REGGAE SKA RIDDIM produced by GREENSLEEVES RECORDS ? 1997
Reggae Ska Overview
The Reggae Ska Riddim release in 1997 brought a strong lineup of tracks that shaped dancehall that year. The collection featured Boy Ken with “One Family,” Captain Barkey Ft Angel Doolas on “Higher Inna Life,” and Angel Doolas - Higher Inna Life with another version of “Higher Inna Life.” Carlene Davis delivered “Its A Wonderful Thing,” while Chaka Demus contributed “Come Ya Mi Darlin Come.” Other standout tracks included Cobra’s “Mek She Bawl,” Cutty Ranks Ft Dawn Karen with “Gwen,” Dawn Karen - Gwen’s own “Gwen,” Freddie Mcgregor’s “Reggae Ska,” and Galaxy P’s “Mamma Said.” Each artist brought their own style to the riddim. Boy Ken, known for energetic performances, helped create a sense of unity with “One Family.” Captain Barkey Ft Angel Doolas and Angel Doolas - Higher Inna Life both brought uplifting messages in “Higher Inna Life.” Carlene Davis, who has won many awards in reggae and gospel music, gave her song a positive, soulful touch. Chaka Demus, famous for his hit “Tease Me” with Pliers, added his signature dancehall flavor. The bashment sound was arranged to keep dancers moving, blending live ska influences with modern dancehall energy. GREENSLEEVES RECORDS ?, a well-known UK label, produced the project. The label has a long history of releasing key reggae and dancehall albums since the 1970s. In 1997, selectors played these tracks at sessions, helping the riddim become a dancehall favorite.
Reggae Ska Tracklist:
- Boy Ken – One Family
- Captain Barkey Ft Angel Doolas – Higher Inna Life
- Carlene Davis – Its A Wonderful Thing
- Chaka Demus – Come Ya Mi Darlin Come
- Cobra – Mek She Bawl
- Cutty Ranks Ft Dawn Karen – Gwen
- Freddie Mcgregor – Reggae Ska
- Galaxy P – Mamma Said
- Jermaine Forde & Robbie Lyn – Big Ship Ole Fung Ska
- Michael Buckley, Bugle, Banton – Jack Jill
- Papa San – Do The Ska
- Rappa Robert – Delta Sammy
- Richie Brown – My True Love
- Ricky General Ft Yeshemabeth – Girls Need Pleasure
- Tyrical Bobby – Treasure Ole Time Ska
Releases Similar to Reggae Ska Riddim – Greensleeves Records
Research and editorial by Riddimz Kalacta & Goltem, sourcing from physical vinyl labels, Discogs, ReggaeFever, Riddim-ID, DancehallMag, and other trusted archives.