2017 has seen terrific progress for the sound of roots reggae music with the release of some powerful albums.
Click Image to Play: Reggae Lover by Highlanda Sound
Traditional roots music which is beloved by many and hailed as the sweetest vibe is refreshed and on display in the works of today’s artists featured here. This is message music of the positive variety.
Chronixx, Jah9, Samory I, Kristine Alicia, Iba Mar, Spiritual, Queen Ifrica, and Protoje, along with veterans Anthony Malvo, Nadine Sutherland, Sizzla, Capleton and more paint pictures that speak loudly with powerful songs.
It brings me great pleasure to present Reggae Lover Podcast Episode 71 – dedicated to you, the #REGGAELOVER.
SOUNDCLOUD: CLICK TO DOWNLOAD, OR PRESS PLAY BELOW TO LISTEN NOW.
Featuring Beres Hammond, Ikaya, Queen Ifrica, Yasha, Jah Cure and more, look out for various artists compilation album Reggae Gold 2015 which VP Records has slated for a release date of July 17.
Reggae Lover Podcast Episode 34 opens with Queen Ifrica, Anthony B, and Bushman singing about police brutality from a Jamaican perspective.
Riddims featured include Tempo, Shank I Sheck, Rockfort Rock, Promised Land, and Darker Shade of Black plus 1996’s masterpiece from Flames Productions, the Lalabella among others, while the subject-matter is conscious, spiritual and cultural.
The finale is “Splashing Dashing” (the 23rd Psalm) being performed by Garnett Silk on the Champion of the Arena riddim, released on the Fattis Burrell’s Exterminator record label. Rest In Peace to Garnett Silk who flew away home to Zion almost exactly 20 years ago.
Playlist:
1 Queen Ifrica – Babylon Blunder
2 Anthony B – Good Cop
3 Anthony B – Police
4 Anthony B – Fire Bun Now
5 Bushman – Robbery
6 Aaron Silk – The Right Path
7 Uton Green – No Looking Back
8 Lebanculah and Sugar Black – Oh Jah
9 Everton Blender – Ghetto People Song
10 Tony Rebel – Why Be Afraid
11 Bounty Killer and Junior Reid – This World Too Haunted
12 Glen Washington – Why
13 Garnett Silk and Capleton – Complaint
14 Luciano – One Way Ticket
15 Luciano – Raggamuffin
16 Everton Blender – Blow Your Nose
17 Beres Hammond – Freedom
18 Garnett Silk – Splashing Dashing
internationally-acclaimed reggae artist, Junior Kelly
As far as internationally-acclaimed reggae artist, Junior Kelly, is concerned, his years spent under contract with VP Records were not only productive and interesting, they contributed significantly to his development and progress globally.
“They were seven good years musically and otherwise,” Kelly said in an interview. “And seven is really such an awesome number, so it was significant and appropriate that after seven years, we closed the chapter on what proved to be a mutually beneficial agreement,” the conscious Rasta Artiste stated.
It was in 2003 that Junior Kelly inked the deal with reggae music giant, VP Records, and began a musical journey of exploration that took him along a meandering learning curve. The 2010 opus, Red Pond, signaled the delivery of the final album for VP under the contractual obligations. However, while Red Pond gained critical acclaim, there are some who feel that the true potential of the album was never fully capitalized and that the artist would have benefited more had there been an effective and penetrative marketing thrust in place.
Kelly’s management admit that they have heard all the critics, but for them, that chapter has been closed and they are looking towards a future filled with more conscious, uplifting music. However, they were quick to point out that this doesn’t mean that they would never work with VP again.
“The vibes between us and VP is great. All respect is due to them and we salute the Chin family for their contribution to the development of reggae and dancehall music,” was the message from Junior Kelly’s team.
“We were even considering extending the contractual period and doing another album for Chris (Chin), but we finally made the decision to do some work on our own and explore other options,” a representative for Junior Kelly explained.
