In late 1995, 19-year-old Jamaican artist Miguel Collins made his debut on a Manhattan stage. Dressed in an oversized striped shirt with a multicolor woolen tam on his head, his ferocious vocals, and the gravity of his lyrics, espousing the importance of having African representation in the form of a Black Messiah ("I no have no white god, don't teach me anything wrong, could your white god save me from white man oppression?") belied his youthful appearance. As a supporting act on the lineup, Miguel performed an abbreviated set, but made a lasting impression. He would soon become known to reggae fans around the world by a name that reflects his blistering musical approach: Sizzla.
One of Jamaica’s most prolific artists with more than 90 albums to his name, Sizzla is also among the most influential figures in the reggae and dancehall genres. His deeply felt, passionate sing-jay vocals deliver lyrics that span reverential Rastafarian themes, commentaries reflecting historical, political and societal injustices and a love of his African people. However, he’s also incorporated explicit and violent lyrics that align with hardcore dancehall sensibilities, not the words of a Rastafari reggae standard bearer.
"I sing about Jah, love for the ladies and liberation, positive vibrations that are part of the culture. The gangster songs and gal [sexually explicit] songs only last for a time, roots rock reggae can last forever," he told Billboard in 2012. Likewise, his firebrand live performances have set a standard that few can emulate. "If I’m working tonight, I am working with the intent that the media will write about me in the morning," Sizzla told I Never Knew TV.
A complex artist who is steadfast in his principles, Sizzla is also a producer, philanthropist, community leader and a global reggae ambassador whose work has inspired subsequent generations. In celebration of his milestone anniversary here are 30 things to know about Sizzla.
He Was Born Into A Rastafari Family
Sizzla was born Miguel Orlando Collins to Rastafarian parents in the Scotts Hall area of St. Mary, Jamaica, on April 17, 1976 and raised in the Kingston community of August Town. His mother, Mama Lou stressed the importance of schoolwork and education, which contributed to Sizzla’s love of writing, as evidenced by his commanding lyrics.
He Initially Aspired To Be A Mechanic
Sizzla learned auto mechanics from his father who operated a garage. He initially explored a career in that trade, studying it in high school, alongside auto body work and welding. When Sizzla's musical talent was recognized while he was still in school, his career focus shifted.
However, he retained his aptitude for mechanics and has taught those skills to the youths around him.
His First Artist Name Was The Likkle One
Sizzla's first deejay name was "the Likkle One" because he was just a teenager when he began pursuing his craft, diligently practicing on his father’s Black Steel sound system set up in the garage.
Caveman International Sound System Was Sizzla's "Musical School"
Essential to Sizzla’s development as one reggae/dancehall’s most enthralling artists was his apprenticeship with Everton "Dr. Cave" Moore, a.k.a. Caveman’s International sound system, renowned for its commitment to preserving reggae music’s cultural strain.
"We used to do a lot of stage shows and the type of trucks that take us wasn’t lovely, but we would still get the sound system packed into the truck; we’d sleep road side, rain fall and wet you up, you learn humility and patience in working towards your goals," Sizzla told I Never Knew TV. "Caveman would give us riddims to practice on, if it's 10 riddims, you have to come with 10 different lyrics, no repeat. It was a musical school."
He Received His Fiery Moniker From Mentor Homer Harris
Miguel was given the name Sizzla by an elder named Homer Harris, who identified his talent and guided him in the earliest days of his musical journey. Harris introduced young Miguel to other notable teachers, including acclaimed saxophonist/producer Dean Fraser and the late producer Philip "Fatis" Burrell who remained Sizzla’s manager until his death in December 2011.
In a YouTube clip, Harris explained the reasoning behind the scorching moniker. "When you know someone is hot, like when water drops on a stove and sizzles away? He was that at a young age."
Sizzla Released His First Recordings In 1995
Sizzla’s first single is said to be "I Wonder (I’m Not Sure)", produced by Philip "Fatis" Burrell. Sizzla’s delivery sounds timid, devoid of the dynamism and melodic qualities that would soon come to characterize his work, yet the song’s lyrics reflected his ability to provocatively convey his dissatisfaction with conditions around him: "Living in this world of conflicts and sorrows, bodies lay cold as gunmen strike bold, and the wicked people work is taking off like an arrow."
The same year, Sizzla released his first album, Burning Up, also produced by Fatis and distributed by Washington D.C.’s Ras Records.
