Ward 21

Ward 21

Ward 21 is a dancehall group from Kingston, Jamaica, active since 1998. The act is made up of Andre ‘Suku’ Gray and is associated with dancehall, hip hop and R&B. The group also works in reggae and ragga, and is closely linked with Jamaican bashment culture.

Origin and name

The group takes its name from Ward 21, the official name of the psychiatric ward at the University College Hospital in Kingston. It grows out of the Kingston ghetto sound system scene, where the members begin as music-loving youths performing in their community.

Career and sound

Ward 21 consists of DJs, songwriters and producers and is known for a progressive digital dancehall style. Their early musical experience comes through King Jammy, one of Jamaica's most influential producers, at his studio on St Lucia Avenue in Waterhouse, the area where the group also grows up.

The group releases its debut album Mentally Disturbed, after which its profile rises and it gains wider recognition as both performers and producers.

Collaborations and production work

Ward 21's productions include work with rising Jamaican female artist Tifa, as well as collaborations with European producers who take an interest in their digital dancehall sound.