Born Miguel Collins on April 17, 1976, in the Scotts Hall community in St Mary,
Jamaica, Sizzla Kalonji knew from an early age that he would become someone great.
Raised in the community of August Town, St. Andrew to devout Rastafarian parents, it
was instilled in him that education is a very important asset. Before and during his early
schooling years, Sizzla developed a love for music at the tender age of 7, and also
excelled at writing. Thanks to his Father, he also found a love for Mechanical
Engineering during his High School years, and would pursue studies in the field. Music
soon after became a part of his curriculum. While focusing on his studies at school, the
music he developed a love for while growing up in his community had become the very
point of interest, and gave him clarity as he understood the direction he wanted to go
with it. While attending the Dunoon Park Technical High School, he turned his love of
music into practice through actively singing on his Father’s sound system, Black Steel
Sound, which was housed in a garage where he was learning the trade taught by him.

As Sizzla progressed, he crossed paths with Everton “Caveman” Moore, who operated
the Caveman Hi-Fi Sound System, which was based in Nannyville Gardens in St.
Andrew. Mr. Moore and the Sound System soon became a part of Sizzla’s daily routine
as he would attend School in the day, and would link up to Everton Moore in evenings
after his studies to practice on the Sound System. He would find himself performing
over old school Riddims while recording Dubplates for the Sound System, making a
name for himself in the process. Mr. Moore soon moved his operations to an office next
to the Blue Mountain Studio that was located off Half Way Tree Road, which was run
by Mr. Homer Harris of Jam Style Records. From there, Sizzla met Mr. Harris who saw
the potential in the young man, and became a Mentor. Mr. Harris assisted in the young
Artist’s development, and gave him the moniker “Sizzla” as he witnessed the young
man’s passion for burning the fire musically, and having a love for hot “Sip”, an Ital
Soup. Soon after, Sizzla was introduced to Dean Fraser along with his 809 band by Mr.
Harris, and was given an opportunity to perform with a live band. He would later meet
Producer Zagalou, and through his label of the same name, Sizzla would record his first

single in 1995. He would record a number of singles for Zagalou along with Harris’
Jam Style Records, but it was being introduced to Philip “Fattis” Burrell by Mr. Fraser
that Sizzla’s life would experience a turning point, giving him his official break in music.

Shortly after Sizzla’s break, fellow Artist and longtime friend Louie Culture took Sizzla to
meet with Producer Bobby “Digital” Dixon. These series of events eventually lead to
extensive touring with Luciano, later earning Sizzla critical acclaim. When Sizzla
connected with Philip “Fattis” Burrell, it marked the beginning of Sizzla’s rise. Armed
with sharp lyrics, an ear for great sounds, and his dedication to the Rastafarian faith,
Sizzla quickly became a hot commodity in Jamaica’s music scene, and a name to
know around the world. With a string of successful singles, Sizzla put his best foot
forward with the release of his debut album, “Burning Up”, which was done in
collaboration with “Fattis” Burrell and Doctor Dread. His sophomore album, “Black
Woman & Child”, which was a collaboration with Bobby “Digital” Dixon, proved that he
was built to make classics. His 3rd album, “Praise Ye Jah” showcased his staying
power, and was a small taste of his impeccable work ethic that would follow for years

to come.

Now with a career spanning a few years that came with critically acclaimed albums and
singles, accolades, and a fanbase that grew exponentially every year, Sizzla found even
more success in the 2000s. Thanks to his 2003 album, “Da Real Thing”, he crossed
over to the American market, joining a list of Caribbean Artists who have successfully
performed the feat. With a presence in the US, Sizzla collaborated with a few
prominent acts over the years, became affiliated with Record Exec. Dame Dash, and
continued to bring his content to new territories. Sizzla Kalonji has close to 100 albums
to date, some becoming award winning releases. He has scored numerous
collaborations with some of the best in music around the world, and he has been

sampled a number of times.

While Sizzla Kalonji paved his own way in music, he has also taken vital philanthropic
roles as well. He established the “Judgement Yard” residence and organization in the

August Town community, and has been overseeing various projects that promote unity,
upliftment of the youth, and community development. The community has been
responsible for the decrease in violence in August Town, and was recognized in 2016
for the success of the “Zero Murders Campaign”. Sizzla has also established the
“Sizzla Youth Foundation”, a community based non profit organization that assists in
feeding, educating, and creating a safe space for the youth in Jamaica, and around the
world. Sizzla Kalonji has also established the “August Town Bicycle Club” and “Crank
Up Bikers” initiatives in efforts to enhance the creativity, and introduce new skills to the
youth in the August Town community, and surrounding areas. Sizzla Kalonji is still an
active Recording Artist, Producer, Philanthropist, Community Leader, and global
Ambassador. Sizzla is currently working on new music, and is embarking on various

projects to further build the August Town community.