Captain Barkey was a Jamaican dancehall deejay remembered for a
fast, humorous delivery and a run of sharp, crowd-moving singles
that made him a familiar name in the 1990s. Born Joslyn Hamilton in
Jamaica, he came up through the sound-system circuit, where he
built his reputation performing on stages and alongside major crews
before breaking through as a resident DJ with the Stereo One Sound
System. That early groundwork shaped the style he became known for:
lively patter, playful swagger, and a gift for turning everyday
dancehall themes into memorable hooks.
His catalogue reflects the era that made him popular. Early
recordings such as “Gun” and “Original Get And o Chat” helped
establish his profile, while songs like “Go Go Wine,” “Bun Fi Bun,”
and “Wave Yu Hand” became closely associated with his name. He also
recorded a string of other well-known cuts, including “Anti
Christ,” “Can’t Tek Your Man,” and “Pose Gal Pickney,” often
working with producers and fellow artists across the Jamaican
dancehall scene. He was also heard in combinations with Wickerman,
which helped reinforce his place in the energetic, collaborative
world of 1990s dancehall.
Barkey’s music fit squarely into a period when deejays were
expected to be both performers and personalities, and he stood out
for bringing humor and a tough-edged street feel to that role. His
work moved easily between party records, social commentary, and the
cheeky battle style that defined much of the genre’s mid- to
late-1990s sound. By the end of the decade, he had built a catalog
that still turns up on dancehall compilations and riddim
collections, including appearances connected to titles such as the
Carolina My Darling and Go So rhythms.
In October 2012, Captain Barkey was killed in New York City
alongside Tracy Bennett. His death cut short a long career, but his
voice remains part of the memory of a lively, highly competitive
dancehall era.
