Desmond Dekker and Papa Michigan

Desmond Dekker and Papa Michigan stand as two distinctive voices in the evolution of Jamaican music, each representing different eras yet connected by their pioneering spirit.

Desmond Dekker (1941–2006) was among the first artists to carry Jamaican ska and rocksteady to the world stage. Rising to fame in the 1960s, his sharp vocals and socially conscious lyrics made him a household name. Songs like “Israelites” became international hits, not only topping charts in Jamaica and the UK but also breaking into the U.S. market. Dekker’s music often spoke to the struggles and resilience of working-class Jamaicans, while maintaining an irresistible rhythm that brought ska and rocksteady to global audiences. As one of Jamaica’s first true international stars, he paved the way for reggae’s worldwide acceptance.

Papa Michigan (born 1956 as Anthony Fairclough) emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s as part of the legendary duo Michigan & Smiley. With hits such as “Rub-a-Dub Style” and “Nice Up the Dance,” Michigan helped popularize the early dancehall sound that evolved from reggae. Known for his playful lyrical exchanges and pioneering “singjay” style, he brought a fresh, youthful energy to the music scene. His approach bridged traditional reggae with the emerging dancehall and laid the foundation for later generations of deejays and singjays.

Together, Desmond Dekker and Papa Michigan illustrate the dynamic journey of Jamaican music—from Dekker’s ska and rocksteady anthems that introduced the world to Jamaica’s sound, to Michigan’s dancehall innovations that kept the music vibrant and evolving. Both artists contributed to reggae’s enduring legacy: Dekker as a global trailblazer, and Michigan as a stylistic innovator whose influence is still heard in modern reggae and dancehall.