Originally from St. Thomas, Jamaica, Carlton Williams, aka Jah Cutta, has made a home and name for himself in Quebec’s vibrant capital. He began singing at a young age back home in Jamaica performing at school and local parties. With over 40 years in the business, he has become one of Montreal’s most beloved reggae artists.

Cutta settled in Montreal in the early 1970s, beginning his career working with sound systems in 1977. Larger recognition would come following his 1981 single, “Tribute to Ethiopia”. The song was a sleeper hit and catapulted him on stage at festivals and venues in Montreal, Quebec City, Calgary, Toronto, and other Canadian cities. He released his full-length album, If It Wasn’t Jah, in 1995.

His album, Whagwan (2007), was named one of the Top 3 Reggae Albums of 2007 by Galaxy Radio. “I Heart MTL” by Subb ft. Jah Cutta was widely played on Musqiue Plus, further adding to his city wide popularity. One of his more recent albums, Ladies and Gentleman… Jah Cutta (2018), came about from tragedy. Following the death of his son, Carlton Williams Jr., who passed away after a senseless stabbing, he found himself in a dark place; music helped bring him back to the light. He dedicated the first song, “All About The Youte Dem”, to his son.

Throughout his career, he has released 12 albums and several singles and has since toured across the Caribbean, Canada, and the U.S. Cutta has shared the stage with acts like Peter Tosh, The Wailers, Gregory Isaacs, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Public Enemy, and more.

Jah Cutta believes that music should serve a purpose and aims to give listeners hope through his work.