Women have played a crucial role in shaping reggae and dancehall music, from legendary pioneers to rising stars pushing the genres forward. Here’s a list of some of the influential female artists who have contributed significantly to Caribbean music.

The Trailblazers

Marcia Griffiths

Known as the “Queen of Reggae,” Marcia Griffiths is one of the most respected female reggae artists. As a member of Bob Marley’s backing group, the I-Threes, she helped define the classic reggae sound. While her solo hit Electric Boogie became an international dance anthem, The Electric Slide, she’s known for her gentle tone on songs like Truly, Melody Life and Feel Like Dancing.

Judy Mowatt

A trailblazer in reggae music, Judy Mowatt was one of the first female reggae artists to receive a Grammy nomination. As part of the I-Threes, she supported Bob Marley while also establishing a powerful solo career with the album Black Woman.

Rita Marley

The widow of Bob Marley and a key member of the I-Threes, Rita Marley is both a singer and an activist. She played a crucial role in preserving Marley’s legacy while releasing hit songs like Harambe and One Draw.

Etana

Known as “The Strong One,” Etana blends conscious reggae with soulful melodies. Starting her early career in reggae songs like “Wrong Address” and “I Am Not Afraid”  she has 8 studio albums in her catalog which includes a Grammy-nominated album Reggae Forever solidifying her place as a global reggae star. 

Nadine Sutherland

From child star to reggae powerhouse, Nadine Sutherland’s career has spanned decades. She gained early recognition as a child performer, winning the Tastee Talent Contest at the age of 11.This led to her working with Bob Marley at Tuff Gong Studios, which was a very significant start to her career. Well known for her distinctive vocals and energetic stage presence Nadine Sutherland is known for bridging reggae vocals and dancehall riddims over the span of her career with hits like “Action” “Anything for You (Remix)”” and” “Babyface”. 

Sister Nancy

Sister Nancy is widely recognized as the first female dancehall DJ. This alone marks her as a trailblazer, breaking down barriers for women in the genre. Inspired by her brother Brigadier Jerry, she began performing at a young age. Sister Nancy’s Bam Bam remains one of the most sampled dancehall songs in history and one of the first to solidify her legacy in a male-dominated industry.

JC Lodge

JC Lodge is a highly respected figure in reggae, renowned for her smooth, soulful vocals and crossover appeal. She achieved international success with her reggae cover of “Someone Loves You Honey,” which became a major hit. Lodge’s career spans decades, and she’s known for consistently delivering quality reggae music, cementing her place as a significant female voice in the genre.

Puma Jones (Black Uhuru)

Sandra “Puma” Jones was an American singer who became an integral part of Black Uhuru during their most successful period, contributing significantly to their iconic sound. She participated in the recording of several critically acclaimed albums, including the Grammy Award-winning “Anthem.”

Janet Kay

The “Queen of Lovers Rock,” Janet Kay became the first British-born Black female artist to top the UK charts with Silly Games. She remains a respected figure in British reggae and is considered an icon of the lover’s rock genre.

Phyllis Dillon

A leading voice in the rocksteady era, Phyllis Dillon recorded classics like Perfidia and Don’t Stay Away, influencing countless reggae artists.

Sister Carol 

Sister Carol, also known as Mother Carol, is a highly respected reggae singer and deejay. She is undoubtedly a trailblazer in the reggae genre, particularly for her contributions as a female artist on songs like “”Dread Natty Congo” and “Black Cinderella” (Black Cinderella is a single, album and name for her indie record label.) She was also nominated for Best Reggae Grammy for album Lyrically Potent in 1997, which at that time was a very rare feat for a female reggae artist. She is a cultural icon, respected for her authenticity, her commitment to her roots, and her unwavering dedication to conscious music. 

The Groundbreakers

Queen Ifrica

Known for social and political commentary in her music. With her socially conscious lyrics and powerful vocals, Queen Ifrica has made an impact with hits like “Below the Waist,” “Daddy” and “Lioness on the Rise.” She continues to be a powerful voice for the voiceless and a respected figure in the reggae community, inspiring listeners to think critically and take action.

