Biography
A voice, a sound, a message. Spectacular embodies the strength and energy of Jamaican Rastafarian artists. Deeply passionate and inspired, he leaves no one indifferent. His life journey forms the bedrock of his art, and fuels it, from his childhood in the ghettos of Kingston through the start of his career, then onward to collaborate with the greatest producers on the island and travel the world. His stage reputation precedes him. In fact, it was after his first show in 1993 that he was given his artist name following a fiery performance. Spectacular belongs to that generation of artists from the ’90s capable of delivering a spiritual message with overflowing and contagious energy. This mystical and positive intensity is expressed through roots music (his idols being Burning Spear, Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Ini Kamoze, and the Gladiators), a powerful voice that is instantly recognizable, and a universal message.
Music is innate in Spectacular. He discovered and practiced it from a very young age. Born in 1976 in Kingston, he grew up poor where music was often the only escape. Even at school, his friends recognized his talent. Young Carl Reid then decided to knock on studio doors. By saving the money his mother gave him for lunch, he managed to convince the Penthouse studio guard to let him in to observe recording sessions. He made connections, rubbed shoulders with renowned artists and producers (like Sugar Minott, Donovan Germain, Black Scorpio, Bobby Digital…). Sometimes, he was allowed to record to hone his skills. That’s how things roll in Jamaica. When you’re given a chance, you seize it and don’t mess it up. You can get kicked out of a studio as fast as you entered. Spectacular’s determination paid off. Cutty Ranks noticed him and produced his first single on Chop Records. “I Love this Girl” was released in 1996, swiftly followed by “Melody in your Voice” under Gargamel, Buju Banton’s label – which produced several of his singles. Spectacular’s career was officially launched and continued with various prominent Jamaican labels like X-Terminator, VP Records, Greensleeves, AL.TA.FA.AN, or Firehouse Crew which produced the sublime “Chant,” a duet with Jah Cure.
Spectacular quickly captured Europe’s attention, solidifying his reputation on the continent. He collaborated with the German label Germaican Records and appeared on the famous “Doctor’s Darling Riddim,” which also featured the global hit “It’s a Pity” by Tanya Stephens in 2003. His track “Voice of the People” became a hit from the series, leading to the release of his first album, “Find Yourself,” in 2005, still with Germaican Records. The European audience embraced Spectacular’s vibrant style and charisma. Numerous tours led him to collaborate with various labels, including the French label Irie Ites, with whom he delivered hits between 2005 and 2013 such as “Badda Than Dem” (“Strange Things Riddim” / 2010), “Born in the Ghetto” (“Billie Jean Riddim” / 2010), “Murda Dem” (“Murda Dem Riddim” / 2013), and “Kill Dem Sound” featuring Lutan Fyah (“Stop That Sound Riddim” / 2008). Another notable collaboration was with Conquering Records on the track “Jah Rise” (“My Enemies Riddim” / 2017), which also became a hit in France.
In the meantime, Spectacular released his second album, “Salvation,” entirely self-produced and created with Sly & Robbie and the Firehouse Crew musicians, known for accompanying Sizzla and Luciano on stage. The album featured collaborations with Anthony B (“Rise”) and Lutan Fyah (“System Dread”), and was released in 2016. More cohesive than his previous work, “Salvation” exudes wisdom and contains noteworthy conscious tracks. For instance, “Nah Do No Crime” urges Jamaican youth to turn away from violence, while “Taking it Easy” emphasizes the need to uphold values regardless of detractors. This album marked the beginning of a partnership with the French label Carabeo Music, based between Paris and Andalusia. It was rejuvenated in 2024 with a re-edition distributed by the French team at Baco Records.
Spectacular found a second family at Carabeo Music. The team supports him, both in his career and his personal life. His encounter with the musicians from the renowned Madrid-based backing band, Forward Ever Band, was also artistically enriching. After their initial collaboration in 2014 on the single “Seat Tight” (“Modern Time Riddim”), they went on to create a full album together, released in 2025. Spectacular exposes his hunger for justice, his anger towards the global order, his faith in Rastafari, and his unwavering determination on this record. He continues to express that vibrant ardor typical of Jamaican artists more fiercely than ever. And the fire is not about to stop burning. Burnin’ it burnin’ it burnin’!
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