Johnny Clarke – Nobody’s Business

Johnny Clarke, born January 12, 1955, in Whitfield Town, Kingston, Jamaica, is one of reggae’s most enduring voices and a defining figure of the roots reggae era. Rising to prominence in the 1970s under the guidance of legendary producer Bunny “Striker” Lee, Clarke delivered a string of hits that blended militant Rastafarian themes, romantic laments, and spiritual consciousness. His distinctively smooth vocal style, laced with haunting vibrato, helped craft anthems like “None Shall Escape the Judgement,” “Move Out of Babylon,” and “Enter into His Gates with Praise.”

The phrase “nobody’s business” could well summarize Clarke’s quiet resilience in an often turbulent industry. While he never chased the spotlight with the fervor of some of his peers, his influence speaks for itself. His music has echoed across generations, sampled and versioned in sound system culture from Kingston to London. Clarke was also a key voice in the early development of the “flying cymbals” style—an uptempo sound that bridged the gap between roots reggae and the emerging dancehall sound.

A deeply spiritual man and devout Rastafarian, Johnny Clarke infused his music with a strong sense of purpose. His lyrical themes often revolved around justice, faith, and perseverance. Despite not always receiving the commercial recognition of contemporaries like Dennis Brown or Gregory Isaacs, Clarke’s catalog remains a cornerstone of conscious reggae music.

Today, Johnny Clarke stands as a roots icon whose voice still resonates—steady, soulful, and ever true to the message. In the grand scheme of reggae’s history, Johnny Clarke made it clear: staying true to your message is nobody’s business but your own.