Courtni Jackson confidently took the stage for Back 2 Bass-es held on February 6 at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts with her father Jackie Jackson on bass.

The bubbly singer delivered several of the classic songs on which her dad played, among them Hypocrites by The Wailers and Israelites by Desmond Dekker and The Aces.

Jackie Jackson was one of six bass players showcased at the event, promoted by the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA). The others being Boris Gardiner, Lloyd Parks, Flabba Holt, Daniel “Axeman” Thompson, and Donald “Danny Bassie” Dennis.

It took place at the school from which his youngest daughter, Courtni, graduated in 2024.

“It was such an immaculate feeling performing with my father. He’s been an inspiration all my life. It’s a joy, a total joy,” she exclaimed. “I know my mom is up in heaven smiling that her only child and her husband are doing what they love together.”

Her mom, singer Karen Smith, died in 2021.

Jackie Jackson is one of reggae’s premier musicians, having played on countless hit songs by legends such as Toots Hibbert, Jimmy Cliff, and Alton Ellis.

Courtni told the Jamaica Observer that she developed a love for classic reggae songs through her mother, who insisted that she appreciated the music of pioneers like Toots and Jimmy Cliff, who died in 2020 and 2025, respectively.

Her recording career started six years ago. Making a name for herself is important.

“I definitely want to keep putting out music, keep giving the people a feel of who I am, what I am, and what I am here for,” she said.