Symphony of Talent and Heritage - A Musical Journey Unveiled
Yishka stands as one of the most respected and versatile artists in reggae and world music. A gifted multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and songwriter, he has mastered the saxophone, trumpet, steel pan, and guitar, building a reputation for musical excellence and stage presence across the globe.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Yishka is the son of the legendary Teddy Greaves, the renowned West Indies singer, cabaret entertainer, and bandleader who once appeared on the iconic Johnny Carson Show. Shortly after his birth, Yishka’s family relocated to the Bahamas, where his early exposure to live music helped shape his musical destiny.
At the age of sixteen he returned to Jamaica and began performing alongside his father in Montego Bay hotels, playing trumpet and honing his stage skills. Determined to establish his own identity, Yishka joined the United Stars Band as second trumpeter and background vocalist under the leadership of Glen Browne, and Beres Hammond was the lead vocalist.
His career soon expanded when he joined the legendary Soul Syndicate, led by Earl “Chinna” Smith with Freddie McGregor as lead vocalist. During his time with the band, he collaborated with numerous artists and performed on the album “Harvest Uptown, Famine Downtown,” contributing trumpet and vocal work while expanding his musical knowledge within Jamaica’s thriving reggae scene. Yishka later relocated to Miami, Florida, where he joined the pioneering South Florida reggae band Roots Uprising alongside his brothers Teddy Greaves Jr. and Gershi. As lead vocalist and trumpet player, he helped write and perform several songs that helped establish the band as a household name in Miami. During this period, Roots Uprising also collaborated with Ian and Roger Lewis of the legendary group Inner Circle, who produced the two albums, entitled Beautiful Music and Magic City.
After a successful audition, Yishka and his brothers joined the reggae group Happiness Unlimited, discovered and produced by Stevie Wonder. His musical journey continued with major accomplishments including winning Best Performer in the Jamaica National Festival Song Competition in 1988 with Faith O’Aguilar for the song “Can’t Stop the Little Man.” In 1990 he again captured Best Performer in Jamaica’s Popular Song Contest with “Dance Let the Music Play. ”Yishka has since performed internationally as lead singer and saxophonist for the band Skool, touring Brazil and Mexico, and later joined Riddim Force, performing in Japan on a year-long contract before returning to Jamaica as a cabaret performer.
His first solo album, “Yishka – A Song For You,” was recorded with producer Phillip “Termite” Roane. Over the years he has also appeared on numerous projects including Skasmatic (Sax in Ska) and has collaborated with an impressive list of reggae legends including Ky-Mani Marley, Judy Mowatt, Freddie McGregor, Everton Blender, Dennis Brown, Pam Hall, Mr. Vegas, Ed Robinson, and Benjy Myaz, among others. His contributions to the South Florida music scene earned him recognition as Best of Miami in Entertainment. Recent releases include the sax project “Trodding East” with Chad Supreme, the uplifting single “Rise Up”, “It’s Our Time” from the DI Jugglin Riddim Vol. 1 compilation, “My My My,” and “How Could I Live.”
Continuing to evolve as an artist, Yishka released his latest single “Everytime You Hold Me” on March 6, 2026, further showcasing his soulful vocals and timeless reggae style. A seasoned performer, he has toured the world with renowned artists including Damian Marley, Third World, Inner Circle, Nadine Sutherland, Ky-Mani Marley, and Barrington Levy, bringing his signature sound to audiences across multiple continents. Today, he continues to perform, record, and tour extensively throughout the United States and internationally, carrying forward a powerful musical legacy rooted in reggae tradition and global influence.
