Chronixx

Artist Facts

Active: 1998-Present
Name: Chronixx
Genre: Reggae
Birth Date: October 10, 1992
Place of Birth: Kingston, Jamaica

Artist Background

Born Jamar Rolando McNaughton, Chronixx is a Jamaican reggae artist from Spanish Town, St. Catherine. He was first known as “Little Chronicle,” a nickname linked to his father, the singer Chronicle, and he later stepped into his own identity as Chronixx. As a result, he became one of the defining voices of the modern Reggae Revival movement, with songwriting that blends roots tradition and contemporary spirit while exploring themes like romance, resilience, and peace. He is widely associated with a generation of artists shaping reggae’s modern global wave, including Protoje, Kabaka Pyramid, Jah9, Dre Island, Jah Bouks, Kelissa, Jesse Royal, and others.

With support from his father, Chronixx began writing songs at a very young age, including “Rice Grain” when he was only five years old. By age 11, he recorded an unreleased gospel track with producer Danny Browne, which marked an early step in his growth as both a vocalist and creator. He later provided harmony vocals for established reggae acts such as Lutan Fyah, while also building a strong behind the scenes reputation as a young producer. At the same time, he developed his skills composing rhythms that would later be used by artists including Konshens, Popcaan, and Munga Honorable.

Music was always part of his everyday life because he sang in both church and school settings. While attending St. Catherine High School, he began producing more seriously, and he was already creating riddims at an unusually young age, including the Freezer Riddim for Ice Box Records, which he developed when he was around 14.

In 2009, tragedy shaped his creative direction when the death of his younger brother pushed him to write more deeply and with greater emotional weight. This period also led to important sessions and creative development with Romaine “Teflon” Arnett of Zincfence Records, and it helped sharpen Chronixx’s sense of purpose as a message driven artist. Since then, he has remained a powerful cultural force because he brings roots reggae values into a modern sound without losing authenticity. Therefore, his international presence has continued to grow, carrying through into 2026 as he remains one of reggae’s most recognizable and influential contemporary voices.

Artist Music Career

In 2012, Chronixx’s popularity began to surge because he earned major exposure through performances on key Jamaican stages and festival platforms, including Reggae Sumfest, as well as a high profile December appearance at Tracks and Records in Kingston. With his songs receiving strong airplay across Jamaica, his momentum quickly reached international tastemakers, including a feature on the Major Lazer curated mixtape Start a Fire, which was also released under the title Major Lazer Presents: Chronixx & Walshy Fire – Start A Fyah.

In 2013, he released breakthrough hits such as “Smile Jamaica” and “Here Comes Trouble,” and these songs helped solidify his rising status at home and abroad. Backed by the Zincfence Redemption Band, Chronixx expanded his reach through touring in the United Kingdom and the United States, while also returning to Reggae Sumfest. This time, he performed for a crowd reported at over 10,000, which highlighted the scale of his growing demand.

That same year, Chronixx travelled to Kenya, where he had already developed a strong fanbase, and he served as a Peace Ambassador during the country’s general election. He also performed at the Tuko Rada Peace Concert in Nairobi, which reinforced the idea that his music carries social weight because it speaks to unity and cultural pride as much as it does to entertainment.

In April 2014, Chronixx released the EP Dread & Terrible on April 1, and it quickly topped the Billboard Reggae Albums chart later that month. His visibility then grew even further through key United States breakthrough moments in July 2014, including a late night television appearance and a Central Park performance. As a result, his profile expanded rapidly while renewed attention also helped push his music back into wider chart conversation.

As his reputation rose, Chronixx strengthened his creative foundation through the Zincfence camp, collaborating closely with Romaine “Teflon” Arnett and working with producer and engineer circles connected to the label. Therefore, this era positioned him not only as a singer and songwriter, but also as a creative force contributing directly to the modern reggae movement developing around him.

In 2015, Chronixx broadened his international crossover appeal through collaborations, including a feature on Joey Bada$$’ “Belly of the Beast.” At the same time, the year brought major live moments, including a widely noted Glastonbury Festival appearance, which further confirmed his place as one of reggae’s most in demand modern performers.

In 2017, he released his debut full length album Chronology, a project that earned international recognition and helped solidify him as a defining voice of the Reggae Revival era. Because his catalog continues to resonate with both older fans and new listeners, that influence still carries strongly into 2026, with new generations discovering his music while his global reputation remains firmly intact.

Artist Major Works and Achievements

2014:

• Won Linkage Awards Culture Artist of the Year, Best New Artist, and Entertainer of the Year Awards
• Won 33rd International Reggae & World Music Awards Best Song Award for “Smile Jamaica” and Best Music Video Award for “Here Comes Trouble.”
• “Dread & Terrible” EP released on Zincfence and peaked at #179 in U.S charts.

2015:

• In March, his EP, “Dread & Terrible” spent its 42nd consecutive week in the Top Reggae Albums chart top 10.

2017:

• Received a Grammy Awards nomination for debut album, “Chronology”
• Received the Prime Minister’s National Youth Award for Excellence
• Debut album “Chronology” went to #1 in U.S. charts

Key Collaborations & Cross-Genre Influence

Chronixx’s rise is closely tied to the wave often described as the Reggae Revival movement because it represents a modern, roots forward era that introduced Jamaican reggae to a new global generation while staying grounded in classic sound system culture. Within that scene, one of the most important creative relationships is his connection with Protoje, since both artists are frequently viewed as defining voices of the movement and as key figures in its international breakthrough.

At the same time, Chronixx’s influence reaches far beyond reggae’s core audience. His music often crosses genre borders, moving naturally between roots and dancehall while also pulling from R&B, hip hop, Afrobeats, and electronic crossover sounds. Therefore, he has become a natural collaborator for artists and producers outside Jamaica, and this wider reach has helped position him not only as a leading reggae voice, but also as a globally recognized cultural figure. His appeal comes from the balance he strikes because he blends message driven songwriting with contemporary sonic textures that still feel authentic to reggae’s roots.

Live & Touring Highlights 2026

Chronixx has built a reputation as one of reggae’s most compelling live performers because his shows blend roots authenticity with modern energy. While tour dates can shift quickly from year to year, recent appearances still highlight his continued impact on global stages. As a result, his live presence remains a key part of his appeal, reinforcing him as an artist whose music truly comes alive in performance.

2025 — Festival Appearances & Global Moments

Across 2025, Chronixx resurfaced on major lineups and event calendars, which reinforced the continued demand for his live shows. These festival appearances helped position him once again as one of the most anticipated names in modern reggae because they attracted longtime fans while also introducing new listeners to his catalog through the energy of a live setting.

2025 — London Highlight

One of the standout listings from 2025 was a London show announcement, and it offered a setlist snapshot that captured what fans come for: big choruses, uplifting rhythms, and a crowd driven atmosphere. Whether he leans into classics or deep cuts, Chronixx shows are known for the same signature ingredients because they combine tight musicianship, powerful singalongs, and a spiritual intensity that builds from song to song.

Setlist Energy: What a Chronixx Show Feels Like

Chronixx performances are not just concerts. Instead, they feel like full experiences because the pacing often shifts from soulful and reflective moments into explosive peaks where the crowd becomes part of the performance. Therefore, fans can typically expect the following:

• Anthem-heavy moments designed for collective sing-alongs

• Roots-driven grooves with modern rhythmic punch

• High emotional peaks — turning the set into a shared celebration

2026 — Tour Status Update

As of early 2026, no official 2026 dates are widely listed, which isn’t unusual for an artist whose live schedule often appears in waves. The best move for fans is to keep alerts on for new announcements.