Honey B reconnects with Jamaica through Music

For most reggae artistes born outside of Jamaica, performing there remains the litmus test. Getting the seal of approval from ‘yaad’ is like winning an Olympic gold medal.

That is how Honey B felt after completing a handful of shows in the Caribbean country, where she spent some of her youth.

“Jamaica is universally known as the hub and birthplace of reggae and dancehall music, which places it as the number one location for any reggae artiste of note to display their skills,” Honey B noted. “It’s also important to me personally that I perform in Jamaica because my experiences and interactions here shaped my perspective, musical timing and lyrical storytelling.”

The Modesto, California native traveled to Jamaica in May with two new songs to her name — ‘Not Easy’ and ‘Rootsy’, produced by Lloyd Shaw and Red Lions, respectively.

One of the events Honey B performed was Original Dancehall Thursday, a popular weekly live show in Kingston hosted by veteran deejay Peter Metro. She also made an appearance at legendary guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith’s Inna De Yard gathering, another Kingston gig that attracts a roots gathering.

“I’ve long admired the cadence and dynamic phrasing of the patois language. The history and cultural value as illustrated by Miss Lou made a deep impression on me as a songwriter, and it’s important to me that the people of Jamaica hear my tribute to them in my music,” said Honey B.

Although she was born in Central California, Honey B spent some of her youth in Jamaica where her mother was a teacher. While living in rural Hanover and Westmoreland parishes, she developed an admiration for the music of Bunny Wailer, Sister Carol, Brigadier Jerry, and Super Cat.

In recent years, she has recorded songs for Shaw, a Jamaican who is a longstanding member of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Shaw, owner of Issachar Musik, also produced ‘Happy For You’, one of the songs Honey B released in 2025.

On that track, she was backed by the legendary Roots Radics Band, known for playing with elite acts like Bunny Wailer, Gregory Isaacs, and Barrington Levy.

Being in Jamaica again reinforced Honey B’s passion for the country and its culture.

“Showcasing my versatility while networking with a lot of very talented artistes from Kingston and beyond has been a priceless experience,” she said. “I’ve definitely met some kindred spirits who value the craft of lyricism and stage presence as much as I do, and it’s been wonderful working alongside them. Creating a buzz in the country that forged who I am as an artistehas meant the world to me.”

(Photo contributed)