SLENG TENG
THE STORY
1985: Wayne Smith and Noel Davey slow a Casio preset at King Jammy’s. One riddim, and dancehall hears a new morning overnight.
GO DEEPER
In 1985 Wayne Smith and Noel Davey slowed a Casio MT-40 preset until it skanked, and King Jammy cut “Under Mi Sleng Teng.” The first fully digital riddim hit at the Jammy’s vs Black Scorpio clash and changed dancehall overnight: no session band required, hundreds of versions within months, a new life for computer riddims. One night, and the river found a new current.
HOW THEY STAND
STUDIO INFLUENCETriggers dancehall’s digital era (1985 →).
first fully digital riddimCasio MT-40 rock presetversion avalanche
LISTEN
Under Mi Sleng TengWayne Smith · 1985
MEET
Wayne SmithKing JammyNoel Davey
EXPLORE
Find SLENG TENG among the roots
See how they stand with the music around them.
Hear this era in the Riddim Deck →
Updated 2026-09Ranges kept honest · contested dates marked “c.”