Sleepy Wonder

Born Wayne Archer around 1966 in Kingston, Jamaica, Sleepy Wonder launched his performing path by seizing the microphone at local dancehall events including Youth Promotion, Gemini and Shocking Vibes. In 1984 he relocated to the United States and performed with several sound systems, among them Terrorist Super Power and Third World. By 1988 he had begun recording with Delory Francis, issuing the celebratory tracks “88 Champion” and “Fade Away.” The latter’s success prompted an international tour. Buoyed by favorable notices, Sleepy Wonder returned to New York City and wrote and produced “Break Up To Make Up” for Shelly Thunder. During the mid-1990s he appeared with Shinehead on the DJ’s major-label album Troddin’. He also collaborated with Arrow, infusing a dancehall edge into the calypso-styled single “Soca Pepper Seed.” Around the same period he teamed with Bobo General on the assertive track “My Sound,” which later attained dancehall-anthem status.

In 1995 Sleepy Wonder ventured into hip-hop alongside the noted east-coast producer Chuck “Chillout.” Together they issued “Rookie” on the Phat Wax label, where it reached the top of the New York charts. The song targeted industry newcomers who displayed scant regard for the genre’s originators. In 1997 he joined the Born Jamericans on their hit “Gotta Get Mine,” which also featured Mad Lion and Shinehead. Toward the end of the decade his longstanding partnership with Shinehead led the pair to establish the No Choice label. Under that imprint Sleepy Wonder released “I Shot The Sheriff,” “Bad Boy Elect,” “Streetlife” and “My Boo,” although none managed to register on the Jamaican or international reggae charts.