On September 13, Kingston’s ATL Showroom hosted the Grammy Certificates ceremony, organized by London-based publishing house Back 2 Da Future Music Limited. The event marked a high point for Jamaican music: the legendary duo Steely and Cleviepioneers of digital dancehall, were officially honored for their major contributions to world music history.
This year has a special resonance, as it corresponds to the fortieth anniversary of their association. For many in the industry, it was an eagerly-awaited tribute, such was their influence on shaping the Jamaican sound from the 1980s onwards.
A founding duo of digital dancehall
Formed by Wycliffe “Steely” Johnson and Cleveland “Clevie” Browne, the tandem Steely and Clevie opened a new era in dancehall. Their digital rhythms, combined with unrivalled technical mastery, marked a turning point in Jamaican musical production.
During the ceremony, two key tracks were highlighted: You Don’t Love Me (No, No, No) by Dawn Penn, produced in 1994, and I’m Still in Love With You by Sean Paul and Sasha, released in 2002. These tracks have become emblematic of Steely and Clevie to create timeless sounds, fusing tradition and modernity.
Steely honoured posthumously
Steely passed away in 2009 and was honoured posthumously. His children, Shea and Shanice, received several certificates in his name. The keyboardist and producer contributed to major Grammy-winning albums, including Sean Paul’s Dutty Rock, Beenie Man’s Art & Life, Bunny Wailer’s Crucial! Bunny Wailer’s Roots Classics, and Shabba Ranks’ X-tra Naked and As Raw As Ever.
These awards are a reminder of the central role he played in transforming dancehall into a global cultural force. The emotion of his family who came to receive the certificates underlined the human and artistic significance of this moment, further strengthening the collective memory associated with Steely and Clevie.
Clevie, always in the spotlight
Clevie, meanwhile, has won direct acclaim for his work as a drummer and producer. His influence spans several decades and albums that have marked the history of reggae and dancehall. In addition to his Grammy wins, he has participated in numerous nominated projects, including Buju Banton’s Upside Down and Friends For Life, Barrington Levy’s Acousticalevy, Jimmy Cliff’s Black Magic and Breakout, and Wayne Wonder’s No Holding Back.
The ceremony served as a reminder that Steely and Clevie are not just associated with worldwide hits, but embody a collective know-how that has influenced a whole generation of artists.
Recognition extended to the entire music community
While the duo took center stage, nearly thirty musicians, singers and producers were also honored at the ceremony. Saxophonist Dean Fraser received certificates for his contribution to four Grammy-nominated albums, including Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers’ Play The Game Right and Burning Spear’s Resistance.
Guitarist and keyboardist Paul “Wrongmove” Crosdale of The Firehouse Crew was honored for his role on Shabba Ranks’ As Raw As Ever and X-tra Naked, as well as Beenie Man’s Art & Life. Other distinguished names included TOK, Squiddly Cole, Dennis Fearon, Romain Virgo, Chevelle Franklyn, Heather Cummings, Christopher Birch, Computer Paul and Lloyd Kevin “John John” James.
This collective recognition underlines the obvious: behind every international success is a team of musicians and technicians whose work helps to elevate Jamaican music on the world stage. The fact that Steely and Clevie’ s prominence also shows that their legacy extends beyond their own careers, inspiring an entire industry.
Back 2 Da Future Music Limited: a cultural mission
The Kingston ceremony is the brainchild of Back 2 Da Future Music Limited, founded twenty years ago by Kennedy Mensah, a former British journalist of Ghanaian origin. Specializing in the representation of reggae and dancehall artists, the company is committed to preserving and promoting this musical heritage.
Since 2024, the structure has organized similar ceremonies in London, Miami and Kingston, multiplying initiatives to give international visibility to figures on the Jamaican scene. This year’s event continues this tradition, reinforcing the legitimacy of reggae-dancehall players within the global industry.
Steely and Clevie: a living legacy
Beyond the awards, the tribute to Steely and Clevie reminded us that their legacy lives on. Their productions continue to inspire contemporary artists, both in Jamaica and abroad. By officially sanctioning their certificates, the Recording Academy has confirmed the historic importance of their contribution.
The ceremony not only turned the spotlight on the past. It also showed that Jamaica remains a creative hotbed capable of having a lasting influence on popular music on an international scale. Even today, the mention of Steely and Clevie evoke both a pivotal period and an inspiration for future generations.
The Grammy Certificates ceremony in Kingston was more than just a tribute. It consecrated Steely and Clevie as architects of digital dancehall, and reminded us of the importance of the Jamaican music community as a whole.
Forty years after the duo’s official birth, their work remains as relevant as ever. For Jamaica, this tribute represents cultural affirmation and international recognition. For their peers, it is a reminder that music history is written not only by the stars of the scene, but also by those creators who transform each rhythm into a lasting imprint.
