Today’s, Splash is dedicated to the ancehall genre. Through our guest contributors Clyde McKenzie, Ralson Barrett, Rory Gilligan, GT Taylor, and Dr Dennis Howard, we are looking at figures who established themselves as artistes, producers, and trendsetters.

(1) Shabba Ranks

Lyrically, the most dynamic deejay and first to make a serious mark

internationally. The two- time Grammy winner lay the foundation for

Shaggy and Sean Paul.

(2) Bounty Killer

Despite his controversial personality, without doubt one of the

greatest. With his vast catalogue of hardcore hits, ‘Killer’ is still an

explosive live act after 20- odd years in the business.

(3) Buju Banton

His ability to fuse reggae, dancehall and ska produced outstanding albums. Dancehall’s renaissance man.

(4) Ninjaman

The ‘clash king’, hands down the most lethal deejay on stage. His sneer and wit has endeared him to dancehall fans.

(5) Beenie Man

The quintessential showman, his ability to create easy-on-the ear hits have made him one of the genre’s most successful acts.

(6) Capleton

The fiery ‘Prophet’. Does not need hits to ‘mash up the place’.

(7) Sizzla

Possibly the only deejay other than Buju Banton to produce two or more

great albums. Black Woman & Child (2007) and Da Real Thing (2002)

are seminal works.

(8) Super Cat

Was at the peak of his powers in the early ’90s. Cat’s rude boy style influenced many contemporary deejays.

(9) Tiger

Before suffering extensive head injuries in a 2003 motor accident, Tiger

was arguably the most versatile deejay. From 1985 to 2003, he produced a

number of chart-toppers including Wanga Gut and When.

(10) Vybz Kartel

Love him or hate him, his unique lyrical flow and ability to create hits at a rapid rate, earns him a place among the best.