Words by Jesse Serwer, Video and Photos by Martei Korley—

Even if you don’t know their name, you may already be familiar with No-Maddz from their role as “the World’s Fastest Band” in Usain Bolt’s Puma commercials, or recognize group members Sheldon Shepard and Everaldo “Evie” Creary from their starring roles in Storm Saulter’s Better Mus’ Come, the most talked about new Jamaican film in a generation. Originally formed for the purpose of competing in dub poetry competitions (which they invariably won), the quartet, which also includes Oneil Peart and Christopher “Birdheye” Gordon, are hardly limited by the constrictions of that discipline. A comedy troupe meets bohemian improv band, their vibe is more Monkees than Mutabaruka. Whatever you call them, they’re the most unique band on the island of Jamaica right now.