Jamaican recording label Tasjay Productions continues to build its legacy in reggae music, drawing on more than two decades of music production and collaborations with some of the genre’s established artists. Founded by J. A. Smith in March 2003 at 98 Hope Road, Kingston 6, the label is preparing for its next major event, the “Give Thanks for Life Concert,” scheduled for December 19, 2026, in Smith’s hometown of Mandeville, Manchester.
Smith’s journey in the music industry began in the late 1980s and early 1990s in Mandeville, where he developed his passion for reggae and began working with emerging talent. He is credited with being among the early individuals to recognize and invest in the musical careers of reggae artists Garnett Silk, Tony Rebel, Uton Green, Kulcha Knox, Yasus Afari and Deuteronomy.
His formal music production journey took shape in 2001, inspired in part by Nicko Blair, a young auto mechanic from Waterhouse, Kingston, Jamaica, at the time.
The first track associated with the project featured the lyric, “When this war is going to stop, I don’t know when this love is coming back.” The recording session brought together several artists, including Kulcha Knox, Grindsman, Rad Dixon, Color Mosses, Jah Taste, also known as Jah Touch, and Chopper Jon.
Smith recalled that Jah Taste and Rad Dixon stood out during the project, particularly with the song “No Escape No Place to Run Not Under the Sun.” According to Smith, the recording marked the beginning of his musical relationship with Rad Dixon, who is also known as Rated R.
Since then, Tasjay Productions has released numerous singles and its debut studio album, “Times Are Hard.” The label is now planning the release of its second studio album, “Why Dat Woman Cry,” as it continues to expand its catalogue.
Over the years, the production company has worked with a broad range of reggae and dancehall performers, including Luciano, Anthony B, Leroy Gibbon, Horace Martin, Little Hero, Scion Success, Sancho, Rosie B, Bylton Reffexion, Kimmy Gold, Favrit, Teacha Dee, Vonnii, Desi Ranks, Amir, Tony Anthony, Patcha Blacks, Talee and King Kong.
Tasjay Productions has also released compilation projects, including “Riddims,” “Outta Jamaica” and “Arise Riddim,” contributing to its growing body of work within Jamaican music.
For Smith, whose roots remain firmly planted in Mandeville, the upcoming “Give Thanks for Life Concert” represents another opportunity to celebrate reggae music and bring performers and music lovers together in the community where his journey began.
The concert is scheduled for December 19, 2026, at Mandeville Primary & Junior High School. The lineup is expected to feature Rad Dixon, Turbulence, Everton Blender, Josey Wales, Horace Martin and Uton Green, alongside DJ Amber of Irie FM and a host of other performers.
With a career spanning several decades, Smith continues to pursue new production projects while preparing for an event that will bring established reggae voices and audiences together in Manchester.
The planned release of “Why Dat Woman Cry” and the staging of the Give Thanks for Life Concert mark the next chapter for Tasjay Productions as the label continues its work in reggae music and its connections to Jamaica’s musical heritage.
