Niney the Observer, born Winston Holness in Jamaica, is one of the defining producers and recording artists in the reggae and dub genres. Rising to prominence in the 1970s, Niney earned his nickname due to an unfortunate accident that cost him a finger, but this did not hold back his musical ambitions. He apprenticed under the legendary producer Joe Gibbs before branching out on his own, quickly making his mark as a visionary in the studio. His early partnership with singer Dennis Brown yielded some of the era’s most enduring tracks, cementing both their reputations.

As a producer, Niney the Observer was behind the mixing board for a slew of hits, exercising a profound influence on the development of dub music. His signature sound is characterized by the heavy use of reverb and echo, creating spacious and atmospheric arrangements that have come to define the genre. Later in his career, he continued to innovate and stay prolific, contributing to the ever-growing ‘Observer Dub Catalog’ series, a testament to his enduring commitment to the craft. This series showcases a vast array of dub versions, featuring Niney the Observer's mastery over the rhythm and depths of reggae music, in which each volume, from the recent "Observer Dub Catalog, Vol. 25 (Ganga Tea Dub)" to "Observer Dub Catalog, Vol. 15 (Strike Fire Dub)", demonstrates his ability to create entrancing sonic landscapes. In recent times, remixes of his classic hits, such as the "Blood & Fire" remixes by Gella and Selecta J-Man, have introduced his music to a new generation of listeners, securing his status as a timeless figure in the world of reggae and dub.

Genres

Dub

Early Reggae

Old School Dancehall

Reggae

Rocksteady

Roots Reggae

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Barrington Levy

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Keith Hudson

Latest Release

You Better Know

Niney The Observer

Single - Released April 19, 2022