Ce’cile

Ce’Cile is a prominent figure in the dancehall scene, particularly known for her singjay style rising to popularity in the 2000s. She carved out a space for herself with her melodic deejaying style and boundary pushing lyrics. One of her most popular songs that got the attention of the dancehall fans was “Changes” on the Chiney Gal Riddim following a number of hits like “Can You Do Di Wuk” with Sean Paul, “Hot Like We,” “Worth It” and “I’m Waiting.”  Ce’cile continues to release music, with 8 albums and continues to deliver themes of love, relationships and female empowerment.

Tanya Stephens 

Tanya Stephens emerged during a period of significant evolution in dancehall, bringing a fresh perspective with her thoughtful and often provocative lyrics. A powerful lyricist, Tanya Stephens is known for socially conscious songs like “Goggle,” “Handle the Ride,” “These Streets” and “It’s a Pity.” Tanya Stephens is a highly respected Jamaican dancehall artist known for her socially conscious lyrics, sharp wit, and strong vocal delivery.

Macka Diamond

A veteran in the industry, Macka Diamond, starting her career in the 1990s but catapulting to success in 2000s  with breakout hit “Bun Him” is known for songs like “Dye Dye,” “Done Already,” “Hoola Hoop,”and “Money Oh.” Macka Diamond’s career is marked by her unapologetic approach, her ability to create catchy and controversial music, and her resilience in the dancehall genre.

Tifa

Known for her witty lyrics, energetic performances, and confident persona, Tifa emerged in the mid-2000s and quickly became one of the leading female voices in dancehall, standing out with her versatility and lyrical prowess. Known for popular songs like “Spell It Out,” “Jealous Ova,” (feat. Dexta Daps) “Crawny Gyal,” and  “Bottom of the Barrel.”

Queen Omega

Hailing from Trinidad, Queen Omega delivers powerful roots reggae music with a strong Rastafarian message in songs like “Ganja Baby,” “Fittest,” and recently gained visibility with her “No Love Dubplate”” voiced for Little Lion Sound. Queen Omega is a reggae artist who uses her powerful voice and conscious lyrics to address important issues and uplift her listeners.

Sasha

Sasha is best known for her hit single “Sexy Body”, which gained popularity in both English and Spanish versions. She also achieved international recognition for her collaboration with Sean Paul on “I’m Still in Love with You,” a remake of the classic Alton Ellis song. After a successful dancehall career, Sasha later transitioned to gospel music, focusing on her faith and spiritual journey.

Lady G

Lady G was known for her bold and assertive style, pushing boundaries with her lyrics on stage. Her Dee Jaying skills were often well respected by her peers and she gained notoriety for songs like “Nuff Respect,” “Breeze Off,”  “Girls Like Us,”and “Round Table Talk,” a collaboration with Papa San, was also a major hit. Considered as one of greats creating female empowerment anthems in dancehall. 

Carlene Davis

A gospel reggae artist who transitioned from secular reggae, Carlene Davis is known for songs like “Stealing Love,” “Like Old Friends Do,” “Going Down to Paradise” and “Santa Claus Do You Ever Come to The Ghetto.”

Cultural Contributors

Stacious 

Stacious is a prominent figure in the contemporary dancehall scene, known for her strong stage presence and powerful lyrics. She’s built a reputation for delivering music that blends assertive themes with catchy rhythms, as seen in popular tracks like “Like Dat” and “Bumpa.” Stacious has also shown versatility by participating in events like the Jamaica Festival Song Competition, demonstrating her dedication to Jamaican musical culture.

D’Angel

D’Angel’s career began in the early 2000s, although many got to know her through estranged partners, and then rivals, Bounty Killer and Beenie Man. She’s known for her versatility, seamlessly blending singing and deejaying styles. Her music often features catchy hooks and provocative lyrics, contributing to her popularity in the dancehall arena recognized forsongs like “No Ordinary Girl,” “Stronger,” and collaborations with artists like Beenie Man, Spice and Vybz Kartel. 

Ishawna 

Ishawna is known for her unapologetic and often controversial lyrics, which address themes of sexuality and female empowerment.Known for her bold and controversial lyrics. With songs like “Everybody Need Someone,” and “Cheerful Giver” Ishawna gained popularity with her song  “Equal Rights” which sampled Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” which lead to an official collabe with the English pop singer called “Brace It.”

