All the Grammy nominees in the best reggae album category are winners. That one category is not enough to represent Caribbean music.
Enter IRAWMA. The International Reggae and World Music Awards is a platform for us to honor our own. This award show hasn’t gotten the attention that it deserves and this needs to change.
We talked through some of the categories on the IRAWMA 2019 list and give our predictions. Visit the IRAWMA site for the chance to review and vote on each category. [https://irawma.com/vote-now/] Voting ends March 12, 2020.
The Tastemaker:
Elephant Man – Wap Bap prod. by Massive B • Bobby Konders.
An exclusive in-depth interview with selectors Killa Boo and King Pin of King Addies. King Addies is an International Sound System created in 1983 in Brooklyn, New York City. They remain a force to reckon with in the sound clash arena and a top choice for juggling.
Interviews with Jimmy Spliff of King Shine and Panza from Supersonic as they prepare to square off in Round 2 of the World Fight Club (WFC) sound clash league.
A prestigious belt title on the line, the second installment of the exciting, competitive series goes down on Friday, October 18, 2019, in North America’s soundclash mecca—New York City. This epic, one-on-one, musical square off features the crowned “King of Europe”, Germany’s Supersonic Sound as the first-ever WFC belt challenger, versus USA’s defending WFC champion King Shine from New Jersey.
King Shine’s battle-tested selector, Jimmy Spliff, made history by earning the very first WFC champion title in the inaugural “Round 1” event, in March 2019. Having killed two New York City sounds (in NYC), he established King Shine as the Tri-State WFC Champion—but, the upcoming WFC2 is for the international title.
Supersonic, is an accomplished powerhouse that has competed over industry icons like Mighty Crown, Sound Trooper, Freddie Krueger, King Turbo and legendary Black Kat–to name only a few.
Nominated by global sound clash fans on social media, and later selected by legendary King Addies, Supersonic re-enters the arena after being off of the battlefield for 4 years—which is what aficionados of the culture consider “parked” (out of the game/no longer competing).
Additionally, the Berlin-based heavyweight hasn’t competed on US soil in over 6 years. Meanwhile, King Shine has been coming up in the ranks and killing respected sounds like Sound Trooper, Pink Panther, Earthruler, Alaska Sound and more. King Shine is one of the most active competing sound systems in the world. Since earning the champion title, they’ve already dominated and won 3 one-on-one bouts, in the USA and Canada.
With WFC2 right around the corner, the writing is on the wall: Supersonic will either dispel the “rusty gun” myth and reclaim their prominence as a formidable force to be reckoned with, ah yawd in Europe (their turf) and abroad; or, Jimmy Spliff may slay the biggest giant in the eastern hemisphere of the world, and confirm King Shine is indeed a heavyweight. World Fight Club is an emerging, cutting edge brand, created by experienced sound clash experts, which offers a fresh approach to a long-existing, ever-evolving and growing industry.
For several decades, sound clash entertainment events have been taking place in established and new markets such as Japan, various European countries, the UK, Africa, South America, across the Caribbean and of course its birthplace—Jamaica.
And over the years, events have pulled various sized crowds ranging from a small circle of friends at underground bouts, to more recently over 20K exhilarated patrons in one event.
A new arena for champions, WFC is an ongoing battle series for musical supremacy and it’s all about dominating crowd approval, donning the beautiful belt and big bragging rights.
Yet, the WFC league stands out among other clash brands because only true thoroughbreds in the global arena can face the ultimate test of top tier musical savvy, and wit, in WFCs classic format of fewer sounds competing, in longer timed rounds. But most importantly, the champ must be prepared to defend the coveted belt versus any challenger selected by the producers, to keep the title.
This musical war of worlds will be covered and broadcasted internationally on “The Release” television program, which targets over 19 million viewers across the USA, Canada, Jamaica and other Caribbean nations on 5 cable television networks including CIN, CEEN, CVM, HYPE TV, and READY TV. WFC is produced by North America’s #1 sound system, legendary King Addies. They have also been barrier-breaking, competitors in the culture for the last 36 years.
Highly respected and referred to as the “Iron Fist of New York” by other industry titans, their promotional team also includes Tru Money Musiq, Irie Jam Radio, Reggae Vibes Media, PowerOfReggae.com, Britelite Promotions, Tek9 Promotions, and Impulse Nation.
WFC invites all mainstream DJs, and their fans, to get involved. Co-founder Shinez said, “Everyone loves music and exciting competition. Soundclash is the best of both worlds and [the] World Fight Club is the ultimate experience.”
Download and tune into the Irie Jam 360 app on Tuesday, October 15th at 9 pm ET for the live pre-clash press conference. Meet Supersonic at the Pre-WFC party on Wednesday, October 16th at Club Timehri’s, in Washington DC. Come out to the main event on Friday, October 18 at Lodricka Hall in Queens, NY. Join the movement and buy tickets at WorldFightClub.Eventbrite.com
In this first episode for the 2019 Reggae Lover season, we discuss Jamaican icon, Buju Banton, also known as Gargamel.
Buju returned to Jamaica in early December after serving seven years in a US prison on drug charges.
We offer facts about Buju Banton before and after his incarceration. We also examine some of the news circulating about his upcoming appearances and discuss his phenomenal legacy.