Sizzla Made His NYC Debut At The Palladium
Sizzla and Mikey General were supporting acts for singer Luciano, then one of reggae’s biggest stars, on Dec. 7, 1995. All three were part of producer Philip "Fatis" Burrell’s Xterminator crew and made their New York City debut at the legendary, now defunct Palladium on East 14th St.
However, the overflow crowd outside prompted the New York City Fire Department to temporarily shut down the block where the Palladium was located, causing some fans to miss the show.
Sizzla Released Two Exceptional Albums In 1997
Two years after his debut, Sizzla released a pair of records regarded as the best of the year, and among the finest in his inexhaustible career: Praise Ye Jah, produced by Philip "Fatis" Burrell and Black Woman and Child, its stellar production helmed by another mentor in Sizzla’s evolution, the late Robert "Bobby Digital" Dixon.
Both albums incorporate burnished reggae rhythms that beautifully surround Sizzla’s bravura vocal performances. Each of their title tracks are regarded as anthems: "Praise Ye Jah" a stunning avowal of his allegiance to Rastafari and "Black Woman and Child," a captivating, heartfelt expression of Sizzla’s eternal love for Black women, the mothers of creation.
He Adopted A Second Name-Kalongi
Following the acclaim and elevated career status garnered by Praise Ye Jah and Black Woman and Child, Sizzla added ''Kalonji'' to his name. Said to be of Congolese origin and meaning victorious, the name reflects his personal triumphs and the successes he envisions for his people.
Sizzla Is A Member Of The Bobo Ashanti Order Of Rastafari
Bobo Ashanti is one of the three branches or mansions of Rastafari, founded by Prince Emanuel Edwards. Bobo Dreads, as they are called, are often identified by covering their dreadlocks with cloth wrapped as turbans and adhere to dietary laws and other practices that are stricter than other Rastafari mansions. As Sizzla stated in a YouTube clip, "Bobo is one of the highest realms for Black people."
He Launched Judgement Yard In August Town
Sizzla established the Judgement Yard community center in August Town, Kingston, which is also his residence and the site of his recording studio and label, Kalonji Records. He is responsible for many youths in the community who seek his assistance and guidance in life as well as music.
Sizzla chose the name of his community center from Psalm 9: "But the Lord shall endure forever: He hath prepared His throne for judgement."
Da Real Thing Was Produced By Bobby Digital
Bobby Digital’s crisp production married nuanced, superbly crafted reggae rhythms with Sizzla’s sharp lyrics on an array of topics from ganja ("Got It Right Here") to broken hearted laments ("Just One of Those Days") to resilience ("Solid As A Rock") and the poignant "Thank U Mamma". Released on Nov. 19, 2002, Da Real Thing stands as one of the greatest albums within Sizzla's, and reggae’s, voluminous canon.
He’s Respectfully Referred To As Dada
Dada, or some form of the word, means father in many languages. In Jamaica, dada is also used as a term of respect bestowed upon males who’ve imparted leadership, wisdom and guidance to those around them. For his immense contributions in music and in his community, Sizzla is reverentially called Dada.
He's Sown Controversy With LGTBQ+ Community
Sizzla has a history of controversy surrounding anti-gay lyrics, primarily relative to a few songs released between 2000–2005. That controversy has led to numerous concert cancellations and voracious condemnation from various LGBTQ+ rights groups, beginning in the early 2000s.
In 2007, Sizzla and other reggae artists signed the Reggae Compassionate Act, to renounce homophobia and remove lyrics that promote violence against gay people from their music. Still, Sizzla experienced renewed rounds of protests and concert cancellations in Europe and the U.S. well into the next decade.
In a 2012 press release, Sizzla called the cancellations "censorship designed to create maximum economic damage for everyone involved in the tour and the reggae industry at large." He also questioned the lack of protests against marquee names in hip-hop and pop "who make clear stances against these same issues."
His statement also attributed the international community’s lack of understanding of Rastafari, which traditionally rebukes homosexuality (as it does violence) and "the metaphoric and allegoric expression" of Sizzla’s Jamaican Patois lyrics, as significant factors in the ongoing campaign waged against his music.
Rihanna Is Featured On A Remix Of "Give Me A Try"
In 2003, Sizzla teamed up with producer Donovan "Don Corleon" Bennett for the Rise to the Occasion album, said to have been recorded in just over a week.
The album’s R&B flavored single"Give Me A Try" utilizes a sparse rhythm that’s little more than an intermittent, jangly guitar that frames Sizzla’s spectacularly emotive vocals and wailing falsetto pleas for a woman to take a chance with him. A teenaged Rihanna, at the threshold of her extraordinary career, jumped ona remix of "Give Me A Try", and it was released as a single in 2006.