The VP contract, as is the norm with many binding recording contracts, demanded exclusivity, giving the artiste little room to manoeuvre in terms of production choices. Now that Kelly has regained his independence, so to speak, he has been linking with other producers, listening keenly to the riddims and experiencing the beat of reggae music on various levels.
One of the first singles that he dropped in the post-VP era was “Been There”, a Big Bomb Entertainment release on the Broadleaf Riddim. “Been There” worked its way to number one on the Richie B Jamaica Music Countdown, made the Top 5 on the long-running New York Reggae Singles Chart and dominated the Stampede Street Chart during the summer.
When Junior Kelly heard that the single had topped the chart, he commented, “I give thanks to all those who worked assiduously to make this single number one. Naturally, it’s a good feeling when fans endorse your music and it gives me the encouragement to continue along this path.”
“Been There” adds to Junior Kelly’s list of songs which have impacted in a huge way. Among them are the “Sunshine,” “Boom Draw”, “Hungry Days,” “Missing You” (with Bar-bee)”, “Too Late” with Queen Ifrica, “Receive” and the blockbuster, breakout single, “Love So Nice“, which spent a record 15 weeks at number one.
Junior Kelly has been in the business of making uplifting and empowering reggae music for more than 25 years. Beginning his career during Dancehall’s ‘rude boy’ era in the late ’80s, Kelly’s inspiring messages have always made him a standout artist within Jamaica’s heavily populated entertainment scene.
His breakthrough single “Love So Nice” established him as a bonafide star in 2000. His commanding juxtaposition of precisely timed, deejayed rhymes and melodic singing, coupled with his vivid storytelling abilities, took the song to #1 on the Jamaican charts. The album “Love So Nice”, released in 2001, also spawned the well-received singles which brought him recognition throughout the Caribbean, North America, and Europe.
In this a time of reflection, I would like to thank my fans who have supported me through this difficult situation and who will continue to support me. Your messages and prayers via social networks and via members of my team are what have brought light to the darkness of my cell.
I have never admitted that I was involved in any drug deal or drug arrangement. I waived my rights to an extradition trial here in Jamaica, so that I can return to the US to face a charge of absconding bail ONLY. This incident took place ten (10) years ago before I even considered becoming an artiste.
As you can understand, this is a difficult time for me, however during my time away, my fans will not be left with a void – there are several unreleased tracks that will definitely keep you “busy” until my return. I recently released my album Reggae Music Again, which debuted at number 5 on the Billboard Reggae charts. On my recent tour of Amsterdam and Paris, we shot elements for the video to the title track of the album. It features cameos from Marcia Griffiths, Queen Ifrica and Anthony B and that will be released in a couple of weeks.
For my fans overseas, my management team has been in dialogue with promoters who have all shown their support for me and my situation and for that I thank them.
For my family, you have stood by me through thick and thin and I know you will continue to do so. In my time away, I have made the necessary arrangements with my management team to have you taken care of until my return.
To my band. Hi-Voltage, you have toured the world with me and have been a tower of strength. Continue to make good music until I return, cause the mission will continue.
I know that my facebook page has been inactive for a while, but, starting this week, Shane Brown, head of Juke Boxx management team, will assume direct control of my twitter account – @busysignal_turf and my facebook page – http://www.facebook.com/OneBusySignal. I will be kept updated so please continue to send your love, support and prayers through these channels, as they keep me going.
To my legal team, KD Knight, Bert Samuels and Roxanne Mars, your positive words and unfailing belief and support in me and my case have made this situation a little easier to bear. Thank you very much.
Finally my friends, my fans and my family, thank you again from the depths of my heart. Please keep me in your prayers. “We not going down, cause God alone controls my destiny”
“Live On The Waterfront” is a 4 day event brought to you by The Live Entertainment Group to Stimulate and revamp your taste for our Jamaican music on April 22 – 25 2011 . This phenomenal event will feature a few genres of our Jamaican musical culture like, Roots Rocking Reggae, Dancehall and Gospel etc.
