While most fans and music insiders have crowned Marcia Griffiths the ‘Queen of Reggae,’ the legendary singer has never claimed the title for herself.
“I’ve never uttered that from my mouth,” Griffiths told Caribbean National Weekly. “I’m here to do what God sent me to do — deliver to the best of my ability. No hype, no excitement… just the music.”
We caught up with the ‘Dreamland’ singer just days before her tri-state area performances with Beres Hammond and Cham. She told us the title was bestowed upon her years ago by a Florida Commissioner, and while she accepts the honor with gratitude, she remains modest. “If you want to say that title, fine. But I won’t say it,” she said.
Reggae historian and former manager for Griffiths Copeland Forbes confirmed that she never refers to herself as the ‘Queen of Reggae.’
“I have never heard her call herself the Queen of Reggae. Everyone does, but not her,” he told Caribbean National Weekly.
Marcia’s humility was on full display when she was asked to do a dub plate with Soca Queen Alison Hinds a few years ago.
“I remember I was in the studio doing some dub plates and someone requested a dub with myself and Allison Hinds. She had done her part already and it was sent to the engineer. They want me to say, ‘I am the Queen of Reggae.’ I wouldn’t do it. I just call my name,” she shared.
Yet, the record speaks for itself. Griffiths’ career spans more than six decades, during which she built a catalogue of enduring hit songs such as ‘I Shall Sing,’ ‘Feel Like Jumping’ and ‘Electric Boogie’ — the song that sparked the international dance craze known as the Electric Slide. She was also one-third of the I-Threes, the celebrated harmony trio that backed Reggae King Bob Marley and the Wailers, helping to carry reggae to global audiences. As a solo artist, her voice has become synonymous with reggae’s soulful resilience, bridging generations and cultures.
With achievements that have cemented her place in music history, the humility of Marcia Griffiths only amplifies the reverence fans hold for her. Whether she chooses to wear the crown or not, to millions around the world, she will always be the undisputed Queen of Reggae.