Reggae Lover is a podcast that pulls back the curtain on the issues, insights, back-stories, and adventures of the biggest names in reggae. Discussions of the culture, economics and all things relatable to reggae lovers.
Hosted by Award-winning radio presenter and top-rated selector Kahlil Wonda and AGARD, co-founders of Highlanda Sound.
I had the chance to interview Ras Fraser Jr. on episode 98 of my podcast and I’m thrilled to be following up now with a mixtape project. Episode 109 features Ras Fraser Jr. in the mix for over 40 minutes. If you have listened, What are your thoughts? How were you feeling after hearing the mix?
Click to download Reggae Lover Podcast Episode 109
Fraser’s music puts me in the mood to show love. That’s really the vibe I want to share. As such, I want to make sure I do my part to spread the message. Ras Fraser Jr. is a serious songwriter, singer, DJ, musician, and artist. Look for his upcoming mixtape. The selection includes exclusive songs that only can be played by me along with tracks from the new album “Journey to Greatness.”
Journey to Greatness, released on the Rebel Sound Records imprint, is available everywhere that music can be purchased. Don’t sleep on this talent. Go buy some songs. Buy the album, Journey to Greatness.
Listen to the official promo mix for I-Octane’s May 4th Miami Album Release/Birthday event.
Click image to download podcast.
This is a special edition of Blackfyre Ent’s Madhouse Fridays at Club Fate, 601 Silks Run # 2499, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009.
I-Octane is celebrating his third full-length album “Love & Life!” Preview songs from the album “Love & Life,” including “Up to We”, “Pretty Loud (feat. J Boog)”, “Let Me Love You” and many more. Shaggy, Demarco, Yanique the Curvy Diva, Ginjah, and Romain Virgo have features on the album.
Check out “Love & Life” by I-Octane on Amazon Music, iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music and more. Stream ad-free from your desktop or mobile device, or buy CD’s and MP3s now.
Reggae Lover Podcast Episode 94 | Interview: Ali Amin Carter
Reggae has been a positive force in the lives of many people, groups, and movements. I want to use this platform to dispel some of the common myths about reggae and the people who enjoy listening to it.I will do this through a series of conversations with people from all around the world. You will get to hear from people from different walks of life who share a common interest in reggae. My guests may or may not work in the music business, but they all have a love for reggae music.
Click picture to download episode.
The first guest on this series entitled “Reggae Lover Interviews,” is an actor, Ali Amin Carter.Ali is currently starring in Je’Caryous Johnson Presents “Set It Off.”The play featuring LeToya Luckett and Da Brat among other notables is now playing.Grab tickets here.
I talk with Ali about his early reggae influences and how he came to fall in love with the genre.He shares some personal stories about the effects of reggae in his life as a Chicago native living in ATL.
A promotional mix featuring Ky-Mani, Damian, Stephen, Ziggy, and Cedella Marley among other heavy hitters for the BobFest ATL event in Atlanta, February 15 – 18.
REGGAE FANS! YOGIS! FOODIES! FILM FANS! and ALL OF ATL!! You have a lot in store for this year’s BobFest!
BobFest 2018. 7th Annual Festival, a special celebration of Bob Marley and reggae music.
Thursday: Yoga with Jah9 and friends Feb 15
Thursday: Yoga with Jah9 and friends Feb 15
Friday: Concert in the Village (and village marketplace!) featuring Jah9 FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ATL, lyrical genius SaRoc and More- Feb 16
Friday: Concert in the Village (and village marketplace!) featuring Jah9 FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ATL, lyrical genius SaRoc and More- Feb 16
Saturday: AFRICA UNITE Film Festival- Feb 17
Saturday: AFRICA UNITE Film Festival- Feb 17
Sunday: Stir It Up Farm to Table Feast!- Feb 18
Sunday: Stir It Up Farm to Table Feast!- Feb 18
You don’t want to miss out on this exciting lineup! Purchase your tickets today at bobfestatl.com. Email bobfestatlinfo@gmail.com for volunteer, sponsor, and vendor information.
Check out a perfect tool and example of the creativity everyone can offer in his/her own voice:
You want to hear lyrics and melodies that move your body while elevating your levels of consciousness. You look forward to seeing a solid reggae band sending out vibrations from the stage to stimulate your senses.
You need to join the masses at the Saturday, October 14th staging of this CONSCIOUS REGGAE CONCERT inside The Hanger – 2435 South Stone Mountain Lithonia Road, Lithonia, GA 30058.
Take in performances from PZED, Ijahknowah, and Ras Fraser Jr. backed by the noteworthy band of the moment, B.R.A.P. Highlanda Sound will be kicking in the lawn to pump dancehall vibes before and after the show.
Come out to enjoy a festival that helps you to promote a healthier lifestyle!
Join us for a jammin’ to your health, Health and Wellness Reggae Musik Festival. This open-air music festival is suitable for all ages! The Health and Wellness Reggae Musik Festival will be held July 15th, 2017, at The Wren’s Nest, 1050 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30310 from noon to 9:00 pm.
This will be a fresh, motivating, and exciting festival that will showcase arts & crafts activities, healthcare presenters, poets, dancers, LIVE reggae music and much more.
Early Bird Tickets = $2o (while they last)
Highlanda Sound 