Jigsy King

Errol King entered the world around 1970 in Kingston, Jamaica, within the West Indies. By 1993 he had sharpened his microphone skills by chanting across multiple sound systems, laying down tracks at assorted Kingston studios alongside various producers and earning a following as the go-to DJ for local youth. His vocal approach echoed the raw intensity of Buju Banton, whose rough-edged phrasing over hit rhythms routinely produced chart success. One of the earliest showcases appeared on “Cock Up And Ride,” a John John production for King Jammy’s son that ignited dancehall venues. Its lyrics (“Push out your foot and do the bogle dance”) and the accompanying “bogle” rhythm sparked a risqué dance craze that prompted adult-content warnings on dancehall videos. A 1994 duet with Barrington Levy titled “Work” became an international favorite that hovered just beneath the pop listings, bridging audiences and proving especially resonant within East Indian communities; ragga’s growing reach had already shaped Asian artists such as Apache Indian, and the track became a staple at bhangra events. King’s remaining 1994 releases, “Have What It Takes” and “Kick Up,” stirred far less excitement. The following year he cut “God Never Fail Me” and “Give Me The Weed” with Courtney Cole at Roof International. Additional singles such as “Judge The Book,” “Mr Bate,” and “Ragga Ragga” kept his name circulating on reggae charts. In 1996 he reached the top of the Jamaican listings alongside English vocalist Jamie Irie on the marijuana tribute “Sweet Sensimilla.”