Janet Kay MBE

Janet Kay, born Janet Kay Bogle in Willesden to Jamaican parents, was discovered singing spontaneously at a rehearsal studio by Tony "Gad" Robinson, the keyboardist from Aswad.

In 1977, she recorded a rendition of Minnie Riperton's 'Loving You,' which topped the reggae charts for numerous weeks. The following year, Janet released "I Do Love You" and "That's What Friends Are For." Her single "Silly Games," produced by Dennis Bovell, hit the music scene in 1979 and achieved success across Europe, peaking at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart.

Janet Kay MBE , Courtesy: Black Ink Protographic

‘Silly Games’ Single, release 1979 **(Click Here - to watch 1979 Top of the Pops performance)**

Additionally, in 1981, Janet starred in the Black Theatre Co-operative's TV sitcom 'No Problem,' the pioneering black TV series conceptualized and produced by a black theatre company, earning a cult following. Janet remains active in music, performance and acting.

In 2023, she was honoured with the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her contributions to music.