Country: Jamaica
Ini Kamoze (born Cecil Campbell on 9 October 1957) is a Jamaican reggae singer who emerged in the early 1980s and achieved global fame in 1994 with his hit single “Here Comes the Hotstepper.” The song topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and charted highly in several countries, earning him the nickname “The Hotstepper.” His music blends reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop influences, helping him cross over to an international audience. Kamoze began his career with singles like “World Affairs” (1981) and released his self-titled debut mini-album in 1984, produced by the legendary duo Sly and Robbie. One standout track, “World a Music,” later influenced Damian Marley’s hit “Welcome to Jamrock.” Despite early promise, Kamoze faded from the spotlight in the late 1980s, releasing only occasional work until his major comeback in the mid-1990s. Following the massive success of “Here Comes the Hotstepper,” Kamoze signed a major deal with Elektra Records and released albums such as Lyrical Gangsta. In later years, he continued recording independently, releasing projects like Debut (2005), 51 50 Rule (2009), and Ini Kamoze Meets Xterminator: Tramplin' Down Babylon (2016). Beyond music, he has also written a book on the history of Port Royal and authored a play, showing his creative reach beyond reggae.
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