Trinidad and Tobago is known worldwide as the home of Soca music and rightfully so. However, like many other Caribbean islands there is a great love and respect for Reggae and Dancehall music in the beautiful twin isles. Talent knows no boundaries and with music continuing to break down global barriers, it is no surprise that many Trinidadian artistes have gained success and recognition in genres outside of the traditional Soca and Calypso arena.

Over the years Trinidad and Tobago have contributed to the Reggae music fraternity with a great pool of amazing talents and that list continues to grow each year.  Here are a few noteworthy artistes who continue to make their mark on both local and international soil.

 

JAH MELODY (images above)

He goes by the stage name ‘Jah Melody’ because he says his melodies are not his but from Jah (the Rastafarian name for God). Born in 1980, Michael Williams hails from the village of Carenage. Coming from a spiritual and church going family, his musical journey started in the church choir and in his teenage years he became a member of an acapella group known as ‘Brothers with Voices’, doing covers of famous groups like Boy II Men and the Temptations, but later ventured onto his own solo career.

He gained international success after signing with VP Records and has performed in countries such Germany, Australia and Canada, just to name a few. Not only is he an amazing singer and songwriter, but also an accomplished producer who have produced hits not only for himself but other successful reggae artistes as well. His music spreads a message of love and living a positive and righteous life. When one thinks of your favorite Jah Melody songs, these songs must come to mind- ‘Give Thanks’, ‘Pressure’, ‘Love Crazy’ and so many more.

 

MARLON ASHER

Up next we have the ‘Ganja Farmer’ himself. Marlon Asher is a Trinidadian conscious reggae singer who hails from Enterprise, Chaguanas. He is considered a pioneer of the Trinidad reggae movement after his controversial hit song ‘Ganja Farmer’, released in 2004 gained international success. This resulted in Asher performing on stages with the likes of Beenie Man, Bounty Killer & Sizzla, and has since toured and performed across the USA, Europe and the UK.

Some of his musical influences are Dennis Brown, Barrington Levy and the legend himself, the one and only- Bob Marley. Outside of performing reggae music, he is also a talented steelpan player and arranger. When one thinks of your favorite Marlon Asher songs, these songs must come to mind- ‘Ganja Farmer’, ‘Ganja Cowboy’, ‘Fit and strong’ and many more.

QUEEN OMEGA

Representing for the females on our list, is a queen in her own right and not just by name, one of the most powerful voices in reggae music ‘Queen Omega’. Born Jeneile Osbourne, this soulful roots reggae songstress hails from San Fernando. Her musical journey with reggae music started at the age of 16 years when she joined the Rastafarian movement. Growing up in a Christian household, laid the foundation for her spirituality. She chose reggae music as her form of praise for the vocal gift that she was blessed with. She is also an amazing songwriter and says that she gets her inspiration from experiences in life itself.

She is a revered performer and considered a crowd favorite whenever she tours in the UK and Europe, and has plans to tour Africa as well in the near future. When one thinks of any of your favorite Queen Omega songs, these songs must come to mind- ‘Local’, ‘Ganja Baby’, ‘Selassie I Know’ and so many more.

 

 

ISASHA

 

So many popular Trinidadian reggae artistes can be added to this list as they all have contributed to the universal language known as music. However, lastly I will like to add a personal favorite of mines, one of the most versatile voices in reggae land, Brandon Young aka Isasha. This talented singer and songwriter has not only given us some of our favorite reggae songs, but also some of our well-known patriotic reggae anthems. His music always hits home with its infectious melodies and relatable lyrical content. He is a great performer and has even shared the stage with reggae royalty Damien ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley.

When one thinks of any of your favorite Isasha songs, these songs must come to mind- ‘Don’t you know’, ‘I know Jah’, ‘Let’s Do this’ and his latest song ‘More love’, which was released three days after the catastrophic flooding in Trinidad during October 2018 and dedicated to all those who were affected including himself.

Sources includes: VP Records, Discogs, Reggae Britannia, thetandemramble.com, trinijunglejuice.com,

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