Gyptian

Windel Beneto Edwards, better known as Gyptian, is a Jamaican reggae and dancehall vocalist who has been a steady presence in Caribbean music since the mid-2000s. He first gained attention with early roots-oriented singles like "Serious Times" and "Beautiful Lady," showcasing a smooth vocal delivery and a natural ear for catchy melodies. By balancing conscious roots anthems with rhythm-heavy dancehall tracks, he quickly built a loyal following in Jamaica before his sound naturally began crossing over to international audiences. Gyptian reached a new level of global recognition with his 2010 crossover hit "Hold You." The track became a massive international success, dominating radio airplay, earning multi-platinum certifications, and securing both a MOBO Award for Best Reggae Act and a Soul Train Music Award for Best Reggae Artist. This breakthrough cemented Gyptian as a leading voice in contemporary Jamaican music and opened the door for high-profile collaborations across hip-hop, R&B, and pop. Through subsequent projects like his 2013 album Sex, Love and Reggae and a constant stream of new singles, he has maintained his core audience while smoothly evolving his sound. Staying active as a frequent collaborator within the wider reggae community, Gyptian connected with Easy Star Records in 2021 through his work with Hawaiian reggae group The Green. He provided a guest vocal feature alongside J Boog on the single "Feelings," an upbeat, standout track from the band's album Brand New Eyes. The collaboration highlighted Gyptian's ability to easily cross regional borders, blending his Jamaican dancehall energy with a modern Pacific island reggae sound. Whether releasing his own solo material or jumping on a new rhythm, he continues to be a defining and adaptable voice in modern island music.