In this second instalment of our Riddim Breakdown series, we are looking at one of the most influential Reggae tracks of all time: Wayne Smith's 'Under Mi Sleng Teng.' Released in 1985, this song didn't just top charts; it revolutionised the entire genre.

The tale of 'Under Mi Sleng Teng' began when young musician Noel Davey and his pal Wayne Smith got their hands on a Casio MT-40 keyboard. They'd managed to get hold of it from his friend George "Buddy" Haye, a musician who had been touring the US with The Wailing Souls. Davey was hoping for a Yamaha DX7 synthesiser, but Haye returned with the much cheaper Casio keyboard (which wasn't a synthesiser at all). 

The MT-40 has an interesting story of its own. The keyboard, popular for its affordability and portability, featured a preset rock rhythm known as 'Rock 2.' This preset had been designed by a Japanese woman named Hiroko Okuda (nicknamed by some as 'the mother of Sleng Teng') and it was the first project she worked on after joining the Tokyo-based company. 

Coincidentally, Okuda was a massive Reggae fan who had attended Bob Marley concerts in Japan and had even written her thesis on the genre at Kunitachi College of Music in Tokyo.

At that time, Casio didn't have many musicians working for them, as this was a new area they were expanding into, so Okuda's musical knowledge was integral to the creation of the presets that would later be discovered by Davey and Smith. 

Legend has it that the pair discovered the preset by accident but lost it, then spent two weeks trying to find it again. While Davey played around on the keyboard, Smith wrote the lyrics, inspired by Barrington Levi's 1983 hit 'Under Mi Sensi'.

They took the song to legendary producer King Jammy's studio, where it immediately caught his attention. Recognising its unique digital sound, King Jammy recorded 'Under Mi Sleng Teng,' and released it on his label. The song's success was instantaneous, sparking a new era in reggae music known as the digital revolution.

'Sleng Teng' is widely regarded as the first fully computerised riddim in Reggae history. Before its release, Reggae music was predominantly analog, relying on live instrumentation.

The introduction of a digital riddim was a game-changer, showcasing the potential for electronic elements in reggae and opening doors to new production techniques. This shift not only modernised Reggae but also made music production more accessible, allowing a new generation of artists and producers to enter the scene with less financial and technical barriers.

The influence of 'Sleng Teng' extends far beyond the golden shores of Jamaica. The riddim became a blueprint for countless other tracks, birthing a digital era in Reggae and Dancehall music. Its minimalist, electronic sound laid the groundwork for genres such as Reggaeton and influenced many others from Dance to Hip-Hop, demonstrating the versatility and enduring appeal of Reggae's rhythmic foundation.

Several notable versions of the 'Sleng Teng' riddim have emerged over the years, each adding a unique flavour while paying homage to the original:

Wayne Smith - 'Under Mi Sleng Teng': The original track remains a classic, its distinctive digital beat and Smith's vocal delivery encapsulating the revolutionary spirit of the mid-80s reggae scene.

Tenor Saw - 'Pumpkin Belly': Released shortly after Smith's version, Tenor Saw's take on the "Sleng Teng" riddim is a prime example of how the riddim could be adapted to suit different lyrical themes and vocal styles. His smooth delivery and catchy hook helped cement the riddim's popularity.

Johnny Osbourne - 'Buddy Bye': Another significant interpretation, Osbourne's "Buddy Bye" showcases the riddim's versatility. His energetic performance and the song's infectious rhythm further pushed the "Sleng Teng" sound into the mainstream, influencing a myriad of subsequent recordings.

The legacy of "Sleng Teng" is a testament to the power of innovation in Jamaican music. By embracing digital technology, Wayne Smith and his collaborators not only revolutionised Reggae but also set a precedent for the fusion of traditional and modern sounds. The riddim's influence continues to be felt, inspiring artists across genres and generations to experiment with digital production.

"Under Mi Sleng Teng" is more than just a song; it is a landmark in the evolution of music, a bridge between the analog past and the digital future. Its creation, significance, and impact underscore the dynamic nature of music, where a single innovative moment can resonate across decades, shaping the soundscape of the world.