Samantha J

Samantha J, born Samantha Gonsalves, is a Jamaican singer and model known for blending dancehall, reggae, and pop. She rose to fame in 2013 with her breakout hit “Tight Skirt,”which gained international attention for its catchy hook and fusion of dancehall and pop elements. The song helped her land a deal with Columbia Records, leading to collaborations with international artists. She followed up with songs like “”Bad Like Yuh””, “”Baby Love”” (feat. R. City), and “League of My Own”, showcasing her smooth vocals and dancehall-infused sound. Samantha J’s career was briefly stalled due to a serious accident in 2018, but she later returned to music with new releases. Her fresh, youthful energy and ability to mix Jamaican influences with mainstream pop have made her a standout in the Caribbean music scene.

J Capri 

J Capri, born Jordan Phillips, was a rising Jamaican dancehall and reggae fusion artist known for her sultry voice and energetic hits. She gained fame with tracks like “Boom & Bend Over,” “Wine & Kotch” (with Charly Black), and “Pull Up To Mi Bumper” (feat. Konshens), which became international dancehall anthems. Tragically, her promising career was cut short when she passed away in 2015 at just 23 years old, following a car accident, but her impact on dancehall remains strong.

Alaine

A singer-songwriter known for heartfelt love songs, Alaine’s hits include “No Ordinary Love” and “Sacrifice” Her success came after the singer spent time as a model, backing vocalist and demo singer in the American entertainment industry. She returned to Jamaica and collaborated with producer Don Corleon resulting in numerous hit tracks, contributing significantly to Alaine’s success in the Jamaican music scene.

Dovey Magnum

Dovey Magnum is a dancehall artist known for her bold lyrics and her unapologetic approach to her music. Best recognized for “Bawl Out,” “Gwan Talk,” “Juju,” and “Female Shella.” Distiguishing herself with her unfiltered approach to song writing she has established herself as a distinct voice in dancehall. 

Pamputtae

A fierce and energetic dancehall artist, Pamputtae is known for tracks like It Goody Good  and Sticky Wine. She was also featured on the Remix of Nicki Minaj’s “Likkle Miss” and all female line up and appeared in a episode of Netflix Champion mini series. 

Carlene

Carlene Smith, widely known as “Dancehall Queen Carlene,” is a Jamaican cultural icon and the first official Dancehall Queen, earning the title in the early 1990s. She revolutionized dancehall fashion and dance, becoming famous for her bold style, elaborate outfits, and signature dance moves that set the stage for female dancers in the genre. Her iconic style is often still referenced in mainstream and pop culture where nostalgic moments of dancehall are presented. Carlene remains a respected figure in dancehall, often advocating for the genre’s growth and women’s empowerment in entertainment.

Keiva

Keiva the Diva is a well-known and influential figure in the dancehall dance scene. Keiva  was very actively prominent during the explosion of dancehall dances with a magnetic dance persona, contributing to the energy and creativity of the “Passa Passa” era. Dancing in videos and stage shows for artists like Mr. Vegas, Elephant Man and more.

Rebel

Rebel is a prominent figure in the dancehall dance scene, known for her unique style and contributions to the culture. She’s recognized for her powerful and expressive dance moves, often incorporating a blend of athleticism and sensuality. Rebel continues to preserve and promote dancehall culture through her stage performances and social media presence.

Foxy Brown

Foxy Brown is a popular reggae singer who gained prominence with her distinctive reggae covers of popular songs, notably Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” and “(Sorry) Baby, Can I Hold You Tonight.” Her ability to reinterpret these hits with a reggae flavor earned her significant recognition in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Jovi Rockwell

Singer and songwriter Jovi Rockwell made her mark with a unique blend of reggae, dancehall, and other musical influences. She’s known for her versatile vocal style and her ability to cross genre boundaries, collaborating with artists across various musical landscapes and well known for her collaboration with Mr. Vegas titled “You’re Gonna Need Me.”

Sister Charmaine

She brought a versatility to the scene, and was known for songs that had a gospel influence. She was very popular in the early dancehall era.

