Big Youth, born Manley Augustus Buchanan on April 19, 1949, in Kingston, Jamaica, is a renowned reggae and dub musician, known for his powerful voice and socially conscious lyrics. Emerging in the early 1970s, Big Youth quickly became one of the most distinctive voices of the roots reggae era, mixing traditional African influences with the sounds of his Jamaican heritage. His flow was characterized by a unique DJ style – a predecessor to modern rap and dancehall deejaying – punctuated by his trademark vocal toasting and a commitment to Rastafarian messages.

Throughout his prolific career, Big Youth has released a number of seminal albums that have earned him a devout following and cemented his place in the pantheon of reggae greats. Notably, his track "S.90 Skank" was a huge hit in Jamaica and remains a classic to this day. Over the years, his music has consistently reflected themes of love, unity, and social justice, often calling for resistance against oppression. The aforementioned tracks are testament to Big Youth's enduring spirit and his adaptability in an ever-evolving musical landscape. Whether through anthemic declarations like "We Want Justice" or more personal and spiritual meditations like "2020 I Pray Thee," Big Youth continues to inspire and provoke thought in new generations, showing that his art remains as relevant and necessary as ever.

Genres

Dub

Old School Dancehall

Reggae

Rocksteady

Roots Reggae

Related Artists

Barrington Levy

Gregory Isaacs

Horace Andy

Lee "Scratch" Perry

Yellowman

Augustus Pablo

Bob Marley & The Wailers

Prince Far I

Dillinger

Buju Banton

The Wailers

Jimmy Cliff

Latest Release

Steppah In Da Jungle Dubmatix (Remix)

Big Youth•

Dubmatix

Single - Released October 4, 2024