Check out Marcia Griffths at Unite the People concert. - Photo by Claudine Housen/Staff Photographer

When Jamaica celebrated its 40th anniversary of independence in 2002, Marcia Griffiths also celebrated 40 years of music. One third of the I-Three harmony with the legendary Bob Marley and the Wailers, she was also awarded the Prime Minister Award of Excellence.

The 'Electric Boogie' star has made her mark in the world of reggae, a journey she began in 1964 as a vocalist for Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. Her recording years started soon after, at Coxson Dodd - Studio One where she recorded her first hit Feel Like Jumping. While recording at Studio One, she teamed up with Bob Andy and the two had some great duos which gave her the right to be honoured as the empress of reggae.

Ten years after entering the music business, Marcia united with Judy Mowatt and Rita Marley to form the I-Threes, an important element in Bob Marley's entourage.

Marcia gained solo international recognition with her monster hit Electric Boogie. This song was first recorded in 1982 and went to the top of the Jamaican charts. In 1989, it exploded on the international scene and created the electric slide dance.

On her official website, she notes, "Its been a rough, tough job standing up as a woman in this business, that's why my album before Land of Love I chose to call Indomitable, which means not easily discouraged or defeated. My views on women in reggae are positive; most of the new or upcoming female singers in reggae started out singing my songs before doing their own originals. I feel very good about that; to know that I have influenced my people positively."

Marcia Griffiths (in 1969) doing one her soulful numbers. - File