Lady Ann

Lady Ann was known for her strong presence on sound systems. Though pinpointing one single massively popular song is hard, her overall contribution was extremely important. 

Lisa Hyper

Formerly part of Vybz Kartel’s Gaza Empire, Lisa Hyper has been a staple in dancehall for years.

Vanessa Bling

A protege of Vybz Kartel, Vanessa Bling, formerly known as Gaza Slim, gained fame with hits like Everything Fi Hold Him, One Man and featured on Clarks.

Sharon & Cedella Marley 

Cedella and Sharon Marley are best known for their significant roles in Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, a highly successful reggae group that brought the Marley musical legacy to a new generation. Both Cedella and Sharon have been instrumental in preserving and promoting the legacy of their father, Bob Marley.

Raine Seville

Raine Seville is a Jamaican dancehall and reggae artist who has made a notable presence in the music scene. She began her journey by participating in the early Digicel Rising stars competitions.

Ikaya

Ikaya is a Jamaican reggae and dancehall singer known for her powerful vocals and conscious lyrics. Ikaya’s music often blends reggae and dancehall with elements of soul and R&B on songs like “Fly High,” “Hard Way,” and “Ugly Girl.” Ikaya’s music often carries strong messages, and she is recognized for her powerful vocal delivery and her commitment to storytelling.

Lisa Mercedez

Lisa Mercedez is a Jamaican dancehall artist who has made a name for herself with her distinctive style. Many got to know her musical style and flow through her freestyle videos and collaborations with artists like Stefflon Don, Stylo G, Vybz Kartel and Nicki Minaj. Her contributions to the dancehall genre, often blending it with elements of grime and reggae.

New Wave 

Lila Iké 

A rising star in reggae, Lila Iké infuses contemporary soul with reggae vibes in songs like Second Chance and Where I’m Coming From. Iké’s music often explores themes of love, spirituality, and social commentary, reflecting her deep connection to her Jamaican roots while embracing a global perspective.

Jah9 

A dub poet and conscious reggae artist, Jah9 is known for her deep lyrics in songs like Avocado and Heaven. Jah9 is a strong advocate for female empowerment and cultural preservation. She is a respected figure in the reggae community, known for her integrity and her commitment to creating music that inspires and uplifts.

Sevana 

New wave reggae artist with a soulful voice. “Sevana’s music is characterized by her smooth, powerful vocals and her ability to fuse reggae with elements of contemporary R&B and soul. With her smooth, soulful reggae sound, Sevana has gained recognition for tracks like “Mango” and “Nobody Man.” Her lyrics often explore themes of love, relationships, and personal growth, reflecting a sense of introspection and emotional depth.

Shuga

Shuga gained national recognition after winning the Digicel Rising Stars competition in 2009, which launched her music career. Shuga has worked with legendary producers like Donovan Germain and has released songs like “Ebony”, “Ride Di Riddim”, and “Dear Mr. Government”, which highlight social issues and empowerment themes. She has been praised for her rich, soulful voice and her ability to blend roots reggae with modern influences. Over the years, Shuga has solidified her place as a rising star in reggae, carrying on the tradition of strong female voices in the genre.

Jaz Elise

Jaz Elise, the multi-talented artist renowned for her fusion of reggae, soul, R&B, and dancehall. Known for her captivating sound and undeniable presence, the young singer, songwriter and producer has been steadily gaining recognition both locally and internationally after releasing her EP The Golden Hour in 2021 with songs like “Fresh & Clean,” (featuring Govona)   and “After 3” along with single like “Gratitude,” and “Rice & Peas” thereafter.

Khalia

Khalia is a rising Jamaican reggae singer known for her smooth vocals and fusion of reggae with modern influences like pop and dancehall. She gained recognition with songs like “”Easy””, “”Wild Fire””, and “”No Better Day””, showcasing her soulful delivery and uplifting lyrics. Khalia has collaborated with established artists and producers, including Busy Signal and Teflon Zincfence, helping to cement her place in the reggae scene.

Denyque

Denyque is a Jamaican singer known for her versatility, blending pop, R&B, and reggae influences into her music. She has had success with songs such as “Supergirl” and “Same Guy”.