Live On The Waterfront is geared towards bring back to Jamaica’s event calendar a truly authentic musical showcase, with a focus on the local talent rather than foreign acts. The Representation of Jamaican music will be from originators and innovators in the industry current and Old stars.
Acts such as Vintage line up; Charlie Chaplin, Josey Wales, U Roy and many more, Roots Rocking Reggae; Tarrus Riley, Tony Rebel, Etana and many more, Dancehall; Bounty Killa, I-Octane, Lady Saw and many more, Gospel; Carlene Davis, Dj Nicholas, Prodigal Son and many more. There will be various bands providing melodious rhymes that will soothe your ear and better yet Byron Lee’s Dragonairs will be there to electrify you with their wide collection of high energy soca music.
Pier One Montego Bay Jamaica will be the place where this new phenomenon will be born and staged. This venue as you know is the home for some of Jamaica’s/Montego Bay’s most luxurious sunset viewing with a wide view of the night sky as it touches the ocean and to top it off Pier One is also Montego Bay’s number 1 dining location. Pier One is also the home for some of Montego’s Bay biggest events like Short Circuit, Dancehall Queen, Fame Road Show and many more hit events.
Come meet, greet, eat and party responsibly in a safe and relaxing environment among friends, family and to sum it up great people. Come and experience entertainment in a way you have never experienced before.
This is the latest episode of the syndicated Reggae Vault Classics podcast produced by Highlanda Sound System for May 5, 2010 featuring the very best classic reggae and dancehall music in a full stereo radiobroadcast format.
This episode includes the Featured Artist Special Mix which broadcasts weekly on the Reggae Vault Classics Radio Show (Wednesdays 7pm – 9pm EST) on Da Flava Radio.
1 Telephone Love – JC Lodge
2 Hold A Cuff – Sister Charmaine
3 Kuff – Shelly Thunder
4 Bam Bam – Sister Nancy
5 Uptown Top Ranking – Althea and Donna
6 I’m Still In Love – Marcia Aitken
7 Thank You – Chevelle Franklin and Lady G
8 I’m In Love – Nadine Sutherland
9 Babyface – Nadine Sutherland
10 You Don’t Know – Tanya Stephens
Marcia Griffiths Mix Playlist
1 Truly
2 Tell Me Now feat. Bounty Killer
3 Live On feat. Beres Hammond
4 Fire Burning (Half Idiot) feat. Cutty Ranks
5 Closer To You
6 I Shall Sing
7 All My Life
8 Sea Of Love
9 Always Together feat. Bob Andy
10 Undying Love
11 Childish Games
This is the latest episode of the syndicated Dancehall Nowpodcast produced by Highlanda Sound System for October 20, 2009 featuring the very latest dancehall music in a full stereo radio broadcast format.
This episode includes live footage from Highlanda’s Dancehall Now Radio Show (Tuesdays 6pm – 9pm EST) on Da Flava Radio.
The Ladies Edition featured the music of artists including the following: Raine Seville, Etana, Cherine Anderson, Alaine, Queen Ifrica, Phylissia, Alison Hinds, Marcia Griffiths, Jodain Pantry, D’Angel, Tifa, Cecile, Lady Saw, and Spice.
On DANCEHALL NOW, Top Rated Highlanda features new and pre-release dancehall music that we deem the best of the best and bound to become hits along with established chart toppers and records getting radio and club spins in current rotation. Dancehall Now also includes artist features and delivers news pertinent to the dancehall community.
Dancehall Now is in keeping with Highlanda Sound’s stated mission to entertain and promote reggae music world wide. This show may contain language that may be considered by some to be offensive. Views expressed by artists and guests on this show are not necessarily shared or endorsed by Highlanda Sound.
Please download the entire mp3 file or just click to listen to the audiostream now. We sincerely hope you enjoy the selections. Please send your comments, feedback, and requests to kahlil.wonda@gmail.com or feel free to comment here. If you like what you hear please subscribe and become a fan to get automatic updates when new shows are added.
