Yishka

Yishka is a seasoned reggae and world music artist, vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose career spans decades of recording, touring, and live performance. Accomplished on saxophone, trumpet, steel pan, and guitar, he has built a reputation for musical versatility, soulful delivery, and a commanding stage presence.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Yishka is the son of legendary entertainer Teddy Greaves, the renowned West Indian singer, cabaret performer, and bandleader who appeared on the iconic Johnny Carson Show. Shortly after his birth, the family relocated to the Bahamas, where Yishka was surrounded by live music from an early age.

At sixteen, he returned to Jamaica and began performing alongside his father in Montego Bay hotels, playing trumpet and developing his skills as a professional entertainer. He later joined the United Stars Band as second trumpeter and background vocalist under the leadership of Glen Browne, during a period when Beres Hammond served as lead vocalist.

Yishka went on to join the legendary Soul Syndicate, led by Earl “Chinna” Smith, with Freddie McGregor as lead vocalist. During this period, he contributed trumpet and vocal work to Harvest Uptown, Famine Downtown and continued to deepen his experience within Jamaica’s vibrant reggae scene.

After relocating to Miami, Florida, Yishka 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 material that contributed to the group’s growing popularity. Roots Uprising later collaborated with Ian and Roger Lewis of Inner Circle, who produced the albums Beautiful Music and Magic City.

Another important chapter came when Yishka and his brothers successfully auditioned for Happiness Unlimited, a reggae group discovered and produced by Stevie Wonder.

Yishka also earned recognition in Jamaica’s national music competitions, receiving Best Performer honors in the Jamaica National Festival Song Competition in 1988 and again in Jamaica’s Popular Song Contest in 1990.

His international career has taken him to stages across Brazil, Mexico, Japan, the United States, Jamaica, and beyond. He performed as lead singer and saxophonist with the band Skool and later joined Riddim Force before returning to Jamaica as a cabaret performer.

His first solo album, A Song For You, was recorded with producer Phillip “Termite” Roane. Over the years, Yishka has contributed to numerous musical projects and collaborated with artists including Ky-Mani Marley, Judy Mowatt, Freddie McGregor, Everton Blender, Dennis Brown, Pam Hall, Mr. Vegas, Ed Robinson, and Benjy Myaz, among others.

A seasoned international performer, Yishka has also shared stages and toured with major artists including Damian Marley, Third World, Inner Circle, Nadine Sutherland, Ky-Mani Marley, and Barrington Levy. His contributions to the South Florida entertainment community have earned him recognition as Best of Miami in Entertainment.

Continuing to evolve creatively, Yishka has released a number of recent projects showcasing both his vocal ability and musicianship, including the saxophone project Trodding East with Chad Supreme and several contemporary singles.

His latest chapter is the album Playbook, scheduled for release on Friday, October 2, 2026, through Global Digital Records. Produced by Ed Robinson, the album explores love, relationships, vulnerability, commitment, change, and the lessons that come through real-life experiences.

Inspired by real emotions, real situations, and real love stories, Playbook presents a mature and soulful side of Yishka while highlighting the musicianship that has defined his career. Yishka performs saxophone on select tracks, Joanna Marie Robinson contributes piano and keyboards on select tracks, while Ed Robinson performs the remaining instrumentation and also mixed and mastered the album.

Today, Yishka continues to record, perform, and connect with audiences internationally, carrying forward a rich musical legacy while continuing to create a sound and story that are distinctly his own.