Reemah

Based on the information available, Reemah is a reggae artist known for her conscious and spiritually uplifting music. Reemah hails from St.Croix, in the Virgin Islands, and is recognized as a “Roots Revolutionary” in the reggae genre.

Marcy Chin

Marcy Chin is a dynamic dancehall artist who has been making waves in the Jamaican music scene. She had the opportunity to showcase her talent on significant platforms like Reggae Sumfest with songs like “Gimme More” and “Lipstick.”

Shaniel Miur

Shaneil Muir is known for her raw and unfiltered lyrics, often addressing themes of female empowerment, sexuality, and social commentary. Her music is firmly rooted in dancehall, and she has a very strong vocal presence. Many became familiar with Shaneil through her well known and most popular song to date, “”Yamabella”” but she remains consistent with quality releases like “Top Gyal”  and collabs like “Same Guy” with fellow singer Denyque. Shaneil Muir’s music is known for its unapologetic approach, and she has established herself as a powerful voice in the dancehall genre.

Artists on the Rise

Aza Lineage

Aza Lineage is a rising figure in the dancehall scene, known for her fusion of traditional Jamaican sounds with modern electronic influences. Her music often features hypnotic rhythms and introspective lyrics, creating a unique and captivating sound. She’s recognized for pushing the boundaries of dancehall with her innovative and experimental approach.

Stalk Ashley

Stalk Ashley is a rising force in contemporary dancehall, known for her sultry vocals and unapologetically bold lyrics. She’s captured attention with tracks that blend raw sensuality with modern dancehall rhythms, carving out a distinct space for herself in the genre. Her music often explores themes of female empowerment and desire, making her a compelling voice in the current dancehall landscape.

Yeza 

Yeza is recognized for her style that blends dancehall with reggae and pop influences, creating a unique sound. She’s known for her strong stage presence and lyrical delivery, and has songs that show her versatility.

Jane MacGizmo

Jane Macgizmo is an artist who is making her mark with a sound that incorporates elements of reggae, dancehall and r&b. With a feisty, yet distinctive tone, she is known for songs such as “One Away”, and has shown that she has a very versatile style. Specifically, she is featured on and has writing credits for the track “Blazin” from Koffee’s Grammy-winning “Rapture” EP

Moyann 

A fresh face in dancehall, Moyann is known for her energetic tracks and stylish delivery on songs like “Netflixxx,” “Memories” Handsomest” and “Meech Out.” She is actively building her career and gaining recognition for her unique approach.

Joby Jay

Joby Jay is a Jamaican singer who has been making her presence felt in the contemporary music scene. Blending reggae, jazz and blues to create a unique sound in songs like “”Big Girl Ting”” one of her earlier and well-known tracks, and “”Cool Breeze””

“Queen” and has release an EP entitled Love Levels

Mystic Marley

Mystic Marley is a Jamaican-American singer, songwriter, and musician, continuing the legendary Marley family’s musical legacy. The daughter of Stephen Marley and granddaughter of Bob Marley, Mystic blends reggae, soul, and R&B influences into her unique sound. She made her debut with the single “Beat Down Babylon” in 2018, “Energy” and “Jump” with Nailah Blackman. With her distinct voice and fresh perspective, she is carving her own path in the industry while honoring the rich musical tradition of her family.

Nordia Mothersille

Nordia Mothersille is a Jamaican singer and songwriter with a distinct tone that exploded on doo wap inspired songs like “Ice Cream and Chocolate Bars” (her first single) which caught the attention of producer Ainsley ‘Notnice’ Morris through an Instagram competition. She then released her EP Broken Child on Notnice Records garnering media attention with single “Ms. Honda.”

Fusionists

Jada Kingdom 

A rising dancehall star, Jada Kingdom blends dancehall and R&B in hits like “Banana,” “Heavy!” “GPP” and “”Win.”” She is known for her airy vocals, her lyrical relatability, with the ability to express a wide range of emotions in her music. Her honest lyrics, and ability to blend genres, makes her a significant figure in the contemporary dancehall and reggae landscape.

