Where Are They Now? '90s Dancehall & Reggae Queens

Dancehall and reggae riddims filled the airwaves in the ’90s thanks to singers like Diana King, whose wildly popular music was featured in films like Bad Boys and My Best Friend’s Wedding, and “Queen of the Pack” singer Patra, with her box braids, daisy dukes and unabashed, come-hither lyrics.  If you ever wondered what some of your favorite female dancehall and reggae artists are up to these days, look no further.

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Diana King

With her signature short natural hair and her unmistakable reggae fusion sound, Jamaican songstress Diana King slayed the ’90s.  She gave us chart-topping hits like “Shy Guy,” “Say A Little Prayer For You,” and “L-L-Lies.”  Still recording and producing music on her indie label ThinkLikeAgirL, King’s most recent album, AgirLnaMeKING, was released in 2011 via Warner Music Japan (a deal that allowed her to retain 100 percent ownership of her music), and can be found on iTunes and Soundcloud.

Patra

Still looking good! And still wearing box braids.

Who can forget Patra’s song “Romantic Call,” featuring Yo-Yo (and video that featured Tupac?)  A wining queen, Patra released her Queen of the Pack album in ’93.  She’s released three albums since then, taking time off occasionally to spend time with family and earn her bachelor’s degree.  Her most recent single, “Sweet Reggae Music,” came out in 2013.  Hopefully, she’ll follow it up with an album!

Tanya Stephens

Stephens burst out onto the musical scene in the mid-90s with songs like “Yuh No Ready Fi Dis Yet” and “Freaky Type.”  A singer who urges other artists to be socially responsible, Stephens co-founded Tarantula Records in recent years and released her ninth album, Guilty, in 2013.

Image: Facebook/Nadine Sutherland

Nadine Sutherland

A Tuff Gong alum who was a teenage singing sensation, Sutherland is perhaps best known in the States for the song she recorded with Terror Fabulous called “Action.”  Still singing and planning to release another album, Sutherland recently received her master’s degree in cultural studies from the University of the West Indies, was a judge on Jamaica’s Rising Stars show and even wrote for the Jamaica Observer.

Chevelle Franklyn

Her first song, “Nice and Naughty,” came out in 1992 and she enjoyed success with Shabba Ranks on his song “Mr. Loverman.” But by the late ’90s, Chevelle turned to gospel music.  She has since formed her own label, N.O.W. Records, and ministers at churches and events throughout the world.

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Lady Saw

Grammy Award-winning artist Lady Saw was on a mission to “present female sexuality like never before,” according to her website.  With songs like “Good Wuk” and “Life Without Dick,” it’s safe to say she accomplished that mission.  But the singer, who now goes by her given name, Marion Hall, recently turned her life over to God and plans to deliver the Word as a minister.

Sister Nancy

Sister Nancy has been releasing music since the ’80s, but the ’90s saw the release of one of her most famous songs to date, “Bam Bam,” which has been sampled by many.  Now working as a banker in New Jersey, Sister Nancy’s most recent album, Sister Nancy Meets Fireproof, was released in 2007.

Lady G

Born Janice Fyffe, Lady G recorded several popular songs in the ’90s with fellow singer Chevelle Franklyn, including “Thank You” and “Love and Hate,” but she hasn’t released any new music in a while.

Marcia Griffiths

Considered one of the most influential women in reggae, Griffiths has been making music for nearly 50 years.  A solo artist, Griffiths was also a member of the I Threes, along with Rita Marley and Judy Mowatt, who backed the late Bob Marley.  Griffiths continues to record and tour.