b. Wayne Archer, c.1966, Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies. Sleepy Wonder began his career in the dancehall where he would grab the microphone at dances such as Youth Promotion, Gemini and Shocking Vibes. In 1984 he migrated to the USA where he joined various sound systems such as, Terrorist Super Power and Third World. By 1988 he had embarked on a recording career with Delory Francis and released the celebratory ‘88 Champion’ and ‘Fade Away’. This success of the second release resulted in an international tour. Having achieved critical acclaim Sleepy Wonder returned to New York City where he wrote and produced ‘Break Up To Make Up’ for Shelly Thunder. In the mid-90s Sleepy Wonder performed alongside Shinehead on the DJs major label release, Troddin’. Sleepy Wonder also linked up with Arrow adding a dancehall flavour to his calypso-styled ‘Soca Pepper Seed’. It was around this time that he recorded in combination with Bobo General for the assertive ‘My Sound’, that has since become a dancehall anthem.
In 1995, Sleepy Wonder diversified into hip-hop with the notorious east coast producer, Chuck ‘Chillout’. With the producer he appeared on the Phat Wax label and released the New York chart-topper, ‘Rookie’. The song was aimed at newcomers to the industry who showed little or no respect to the originators of the music. In 1997 Sleepy Wonder performed alongside the Born Jamericans for their hit ‘Gotta Get Mine’, that also featured Mad Lion and Shinehead. By the close of the 90s Sleepy Wonder’s association with Shinehead led the duo to set up the No Choice label. Through his new partnership Sleepy Wonder released, ‘I Shot The Sheriff’, ‘Bad Boy Elect’, ‘Streetlife’ and ‘My Boo’, although he was unable to crack the Jamaican or international reggae chart.