Wayne Marshall

Born Wayne Mitchell in Barbican Heights, Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies, Marshall passed his early childhood in downtown Kingston. When his father’s business prospered, the family relocated to Spanish Town, settling three doors from King Jammy. The producer’s sons quickly befriended the boy, granting him frequent access to Waterhouse studios. By 1994 the teenager had secured entry to Jammy’s sound system, where he watched Bounty Killer command the audience while Elephant Man and the Scare Dem Crew sharpened their skills nearby. In 1987 Marshall composed his first song, “Champagne Wishes,” yet Jammy declined to record it. Equally comfortable as a DJ or vocalist, he auditioned for Mikey Bennett, who urged him to pursue vocal training. Once his singing improved, Marshall aligned himself with Ward 21. The crew issued his debut single, “Story Done Tell,” on the “Bada Bada” rhythm, but a severe car crash interrupted his rising momentum; Marshall survived while his companion later succumbed to injuries. Upon recovery he cut “Melody Of War” with Ward 21 and “War” alongside Elephant Man. His profile solidified in 2001 after touring the United States with Bounty Killer and releasing the collaborative singles “Reggae Music Keep Playing,” “Smoke Clears,” and “Hot Girls.” Marshall has since become a staple of dancehall, his unmistakable approach overcoming early mix-ups with the UK-based R&B artist who had previously recorded lovers rock.