Who Is Yellowman? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on January 15, 1956, Yellowman, whose real name is Winston Foster, is a prominent figure in the reggae music scene. Known for his unique style and energetic performances, he gained fame in the 1980s and has remained an influential artist in the industry. As of 2025, Yellowman is 69 years old and continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his music. His journey from poverty in a Jamaican ghetto to international stardom is a testament to his resilience and talent.
| Occupation | Reggae Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | |
| Age | 69 Years |
| Birth Place | Kingston, Jamaica |
| Horoscope | |
| Country | Jamaica |
Popularity
Yellowman's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Yellowman stands at an impressive height of approximately 6 feet (183 cm). Due to his distinctive physique—marked by a lean frame—he weighs around 150 lbs (68 kg). His body measurements remain private, but he regularly emphasizes the importance of health and fitness, focusing on maintaining a well-balanced lifestyle.
He has spoken against violence. In the Montreal Mirror in 2005 he said, "Now it's not your entertainment or teaching. If you notice the hip hop and dancehall artists today, all they do they sing about drugs, clothes, car, house—when they can't get it, they start get violent. I know what violence is like and what it contain and what it can do.
I'm glad that the roots is coming back." The slackness style with which Yellowman is associated sometimes has homophobic lyrics. However, in the same Montreal Mirror article he spoke against it: "Everybody listen to me... I don't do songs against gay people, I don't do violent lyric against gay people.
If you don't like a person or you don't like a thing, you don't talk about it. You don't come on stage and say kill them or burn them because everybody have a right to live."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As a private person, Yellowman has managed to keep most details about his family out of the spotlight. He is known to have children but prefers to maintain their privacy. As for his romantic life, Yellowman has been linked to various partners over the years but has not confirmed any relationship in 2025. Currently, his relationship status is single, leaving fans curious about his dating life as he continues to focus on his music career.
Winston Foster was abandoned by his parents and grew up in the Maxfield Children's Home and the Catholic orphanage Alpha Boys School in Kingston, the latter known for its musical alumni. He was shunned due to having albinism, which was not typically socially accepted in Jamaica.
In the late 1970s Yellowman first gained wide attention when he finished second to Nadine Sutherland in the 1978 Tastee Talent Contest, a competition he would go on to win in the following year's edition, launching his professional career.
Like many Jamaican deejays, he honed his talents by frequently performing at outdoor sound-system dances, prominently with Aces International. He had success as a recording artist, working with producer Henry "Junjo" Lawes during the early 1980s.
In 1981, after becoming popular throughout Jamaica, Yellowman became the first dancehall artist to be signed to a major American label (Columbia Records).
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Yellowman's estimated net worth is around $3 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his successful career in reggae music, including album sales, tours, and merchandise. In addition, Yellowman has diversified his income through various endorsements and collaborations within the music industry.
Career, Business, and Investments
Yellowman began his career in the late 1970s and quickly gained recognition for his infectious dancehall beats and sharp lyrics. His discography includes several hit albums, and he remains a sought-after performer at festivals and concerts worldwide. In addition to his music career, Yellowman has ventured into other businesses, including a line of reggae-inspired apparel, capitalizing on his popularity and brand.
In 2025, Yellowman continues to invest in music production and launches a mentorship program aimed at supporting aspiring reggae artists. This initiative reflects his commitment to giving back to the community and promoting the next generation of reggae talent.
Yellowman appeared in Jamaican Dancehall Volcano Hi-power 1983 which featured other major dancehall musicians such as Massive Dread, Josey Wales, Burro Banton and Eek-A-Mouse. His 1984 release and debut under the Columbia label proper, King Yellowman, was met with negative reception and proved a commercial failure.
Yellowman was persuaded to incorporate elements from rhythm and blues and disco which did not please international dancehall fans. Ultimately, CBS dropped Yellowman, who returned to his classic riddims and slackness, and his career quickly recovered.
Social Network
Yellowman actively engages with his fans on various social media platforms. With hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, he regularly shares updates on his music, personal insights, and interactions with fans. His vibrant online presence helps him maintain a strong connection with his audience, ensuring his legacy continues to thrive in the digital age.
His first studio album release was in 1982 entitled Mister Yellowman followed by Zungguzungguguzungguzeng in 1983 earning instant success. Yellowman's sexually explicit lyrics in popular songs such as "Mad Over Me", boasting, like other reggae singers/deejays, of his sexual prowess, earned Yellowman criticism in the mid-1980s.
In response he has proclaimed: "I never know why they call it slackness. I talk about sex, but it's just what happens behind closed doors. What I talk is reality."
Education
Though specific details about Yellowman's formal education remain limited, it is widely acknowledged that his life experiences have served as the greatest teachers. His upbringing in a challenging environment played a pivotal role in shaping his perspectives and artistry. Yellowman's dedication to education and literacy is evident in his advocacy for youth empowerment through music, promoting arts education in Jamaican schools.
