Minnott's solo career was slow to take off. His first major hit was "Vanity" in 1978 (see 1978 in music); his debut LP was Live Loving, often credited as the first dancehall album. Showcase (1979 in music) was just as revolutionary, and also spawned a great many chart-topping singles. Bittersweet followed, and then the third album of 1979, Ghetto-ology, which saw a return to roots reggae; the album was a critical smash hit. Roots Lovers (1980 in music) saw a move towards lovers rock, which was a UK hit, and one of the biggest selling lovers rock albums during its era of popularity.
"Run Come", "Not for Sale", "African Girl", "Lovers Rock", "In a Dis Ya Time", "Africa" and "Make It with You" (with Carroll Thompson) were huge hits in the proceeding years. "Good Thing Going" (cover of Michael Jackson) was his first UK #1. Herbman Hustling saw a return to dancehall and roots reggae. "Rub a Dub Sound Style" is sometimes considered the first ragga recording.
Though he continued recording throughout the 1990s, his celebrity was rapidly fading, with his albums received more and more mixed reviews. There were some exceptions, such as Happy Together (1991 in music) and Breaking Free (1993 in music).