The Musical Legacy Of A Reggae Prodigy : Chronixx

Jamar Rolando McNaughton, known professionally as Chronixx, is a prominent Jamaican reggae artist born on October 10, 1992. Renowned for his contributions to the reggae revival movement, Chronixx’s music embodies a blend of vibrant cultural themes and contemporary sounds. His stage name replaced “Little Chronicle,” a nod to his father, the singer Chronicle. Today, Chronixx is celebrated alongside other reggae luminaries like Protoje, Jah9, and Kabaka Pyramid, solidifying his place in the heart of Jamaican music.

Early Musical Beginnings

Chronixx’s journey into music began at an astonishingly young age. By the time he was just five years old, he penned his first song, “Rice Grain.” Growing up in a musically inclined family, where his father was a singer, Chronixx was exposed to the rhythms of reggae and gospel music early on. He attended St. Catherine High School in Spanish Town, where he began to cultivate his skills in music production and composition. His career took off when he recorded a gospel track at age 11, followed by providing harmony vocals for established artists.

Rise to Prominence

The year 2012 marked a significant turning point in Chronixx’s career. His music began to receive substantial airplay across Jamaica, leading to performances at major festivals such as Reggae Sumfest. A memorable appearance at Tracks and Records in Kingston, attended by sports icon Usain Bolt, further established his growing fame. His inclusion in the Major Lazer-curated mixtape “Start a Fire” introduced his sound to a broader audience.

Chronixx’s hits “Smile Jamaica” and “Here Comes Trouble” in 2013 propelled him to international recognition. His tours in the United Kingdom and the United States, alongside his band Zincfence Redemption, showcased his dynamic performance style. Notably, his role as a Peace Ambassador during Kenya’s general election highlighted his commitment to social issues through music.

Dread & Terrible: An EP that Shook the Charts

Chronixx released his EP, “Dread & Terrible,” on April 1, 2014, which quickly ascended to the top of the Billboard Top Reggae Albums chart. Following notable performances, including an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” the EP gained additional traction, reflecting his growing influence in the reggae scene. By March 2015, “Dread & Terrible” had spent an impressive 42 consecutive weeks in the top 10 of the reggae charts.

Awards and Recognition

Chronixx’s contributions to music have not gone unnoticed. In 2014, he won multiple awards at the Linkage Awards in New York, including Culture Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year. His collaboration with Protoje on the single “Who Knows” further solidified his status, earning recognition with a Silver certification by the BPI in 2022. His accolades extended to a MOBO Award nomination and multiple wins at the International Reggae & World Music Awards.

The Establishment of ZincFence Recordz

Chronixx’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish ZincFence Recordz, a production house dedicated to nurturing reggae talent. Alongside Romain “Teflon” Arnett, he has produced hits not only for himself but also for other prominent artists like Jah Cure and Protoje.

Recent Works and Future Endeavors

In 2017, Chronixx released his debut album, “Chronology,” which received a Grammy Award nomination, affirming his status as a leading figure in reggae music. His latest single, “Dela Move,” released on March 13, 2020, heralds the upcoming album “Dela Splash,” inspired by his hometown of De La Vega City.

Conclusion

Chronixx stands as a beacon of the reggae revival movement, blending traditional sounds with modern themes of love, resilience, and social justice. His journey from a young boy writing songs in Jamaica to a globally recognized artist exemplifies the power of music as a force for change. For more updates on Chronixx and the reggae scene, visit www.purejamaicamedia.com.