5 Best Roots Reggae Songs from the 1990’s

Kahlil Wonda analyzing the top 5 reality tunes from reggae’s best decade.  Kahlil has pieced together his personal top-ranking 90’s culture selections. 

 

 

  • Buzzworthy – Buju Banton Drew a Massive Crowd In Kenya For First Post Prison Show In Africa.  Banton rocks mega-concert at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) ground. Does the First radio interview in years on NRG Radio in Kenya. 

 

  • Tastemaker – Keznamdi & Tory Lanez Fuse Reggae & Hip-Hop on New ‘City Lock’ Single

 

  • Soundclash Update – Addies vs Stone Wall at King of Kings #3 in Antigua.  King Addies is victorious. 

 

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Highlanda Sound live at Reggae in the Park

Live audio recorded at #BeReggae6 featuring Highlanda Sound on stage.

This event was crazy fun! It was 90-100 degrees in ATL, but I’m not complaining – I love the summer vibes.  I played familiar songs to set the pace, and then featured new music (nuff Lila Ike, new Buju, Koffee, Tarrus Riley etc.) for the last half of my round.

 

Rewind Sundays ft. Highlanda Sound, Copper Ash and Natural Vibes (audio)

Experience the REWIND SUNDAYS ‘Jamaica Love’ Roots & Culture event (recorded live on August 19th) that showcased musical selections from some of Atlanta’s top DJ’s including Highlanda Sound, Natural Vibes and Copper Ash alongside Propa English. It was a musical treat with conscious music flowing through the air.

Live Concerts Mix | Reggae Lover Podcast Episode 93

Imagine being in the house for the ultimate reggae concert headlined by Bob Marley and friends.

Bob opens the show setting the mood for a night of stellar entertainment. Steel Pulse performs, then to the crowd’s surprise, Dennis Brown takes the stage. After D. Brown rocks, he invites U-Roy to come up and sing. The Wailers, Dennis Brown, and daddy U-Roy take turns thrilling the audience.

Next, on stage, we have Culture with original singer, Joseph Hill at his peak. Freddie McGregor joins in to deliver one of his greatest hits. Peter Tosh follows with two of his notorious numbers. Bob and U-Roy return to partake in the elevating vibes before making way for Frankie Paul.

F.P. displays crowd control and exemplifies dancehall style as the crowd jumps and sings out loud. The Steel Pulse band returns to contribute more musical excitement infused with meaning. Then to close the show, the legend, Ms. Lauryn Hill shuts it down as only L Boogie could.

Now that would be a bucket-list concert experience!

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Who’s in your Top 5 for Reggae?

 

Highlanda Sound Early Warm -2018 | Reggae Lover 88

Reggae Lover Episode 88 – Highlanda Sound Early Warm (Feb 2018 LIVE)

Highlanda Sound live 2018

Highlanda Sound live set from The Shrine of The Black Madonna in Atlanta with Kahlil Wonda at the controls for the BobFest ATL 2018 festival which featured Jah9 with the Dub Treatment band live from Kingston, Jamaica.

Recorded live 2-16-2018.

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Conscious Reggae Concert Audio | Reggae Lover Podcast Episode 75

75 - Reggae Lover Podcast - Conscious Reggae Concert

75 – Reggae Lover Podcast – Conscious Reggae Concert

The Reggae Lover Podcast returns with a new episode. This one is some curated live audio from a session in ATL recorded 10-14-17. There are many more mixes coming so stay tuned. Thanks to all my subscribers, listeners, and supporters around the world!
#reggaelover

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Classic Highlanda Sound early warm with Kahlil Wonda selecting, mixing, and eventually talking followed by DJ Passport of THC International and DJ Hourglass from the WERC Crew. #rubadubatl

Rub-A-Dub ft. HIGHLANDA SOUND, DJ Passport and DJ Hourglass – 5.14.17 – Live Audio

Listen to Rub-A-Dub ft. HIGHLANDA SOUND, DJ Passport, and DJ Hourglass – 5.14.17 at Wildpitch in ATL, GA.

