Judy Mowatt: Voice of the Lioness – Reggae’s First Lady of Strength and Spirit

By the Curator, The Reggae Museum.COM

In the powerful lineage of reggae music, there are few voices as commanding, dignified, and spiritually resonant as Judy Mowatt. As a founding member of the legendary I-Threes and a groundbreaking solo artist, Judy Mowatt has not only helped shape the sound of roots reggae but also shattered barriers for women in the genre.

Her voice—soulful, prophetic, and unwavering—has been both a balm and a battle cry, embodying the essence of Jamaican womanhood, Rastafarian wisdom, and African identity. At The Reggae Museum, we honor her as one of the true matriarchs of reggae music.

Early Life: A Journey Toward the Spirit

Judith Veronica Mowatt was born on December 23, 1952, in Gordon Town, St. Andrew, Jamaica. Her earliest musical influences came from church and traditional Jamaican folk music. By her teenage years, she was already performing, dancing, and writing music under the stage name Julianne.

Judy was also a member of the dance troupe Ballet Nacional de Jamaica, showing her versatility as a performing artist. Her early days in music included singing with girl groups like The Gaylettes, where her voice began to garner national attention.

I-Threes and The Bob Marley Era

In 1974, when Bob Marley’s original Wailers vocalists Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer left the group, Judy was recruited alongside Rita Marley and Marcia Griffiths to form the I-Threes. This legendary trio would become the spiritual and harmonic backbone of Bob Marley & The Wailers during their most iconic global tours and recordings.

Their blend of sweet harmonies and conscious lyrics helped lift songs like:

“No Woman No Cry”
“Exodus”
“One Drop”
“Redemption Song” (live performances)

Judy brought a deep, grounding energy to the group, blending gospel roots with Rastafarian conviction.

Pioneering Solo Work: “Black Woman”

Judy Mowatt’s 1979 album “Black Woman” is not just a reggae classic—it is a landmark in global Black feminist music. It was the first reggae LP by a woman to be written, produced, and performed entirely by a female artist.

Standout tracks include:

“Black Woman” – a stirring anthem of strength and pride
“Zion Chant” – a deeply spiritual meditation on liberation
“Down in the Valley” – a song of pain, struggle, and rising

This album positioned Judy not only as a leading voice in reggae but also as an outspoken advocate for women’s empowerment and African identity. Critics and scholars often hail Black Woman as one of the greatest reggae albums of all time.

Spiritual Evolution and Gospel Reggae

Later in life, Judy Mowatt transitioned toward gospel reggae, reflecting a personal spiritual transformation. She became a born-again Christian and used her platform to promote messages of faith, healing, and devotion through albums like:

“Look at Love”
“Love Is Overdue”
“Something Old, Something New”

Despite her spiritual shift, Judy never abandoned her roots. Her gospel works maintain the rhythmic pulse of reggae and carry the same messages of resistance, love, and upliftment that defined her earlier career.

Honors and Recognition

Judy Mowatt has received numerous accolades, including:

Order of Distinction (Commander Class) by the Jamaican government (1999)
Grammy nomination for Working Wonders (1986) – the first solo female reggae Grammy nominee
Induction into the Reggae Walk of Fame and numerous international honors

Museum Exhibit Highlights

In our “Women of Reggae” Room at The Reggae Museum, Judy Mowatt’s legacy is featured through:

Stage-worn garments and performance photographs
Original vinyl of “Black Woman” and studio notes
Rare footage of I-Threes in concert with Bob Marley
Interactive listening station of her gospel and roots reggae albums
A tribute mural celebrating her lyrical focus on Pan-Africanism, womanhood, and spirituality

Curator’s Final Thoughts

Judy Mowatt represents the soul of conscious reggae—a voice both nurturing and revolutionary. In a genre dominated by male figures, she emerged not only as a powerful singer, but as a philosopher, prophet, and pioneer. Her work paved the way for countless reggae women artists and set a gold standard of integrity, creativity, and message-driven music.

At The Reggae Museum, we proudly salute Judy Mowatt—a true lioness of Jah’s kingdom.