Junior Delgado, born Oscar Hibbert on August 25, 1958, in Kingston, Jamaica, was a respected roots reggae singer with a career that spanned over three decades. Known for his distinctive voice and socially conscious lyrics, Delgado began his musical journey as a member of the reggae group Time Unlimited in the early 1970s. He launched his solo career in the mid-70s, finding early success with tracks like "Tition" and "Jah Jah Say" produced by the legendary Lee "Scratch" Perry.

As his career progressed, Delgado's music evolved, touching on themes of love, struggle, and political commentary, which resonated with audiences at home and abroad. He worked with a range of prominent producers, including Niney the Observer, Sly & Robbie, and Augustus Pablo, which led to a number of successful releases such as "Sons of Slaves," "Away with Your Fussing and Fighting," and "Effort." Despite political and social turmoil in Jamaica during the 1970s and 80s, Delgado remained fearless in his music, never shying away from addressing the harsh realities of ghetto life, as evidenced in tracks like "Rasta Chuldren" and "Merry Go Round."

Throughout the 90s and into the early 2000s, Junior Delgado continued to release music that captivated his audience. Notable late-career albums include "Fearless" and "Reasons," which showcased his maturity as a lyricist and his undying commitment to the roots reggae genre. Delgado passed away on April 11, 2005, but his music and legacy live on, proving his status as a stalwart in reggae music history. His contributions to the genre are celebrated in his hard-hitting tunes and his ability to channel the spirit of a nation through his powerful voice and evocative storytelling.

Genres

Dub

Lovers Rock

Reggae

Rocksteady

Roots Reggae

Latest Release

Raggamuffin Year

Junior Delgado

Album - 14 Tracks - Released July 19, 2024