From the rootsy pulse of the 60s to today’s genre-blending voices, women have shaped reggae music at every step—defining its soul, style, and spirit. This mix pays homage to the queens of reggae through a curated journey spanning six decades of music.
Women’s voices in reggae are often under-recognized, yet they’ve delivered some of the genre’s deepest messages, sharpest protest songs, and most enduring hooks. This mix is a tribute to their power—not just as singers but as storytellers, warriors, lovers, and leaders.
The Rise, Impact & Evolution of Female Reggae Artists
From the early ska days in Kingston to today’s global streaming charts, female reggae singers have made a lasting impact with their melodies, messages, and presence.
The Foundation: 1960s–1970s
Artists like Millie Small (“My Boy Lollipop”) introduced reggae to international ears in the 60s. Phyllis Dillon and Marcia Griffiths defined the golden age of rocksteady and lovers' rock, laying a soulful foundation. In the 70s, Judy Mowatt, Rita Marley, and Hortense Ellis brought conscious lyrics and roots spirituality into the spotlight. They weren’t just singers—they were storytellers of culture, resistance, and everyday life.
Breaking Barriers in Dancehall & Roots
The 80s saw the emergence of Sister Nancy, whose track “Bam Bam” became one of the most sampled songs in music history. JC Lodge and Dawn Penn brought lovers of rock and ska classics into the new sonic territory. These women didn’t just stand beside the men—they stood apart, creating new standards for rhythm and voice.
Modern Roots & Revolutionary Voices
In the 2000s, a new wave emerged. Etana, Queen Ifrica, and Jah9 fused deep roots with feminine energy and social critique, making space for spirituality, feminism, and activism in the genre. Their songs are meditations on womanhood, justice, and resilience.
The Global Future: 2010s–Today
The latest generation—Sevana, Lila Iké, Naomi Cowan, Ammoye, and Koffee—are genre-fluid, globally minded, and unapologetically themselves. Blending R&B, dub, hip-hop, and Afrobeat, they carry the torch with innovation and message. Koffee’s Grammy win wasn’t just a milestone—it was a signal that the world is finally catching up.
PLAYLIST
Millie Small – My Boy Lollipop
Hortense Ellis – People Make the World Go Round
Phyllis Dillon – Don't Stay Away
Marcia Griffiths – Feel Like Jumping
Judy Mowatt – Concrete Jungle
Janet Kay - Silly Games
Rita Marley – One Draw
Sister Nancy – Bam Bam
Dawn Penn – You Don't Love Me (No, No, No) - Extended Mix
Althea And Donna – Uptown Top Ranking - Remastered 2001
J.C. Lodge – Telephone Love
Tanya Stephens – It's A Pity
Jah9 – Steamers a Bubble
Etana – I Am Not Afraid
Original Koffee – Toast
Queen Ifrica – Lioness On The Rise
Sevana – Mango
Lila Iké – I Spy
QUOTES FROM THE ARTISTS
1. Phyllis Dillon
“I sing from my heart. If I don’t feel it, I don’t sing it.”
2. Marcia Griffiths
“Reggae music is love, it’s joy, it’s life. That’s what I bring to the stage.”
3. Millie Small
“When I sing, I feel happy. And I want everyone to feel happy too.”
4. Judy Mowatt
“A woman’s strength is in her truth. And reggae gave me space to speak mine.”
5. Rita Marley
“I am not Bob Marley’s widow. I am Rita Marley—a voice, a fighter, a woman of the music.”
6. Sister Nancy
“Me run things. Things nuh run me.”
7. JC Lodge
“Love is the root. Music is the expression. Reggae is the rhythm of it all.”
8. Dawn Penn
“Music is a universal language—and I’ve been speaking it since I was a girl.”
9. Etana
“I don’t need to be a man to sing roots. I am a woman. I am roots.”
10. Queen Ifrica
“I use my voice to protect women and children. That is my mission in this music.”
11. Sevana
“I want to tell our stories—not just the perfect ones, but the honest ones.”
12. Lila Iké
“I sing from a place of knowing where I’m from, and where I want to go.”
13. Jah9
“Music is a healing tool. My voice is my meditation.”
14. Koffee
“Gratitude is a must. Every lyric is a reflection of my journey.”
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