Skillibeng is Emwah Warmington, a Jamaican dancehall and drill artist from Saint Thomas, Jamaica. He grows up in the rural community of Lyssons and begins making music while still at school. He later starts a solo career while working at his father’s company, and a near-death experience leads him to focus on music full-time.

Early releases and breakthrough

Warmington first releases music in 2015 and 2016 with tracks such as “Skilli She Love” and “Bruk Up Party”, which use an electronically driven style. His major breakthrough comes in 2019 with “Brick Pan Brick”, a track that establishes him as a major figure in dancehall and helps build an international audience in the early 2020s. The song becomes a success in Jamaica and centres on hustling and money.

Albums and prolific output

After his breakout, Skillibeng follows a rapid release pattern. In 2020 he puts out 43 singles and his debut album, The Prodigy, which appears on the US Current Reggae Albums Chart and reaches number 16. In 2021 he releases a further 38 singles, along with the albums The Prodigy: Ladies Only and Crocodile Teeth LP.

Key tracks and collaborations

Among his notable tracks are “Mr. Universe”, “Coke”, and “Crocodile Teeth”, the last of which is remixed by Nicki Minaj. He also records with a range of artists, including Quenga on “Not”, Sleepy Hallow on “2 Sauce [Remix]”, Unknown T on “Wollan”, and Popcaan and Rich the Kid on “Rocket Launcher”.

Labels and recognition

Skillibeng is signed to RCA Records and Eastsyde Records. In 2022 he wins Best Caribbean Music Act at the MOBO Awards.