Homepage image: Miss Irie, 1987 by Normski

Accompanying our show The Legends of Them, the Female Pioneers of Reggae exhibition toured the UK in autumn 2025 and is archived at the Museum of Youth Culture in Camden.

Inspired by Sutara Gayle AKA Lorna Gee’s personal archive of photos, this exhibition celebrates the female deejays and singers of reggae, from dancehall to lovers rock. Featuring personal photographic archive and ephemera from contributions from communities across the UK, the exhibition also features rarely displayed photography by Normski, David Ciro, Steve Rapport, Richard Braine and Richard Saunders & Tim Barrow.

Uncovering hidden histories of women in a male dominated scene, the Female Pioneers of Reggae project unearths and uncovers the stories of the female artists and the women who who were part of the scene from the 1980s and 1990s.

Do you have a story to tell? We are still collecting images so grab that shoe box from under your bed and dig out those old photos, flyers and ticket stubs. And as well as archiving images we are also collecting oral stories. From the blues dances and record shops to hanging out with your friends, get in touch, share your stories with us and you can contribute towards this permanent archive: info@museumofyouthculture.com