While reggae has often been dominated by male figures, many female artists have played a crucial role in shaping the genre. From the soulful voices of the past to modern-day queens of reggae, here’s a list of influential female Jamaican reggae artists you should know.
Marcia Griffiths
Known as the “Queen of Reggae,” Marcia Griffiths began her career in the 1960s and gained fame as a member of the I-Threes, Bob Marley‘s legendary backing trio. She also had a successful solo career, with hits like Electric Boogie (which popularized the “Electric Slide” dance). Her smooth, soulful voice and longevity in the industry make her an icon.
Judy Mowatt
Another key member of the I-Threes, Judy Mowatt was also an accomplished solo artist. Her album Black Woman (1980) is considered one of the greatest reggae albums by a female artist, blending roots reggae with themes of empowerment and Rastafari spirituality.
Rita Marley
Apart from being the wife of Bob Marley, Rita Marley was also a performer in her own right, both as a solo artist and a member of the I-Threes. She maintained Bob’s memory after his passing, with such hits as One Draw, an international anthem of marijuana culture.
Phyllis Dillon
A pioneer of the rocksteady era, Phyllis Dillon had a delicate yet powerful voice that brought soulfulness to reggae. Her hits like Perfidia and Don’t Stay Away blended reggae with American R&B influences, making her a key figure in early Jamaican music.
Sister Nancy
Sister Nancy is one of the most influential female dancehall artists, known for her hit Bam Bam. This song has been sampled countless times in hip-hop and electronic music. She was one of the first women to break into the male-dominated dancehall scene of the early 1980s.
Hortense Ellis
Alton Ellis’s sister, Hortense Ellis, was a great vocalist in early reggae. She was known for her emotional delivery in songs like Woman of the Ghetto, highlighting social struggles and themes of empowerment.
Cynthia Webber
Cynthia Webber is one of reggae’s lesser-known but highly respected voices. Her contributions to the roots reggae scene, particularly in the 1970s, reflected the powerful storytelling tradition of Jamaican music. While she never achieved the same degree of mainstream success as some of her peers, her soulful, conscious lyrics and melodic style made her a favorite among the reggae community. Her sister Marlene was also an artist, and they recorded some songs together as The Webber Sisters.
Lorna Bennett
Best known for her 1972 hit “Breakfast in Bed,” Lorna Bennett was among the biggest stars of the lovers rock style, which crossed reggae with soft, sentimental material. Her style characterized this subgenre that was especially big in the UK.
Carlene Davis
Gospel and reggae singer Carlene Davis became popular during the 1970s and 1980s through the fusion of spiritual messages and roots reggae. Songs like Stealing Love on the Side showcased her ability to blend vivid narratives with deep reggae grooves.
Barbara Jones
Barbara Jones was one of the most distinctive voices in reggae’s lovers rock era, known for her smooth, soulful sound. She gained fame in the 1970s and 1980s with hits like Just When I Needed You Most and Slim Boy. Her ability to blend reggae with romantic, heartfelt themes made her a beloved figure in the genre, especially in the UK, where lovers rock flourished.
Tanya Stephens
Tanya Stephens is one of the most powerful voices in modern reggae and dancehall, known for her sharp lyricism and socially conscious themes. With hits like It’s a Pity and These Streets, she blends compelling lyrics with strong social commentary on love, inequality, and empowerment. Her ability to mix roots reggae with contemporary dancehall makes her a standout in the modern era.
Lady Saw
Lady Saw, known as the “Queen of Dancehall,” broke barriers as one of the first female artists to achieve major success in a male-dominated genre. With her raw, provocative lyrics and commanding stage presence, she dominated the dancehall scene in the ’90s and 2000s with hits like Sycamore Tree and Man is the Least. In 2015, she transitioned to gospel music under her real name, Marion Hall.
Etana
Etana has been one of the most successful contemporary female reggae artists. With her rich, soulful voice, she blends roots reggae with neo-soul influences. Her album I Rise topped the Billboard reggae charts, making her the first female Jamaican artist in nearly two decades to achieve that.
Xana Romeo
Daughter of reggae legend Max Romeo, Xana Romeo (born Azana Makeda Smith) is carrying on the roots reggae tradition with a modern, conscious twist. With her hypnotic voice and thought-provoking lyrics, she represents a new wave of reggae artists committed to preserving its powerful messages of resistance and self-awareness.
