifrica
Queen Ifrica is one of the most acclaimed female reggae artists from Jamaica. She has been making waves in the music industry since 2005 when she released her debut album titled ‘Climb’. Since then, she has gone on to release several albums that have earned her a reputation as one of the foremost female singers in the genre.
Her unique style blends roots reggae with a modern sound, and her lyrics often explore themes such as love, relationships, and social issues. Queen Ifrica is an advocate for women’s rights and often uses her music to express her views on gender equality. In addition to being a talented singer, she is also an accomplished songwriter and producer.
In recent years, Queen Ifrica has collaborated with some of the biggest names in reggae including Stephen Marley and Shaggy. Her electrifying live performances have seen her take to stages around the world, including at major festivals like Reggae Sumfest in Jamaica and Rototom Sunsplash in Spain. Her hard work and dedication to the Jamaican music scene continue to inspire generations of female reggae artists today.
Etana
Etana is an acclaimed Jamaican singer and songwriter who has been making waves in the reggae music industry since 2004. Her music is a fusion of roots reggae, soul, and pop and her lyrics often explore topics such as love, relationships, and social issues. With her powerful voice, she has quickly become one of the most respected female singers in the genre.
Throughout her career, Etana has collaborated with some of the biggest names in reggae including Shaggy, Damian Marley, and Tarrus Riley. In 2017 she released her fourth studio album titled ‘Reggae Forever’, which was met with critical acclaim from fans and critics alike. Her live performances have seen her take to stages around the world, where audiences have been captivated by her energy and passion for the music scene.
In recent years Etana has become an advocate for women’s rights in music and continues to inspire generations of female reggae artists today. Her commitment to staying true to herself while creating meaningful music makes her one of the most important figures in modern-day reggae.
Conclusion
Female reggae artists have been making waves in the music industry for decades, and their influence is undeniable. From Marcia Griffiths to Etana, these women have left an indelible mark on Jamaican culture and are an inspiration to generations of female singers. Their hard work, dedication, and passion for music continue to be a source of motivation for female reggae artists today. With so many incredible female reggae artists out there, it can be hard to know where to start. For anyone looking to discover the best of Jamaican music, these three female singers are a great place to begin.