Naomi Cowan

Naomi Cowan comes from a musical family. Her mother is gospel reggae icon Carlene Davis, and her father is producer Tommy Cowan. Blending pop and reggae, Naomi Cowan has built a strong following with songs like “Paradise Plum,” “Energy,” “Starlight” and “Peace of Mind.” With a fun, yet sweet persona Naomi Cowan is a talented singer-songwriter who is creating a fresh, yet tender sound within the reggae genre.

Brick & Lace

Brick & Lace is a Jamaican musical duo consisting of sisters Nyanda and Nyla Thorbourne, known for blending dancehall, reggae, and R&B. They gained international fame with their 2007 hit “”Love Is Wicked,”” which became a global dancehall anthem. Signed to Akon’s Konvict Muzik, they worked with top producers like will.i.am and Akon, releasing songs like “Never Never” and “Bad to di Bone.” After Brick & Lace, both sisters pursued solo careers. Nyanda had notable success with songs like “Slippery When Wet” and “Trouble”, collaborating with artists like Mr. Vegas. Nyla, though less visible in the mainstream, continued writing and working in music with Major Lazer and others contributing to hits in the pop and reggae scenes. Despite their solo ventures, Brick & Lace remains one of Jamaica’s most memorable female duos.

Diana King

Diana King is a Jamaican singer-songwriter known for her unique fusion of reggae, dancehall, and R&B, which brought her international acclaim in the 1990s. She gained significant attention with her 1994 debut album, “Tougher Than Love,” and had a breakthrough hit, “Shy Guy,” was featured on the “Bad Boys” movie soundtrack in 1995, propelling her to international stardom. Following up with “Think Like a Girl” and “Respect,” further showcasing her versatility and talent.

Tami Chynn 

A pop-dancehall artist who gained international success with songs like  “Hyperventilating,” “Over and Over,” and “Frozen” featuring Akon. Tami Chynn is known for her versatile vocal range and her ability to switch between singing and deejaying. Her music often features catchy melodies and energetic rhythms, reflecting her dancehall and pop influences.

Tina FKA Hood Celebritty

Tina, formerly known as Hood Celebrityy, is a Jamaican-born dancehall artist who has made a significant impact with her unique blend of dancehall and hip-hop influences. Known for her empowering anthems like “Walking Trophy,” she’s carved out a space for herself with her confident delivery and catchy hooks.

Tosh Alexander

With a soulful voice and dynamic personality Tosh Alexander effortlessly blends R&B, reggae and dancehall influences. She has released singles like “Bubble,” “Chat To Me Nice,” and “My Ting Different” featuring Lady London.

Stefflon Don

A UK-based artist with Jamaican roots, Stefflon Don has blended dancehall with rap in hits like Hurtin’ Me.  Well known for her freestyle abilities and frequently incorporating Jamaican patois on songs like “16 Shots” “Dilemma” and “Can’t Let You Go.” She’s collaborated with artist like French Montana “Hurtin’ Me,” Masicka “Moments” and Spice “Clockwork.”

Tessanne Chin

Tessanne Chin is a highly talented Jamaican singer who gained widespread recognition after winning season 5 of NBC’s reality TV singing competition, “The Voice.” winning with the song “Tumbling Down” Prior to competing on The Voice, Tessanne’s vocal abilities were well known for blending her vocals with reggae, dancehall and rock on the singles like “Hideaway” from her debut album In Between Words along with well known covers like “I Want to Know What Love Is,” and “Redemption Song.”  

Toian

Toian’s music is characterized by a blend of reggae, dancehall, and R&B. She smooth and laid back tone often incorporates elements of pop as well, creating a contemporary and well rounded sound. 

Alicai Harley

Alicaì Harley is a Jamaican-born, London-based artist who has been making waves with her unique blend of dancehall, R&B, grime and pop. One of her early and very popular songs  “Gold” helped to bring her to the mass and she has followed up  with hits like  “Tek It To Dem,” “Put It On You,” “Proper Paper,” and “I Just Wanna Know.” She continues to consistently infuse her Jamaican roots into every song and video release.

Hit Songstresses

Shelly Thunder 

One of the earliest female dancehall DJs, Shelly Thunder had hits like “Kuff”, a song that became a major dancehall anthem,”Shock mi a Shock” and “Small Horsewoman.” Shelly Thunder’s career is marked by her success in dancehall and her later transition to gospel music, demonstrating her adaptability and evolution as an artist.

