Augustus “Lord” Messam is a Jamaican singer and part of the early pioneers of dancehall music. He was born in 1962, and started his music career at the tender age of 14. Known for his energetic performance style, Messam was one of the first entertainers to introduce sound clashes in Jamaica and has collaborated with many notable Jamaican artists including Yellowman, Admiral Bailey, and Sister Nancy.

If you’re inspired by Messam’s unique style of reggae/dancehall music, you can learn how to sing like him. Here are some tips that can help you emulate his unique style and sound:

Vocal Technique

One of Messam’s unique vocal techniques is his use of the toasting technique. Toasting or chanting over a riddim, is the origin of modern-day rap. Messam is known for his heavy use of this technique which involves speaking rhythmically, using repetition, and adding embellishment to the lyrics. To learn how to incorporate toasting into your singing, check out Singing Carrots’ pitch training module where you can learn how to match intensity and rhythm with the music.

Messam also uses a breathy and abrasive vocal tone in some of his songs, which has become a hallmark of his style. Learning how to develop a similar tone can be achieved by exploring breath support mechanisms in singing and how to create a false-cord rasp, using belt and our discussion about contemporary vocal techniques.

Songs to showcase his vocal technique

Lord Messam has many songs in his catalog that highlight his unique vocal style. Some of the best songs that showcase his style include “Run De Riddim Selector,” “Wotless Jam,” “Sailing,” and “Africa Bound Riddim.”

Relevant Singing Carrots resources

If you want to learn how to sing with a unique style like Augustus Messam, you can utilize the following Singing Carrots resources:

• Pitch accuracy test to help you develop an ear for pitch and rhythm
• Vocal range test to identify and develop your vocal range
• Pitch monitor to visually see your singing pitch
• Pitch training module to learn how to use intensity and rhythm in your singing style
• Search songs by vocal range to find and practice Lord Messam’s songs based on your vocal range
• Educational singing course to learn vocal techniques like rasp techniques, belting, and mixed voice that Lord Messam commonly uses.

If you want to sing and perform like Augustus Lord Messam, start practicing with using Singing Carrots resources while also learning from songs he performs. with a unique and distinctly dancehall sound, which is why so many people love his music and style. With Singing Carrots’ help, you can sing like Lord Messam and develop a unique vocal style of your own.