Sean Paul, Queen Ifrica, Freddie McGregor, Mr. Vegas, Assassin, Laden, Tony Rebel, Spice and Chino are among the reggae/dancehall acts confirmed for Irie Jamboree – North America’s premier reggae festival organizers announced recently. The event takes place on Labor Day Sunday, September 6, 2009 in Queens, New York.
Bobby Clarke, CEO of Irie Jam Radio, co-producers of the event said that “Sean Paul’s appearance will help the festival attract not only traditional reggae/dancehall lovers but mainstream fans who have now embraced music from the islands. He has established himself as the top artiste from the Caribbean and has consistently demonstrated his ability to score international hit songs, having done so with Deport Them, Hot Gal Today, Gimmie the Light, Get Busy, Like Glue, Temperature, We Be Burning, Baby Boy and Come Over” Clarke noted. The Grammy winning artiste recently landed his 13th entry on Billboard‘s R&B Hip Hop Singles charts, with So Fine, the first single from his forthcoming album.
Cultural artist Queen Ifrica, who was in New York recently to promote her new disc “Montego Bay” is also confirmed for Irie Jamboree 2k9. With a growing fans base and hits like Daddy, Lioness on the Rise, Keep It To Yourself and Below The Waist getting significant airplay in North America and Europe, the Fyah Muma is primed and ready to blaze the stage with another commanding set. Also gracing the Jamboree stage will be Big Ship recording artiste Freddie McGregor who will shear the stage with his son Chino and label mate Laden, who garnered the spotlight with “Time to Shine.”
Mr. Vegas, who recently electrified reggae lovers in France and who is enjoying another phenomenal year with his brand new chart hit So Blessed and favorites like Hot Wuk, Tek Wey Youself, Heads High and We Nuh Want Nuh Friend From Dem will grace the Jamboree stage once again along with Assassin and Spice.
One significant change that will be instituted by Team Irie Jamboree this year, is the moving of the event to an outdoor facility at York College on Guy R Brewer, located a few miles from Roy Wilkins Park, home of the event for the past six years.
“We really believe that we have found a home at York,” said Steven Williams, CEO of Black Emperor Entertainment, co-producers of the event.
“Roy Wilkins has been a great venue for us however we could not ignored complaints from patrons about the lack of substantial park which is the main reason for the move” Williams said.
York College has a municipal park in close proximity and is just minutes from the NY Subway and Long Island Railroad which will greatly improve accessibility for many patrons who use mass transit to get and from the event annually.
“Our goal is to make the whole Irie Jamboree experience a memorable one for patrons and with this calculated move, we are one step closer to achieving our ultimate goal” Williams reiterated.
First off let me say for the record that since the mid 1990’s, when asked which artist puts on the best live stage show performance, my answer was and is Luciano. I found out that he was going to be performing in Atlanta through word of mouth the day before the concert and decided to go since it had been a while since I attended a stage show. Knowing that Caribbean events in Stone Mountain typically start late, I was in no rush to arrive. I got inside Club Intrigue at around 2am after paying $30. I had no problem forking up the money, because after all, it was for Luciano – my favorite live performer. At that time there was a short line outside and the venue, which can hold approximately 1000 people was about half full. More people continued to arrive over the next couple hours but the club wasn’t packed at all.
English: Photo of Tony Rebel, Jamaican reggae legend (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Early Warm (part 1)
Local sound man, Danger Marcus finished up his set on the turntables and turned the controls over to Adonai Sound from Jamaica. Dred from Adonai selected and mixed, while Atlanta’s Mix Master David acted as MC. Adonai’s Dred started out with some foundation music, but then brought it to more recent conscious and lover’s rock reggae before starting to juggle with songs like ‘Living Dangerously‘ by Bounty Killer featuring Barrington Levy. The music was decent though I would have liked to hear more culture played since it was a culture show. Also, Mix Master David’s specialty is mixing, hence his name, and he struggled to connect with the audience while talking over music being played by the Adonai. I don’t recall any forwards (big crowd responses) being achieved.
