Icho Candy first came to prominence singing with sound systems such as the one run by producer Jack Ruby. Ruby produced Candy's debut release, "Little Children No Cry", but it was not a success, and Candy moved on to work with Joe Gibbs, with whom he recorded "Bandulu". His third single, "Captain Selassie I" gave him a breakthrough, proving to be his biggest hit, although he received little financial reward. His career got a boost when a performance on Ruby's sound system was featured in the Channel 4 documentary Deep Roots Music, leading to interest from the UK. He recorded more successfully for Prince Jazzbo's Ujama label, with singles such as "Mr. User" and "Bloodsucker". He went on to record for Augustus Pablo before working with Jah Shaka in the late 1980s and 1990s, releasing two albums on Shaka's label.

Candy's signature tune, "Captain Selassie I", originally released on the Jwyanza label, has become very popular since its release in 1983 and remains sought-after in its 45rpm single format.

Icho Candy continues to perform live, including a set at Rebel Salute in 2009.