RUB-A-DUB LIVE AUDIO FT. HIGHLANDA SOUND

Rub-A-Dub ft. HIGHLANDA SOUND, DJ Passport, and DJ Hourglass

I pressed record after I had played the 1st song, “Heptones – Get In the Groove,” but essentially this recording begins just as the state-of-the-art WildPitch Music Hall sound system turned on.  What you will hear is my opening set in its entirety, but in addition to the cool, original song selection, you should pay attention to the “vibe” – the energy that travels from point zero all the way to a mid-tempo dancing situation almost 2 hours later.  It is not a frenzy because of the timing of the set and the theme of the night – RubADub.  This is a textbook early warm set where a few things happen:

  1. Each patron who entered through the door stayed for a few hours and thoroughly enjoyed their experience.
  2. Each party-goer felt sure that the I was purely focused on making a connection with them from the DJ booth, and personally encouraging them to have a good time while inviting them to free-up and dance.
  3. Each performer that followed me encountered an audience that was, not burnt out, but already primed and poised to interact, exchange energy, and dance.  This meant the party’s energy flowed exceptionally well from start to finish regardless of multiple DJ rotations, and some technical difficulties (Serato software – DJ controller – laptop communication issues I suspect).

In today’s Atlanta reggae scene, the early part of dancehall events & concerts is being overlooked.

In my estimation, this costs the promoters more money because patrons have gradually been conditioned to intentionally arrive later and later.  This results in “Primetime” being pushed back to the early morning hours.  If your session is ram pack early in the evening with an ever-increasing vibration of energy, your door and bar sales can be maximized.  Currently, everyone is obsessed with “Star time” and many events lack the energy of entertainment and good value for money until it’s far too late.

I say it’s time to refocus on the early warm.

Staging quality DJs, Sound Systems, and opening performers who can entertain early arriving guests while prepping them to explode in a high-energy fashion at the appropriate time for the climax, later on, will help us all.

Shift the focus away from looking cute for pics and create a space where dance partners take the night and full-joy the moments they have together.  This is the way dancehall used to be back in the days when dance was nice.

I would love to hear your feedback about this topic.  What has been your experience with showing up early to events?  Were you happy with what you encountered?  What is the difference you feel with going out late?  Which do you prefer and why?

More ways to listen to Rub-A-Dub ATL live reggae music audio:

  1. Listen on iTunes
  2. Listen with Google Play Music
  3. Listen/Download via Soundcloud

Jamaican Lovers Rock Music Showcased | Highlanda Sound Live Audio

Highlanda Sound live audio, cover artwork

Press play below or click the image above to listen.

Highlanda Sound Early Warm @ Live Edge – 4.12.17 

Playlist:

  1.  Bob Marley ft. Lauryn Hill – Turn Your Lights Down Low (Remix)
  2.  Jah Cure – Call On Me
  3.  Black Uhuru ft. Shabba Ranks – Shine Eye Girl (Remix)
  4.  Garnett Silk – Complaint (Remix)
  5.  Jah Cure – Ghetto Girl
  6.  Jah9 – Hardcore (Mad Professor Dub Mix)
  7.  Jah9 ft. Chronixx – Hardcore (Remix)
  8.  Ras Fraser Jr. – Vacation For Two
  9.  Morgan Heritage – She’s Still Loving Me
  10.  Queen Ifrica ft. Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley – Trueversation
  11.  Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley – Affairs of the Heart
  12.  Ikaya – Love Note
  13.  Ikaya – For You
  14.  Christopher Martin – Give You My Love
  15.  Gyptian ft. Estelle – Majestic Love
  16.  Simpkin Project – Hustling
  17.  Raging Fyah – Ready For Love
  18.  Shawn Antoine – I Love You
  19.  Sizzla – Give Them A Ride (Morgan Heritage Mix)
  20.  Sizzla – Give Me A Try
  21.  Etana – Warrior Love
  22.  Junior Mervin – Cool Out Son
  23.  Welton Irie & Prince Weedy – Nice Up the Dance
  24.  Lady Ann – Informer
  25.  Wayne Wonder – Talk About (Dubplate)
  26.  Tristan Palmer – Entertainment
  27.  Gregory Isaacs – Lead Me
  28.  Cocoa Tea – Rikers Island
  29.  JC Lodge – Love Rewind
  30.  Maxi Priest – Bonafide Love
  31.  Sanchez – Rearrange My Life
  32.  Sanchez – Missing You
  33.  Garnett Silk – Oh Me Oh My
  34.  The Tamlins – Baltimore
  35.  Tessanne Chin – Firework
  36.  Rihanna – Right Now (Jr. Blender Remix)
  37.  Chronixx – Alpha and Omega
  38.  Usher – Climax (Walshy Fire Remix)
  39.  Etana – All I Need
  40.  Stephen & Damian Marley ft. Buju Banton – Traffic Jam
  41.  Cocoa Tea – Tune In
  42.  Shabba Ranks – Reality
  43.  Sizzla – Just One of those Days
  44.  Mikey Melody – Mellow (Dubplate)
Live Audio | Highlanda Sound blog art

