Veteran dancehall heavyweight Spragga Benz is calling for greater collaboration and mentorship within the industry, emphasising that supporting fellow artistes is essential to the continued growth and global strength of dancehall music.
Speaking at the Journey to Kingston media launch, Spragga Benz reflected on his rise to stardom and the pivotal role that established artistes played in shaping his career. He credited fellow dancehall star Wayne Wonder as one of the first to recognise his potential and offer a major opportunity early on.
“When everyone was saying I sounded off key, Wayne Wonder was the first artiste to see the potential and collaborate with me — and he was huge at the time. That was him taking a big gamble, but that’s how we’ve remained relevant even today. We uplifted each other then, and we still do,” Spragga Benz said.
With a career spanning more than three decades, Spragga Benz is widely regarded as a pioneer of modern dancehall. From the early 1990s to the present, he has remained a defining force in the genre, bridging generations through a catalogue of hits and a signature lyrical style rooted in authenticity, social commentary, and street-level storytelling. His influence extends beyond music into fashion, film, and the global perception of Jamaican culture, helping to solidify dancehall as a dominant force on the international stage.
Spragga Benz maintains that genuine support — without expectation of immediate gain — is a principle that today’s artistes should embrace.
“Everything was genuine from the start of our careers. We were youths coming up in a time when it wasn’t easy, so if one of us got a break, we’d call the next one and say, ‘There’s an opening over here.’ That’s how we grew,” he added.
This spirit of unity will be on full display at the Journey to Kingston Birthday Celebration on May 30, where Spragga Benz will share the stage with a line-up of respected artistes, including Agent Sasco, Don Yute, Ky-Mani Marley and Wayne Wonder.
Presented by the Miramar Cultural Center and hosted by Commissioner Maxwell B. Chambers, Journey to Kingston celebrates the enduring bonds, collaboration, and cultural impact that define dancehall music at its best.