Dawn Penn

Known for her iconic song You Don’t Love Me (No, No, No), Dawn Penn is a foundational reggae artist who helped bridge the gap between rocksteady and reggae. Originally recorded in 1967  “”No, No, No (You Don’t Love Me Anymore),””  had a resurgence in the 1990s when producers Steely & Clevie remixed the song, and it became a massive international hit. It’s still recognized as a classic reggae anthem.

Millie Smalls

he first Jamaican artist to achieve international success, Millie Small’s My Boy Lollipop introduced ska music to the world in the 1960s.

Althea & Donna

The duo made history with their hit Uptown Top Ranking, a song that became a reggae anthem in the late 1970s.

Sophia George 

Best known for her hit “Girlie Girlie,” Sophia George brought humor and storytelling to reggae music.”Girlie Girlie” became a major international success, reaching the top 10 on the UK Singles Chart. 

Louchie Lou & Michie One

Louchie Lou & Michie One were a dynamic female dancehall duo that made a significant impact in the 1990s. They were known for their energetic performances and catchy, often humorous lyrics, exemplified by their hit “Rich Girl.” Their playful style and strong female presence helped to broaden the appeal of dancehall music during a pivotal period. Gwen Stefani.

Timberlee

Timberlee is a dynamic figure in dancehall, recognized for her high-energy performances and bold, often sexually charged lyrics. She rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s with tracks like “Tek Weh Yuself” and “Bubble Like Soup,” establishing herself as a prominent “dancehall queen” with a distinctively provocative style.

Dominators

Koffee 

The youngest and first female artist to win a Grammy for Best Reggae Album for her EP Rapture, Koffee’s hit Toast became a global phenomenon. The world was first introduced to after her release of “Legend,” a tribute to Usain Bolt after his historic win in 2016. She later went on to release her first single, “Burning,” “Raggamuffin” and “Toast,” further solidifying her reputation as a rising star. Koffee’s talent, charisma, and positive message have made her one of the most exciting artists in reggae today, creating music that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Lady Saw (now Minister Marion Hall)

The original “Queen of Dancehall,” Lady Saw broke barriers in the 1990s and 2000s dominating riddims and stage shows. She was first female DJ to win a Grammy for her featured performance on No Doubt’s song “Underneath It All” in 2004. Known for hits like “Man Is the Least” and “I’ve Got Your Man.” At the height of her success she transitioned into gospel music.

Spice 

The reigning “Queen of Dancehall,” Spice first gained international attention with “Romping Shop” (2009), her hit collaboration with Vybz Kartel, which became a dancehall anthem. She has taken dancehall to global audiences with hits like “So Mi Like It” and “Go Down Deh” featuring Shaggy and Sean Paul. She released singles and mixtape projects prior to her debut album, 10 (2021), earned a Grammy nomination fo(r Best Reggae Album, followed by her second album, Emancipated (2022),

In 2018, Spice joined VH1’s “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta,“ highlighting her journey as an artist, her advocacy for colorism and self-love, and her transition into global stardom. She used the platform to promote her music and business ventures, making her one of the most recognized dancehall artists outside of Jamaica.

Patra 

Patra, known as the “Queen of the Pack,” was a significant figure in the dancehall scene during the 1990s. One of the first female dancehall artists to gain international fame, Patra’s fusion of reggae, dancehall, and R&B led to hits like “Romantic Call” and “Worker Man,” “Queen of the Pack” and well known cover of Grace Jones’ “Pull Up to My Bumpa.” She brought a unique and powerful female presence to the genre, contributing significantly to its mainstream popularity.

Shenseea

Shenseea is  known for her ability to both sing and deejay, showcasing her versatility. Shenseea has collaborated with artists like Tyga on “Blessed” and Megan Thee Stallion on “Lick” solo songs “Trending Gyal,” “The Sidechick Song,” “Hit & Run” and and signature fan favorite “Shen Yeng Anthem.” Shenseea’s career is characterized by her ability to blend genres, her collaborations with major artists, and her strong presence in dancehall and the broader contemporary music scene.