Live Audio: Rub-A-Dub ATL ft. Highlanda Sound | Sunday 4.9.17

Here is a curated segment of live audio played by Highlanda Sound with Kahlil Wonda selecting and mixing recorded on April 9, 2017, at Wildpitch Music Hall in Atlanta.

Live Audio from Highlanda Sound | Rub-A-Dub blog artwork

Audio links are below:

 

Rub-A-Dub monthly, a catalyst in Atlanta’s conscious reggae scene

Patrons braved the early March cold snap for a live reggae vibe in the city, #rubadubatl.

Listen to the audio stream or download the mp3 for on-demand listening.  The recording starts as I played a set of culture and lovers rock songs from the 2000’s and 90’s.

Highlanda Sound featuring Kahlil Wonda live DJ set at Rub-A-Dub ATL, Sunday, March 12, 2017

Highlanda Sound featuring Kahlil Wonda

Sound International selected a foundation round dominated by 70’s anthems and climaxing with a memorable ride on the Baltimore Riddim.

Sound International featuring DJ Chung live DJ set at Rub-A-Dub ATL, Sunday, March 12, 2017

Sound International featuring DJ Chung live DJ set at Rub-A-Dub ATL, Sunday, March 12, 2017

Dawit Selassie delivered a personal reasoning with soulfully warming vocals over accompanying acoustic guitar.

Webba selected and featured mostly 1980’s era shots in a creative pattern.

Webba live DJ Set at Rub-A-Dub ATL

Webba live DJ Set at Rub-A-Dub ATL

DJ Passport kept vibes high in a similar fashion as Webba took over the microphone station.

DJ Passport live DJ Set at Rub-A-Dub ATL

DJ Passport live DJ Set at Rub-A-Dub ATL

I anchored the night freestyle juggling one-drop songs at a mid-tempo pitch.

Kahlil Wonda x Highlanda Sound live DJ Set at Rub-A-Dub ATL

Kahlil Wonda x Highlanda Sound live DJ Set at Rub-A-Dub ATL

Audio from the “Rub-A-Dub ATL” Bob Marley Tribute 2017

Rub-A-Dub ATL ft. Black Magic, Innocent, Highlanda, ĀGARD, DJ Passport and Natural Vibes

photo of Bad Boy Kurt from Black Magic Sound and Dappa Lee from Innocent Sound at Rub-A-Dub ATL Bob Marley Tribute 2017

Bad Boy Kurt from Black Magic Sound and Dappa Lee from Innocent Sound

Experience the Bob Marley tribute event (recorded live on February 12th) that showcased musical selections from some of Atlanta’s top DJ’s including Highlanda Sound, DJ Passport, Black Magic, Natural Vibes and Innocent Sounds and ĀGARD from Brooklyn, New York. It was a musical treat with conscious music flowing through the air.

photo of Highlanda Sound's Kahlil Wonda holding the microphone with DJ Passport (Right) and AGARD (left)

Highlanda Sound’s Kahlil Wonda holding the microphone with DJ Passport (Right) and AGARD (left)

 

Highlanda.net and The Honorary Citizen presents Rub-A-Dub ATL, 2nd Sundays monthly: A style of Jamaican Reggae, First there was Ska, which evolved into Reggae which has several styles: Rock Steady, Rub-A-Dub, Dancehall etc…

Wildpitch Music Hall -  255 Trinity Avenue, Atlanta, GA

Wildpitch Music Hall – 255 Trinity Avenue, Atlanta, GA

Reggae party, Rub-A-Dub ATL, is a nightlife event that includes many sub-genres of reggae music including ska, rocksteady, lovers rock, Roots, dub and dancehall with live DJ sets and live music performances monthly on Second Sundays in Atlanta at WildPitch Music Hall.

