Richie Stephens

Richie Stephens, born Richard Stephenson on 5 December 1966 in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, Jamaica, is a versatile Jamaican singer and producer known for R&B, dancehall, and reggae. Early in his career, Stephens performed as part of the Grammy-winning act Soul II Soul and recorded at Motown, before working with VP Records and eventually founding his own label, Pot of Gold Records. In the 1990s, he released notable dancehall singles such as Winner, Bus the Place, and Slop Dem, while achieving UK chart success with tracks like Legacy (with Mad Cobra, 1993) and Come Give Me Your Love (featuring General Degree, 1997). His 1998 album Winner, produced by himself along with Frenchie, Danny Brownie, and Donovan Germain, cemented his reputation in dancehall and reggae circles. Over time, Stephens shifted his focus toward Christian-themed music, reflecting his personal and artistic growth. In recognition of his contributions to civic, social, and recreational projects in Westmoreland, he received the Jamaican Governor-General's Achievement Award in 2006. Despite personal tragedy with the death of his adopted son, Demar Graham (stage name Copper Cat), in 2011, Stephens continued to produce music that inspired and uplifted his audience. His 2012 album God is on My Side and a collaboration with German reggae singer Gentleman exemplified this phase of his career. Stephens has also explored musical innovation, combining Jamaican ska with electronic dance music to create the Skatech riddim in 2014, reviving interest in ska. He performed the Jamaican national anthem at the FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Panama in 2013 and began collaborating with Italy’s Ska Nation Band in 2015, while continuing to develop his solo projects. His career reflects a blend of traditional Jamaican sounds, contemporary influences, and a commitment to both musical excellence and social impact.