The reggae scene in the United Kingdom has seen better times during the 1970s into the 1980s. Jamaican acts, including Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Dennis Brown, Marcia Griffiths, Barrington Levy, Gregory Isaacs, Beres Hammond, and even home-grown acts like Janet Kay, Bitty McLean, Peter Hunnigale, Aswad, Steel Pulse, UB40, and Maxi Priest, enjoyed crossover success on the pop charts.

Those days seem to be a distant memory. There hasn’t been much noise on the reggae scene in the UK reggae scene in recent years.

Baddiz, whose real name is Greg Bryan, and who migrated to the UK in 1998, is hoping to make that breakthrough which he craves by focusing on quality music.

“It has been difficult to get that break in the UK. There are several reasons including the lack of proper financial backing, quality songs, and marketing and promotion. Artistes need that team around them that understand the business inside, out,” Baddiz told the Jamaica Observer recently.

In a move to generate renewed interest in his work, Baddiz has re-released an album that he previously issued in 2015 as well as two songs.

“I haven’t done all I can do and that is why I am re-releasing my album, because there is a lot more to do that could have been done. The songs My Heart and Am Sailing I have decided to do a renewed push after missed momentum. We are taking on a much stronger promotional push as these songs were initially featured on my debut album The Great Rise. The songs and the album did not receive the level of exposure they deserved at the time, and I know these songs have the potential to go much further,” Baddiz shared. “This time around I’m making sure they get the right push and reach the audience they truly deserve.”

Baddiz, who is originally from Central Village in Spanish Town, says the decision to revisit the tracks is part of a wider strategy to solidify his presence on the global reggae scene. He credits sound system culture and live performances for shaping his musical identity.

“Those sessions taught me how the crowd responds to real vibes,” he said.

Influenced by Rastafarian teachings, Baddiz says his music is grounded in discipline, spirituality and purpose.

“It gave me a mission — to sing for the people and bring hope,” he shared.

After migrating to the United Kingdom in 1998 he continued his musical pursuits.

“England gave me a wider view, but Jamaica is always the heartbeat in my music,” he said.

His debut album The Great Rise has nine tracks and is a melting pot of reggae and dancehall songs. It features production by Noel Brown.

Like many Jamaicans, he hustled through various jobs before migrating to the UK, where he worked as a bus driver for London Central. It was during this time he earned the nickname “Baddiz”, a name that would later define his musical identity.

A pivotal moment came years later when his young daughter challenged him to pursue his passion for music. Inspired by her words and guided by his spiritual foundation, Baddiz made the life-changing decision to fully commit to his artistry.

Musically, Baddiz draws inspiration from reggae legends like Peter Tosh and Garnett Silk, while blending the stage presence of Bob Marley, the smoothness of Gregory Isaacs, and the soulful melodies of Dennis Brown. The result is a unique sound that balances roots reggae authenticity with contemporary appeal.