Jamaican reggae musician Ginjah is celebrating a landmark international career win, with his soulful single *Lay On My Pillow* holding the number one position on West Palm Beach’s Island Gold Radio Top 10 Reggae Chart for six straight weeks – a first in his professional journey.
Born Valentine Fraser, the artist known by his stage name Ginjah traces his performing identity to reggae legend Beres Hammond, who bestowed the moniker that has become synonymous with his emotionally rooted sound. Raised in Central Village after growing up in St James, Jamaica, Ginjah says his formative life experiences are the backbone of the raw, heartfelt quality that defines his music.
“My upbringing gave me an early understanding of resilience, humility, and what real emotion feels like,” he shared in an interview. “That’s why every track I create carries so much weight – every note comes from a place of lived experience, not fabricated storytelling.”
Released March 13 via independent label Juna Vill Records, *Lay On My Pillow* draws its origins from an intimate, unscripted conversation with his partner. “The song came from a totally genuine moment,” Ginjah explained. “We were talking, and the line ‘Wouldn’t it be nice if you come lay on my pillow’ just came out. Most of my work pulls from real conversations I have, and this track is specifically for the women – I want them to walk away knowing someone sees them and cares.”
This extended run at the top of the US-based chart marks the first time Ginjah has held the number one position for such a long stretch, a milestone he calls deeply special. “When I got the news the track hit number one, I was over the moon,” he said. “As an artist, you always hope your music connects with people far from home, but this is something else. Six weeks at the top and it’s still holding strong? I’ve never had anything like this in my career.”
Ginjah was quick to share credit for the single’s cross-border success, thanking the team and community that helped lift the track to new heights. “This is not a solo win,” he emphasized. “I have to give a huge thank you to Island Gold Radio, every listener that’s been spinning the track, and the whole team at Juna Vill Records. This is the result of everyone coming together.”
For the reggae artist, the international recognition serves as both validation of his artistic path and proof that authentic Jamaican storytelling resonates beyond regional borders. “This kind of overseas acclaim tells me I’m growing, and that I’m on the right track,” he said. “It proves reggae music from Jamaica doesn’t just stay in Jamaica – it crosses borders and touches hearts all over the world. It pushes me to keep creating from my truth, and to represent our culture the way it deserves to be represented. And trust me, this is just the start.”
As his breakout single continues to gain traction among reggae fans in the United States and beyond, Ginjah is also turning his attention to lifting up the next wave of Jamaican creative talent, sharing advice for emerging artists navigating the industry. “For any up-and-coming artist just starting out, my advice is this: put your faith first, treat your craft like the gift it is, and put in the work to get better every day – at your writing, your performance, how you carry yourself,” he said. “No matter what obstacles come your way, never stop believing in yourself. Trust the process, put in the consistent work, and the success you’re chasing will find you.”