Ini Kamoze

Jamaican dancehall singer Ini Kamoze, whose name translates to “mountain of the true god,” released his first single, “World Affairs” in 1981. ∙ His song “Trouble You a Trouble Me” landed him a spot on 1986’s Taxi Connection International Tour, alongside established stars Yellowman and Half Pint. ∙ Iconic reggae duo Sly & Robbie produced his 1984 self-titled debut, featuring six songs that Kamoze recorded in one hour. ∙ “World a Music,” from Ini Kamoze, was sampled by reggae scion Damian Marley on his 2005 hit “Welcome to Jamrock.” ∙ His signature dancehall hit, 1994’s “Here Comes the Hotstepper,” reached the Top 10 in 12 countries, and was the basis for Nicky Jam & Daddy Yankee’s 2020 smash, “Muévelo.” ∙ Kamoze has a side-career as a writer, penning a history of Kingston, Jamaica’s shipping village (Port Royal: The Richest and Wickedest City on Earth) as well as the play Runnings.