Sly and Robbie Architects of Modern Reggae Music

Labrish
8 min readMay 25, 2024

Legendary Jamaican rhythm duo Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare are the incomparable architects of modern Jamaican reggae. Known as the “Riddim Twins,” they’ve left their mark on over 200,000 reggae tracks.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, their music ruled the reggae world. Their music, from deep basslines to captivating drum grooves, defined a new era. A lot of this happened at the famous Channel One studio.

Key Takeaways

  • Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare are widely regarded as the architects of modern Jamaican reggae music.
  • As the “Riddim Twins”, they have played on or produced over 200,000 recordings, dominating the reggae scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
  • Their innovative basslines and drum grooves, as well as their work at the iconic Channel One studio, have had a profound impact on the evolution of reggae.
  • They have shaped the sound of reggae in the post-Bob Marley era, cementing their status as legends of Jamaican music.
  • Their influence extends beyond Jamaica, with collaborations with international artists such as Bob Dylan, Grace Jones, and The Rolling Stones.

Iconic Jamaican Rhythm Duo

Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare are known as the “Riddim Twins”. They are a top rhythm team in reggae history. They have worked on over 200,000 songs or albums in their remarkable careers.

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