Rhoda Dakar is a pioneering figure in British ska and the 2‑tone movement, rising to prominence in 1979 as the lead singer of all-female ska band The Bodysnatchers. Signed to the legendary 2‑Tone label, the band released hits like “Let’s Do Rocksteady” and “Easy Life", and Rhoda Dakar became a standout voice in a male-dominated scene. After the group disbanded, she collaborated with The Specials and joined The Special AKA, contributing haunting vocals to tracks like the politically charged “The Boiler” and the iconic anti-apartheid anthem “Free Nelson Mandela" )(also known as "Nelson Mandela"). Over the years, she has maintained a steady presence as a solo artist, releasing dub and reggae albums like Cleaning in Another Woman’s Kitchen and Rhoda Dakar Sings the Bodysnatchers. Her recent projects, including Version Girl (2023), showcase her versatility—reinterpreting classics through her unique lens of ska, punk, and reggae. Alongside her music, she’s a committed activist and DJ, advocating for racial justice, mental health, and grassroots music venues. In 2025, she released a dub reimagining of her 2023 album, Version Girl in Dub.
