Sista Maureen Delivers

Born Maureen Sandra Dearin and raised in Waterhouse, Kingston, Jamaica, Sister Maureen emerged during dancehall’s formative years as one of the women determined to make their voices heard in a male-dominated industry.

Her love for music developed at an early age through the influence of her eldest brother and other relatives. Inspired by singers such as Cynthia Schloss, Carlene Davis and J.C. Lodge, she began writing songs and performing while attending Meadowbrook High School.

As her confidence and distinctive deejay style developed, Sister Maureen attracted the attention of producers and artistes within Jamaica’s growing dancehall movement. Her journey eventually led her to legendary producer Lloyd ‘King Jammy’ James, and she became one of the pioneering female performers associated with his celebrated Waterhouse-based camp.

Recordings such as ‘Toots Fe Man’ and ‘Make Them Understand’ introduced Sister Maureen as a bold and promising voice. She later worked and performed with several respected figures in reggae and dancehall, including Frankie Paul, Admiral Bailey and Tulloh T, while recording for producers such as King Jammy, Junior Reid and King Tubby’s.

At a time when relatively few women were given major opportunities in dancehall, Sister Maureen helped challenge the prevailing barriers and demonstrated that female deejays could stand confidently alongside their male counterparts.

After stepping away from music to concentrate on her family and other personal pursuits, she returned to recording with renewed purpose. In 2022, she released ‘Embrace,’ signalling the beginning of a new chapter in her career.

Sister Maureen is now promoting her latest single, ‘Return to Sender,’ a defiant track that reconnects her with the commanding style and uncompromising spirit that first established her name. The song introduces her to a new generation while reconnecting with longtime dancehall supporters who remember her pioneering work.

With fresh music and renewed energy, Sister Maureen is determined to secure her rightful place in dancehall history while continuing to contribute to the culture she helped build.