More ways to listen to Rub-A-Dub ATL reggae music audio:

  1. Listen on iTunes
  2. Listen on Google Play Music
  3. Listen on Soundcloud
Jamaican dancehall music live audio

RUB-A-DUB ATL, the Best Reggae Music live Dancehall Audio to Download

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The 70s, 80s, and 90s were prolific decades for dancehall music and many strides were made in Jamaican music during that time.

The 1970s is still heralded as the golden age of Jamaican reggae music, but with the advent of digital technology, the 80s and 90s decades became known as the sweetest time for commercially successful crossover dancehall fusion, sound clashes and juggling dances alike.  The transitional period out of the golden age and into the digital era is when the term rub-a-dub emerged as both a description of the musical style (heavy drum patterns accompanied by swinging basslines) and a verbal representation of the popular hip-to-hip movements between dance partners of the time.

To this day in cities around the world, there remains a high demand for the fashion of dancing with accompanying classic riddims and anthems that rocked the dancehalls of yesteryear.

As such, it brings me great pleasure to present Rub-A-Dub ATL – dedicated to you, the reggae lover.

download reggae music audio from rubadub atl

Rub-A-Dub ATL January 2017 | Click Image to Listen or Download

Rub-A-Dub ATL ft. DJ Passport, Highlanda Sound, DJ Rootsqueen, and Jah Prince at Wildpitch on 1.8.17.

Reggae party, Rub-A-Dub ATL, is a nightlife event that includes many sub-genres of reggae music including ska, rocksteady, lovers rock, Roots, dub and dancehall with live DJ sets and live music performances monthly on Second Sundays in Atlanta at WildPitch Music Hall.

More ways to listen to Rub-A-Dub ATL reggae music audio:

  1. Listen on iTunes
  2. Listen on Google Play Music
  3. Listen on Soundcloud
Reggae party, Rub-A-Dub ATL, is a nightlife event that includes many sub-genres of reggae music including ska, rocksteady, lovers rock, Roots, dub and dancehall with live DJ sets monthly on Second Sundays in Atlanta at WildPitch Music Hall. highlanda.net/rubadubatl/ #rubadubatl

Rub-A-Dub ATL @Wildpitch, 12.11.16 – Full Audio (#rubadubatl)

RUB-A-DUB ft. DJ Passport @ WildPitch (12.11.16)

RUB-A-DUB ft. Highlanda Sound @ WildPitch (12.11.16)

Rub-A-Dub ft. Funkregulata Celo @ WildPitch (12.11.16)

Rub-A-Dub ft. Empress Movements @ WildPitch (12.11.16)

Dubwise Atlanta ft. Protoje

Protoje Live performance @ Dubwise Atlanta – WildPitch Music Hall [video]

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Protoje was the featured artist at the 3rd installment of Dubwise Atlanta held at WildPitch Music Hall on December 4, 2016.

Get Protoje’s latest “Royalty Free” project here.

“The mission for Dubwise is to spread roots, reggae, dub, culture music to the masses and provide a space and balance with other musical genres penetrating society and the minds of the youth. With that mission we only could have one outcome: spread the dub wisely!”

Read more about Dubwise here.

Protoje (@protoje)
Yaadcore (@iAmYaadcore)

Protoje online:
https://www.facebook.com/protoje
https://twitter.com/Protoje
http://instagram.com/protoje
https://soundcloud.com/protoje

Powered by #rubadubatl. Read more about Rub-A-Dub ATL here.

Get the full audio from DUBWISE ATLANTA FT. PROTOJE  here.
View the full DUBWISE ATLANTA WITH PROTOJE PICTURE GALLERY here.

Dubwise Atlanta presented by Kings With Style Co.

John Wayne and Highlanda Sound Juggling inna Rub-A-Dub Style (live audio)

This is a recording from November 2016, featuring the juggling of John Wayne Movements alongside Highlanda Sound.

John Wayne at Rub-A-Dub ATL

John Wayne at Rub-A-Dub ATL

Listen to the classic selections including Dennis Brown, Johnny Clarke, and some of my favorite Studio One riddims.

