Wayne Smith - Under Me Sleng Teng

Year Released: 1985
Genre: Dancehall, Reggae, Digital Reggae

Description:

Under Me Sleng Teng by Wayne Smith is a groundbreaking single released in 1985 that revolutionized reggae and dancehall music by introducing one of the first fully computerized riddims. Produced by King Jammy (Lloyd James), the track famously utilized the Sleng Teng rhythm — a digital backing track created from a preset on a Casio MT-40 keyboard — which became a foundational sound for the digital dancehall era.

Wayne Smith’s smooth and effortless vocal delivery over the electronic beat marked a radical shift from traditional reggae’s live-band instrumentation to a new digital sound, characterized by synthesized basslines and drum patterns. This transformation not only modernized reggae but also democratized music production, allowing producers and artists to create tracks with less reliance on expensive studio musicians.

The song’s catchy melody and repetitive rhythm made it an instant club favorite, influencing countless artists and producers worldwide. Under Me Sleng Teng effectively launched the digital dancehall movement, which dominated Jamaican music from the mid-1980s onward, and its impact is still felt today in contemporary reggae and dancehall productions.

The track is widely regarded as a classic and a pioneering moment in reggae history. It helped usher in a new era of sound innovation and remains a staple for DJs, collectors, and fans of reggae’s evolution. Its influence extends beyond Jamaica, affecting genres such as hip-hop, electronic music, and global pop.