Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Superbooth 2026
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
More
  • Superbooth 2026
  • Kate Bush Army Dreamers
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • Theory of Feels
  1. Artists
  2. Drummers

Drummer's World Cup: the best Reggae, Ska and Funk drummers of all time

News
By Chris Burke published 3 December 2012

The results are in for the fifth group of the first round

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Clyde Stubblefield

Clyde Stubblefield

Perhaps James Brown's most famous drummer, and the man responsible for the 'Funky Drummer' beat, Clyde made a valiant claim for top funk drummer in this broad-based group that also included reggae and ska drummers.

But can he progress to the last 16 on the 'next most votes' rule? We'll know when all the results are in!

Page 1 of 4
Page 1 of 4
Sly Dunbar

Sly Dunbar

One half of one of the most famous rhythm sections of all time, Sly & Robbie, Sly Dunbar beat other reggae greats such as Carlton Barret and Winston Grennan to tie at third with funk master Clyde Stubblefield.

Just missing out on an automatic progression to the last 16, it's down to how many votes are required for a wildcard pass to the next round.

Page 2 of 4
Page 2 of 4
Chad Smith

Chad Smith

The Red Hot Chili Pepper's man's mastery of funk and rock beats – and combining the two with the Californian alt-rock punk-funkers – made sure Chad was a comfortable second in the group.

He progresses to the next round with ease.

Page 3 of 4
Page 3 of 4
Stewart Copeland

Stewart Copeland

There was no real contest at the top of the group, with Stewart Copeland an easy winner in the end thanks to his mastery of the one-drop beat combined with awesome rock and pop chops.

Always a popular drummer, Stewart should be one of the favourites to do well in the next stage of the tournament.

Page 4 of 4
Page 4 of 4
CATEGORIES
Drums
Chris Burke
Read more
A close-up of James Gadson playing drums
Drummers “The beat goes on, but the pocket will never be the same": Stars pay tribute to James Gadson
 
 
Vanilla Fudge
Artists “We could have been as big as Led Zeppelin”: The heavy rock innovators whose drummer was a star before John Bonham
 
 
Chad Smith stood behind a surprised drum student
Drummers “Ignore the Hall Of Fame drummer sitting next to you”: Chad Smith is replacement drum teacher for the day
 
 
Drummer wearing headphones shot from behind an electronic drum set
Drummers Best headphones for drummers 2026: sound isolation for the studio, rehearsal room and stage
 
 
Text banner saying He's the fastest drummer in the world
Drummers “I can play up to 20 hits per second”: Meet Jason Barnes – the AI-assisted one armed drummer
 
 
Stevie Wonder
Artists Dissecting the musical magic of Superstition, the song Stevie Wonder just couldn’t let go
 
 
Latest in Drummers
Dave Grohl performing with a blue guitar
Artists "Kurt kissed me and said, 'now I don't have to be the only songwriter!'”: Dave Grohl's evolution as a songwriter
 
 
Dave Grohl visits SiriusXM Studios on April 29, 2026
Drummers “I was like ‘That’s not my one’”: Dave Grohl recalls the time Nine Inch Nails laughed at him
 
 
elestepariosiberiano
Drummers “Don’t work with somebody that’s destroying your job”: El Estepario Siberiano urges non-collaboration with Suno users
 
 
The Smashing Pumpkins
Artists “I don't think Kurt really dug me”: Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin recalls the heady days of the early ’90s
 
 
Dave Grohl and David Bowie compositie picture
Singers & Songwriters “I would never say that to anybody” What did Dave Grohl say to David Bowie the first time he met him?
 
 
Ringo Starr on Jimmy Kimmel
Drummers “It’s amusing and it’s very real”: Ringo Starr talks about his duet with Paul and the Beatles biopics
 
 
Latest in News
Bret Michaels performs during the 2026 Extra Innings Festival at Tempe Beach & Arts Park on February 27, 2026
Gigs & Festivals “More divisive than what I agreed to be a part of”: Bret Michaels excuses himself from the ‘Great American State Fair’
 
 
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 01: Roger Daltrey of The Who Performs At Acrisure Arena at Acrisure Arena on October 01, 2025 in Palm Springs, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
Artists "I mean, it’s extraordinary": Roger Daltrey says that his voice is as strong as ever
 
 
CMAT performs during Radio 1's Big Weekend at Herrington Country Park on May 24, 2026
Singers & Songwriters “Success is increasingly becoming tarnished”: CMAT confronts social media abusers in a candid, emotional post
 
 
US musician and artist Jack White sits on "Sam Phillips Sofa" (2016) as he attends a photocall for the "Jack White: These Thoughts May Disappear" exhibition at Newport Street Gallery on May 28, 2026 in London, England. The exhibition marks the first public presentation of works by the American artist and musician Jack White, featuring his monumental sculpture The Red Tree (2015). (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)
Guitarists “Working with power tools is therapeutic”: Jack White opens an exhibition of ‘hardware store art’
 
 
Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift
Artists Olivia Rodrigo responds to being asked if she has a frosty relationship with Taylor Swift
 
 
Paul McCartney waves from a car, 2026
Singers & Songwriters “Everyone misses them. It’s not just me”: McCartney on loss, early memories, cookies and emojis
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...