Toppa Top 10: Rasta Claus’ Favorite Reggae Christmas Tunes

Words by Rasta Claus—

If you ever search for reggae Christmas music online, you’ll probably find your way to the YouTube channel of Rasta Claus85. The enigmatic poster has gathered what must certainly be the largest collection of holiday-themed reggae tunes anywhere,  from Jacob Miller’s conscious Christmas classics to obscurities by artists we’ve never even heard of. We had Mr. Claus dig deep into his red, gold and green bag, to gift us with the 10 greatest reggae Christmas tunes of all-time.

Greetings from Rasta Claus!

I have collected over 500 Reggae Christmas songs over the years and all can be found on my Youtube channel:  www.youtube.com/user/rastaclaus85. Scroll through for my picks for the Top 10 Reggae Christmas Songs:

10. Jacob ‘Killer’ Miller & Ray-I, “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”

The late, great Jacob Miller and toaster Ray-I bring us this very good roots rockers dub version of the popular festive carol.

9: The Roots Radics Meet Karen Carpenter, “Sleigh Bells Dub”

A great mash-up tune combining Karen Carpenter’s hit Christmas song “Sleigh Ride” with the dub stylings of the mighty Roots Radics.

8. Iron Pheonix, “Natty Dread Christmas”

A heavy tune by Iron Phoenix. Strictly Rasta Christmas, this one. Nice!

7. Daveman, “Dear Father Christmas”

A more lighthearted tune next as Daveman writes his letter to Santa asking for love. Funny and sweet.

6. The Kingstonians, “Merry Christmas”

We go old-school for the next tune: The Kingstonians heartfelt Christmas greeting is beautiful and mellow. Classic!

5. Kulcha Knox, “Ho Ho Ho”

Many reggae Christmas tunes cover the “Does Santa come to the ghetto?” subject but Kulcha’s goes one further as he states “him never put a foot inna me yard!” Funny, clever and brilliant!

4. Toots & The Maytals, “Happy Christmas”

Another classic from the legends of reggae. An upbeat, joyous reggae tune celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.

3. Lloyd Seivright, “Mary’s Boy Child”

A great version of the popular festive hit. It’s been done quite often in Reggae but Lloyd’s version just has the edge for me.

2. Lee “Scratch” Perry and Sandra Robinson, “Merry Christmas Happy New Year”

The legend that is Lee Perry with a festive tune from the 80’s, produced by Mad Professor. A wonderful song, both beautiful and heart-wrenching at the same time.

1. The Joe Gibbs All-Stars, “Sleigh Bells Chant Medley”

An awesome medley of Christmas carols and favorites involving a number of artists from the Joe Gibbs stable. Incredible sounds!