Neville “Tinga” Stewart (born July 3, 1950) is an iconic Jamaican reggae vocalist renowned for his soulful “lovers rock” style and multiple victories in the Jamaica Festival Song Contest.
Early Career & Band Roots
Beginnings: Growing up in Kingston, Stewart recorded his first single, “She’s Gone,” in 1969 with Ernest Wilson.
Band Circuit: Before his solo breakthrough, he spent years as a lead vocalist for major Jamaican groups, including The Wildcats, Byron Lee & the Dragonaires, and a transformative three-year stint with The Boris Gardiner Happening (1971–1974).
The Festival King: Stewart achieved rare legendary status by winning the Festival Song Contest twice as a performer:
1974: With the Ernie Smith-penned hit “Play de Music”.
1981: With the patriotic classic “Nuh Wey Nuh Better Dan Yard”.
He also wrote the 1975 winning entry, “Hooray Festival,” performed by his brother Roman Stewart.
Dancehall Era: In the late 1980s, Stewart evolved with the changing sound of Jamaica. He partnered with Ninjaman for massive “combination” hits like “Cover Me” and “Take Time to Know Her”.
“Every Time We Touch”: Demonstrating his lifelong versatility in interpreting love songs, Stewart released a reggae version of “Every Time We Touch” as a single in 2016 through Starr Vybz.
Legacy: With over 200 singles and dozens of albums like Nah Linga (2009) and Unforgettable (2000), he remains a respected elder statesman of the genre.