Junior Kelly is a reggae singer from Kingston, Jamaica, born Keith Morgan in 1969. He is associated with reggae, roots reggae, dancehall and ragga, and is known for lyrics shaped by his Rastafarian faith, particularly the Bobo Shanti mansion.

Career

Junior Kelly begins recording in the mid-1990s and cuts his first single, Over Her Body, in 1985 for Neco Records. After following sound systems around Jamaica and auditioning for producers in Kingston, he records songs including Black Woman and If Love So Nice for Michael Stanford’s M Rush Records. He also records Hungry Days and Good Tidings for Willie Carson’s Front Page label while in the United States.

His profile rises in late 1995 with appearances at major Jamaican stage shows including Reggae Sunsplash and Sting, as well as performances in several north-eastern American cities. He is also a songwriter, and his work is noted for contemplative lyrics and a wide range of subject matter.

Breakthrough recordings

If Love So Nice becomes a major hit in Jamaica in 2001, where it holds the number one position for 15 weeks. The song is described as taking a route through Europe before reaching the top of the Jamaican charts, and its instrumental backing uses the bass line from Bob Marley’s Stir It Up, played by Aston “Familyman” Barrett. Another well-known song is Rasta Should Be Deeper, which reflects his religious convictions.

Albums

His early albums Rise and Juvenile are released in 2000. Love So Nice follows in 2001, and Urban Poet, his 15th album, is released in 2015. He also issues a VP Records debut album titled If Love So Nice.

Background

Junior Kelly is raised in Spanish Town after being born in St Thomas, Jamaica. Music is part of his family life: his grandfather and father both play banjo, his mother sings in church, and his older brother Jim is a deejay with the Kilamanjaro sound system. Jim’s murder affects the family deeply, and after his death Kelly follows sound systems and pursues recording work to support his family. He is described as refusing to write lewd lyrics or songs that disrespect women, keeping his content aligned with his Rastafarian principles.