He's Had Several Visa Cancellations
Sizzla's U.S. work visa was first revoked in 2008, widely speculated to be related to his controversial song lyrics. His visa was reinstated in 2016, then rescinded. He was granted a three-year work permit and a five-year visitor's visa in 2016, his work visa was revoked again in 2019.
Sizzla stated that his visa issues were partially due to a bad police record stemming from a previous marijuana charge, according to his Instagram post. In 2024 his U.S. visa was again reinstated.
He Signed A Deal With Damon Dash After Talks with Jay-Z Fell Through
Sizzla signed with the Dame Dash Music Group, then an imprint of Def Jam, and released one album, The Overstanding, in November 2006, a joint venture with Sizzla’s Kalonji Records and Koch Records. The DDMG deal came about after talks with Jay-Z fell through, as he explained in an interview on the "Entertainment Report" podcast.
Curiously, the 11 tracks on The Overstanding are predominantly remakes of Sizzla classics, including "Give Me A Try," "Black Woman and Child," and "Solid As A Rock," but none are as compelling as the originals.
Sizzla Has A Connection With Zimbabwe
On April 18, 1980 Bob Marley performed at midnight, as Zimbabwe, formerly Rhodesia, became Africa’s newest independent state, and Robert Mugabe, the country’s first prime minister. Thirty years later, Sizzla was invited to Zimbabwe to participate in the 21st February Movement Gala and Robert Mugabe’s 86th birthday celebration, one of many trips he would make to the southern African nation.
Sizzla says he was given a farm by the people there, refuting widespread speculation the farm was a gift from the government. Everton "Caveman" Moore who accompanied Sizzla on the trip remained in Zimbabwe for several months and built a recording studio there.
He’s A Motorcycle Enthusiast
Sizzla has been riding, racing and performing stunts on motorcycles for years. He’s also hosted several motorcycle events in Jamaica including his Crank Up Festival. However in 2011 and again in 2019 he lost control of the bike he was riding and crashed. In the latter accident, he broke his ankle and was hospitalized for a few days.
He Opened A Recording Studio In East Kingston
The east Kingston community called Mountain View has for years been plagued by gang violence climaxing in 2003 with 40 lives lost in 90 days. In 2012, Sizzla, Caveman and Orlando "King" Hamilton, a significant mediator in the peace between Mountain View’s warring factions, became partners in the Eastern Peace Center, located in Mountain View.
Sizzla and Caveman opened a recording studio at the facility. "After what music has done for me, I want to help other youths learn production, engineering and other industry skills that bring an honest income to them," Sizzla told Billboard.
Sizzla’s 70th Album Led To His First GRAMMY Nomination
Sizzla’s The Messiah brought the artist his first, and to date only, nomination for Best Reggae Album at the 2014 GRAMMYs. Released through Sizzla’s Kalongi Music label, with Sizzla as Executive Producer, The Messiah features the production of Richard "Breadback" Bramwell (formerly an engineer with Fatis’s Xterminator Records), alongside musicians from the Firehouse Crew.
The Messiah pairs heavy roots reggae rhythms with Sizzla’s pliant vocals and thought-provoking lyrics addressing the plights of African people scattered through the world on "Look How Many Years," sharp criticisms of "Babylon and dem distraction" on "Center Of Attraction," and a celestial adaptation of "Psalms 121." In an interview with JussBuss Acoustic, Sizzla said receiving a GRAMMY nod was "part and parcel of the whole mission," adding, "the GRAMMY title is really important in reggae music."
He Received The Reggae Icon Award
On Aug. 6, 2019 the Jamaica Government conferred Sizzla with a Reggae Icon Award for his contribution to the development of the music industry, during the Jamaica 57 Independence Grand Gala in Kingston.
"I’m most honored and most thankful in receiving such an award from such a noble nation, people and beautiful government in the Western Hemisphere. It comes as a bit of a surprise," said Sizzla. The honor recognized Sizzla’s musical contributions and his philanthropic efforts.
Rihanna Used a Sizzla Song To Soundtrack Her Own Triumph
In 2021, Rihanna made history as the first Black woman to have an album (2016’s ANTI) spend five consecutive years on the Billboard 200 chart. To celebrate that milestone, Rihanna posted a reel of various career highlights, including her role as an ambassador to Malawi for the Global Partnership of Education and footage from her successful ANTI world tour, on her Instagram page.
For the soundtrack to her reel, she chose Sizzla’s anthemic "Black Woman and Child", likely for its apt lyrics, "dollar bills and coins will fade away, they could never make I so proud."
