Women in Reggae: Breaking Barriers and Challenging Stereotypes

Reggae music has long been known for its socially conscious lyrics and uplifting rhythms, and women in reggae have played an important role in shaping the genre.

Women In Reggae

Despite facing significant barriers and stereotypes, women in reggae have broken through and made significant contributions to the music and culture.

These women and many others have challenged stereotypes and helped pave the way for future generations of female reggae artists. Despite facing obstacles such as gender discrimination and a male-dominated industry, they have persisted and made significant contributions to the music and culture.

WOMEN IN REGGAE

Here are 11 women that have made significant contributions to the genre:

1. Marcia Griffiths:
Known as the “Queen of Reggae,” Griffiths has been performing for over 50 years and is considered a pioneer of the genre. She was the first female member of Bob Marley’s group, The Wailers, and has collaborated with many other reggae legends over the years.

Women In Reggae - Marcia Griffiths

2. Sister Carol:
Born Carol Theresa East in Kingston, Jamaica, Sister Carol is a DJ, singer, and songwriter known for her conscious lyrics and positive messages. She has released over a dozen albums and has toured extensively around the world.

3. Sister Nancy:
Born in Jamaica in 1962, Sister Nancy is considered one of the first female DJs in reggae music. Her 1982 hit “Bam Bam” is still widely recognized and sampled in popular music today.

4. Judy Mowatt:
Mowatt was a member of the I-Threes, the vocal trio that performed backup for Bob Marley and the Wailers. She has also released several solo albums and is known for her powerful vocals and socially conscious lyrics.

5. Etana:
Born in Jamaica in 1984, Etana is a modern-day reggae artist who has been breaking barriers in the genre. She was the first female artist to top the Billboard Reggae Album Chart in over 20 years with her 2018 album “Reggae Forever.”

“Rasta is not just a hairstyle, it’s a spiritual connection.”
– Jah9

Jah9:
Born Janine Cunningham in Jamaica, Jah9 is known for her unique blend of reggae, jazz, and dub music. She is also a social activist and uses her music to promote environmentalism, women’s rights, and other social issues.

Women In Reggae

7. Queen Ifrica:
Born Ventrice Morgan in Jamaica, Queen Ifrica is known for her powerful vocals and socially conscious lyrics. She is an advocate for women’s rights and has used her music to address issues such as domestic violence and poverty.

8. Tanya Stephens:
Born Vivienne Tanya Stephenson in Jamaica, Tanya Stephens is known for her sharp wit and clever lyrics. She has released several albums and is considered one of the most successful female artists in the genre.

9. Empress Of:
Born Lorely Rodriguez in Los Angeles, Empress Of is a Honduran-American singer and producer who blends reggae, R&B, and pop music. She has released several critically acclaimed albums and is known for her bold, experimental approach to music.

10. Alaine:
Born Alaine Laughton in New Jersey, Alaine is a Jamaican-American singer and songwriter known for her soulful vocals and uplifting lyrics. She has collaborated with many other reggae artists and has released several successful albums.

11 Lila Iké:
Born Alecia Grey in Jamaica, Lila Iké is a rising star in the reggae music scene. She is known for her powerful voice and socially conscious lyrics, and has been compared to legendary artists like Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt. Her debut EP, “The ExPerience,” was released in 2020 to critical acclaim.

Women In Reggae - Lila-Iké