In a remarkable musical achievement, 13-year-old Canadian artist Jazmin Headley has ascended to the pinnacle of the Reggae North Canada Top 20 Reggae and Dancehall chart with her inspirational single “The Fire Inside.” The Toronto-based singer, whose parents originate from St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, collaborated with dancehall icon Bounty Killer (Rodney Price) and veteran reggae artist Richie Stephens on the chart-topping track.
Headley revealed to the Jamaica Observer that the song’s creation was fueled by her observations of everyday life and personal experiences. “It was also inspired by the will to motivate others and encourage my peers,” the ninth-grade student explained, expressing surprise at the track’s overwhelming popularity within the Jamaican diaspora community in Canada.
The young artist acknowledged the significant role Bounty Killer has played in her musical development, noting that he initiated her career at just nine years old. “He has been a very effective figure in my music career and treats me with love and respect. He’s family,” Headley stated. She similarly praised Richie Stephens as “amusing, very positive, and encouraging.”
Meanwhile, the Canadian reggae charts showcase other notable movements: Jah Cutta’s “How Sweet It Is” maintains its position at number two, while Sone G’s “Rescue Me” descends from first to third place. New York’s reggae scene witnesses George Nooks claiming the top spot with “Your Grace and Mercy,” and Bob Marley’s “Legend” continues its historic dominance on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart for an unprecedented 316 non-consecutive weeks.
In parallel developments, Shaggy’s collaborative track “Boom Body” featuring Akon and Aidonia demonstrates upward mobility across multiple charts, advancing on both the South Florida Reggae chart and Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay chart, signaling the continued cross-genre appeal of dancehall-inspired music.