This was taken recorded live at Rub-A-Dub ATL inside of WildPitch Music Hall!!!

DJ Passport with Ras Jamal of Royal Ethiopian Sound System @ Rub-A-Dub ATL

Highlanda Sound, DJ Empress Rah and DJ Passport juggling at Rub-A-Dub ATL – Full Audio

Hear the live audio of DJ sets recorded on October 9th, 2016 inside WildPitch Music Hall with Highlanda Sound, DJ Empress Rah and DJ Passport performing.

Listen with iTunes, or scroll down for Soundcloud links.

kahlilwonda

Kahlil Wonda and DJ Empress Rah @ WildPitch Music Hall #rubadubatl

DOWNLOAD HIGHLANDA SOUND @ RUB-A-DUB ATL OCT. 2016 AUDIO

DJ Empress Rah @ Rub-A-Dub ATL

DJ Empress Rah @ Rub-A-Dub ATL

DOWNLOAD DJ PASSPORT & DJ EMPRESS RAH @ RUB-A-DUB ATL OCT. 2016 AUDIO

Highlanda Sound live set

Live DJ set: “When Highlanda Sound brought reggae to Buckhead”

It has always been my belief that people want authenticity in their music regardless of the venue.  As a DJ, I have had the privilege of performing at high-end and hole-in-the-wall venues, but this did not mean that I had to switch up my playlist.

As a party builds, and the crowd begins to increase in size, it’s important for the DJ to control the vibe and energy in the room by not starting out too fast.  A gradual increase of the pace sets a solid foundation for the energetic climax later in the night that should take place.

To illustrate this, I have curated some audio of a live set recorded at one of my first residencies in the Buckhead party district of Atlanta during the early 2000’s – when nightlife carried on until 4am in the city.  This was the hottest attraction in the city at the ultra sexy upscale venue, Kream – the same one mentioned by Jermaine Dupri in the song “Welcome to Atlanta.”

It was important for me to give a really organic representation of how a reggae dancehall sound system controls a dance, not only for the entertainment of the patrons but also because I wanted my guest DJs to feel comfortable enough to go hard with the crowd when it was their turn to take control.  Once the foundation is set with a good “early-warm,” it’s then much easier and much more likely that the dance will erupt in excitement later on.

My set commences with strictly veteran singers from the 1970’s and 1980’s like John Holt, Sugar Minott, Nitty Gritty, Dennis Brown, The Heptones and Barrington Levy.  After about 40 minutes, selections from the 1990’s could be heard with the first Everton Blender tunes, Luciano, and a Garnett Silk mega mix.  Listen as the MC, SuperPEC welcomes several people to the dance, and a crowd gathers for the ensuing festivities.  Listen as I carefully advance the pace and turn up the heat while watching the dancefloor start to bubble.

Click below to stream or download audio mp3.

If you’d like to book me to as your DJ for an upcoming event please click here.

AUDIO: Aba Shaka and Highlanda Sound live DJ set in Atlanta (9.29.16)

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I was honored to play a range of selections alongside Aba Shaka when Black Uhuru performed in ATL.

Aba Shaka live in Atlanta

Aba Shaka live alongside Highlanda Sound’s Kahlil Wonda (@ The Royal Peacock, September 2016, Atlanta, GA)

Hear the audio recorded that night, which includes my segment from later in the night, after the stage show.

Listen to Rub-A-Dub ATL recorded live DJ sets by Isis Swaby, Highlanda, and DJ Passport

RUB-A-DUB ft. HIGHLANDA Sound, ISIS SWABY, & DJ Passport live sets @ WildPitch Music Hall (9.11.16)

Rub-A-Dub at WildPitch:

Rub-A-Dub (Second Sundays) at WildPitch: Highlanda Sound, Isis Swaby, DJ Passport – 9/2016

DJ Passport live set

Isis Swaby live set

Highlanda live set

See the video by MoretsTV here or Listen with iTunes here.

Highlanda Sound at Electric Dancehall Atlanta live (8_20_16) **Explicit**

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Listen to Highlanda Sound at Electric Dancehall Atlanta live (8_20_16) Explicit by HIGHLANDA SOUND #Reggae #np on #SoundCloud