Pinchers

His breakthrough came with “Agony,” the title track from the album produced by King Jammy, which established him as more than a one-hit voice. Around the same period, he cut Mass Out, a record backed by some of Jamaica’s best-known studio musicians and produced by Philip “Fatis” Burrell. By the early 1990s, Pinchers had settled into the part of the dancehall scene that favored strong hooks and hard-edged street storytelling, and “Bandelero” became the song most closely associated with him. Later tracks such as “Carpenter,” “Call Upon Mi God,” and “Cross Them Bridge” kept his name in rotation.

His work has often been grouped with the era’s melodic singjays, artists who balanced DJ-style delivery with a more traditional vocal feel. That made him a natural fit for the King Jammy sound, but also for producers looking for a singer who could ride heavyweight rhythms without losing clarity. He has remained active over the years, including recent performances and new recordings, while continuing to be remembered for the classic early cuts that built his reputation.

In January 2015, Thompson was among several people shot in Queenborough, Jamaica; he survived but suffered broken bones. It was a serious setback, but not the defining feature of his story. Pinchers is still best understood as a durable dancehall voice with a catalog anchored by memorable singles, a steady work ethic, and a sound that bridged the tougher edge of the genre with a more tuneful, accessible approach.