Established April 1, 1980
Born in Gibraltar Hill, St. Mary
Chalice was formed by seven young Jamaican musicians whose different social and musical backgrounds came together around one ambition: to create a fresh reggae sound grounded in harmony, strong musicianship and the energy of live performance.
The name “Chalice” comes from a familiar Jamaican term for a ceremonial smoking pipe. In the band’s early catalogue, references to herb and spirituality appeared alongside songs about love, social consciousness, Jamaican life and cultural identity.
The foundation
Seven musicians. One unmistakable sound.
The early rise
A live force in Jamaican music
By 1981, Chalice had become one of Jamaica’s most exciting live bands. The group opened for major American soul and R&B acts—including The Commodores, The Spinners, Eddie Kendricks and The Four Tops—and appeared prominently at Reggae Sunsplash.
Chalice paired polished arrangements, synthesizers and danceable rhythms with memorable harmonies and conscious songs. Recordings such as “Good To Be There,” “I Still Love You,” “I’m Trying,” “Praise Him,” “Dangerous Disturbances” and “Revival Time” became enduring parts of the band’s identity.
From the archive
The faces behind the foundation
Early photographs preserving the personality, brotherhood and creative spirit at the heart of the Chalice story.
Guided by founding member Wayne Armond and early-era drummer Rolando “Phanso” Wilson, Chalice continues its journey with a revitalized lineup that respects the band’s distinguished history while embracing the future.
Renewal and return
The legacy lives
After major lineup changes in the 1990s and the band’s 1996 disbandment, Chalice reunited in 2006 and returned to prominent Jamaican stages. The renewed chapter has brought together experience from the band’s formative years with a new generation of accomplished musicians.
In 2026, Chalice returned to active US touring and released “House of Music” with Prezident Brown—a celebration of the unifying power of music, culture and community.
“This comeback is about more than nostalgia. It’s about honoring where we’ve come from while continuing to create music that speaks to people today.”— Wayne Armond
In remembrance
Honouring the foundation
Chalice remembers the musicians whose talent helped establish its sound, including Trevor Roper, Michael “Mikey” Wallace and Robi “Robbie” Peart. Their work remains part of the band’s recordings, history and continuing influence.