Luciano Messenjah

Born Jepther Washington McClymont, reggae artist “Luciano” has long reigned as the king of ‘conscious” reggae music. As a youth in Jamaica, Luciano was influenced by reggae icons such as Bob Marley and drawn to the positive message of the “one love movement”. Dubbed  “Luciano” in reference to a comparison to the clear soaring vocals of Luciano Pavoratti, his voice resonates with impeccable intonation and pitch. Inspired by the vocal talents of Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and Jim Reeves, he melded the experience of his youth singing in church with his love and passion of American R & B to create a unique and instantly identifiable sound merging soul and gospel.

After making a name for himself on the sound systems of Jamaica, he paired with producer Freddy McGregor to record for his “Big Ship” label. This resulted in his first solid mark on the charts in the UK with a cover of Cheryl Lyn’s R & B hit “Shake it Up Tonight”. As this song hit the #1 position, his name began circulating amongst reggae producers leading to a long-term collaboration with Phillip “Fattis” Burrell. The result was his 1993 recording “Moving Up” on the Xterminator label that was released to critical acclaim through VP Records. This collaboration would extend from music to management and last throughout the 90’s making a significant mark on the reggae world.

It wasn’t long after that founder of Island Records Chris Blackwell  (known for signing artists from Bob Marley to U2) took note and signed him to the now defunct Island/Mango record label. His 1995 recording “Where There is Life” swept across the world producing a string of number 1 hits such as “It’s Me Again Jah Jah”, “Lord Give Me Strength”, “Your World and Mine” and “Who Could It Be”. What makes him a unique artist in the reggae world is his ability to cross over from the dancehall to the roots audience, leaving no one behind with his brilliance.

From early on, Luciano began touring, taking his live show on the road. From touring on the Island Records produced Africa Fete Tour to heading tours on five continents, there are few festivals that Luciano has not been featured on. From Japan to Africa, throughout Australia, The UK and the United States, there isn’t a person who loves reggae that isn’t familiar with the name Luciano – fondly called “Jah Messenger”.  With appearances from France’s “Garance Reggae Festival” to Spain’s “Rototom Sunsplash” he performs for several hundred thousand fans on an annual basis. Aside from the traditional venues, in 2014, Luciano was a featured performer with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in the Netherlands, another nod to his incredible talents as a songwriter and performer.

In 2001 the VP recording “A New Day” was nominated for the Reggae Grammy ™ only to be beat out by Damian Marley’s “Halfway Tree” album. This was confirmation of his status both with the people and the industry.  In a show of national pride, 2007, The Jamaican government awarded him the Order of Distinction, which may be conferred upon a citizen who has rendered outstanding and important service to Jamaica. In his case, he was bestowed the honor in the field of entertainment. Amongst Luciano’s many other awards over the years he has also received the “Key to Kansas City” and most recently been honoured by a “Luciano Day” in Hartford, Connecticut. 

As a prolific recording artist, he has released or been included on upwards of 40 albums. With quantifiable sales of over 2 million records worldwide, there is an established market of fans longing for his next production.  It is also an indisputable fact that every one of todays successful reggae artists have grown up on a steady diet of Luciano songs.