Major Lazer has become a powerhouse in the world of music, fusing dancehall, reggae, electronic, and pop to create a genre-defying sound that resonates across continents. The group, known for its infectious beats and larger-than-life persona, has not only produced chart-topping hits but has also played a pivotal role in shaping modern dance music. But who are the creative minds behind this dynamic collective? In this article, we delve into the members of Major Lazer, exploring their individual contributions, musical journeys, and how their collaboration has turned a project into a global sensation.
1. Diplo
Diplo, born Thomas Wesley Pentz, is an American DJ, record producer, and songwriter renowned for his innovative contributions to the music industry. In 2008, he co-founded Major Lazer, a music project that blends electronic dance music with Caribbean influences, particularly dancehall and reggae. Initially a collaboration with British producer Switch, Major Lazer released their debut album, Guns Don’t Kill People… Lazers Do, in 2009. This album featured notable tracks like Pon de Floor, which was later sampled in Beyoncé’s hit Run the World (Girls).
After Switch’s departure in 2011, Diplo continued Major Lazer’s evolution by bringing in DJs Jillionaire and Walshy Fire. Under this new lineup, the group released Free the Universe in 2013 and achieved significant success with their 2015 album, Peace Is the Mission, which included the global hit Lean On, a collaboration with DJ Snake and MØ.
In 2020, Major Lazer released their fourth studio album, Music Is the Weapon, featuring collaborations with artists like Alessia Cara, French Montana, and Nicki Minaj.
In 2024, to commemorate the 15th anniversary of their debut album, Major Lazer reunited with Switch and released a new version of their track Where’s The Daddy? featuring M.I.A.
2. Ape Drums
Ape Drums, born Eric Alberto-Lopez on June 28, 1990, in Houston, Texas, is a Mexican-American DJ and record producer renowned for blending electronic dance music with Caribbean influences, a style often referred to as Modern Dancehall Music.
In 2014, Ape Drums released his debut single, Bashment, on Slow Roast Records. He further solidified his presence in the dancehall scene with the 2016 track The Way We Do This, featuring Major Lazer and Busy Signal. This collaboration was a reimagining of the classic Bookshelf Riddim and was played at festivals worldwide before its official release on Ape Drums’ debut Mad Decent EP.
Ape Drums’ involvement with Major Lazer began with his remix of Jet Blue Jet in 2015. His collaboration with Diplo on Duttiest Wine further strengthened their partnership. In June 2019, during the Governors Ball Music Festival, it was officially announced that Ape Drums would replace Jillionaire as a member of Major Lazer, joining Diplo and Walshy Fire in the trio.
Since joining Major Lazer, Ape Drums has contributed to the group’s evolving sound, blending electronic dance music with Caribbean influences. His work with Major Lazer includes tracks like The Way We Do This and Delete, featuring BEAM.
Ape Drums’ fusion of electronic and Caribbean sounds has made him a prominent figure in the dancehall and electronic music scenes, both as a solo artist and as a member of Major Lazer.
3. Walshy Fire
Walshy Fire, born Leighton Paul Walsh on May 3, 1982, in Miami Gardens, Florida, is a Jamaican-American DJ, MC, and record producer renowned for his contributions to the dancehall and reggae music scenes. He is best known as a member of the electronic music group Major Lazer, alongside Diplo and Jillionaire.
Since 2012, Walshy Fire has served as the master of ceremonies for Major Lazer, a group celebrated for blending dancehall, reggae, and electronic dance music. In this role, he presents records, engages the audience with humor and emotion, and maintains the energy throughout performances.
Beyond his MC duties, Walshy Fire has contributed to Major Lazer’s production efforts. He co-wrote Blaze Up The Fire featuring Chronixx and provided vocals for Too Original on the album Peace is the Mission. Additionally, he co-produced tracks on the EP Know No Better.
Major Lazer’s collaborations under Walshy Fire’s involvement include artists such as Justin Bieber, MØ, Beyoncé, and Nicki Minaj, showcasing the group’s versatility and global appeal.
In 2022, Major Lazer’s album Music Is the Weapon won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album, a testament to the group’s enduring influence in the music industry.
4. Switch
David James Andrew Taylor, professionally known as Switch, is an English record producer, songwriter, DJ, and sound engineer. He gained prominence for his collaborations with artists like M.I.A., Beyoncé, and his role as a founding member of Major Lazer.
In 2009, Switch teamed up with American producer Diplo to form Major Lazer, a project that blended electronic music with Jamaican dancehall and reggae influences. Their debut album, Guns Don’t Kill People… Lazers Do, featured collaborations with artists such as Santigold, Vybz Kartel, and M.I.A. The album received critical acclaim and was instrumental in bringing dancehall music to a broader audience.
After the album’s release, Switch departed from Major Lazer in 2011. Diplo continued the project with new members, including Jillionaire and Walshy Fire.
In November 2024, to commemorate the 15th anniversary of their debut album, Major Lazer’s original duo, Diplo and Switch, reunited with M.I.A. for a new version of their track Where’s The Daddy?. This collaboration marked their first joint effort in over a decade.
Switch’s contributions to Major Lazer were pivotal in shaping the project’s unique sound, which continues to influence the electronic and dancehall music scenes
5. Jillionaire
Jillionaire, born Christopher Leacock on April 3, 1978, in Trinidad and Tobago, is a Trinidadian DJ and music producer renowned for his fusion of Caribbean rhythms with electronic dance music. He is best known as a former member of the American electronic music group Major Lazer, alongside Diplo and Walshy Fire.
Major Lazer was initially formed by Diplo and Switch in 2008. After Switch departed in 2011, Jillionaire and Walshy Fire joined the group, contributing to its evolution into a trio. This lineup released several successful projects, including Free the Universe, Apocalypse Soon and Peace Is the Mission.
These works showcased Major Lazer’s distinctive blend of dancehall, reggae, and electronic music.
In June 2019, Jillionaire departed from Major Lazer to focus on solo projects. He was replaced by Ape Drums, marking a new era for the group.
Beyond his work with Major Lazer, Jillionaire has collaborated with various artists and released solo tracks. Notably, in 2014, he teamed up with Swedish producer Salvatore Ganacci on the track Fresh, exemplifying his ability to blend indie dance with Caribbean rhythms.
