Words by LargeUp Crew
Jamaica has had a presence in American pop music since Harry Belafonte first brought the songs of banana-boat workers in Port Antonio to the masses in the mid ‘50s. But just a small handful of Jamaican artists have made it to that elusive position atop the gold standard of all music charts, the Billboard Hot 100. And the ones who have—and haven’t—might surprise you. (Belafonte himself never made it, even with “Day-O.”)
This week, Clarendon-born singer OMI, hardly a household name in Jamaica himself, became the latest yardie to attain the coveted position with “Cheerleader,” culminating a years-long rise that saw him top numerous other charts worldwide. In recognition of this accomplishment, here’s a look at every Jamaican artist to reach No. 1 on the Hot 100, from 1974 through today.