The Early Warm (part 2)
At around 3am, the stage show began with opening acts performing dirty south style hip-hop. The first 4 acts took the stage rapping about various subject matter unrelated to the theme of the night (Spiritual Fyah), performing at least 2-3 songs each which made me think to myself, among other questions, “are the promoters familiar with the music of Luciano at all?” After that the MC introduced Fire Harp, the first reggae artist, followed by Ras Idon, Ishmael Turner, and a female duet that reminded me of the group Floetry called Last Lyricists. These performances were good and much more appropriate, but I think this whole portion of the show was too long. Standing up and watching 8 artists you have never heard of sing songs you never heard before for over an hour doesn’t exactly energize a crowd, especially at that time of morning.
More Earlies
The MC then announced that the DJ would take over for a while until the remaining artists were ready to take the stage so Nolan from King Eternity began to select and was joined by Danger Marcus as MC. I think Danger Marcus was better than Mix Master David as he ventured away from the DJ booth in the corner of the stage out to front stage a few times to interact with the crowd. He had more energy, but It didn’t transfer over to the audience. This whole time, the majority of the people were at the back of the club, near the bar or in the far corners so it was pretty empty in front of the stage and on the main dance-floor. During his set, Nolan selected 2002 – 2003 tunes and juggled on riddims like Diwali, Buyout and the Buzz at 4 o’clock in the morning. The selection was not fitting with the theme of the night in general and this prevented the vibes from reaching anywhere. I still can’t believe that I heard no Beres Hammond, Garnett Silk, Capleton, conscious Sizzla… No Anthony B, Everton Blender, Chuck Fender, Bob Marley or any other Marley… You get my drift.
Showtime
It is at this point that the event started suffering from attrition and people began to trickle out one by one. I am sure patrons wondered if the artists they had paid to see were even in Atlanta at all, I know I did. Eventually the MC came back on stage to resume the stage show after the long break and brought out Anthony Malvo. There was still no band in sight, but at least there was a known reggae artist. Anthony Malvo was able to entertain the crowd singing covers of different reggae hits mostly, and his biggest response was in tribute to the late great Alton Ellis.
It was great to see band members emerge and take there place along with Delly who travelled from Jamaica to be the official MC/host. It was around 5am now, and whoever had stuck around that long had to be glad to know that Luciano would be coming out soon. Delly then introduced Papa Michi, Michigan from the foundation DJ duo Michigan and Smiley. I was shocked just to see this artist still performing at his age, but he went through some covers, another Alton Ellis tribute with the same songs Anthony Malvo sang, and also performed the 1980 hit, Diseases. Not bad at all, I just wished it was at least 3 hours earlier.
Star time
Queen Ifrica touched the stage and pulled stragglers in from the far corners of Club Intrigue to the front of the stage. She was well received and sang all her hits from the past 2 years, stopping only to give relevant speeches and introduce her songs like a pro. She worked well with the band and stayed on stage for approximately 30 minutes, ending off with her current hit tune, ‘Keep it to Yourself.’ Her performance was short and sweet.
Tony Rebel was up next. Rebel Tony showed poise and veteranship while on stage. He immediatley commanced attention from the crowd and went through the hits that he is know for globally, including Fresh Vegetable, Chatty Chatty, and If Jah. He also gave some lyrics about the rise of President Barack Obama to bring it current. Tony Rebel’s segment was longer than Queen Ifrica’s – I’d say about 45 minutes, which meant that now it was 6:30am.
Luciano took the stage to close the show and was well worth the wait. I will continue to support this artist because of the vibes and energy he puts into his shows. He skanked, jumped, and tumbled across the stage. He prayed for Barack Obama and gave good reports from his trip to Kenya, which was during the time of the recent Presidential election in the US. Luci did hits from different albums, but while singing Glory Be, given the signal that he had to leave to catch his plane. His performance ended up being not much longer than some of the opening acts which is sad, however in the short time he was on stage (at almost 7am) he was still able to completely energize the audience and get everyone back onto their feet and in a vibes. Then he stopped the last song and had the band start over, playing low so he could at least finish properly, kneeling down to say a prayer in the process. The Messenger Luciano shook the hands of all who were near enough to the stage and posed for pictures as if truly grateful for the opportunity to carry out his life mission – to spread Jah love and a conscious message through singing.
