Robert “Dubwise” Browne

The name Browne is Synonymous with Jamaican reggae music as the island’s name is with sun, sand and having glorious fun.


Clevie and Danny Browne are two of Jamaica’s best known record producers/musicians. Noel Browne is a much-respected musician/songwriter who arranges for tops acts like Freddie Mcgregor. Dalton (Freddie’s MD), is one of Jamaica’s top rhythm guitarists who is in constant demand by record producers across the island. Glen Browne (father of Robert) does production on a smaller scale than his siblings, but is highly respected among his peers. Glen also toured for many years as bass player for Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, Jimmy Cliff , Luciano and others.


Now a younger generation of Brownes is emerging to carry on that tradition and among them is guitarist Robert “Dubwise” (or just “Dubz”) Browne.


A Superbly talented musician, Robert has been making quite a name for himself on and off the music-happy island.


After school at the prestigious Jamaica Collage, Robert went straight into the family business - that of playing and producing music ( 1993). He started out playing drums, but switched to the guitar under the influence of his twin brother, Richard who plays bass.


His first stint was with Dennis Brown’s touring band in 1996. Brown, one of Reggae’s finest singer and most honored stars passed away early in 1999.


Over the years, Robert has also managed to hone his skills playing with the world famous Jamaican jazz pianist Monty Alexander and other great musicians of the period with whom his name and great demand has brought him in contact with, including the multiple Grammy award winning and platinum selling Lauren Hill.


He played on Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers’ “Free Like We Want 2 Be” album and has backed Buju Banton on a number of occasions. Robert has played on recordings for Joseph Hill (Culture), Burning Spear, Rayvon, Rik Rok and many other popular artistes from his home land.


He also played the guitar with Damian and Julian Marley, sons of the late reggae megastar Bob Marley. After touring extensively with Damian and Julian, Robert met DJ Shaggy’s sound engineer and learnt that the he was looking for a new guitarist for his band. Robert was the natural replacement.


He joined Shaggy’s touring band in 1998 during a period of transition. This was after the success of the platinum selling “Boombastic” and just before the release of the multi-platinum album “Hotshot” which eventually topped Billboard’s Top 200 Album charts and has sold well over 10 million copies world wide.


Robert played most of the guitar tracks on Shaggy’s latest album “Lucky Day” which was released in October 2002.


Dubz’ involvement with the Big Yard/Valley Touring outfit (Shaggy’s Management/Production and tour company respectively) has allowed him the privilege to perform in all Continents, socializing him in all the different cultures and musical genres worldwide. He feels that these experiences have given him the confidence to pursue his solo career, doing what he does best; playing the guitar.


Now everything looks quite positive and promising for this creative musician who aspires one day to make his own impression on the music market like so many of his talented relatives and fellow countrymen.



Robert Dubwise plays Parker guitars with Dean Markley Blue Steel strings.