JBorn in West Kingston, Scarlett Road in Waterhouse/Olympic Gardens, Chaka Demus developed an early interest in the music as a young boy and was further inspired by artist Nicodemus. He quickly affiliated himself with a sound system known as Roots Majestic out of Kentyre in Papine. He later aligned himself with King Jammy, one of Jamaica’s leading producer and sound system owner, where he began performing on his sound system.
He got his first opportunity as a recording artist with his debut single "Increase Your Knowledge" produced by King Jammy. He was virtually unknown and none of his early records saw chart success, but would later become huge hits. Other musicians quickly recognized him as having great potential, most notably Admiral Bailey, who he invited to collaborated with him on "One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer", getting his first hit. He also did “Everybody Love Chaka” with King Yellowman, released by Black Scorpio. He recorded a project with Shabba Ranks for the Rough & Rugged album for King Jammys. After minor success, he moved to the Penthouse Records label where he recorded the single "Chaka on the Move" which became his first number one song in Jamaica. He did the song “Worky Worky” for Penthouse as which became his second number one. He had another big hit on the Skeng Don label called “Young Gal Business”.
A solo single was released by Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare’s Fifth Avenue label called Spirit. Spirit was a major hit in Africa. He met fellow artist Pliers in the early nineties and suggested that they team up. They enjoyed an internationally successful partnership including a string of hit singles, Murder She Wrote, Tease Me, Twist and Shout, Gal Wine and many more. The album made number one in the UK. Twist and shout landed the pair a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Chaka Demus & Pliers later recorded a track called "Need Your Lovin’" which was released on vinyl, on Explorer Records. On November 18, 2007, Chaka Demus & Pliers performed "Murder She Wrote" alongside Alicia Keys at the 2007 American Music Awards. Their subsequent album, "So Proud", was released in Europe and the Middle East in 2008.
He continues to perform with Pliers, and recorded a new album in 2012, featuring guest appearances from Pliers, Marvelous, and Freddie McGregor.
2013 finds the International Star releasing a new solo project, an album titled “Chaka Demus: Second Coming” that critics gave rave reviews even before its launch. His first single from the new album “I’m In Love” featuring JoJo Mac went to number one on the New York Foundation Reggae Charts, number 3on The South Florida Reggae Charts and the Album Second Coming went to number 3 as well. The video for the single is in heavy rotation in Jamaica.