Please share your comments on these artists, concerts or events you have been to, etc. I will be breaking down the Atlanta dancehall scene in depth in future posts so you will want to stay tuned, trust me. That’s all for now.
On this week’s show we feature more new music of course and yes, more people are listening. Check the playlist below and here’s the direct link to the new show. You can right-click and Save As to download the file, or just left-click to listen now: http://stuff.highlanda.net/rss/podcast/s2/Dancehall_Now_Episode_3.mp3
If you like what you hear visit the Highlanda.net podcast page and subscribe to get automatic updates sent to you each week. Hopefully you will, and hopefully you subscribe to this blog too. We are getting good feedback so far. Please continue to contact us with requests and comments.
Dancehall Now Episode 3
Wednesday, October 29, 2008 5:08 AM
1 Need You Bad – Jazmine Sullivan
2 Jail – Busy Signal
3 Real Jamaican – Mykal Rose featuring Busy Signal
4 Me Nuh Give a – Timberlee
5 Gal dem tired – Buju Banton
6 Gal A You – Demarco
7 Hand up – Determine
8 Style Dem – General B
9 Know Long Time – Zebra
10 Love LockDown – Kanye West
11 So Special – Mavado
12 Kill Dem All – Bounty Killer
13 I Can Feel Your Pain – Gyptian
14 In Your Eyes – Sanchez
15 She Loves Me – Serani
16 The Mission – Stephen Marley featuring Damian Marley
17 We Need Barack – Mavado featuting Barack Obama
18 Nuh Linga – Elephant Man
19 Long Distance Girlfriend – Heavy D
20 Money Fi Spend – Vybes Kartel
21 Keep It To Yourself – Queen Ifrica
22 The Way You Make Me Feel – Serani
23 Street Life – K, Salaam featuring Trey Songz & Buju Banton
24 100 Stab – Aidonia
25 Tic Toc – Busy Signal
26 I Feel Good – Beres Hammond
27 Barack Obama – Cocoa Tea
The results of the Highlanda.net survey on new female reggae artists are in…
Several female voices have come out of Jamaica in the last few years who are looking to one day be mentioned amongst the likes of dancehall veterans like Marcia Griffiths, Nadine Sutherland, Lady Saw, Tanya Stephens and others. Who is your favorite FEMALE reggae artist on the scene right now?
…and the winner was a Jamaican actress and Dancehall/Reggae vocalist, Cherine Anderson with 40% of the votes. Her duet with Chuck Fender entitled Coming Over established itself as an anthem in the dancehall. Download a free mixtape of her music hosted by Rory of Stone Love from her website CherineAnderson.com. Cherine is a young, but accomplished talent. Her films to date include Dancehall Queen and One Love.
In second place was Queen Ifrica, also known as Fyah Muma out of Tony Rebel’s Flames Production camp. Queen is more than just a good entertainer. In her hit song Daddy she tackles the issues of child molestation in the household. Her music is a true inspiration especially to all women and is filled with reality and very timely, conscious messages.
Next we introduce to the world Etana. Etana, which means ‘strong one,’ rejected the words and image of the sexy dancehall genre in favor of a visible lifestyle defined by Rastafari. She has by all evidence, been vindicated in her choices. Etana’s debut single, Wrong Address, struck a resounding chord and is still getting major radio play, while Roots, her next release is climbing similarly.
Also weighing in was the young Jamaican idol and Universal Motown recording artist Tami Chynn. A pop princess who emerged from one of the grittiest, male dominated music scenes, Jamaica’s dancehall. “My influences are very eclectic. If you browsed my iPod you’d get confused, but it all works really,” says Tami. Her new single Frozen featuring Akon is the title track of her new album in stores now.
All these artists are a big wave in the tsunami of talent coming out of the Caribbean. Other upcoming stars in the business to keep an eye on:
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