TIMELINE EXPLORE OUR HISTORY

This timeline shows an interactive journey through Jamaica's rich and ever-shifting musical history; encompassing it's birth, growth and myriad of characters that has made it a genre admired by the world.

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1978

Steel Pulse’s 1978 debut, Handsworth Revolution, is still regarded by many critics as a landmark and a high point of British reggae. It featured the tracks "Macka Splaff," "Prodigal Son," and "Soldiers."

1978

Thanks to Collie Buddz, Zap Pow's most famous track is now 'Last War (Jah Jah Children)', which the band recorded in 1978, with Beres Hammond on lead vocals. Distinguished by typically regal horns, a solid Reggae groove, and heartfe

1978

Sunsplash first staging was in June 1978, held at Jarrett Park, in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The inaugural staging featured performances by The Heptones, Joe Higgs, Lloyd Parkes & We The People Band, Jimmy Cliff, & Byron Lee & The Drago

1978

Gregory Isaacs popularly know as the "Cool Ruler" also has an album of the same name, which was released on his African Museum Label in 1978

1978

The Jamaican teenage singers Althea Forrest and Donna Reid (know as Althea & Donna) - then 17 and 18 years old respectively - caused a chart surprise when their reggae song "Uptown Top Ranking" became a UK #1 in February 1978