lady ann

Born and raised as Barbara Ann Smith in western Kingston, the musical world grew to know her as Lady Ann.  This petite and powerful dj was a force to be reckoned with amongst her male counterparts. Her musical experience started by listening and attending local reggae dancehall sessions throughout the early 70’s.  Two of her favorite sound systems were Black Harmony and Soulatonie.

Lady Ann was great friends with musical giants like Little John and Ranking Toyan. In 1978 Little John was credited as being the first artist to give Ann her first break at a dancehall session held by the original Killamanjaro sound system.  Her popularity grew as she started working with other toasters who influenced her musical journey.  These were icons like Sugar Minott, Clint Eastwood, Ranking Dillinger, Trinity, Ranking Joe, Louie Lepkie, Michigan & Smiley, Barry Brown and more. Lady Ann quickly gained their respect and performed regularly on sounds like Stereophonic, Metromedia, Gemini Disco, Lee’s Unlimited, Romantic Hi-Fi and Kilimanjaro. She began her professional music career by recording her first 2 songs; Plan Your Family (with Ranking Toyan), and Shine Eye Boy, for Don Mais’ Roots Tradition Label. In 1980, Leon Synmoie invited her to record several songs for the Thrill Seekers label, which ended up as part of her debut album, Vanity (on the Alvin Ranglin’s GG’s label), which also included the hit single Sataap. In 1981, she teamed with producer Blackbeard to record the song Husband & Wife on the Mr. Tipsy Label.

It was in 1982 when Lady Ann gained her biggest commercial success with her single “Informer”, produced by the legendary Joe Gibbs (as well as an LP by the same name). This song climbed up the local charts, peaking at #1, thus propelling her LP to be the #1 album in Jamaica. This created history, as Lady Ann was the first female DJ with both a #1 single and album. The success of “Informer” switched her career into high gear, which led to major international exposure. This included tours of the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. Her third LP “Connection”, was produced by Eric Bubbles (of the African Brothers), released in 1983. In addition, Lady Ann’s popularity surged to new heights, when she was named Jamaica’s first female DJ of the year. After enjoying such accomplishments, she continued to record for the top producers/labels in Jamaica, including Jah Thomas (Midnight Rock), Sly & Robbie (Taxi), Henry “Junjo” Lawes (Volcano), Bunny “Striker” Lee, Jah Life, and Shocking Vibes. Up to this date, Lady Ann has over sixty five songs to her credit, including three full length albums. She has graced the stage at music festivals such as Sting, Reggae Sum fest, Reggae Carifest, Irie Jamboree, Westchester Reggae Fest, IRAWMA Awards and Hot Shot.  Her hard work was recognized by  organizers of several music fraternities for her contribution and Lifetime Achievements as follows:

• 2009 – Tenogalar & Jersey Paul  Award
• 2016 – World Clash Best Female Veteran Dubplate Award
• 2018 – Global Reggae Music Award
• 2021 – 1 Turntable &  Mic Award

Lady Ann is respected amongst her peers as a trailblazer in the music industry. She was heartbroken after her close friend and dj Sister Charmaine passed away in early 2021. Smith now resides in New York and is still recording and performing to stay active in the industry.