Sizzla Performed With A Symphony Orchestra
In February 2022, Sizzla performed with a 35-piece symphony dubbed the Reggae Orchestra as part of Rise to the Occasion in Kingston. The special event occurred during Jamaica's official Reggae Month. Musical arrangement by Jon Williams, with Ibo Cooper as orchestra conductor and Dean Fraser as band leader and musical director.
He Destroyed Plaques Recognizing His Work With DJ Khaled
In a December 2022 video, Sizzla stunned viewers when destroyed two platinum RIAA framed certification plaques for his work on DJ Khaled's albums Grateful and Father of Asahd. In the video, Sizzla tells an associate holding a knife to "cut out the baby’s picture, the children are innocent’’ (DJ Khaled’s son Asahd is pictured on both albums covers); Sizzla carefully places the photos of Asahd on an elevated surface. The plaques are then broken into several pieces which are stacked on the ground, doused with lighter fluid or gasoline and set ablaze. Sizzla can be heard repeating "you insult me DJ Khaled."
While an explanation was not given at the time for his actions, Sizzla’s engineer/producer Makonnen Blake Hannah later clarified that it was a protestation of an incorrect spelling of Sizzla’s real name, as Miguel Collin; Khaled was made aware of the error but it was never corrected. "That is a discrepancy right there; you cannot collect your royalties if your name is not spelled correctly," Makonnen said.
However, in a 2024 interview with "The Fix" podcast, Sizzla claimed he destroyed the plaques because the font size displaying his name on the plaque was too small. "Put my name big like yours, he should have known that," Sizzla remarked.
Sizzla Became The Rastafari Chief Of Development For Repatriation To Ghana
King Nana Anim Obiri, the Culture Ambassador in the Office of the President of Ghana traveled to Jamaica in October 2024, at Sizzla’s invitation, to declare the reggae artist Rastafari Chief of Development for Repatriation to Ghana.
In interviews and on record, Sizzla has maintained the importance of Africans returning to Africa; in his new role he is expected to encourage Rastafarians and Jamaicans, many of whom have Ghanaian ancestry, to relocate to the west African nation.
"Kalonji Konversations" Kicked Off Sizzla’s Anniversary Festivities
Kalonji Konversations was the first of 30 initiatives commemorating Sizzla’s 30th anniversary. The intimate event, held on April 10, 2025 in Pembroke Pines, Florida (just north of Miami) featured Cur8ting Global’s Tamiann Johnson in conversation with Sizzla, and selectors Foota Hype, Jazzy T, Tony Matterhorn and Supa Twitch playing some of his greatest songs. Stephen, Julian, Damian and Ky-mani Marley were among the attendees.
Oliver Mair, Jamaica’s Consul General of South Florida, presented Sizzla with an official proclamation recognizing his three-decade influence on Jamaica’s music and culture. Sizzla was hailed as "a living legend, a revolutionary boss and an unwavering spirit warrior."
Sizzla Received A Key To The City Of Lauderhill, Florida
Sizzla headlined the Solid As A Rock Concert, a celebration of Jamaica’s 63rd anniversary of Independence, and was presented with the key to the city of Lauderhill, Florida on Aug. 3, 2025 by Mayor Denise D. Grant.
During a special ceremony, he also received a special citation from the U.S. Congress, acknowledging his impact beyond music and his role as a cultural ambassador. "This is more than just an award. It’s a reminder that music can be a powerful tool for change and healing," Sizzla said upon receiving the honors.
Sizzla’s Youth Foundation Will Be Recognized For Its Humanitarian Actions
At the third annual Caribbean Music Awards on Aug. 28, 2025 in Brooklyn the Sizzla Youth Foundation will be recognized with the Humanitarian Award for its steadfast dedication to youth empowerment, education, and community upliftment through music and social programs.
According to the Foundation's website, the community-based non-profit "helps to educate, feed and create a safe space for the youths in Jamaica and throughout the world." The Foundation also provides scholarships, hosts back to school events for children in August Town and nearby communities and has built a studio where local artists can record their music.
A 30 Year Retrospective Concert Will Be Held In Kingston
Sizzla will culminate his 30th anniversary with a retrospective concert, Rise to the Occasion – Celebrating 30 Years of Sizzla, which will include special guest artists and curated tribute segments reflecting Sizzla’s global influence. The concert takes place at Kingston’s Sabina Park on Sunday Oct. 19, which is observed as Heroes Weekend on the island, an ideal time to contemplate the decades of work by Sizzla, a singular reggae/dancehall hero.