Jamaican Slang EditorialTHE Blog for Jamaican Slang, Patois, Reggae, Rastafari, Real T’ing dem and Jamaica

I think the header/title of this post says it all. Every now and then, there are some riddims that reggae artists get to record over and EVERY track is classic. Without a doubt, the Dem Gone Riddim is one of those. Every song on the riddim is special even though the beat is about the same. The riddim was so good that it went beyond reggae when Akon decided to record Mama Africa over the riddim for his 2007 album, Konvicted.

If you haven’t heard these songs before, you are in for a treat. If you have heard them…think back to the first time you heard them. I was on a bus in the Caribbean when I first heard the songs. Sizzla (this is some of Sizzla’s best work to date) was first and then Gentleman (the song that put Gentleman on the map). A moment I will never forget, the perfect soundtrack to the Caribbean! I am sure you will enjoy these songs as much as I do.

Akon - Mama Africa

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Gentleman - Dem Gone

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Nobody can deny that Jamaica is the capital of reggae music and the heart and soul of the reggae movement, but reggae has spread its seed around the world, just like a Rasta! I love reggae and some of my favorite artists of all time and of late are NOT from Jamaica. Here are the Top 5 Reggae Artists NOT from Jamaica.

1) Steele Pulse (England): The guys are legendary and that is why they are #1.If you have checked out Steel Pulse, you must! Check out: Bodyguard, Blue Dance Raid, and Prodigal Son.

2) Alpha Blondy (Senegal): You might know him if you are restricted to just listening to English or JAMAICAN, but this guy is legendary, especially in the French speaking world. The thing is, he can and does sing in Jamaican Patois. Yea!!!

3) Gentleman (Germany): I might catch a bit of push back from people about this selection, but this guy has made some hit tracks on classic riddims. Not only that, he sings in Patois and has out performed Jamaican artists on some riddims. Don’t believe me?? Check out: Intoxication and Dem Gone.

4) Collie Buddz (Bermuda): Hey, the list says, artists that you would never know. When Collie Buddz came out, nuff people thought he was Jamaican. Actually, Collie Buddz was born in the U.S., but he grew up in Jamaica. His tracks have been classics and he actually has a solid album. Check out

5) Maxi Priest (England): Alright, fiyah pon I-man, but yes, Maxi makes the list. Some of his songs are more reggae pop, but the guy has some classic songs. My favorite is Wild World.

There might be some others that you would imagine to make this list, but either they are not famous enough, speak with a very distinct accent or were born in Jamaica and grew up elsewhere. Kymani Marley is definitely one of those cases and his dad is the late great, Bob Marley!

I would love to hear your input and see who you think makes the Top 5.