Walshy Fire stated that “Jamaican artists are on the verge of creating a new genre” in a recent interview. This claim warranted further exploration so we went in on the topic.
Before analyzing today’s music we reviewed the many genres that Jamaica has created. That amazing history includes Mento, Ska, Rock Steady, Reggae, Dub and Dancehall. Reggae sub-genres Nyahbingi, lover’s rock, and rub-a-dub are also popular styles.
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There was a peak in dancehall popularity in the early 2000s followed by a decline in quality reggae. At that time vinyl formats transitioned to CD. Then CDs went out and digital downloads came in. DJs started using laptops to play music and consumers turned to personal electronics. This transitional period led to what we call the reggae revival.
The current global dancehall and reggae revival movements are creating genre-bending trends. Artists like Protoje, Chronixx, Kabaka Pyramid, Jesse Royal, Damian Marley, and Koffee are synonymous with such trends.
Based on our analysis there either is a new emerging genre, or the concept of genres is simply dead. Distinctions between genres have become blurred and young audiences around the world are embracing that change.
References:
Lord Fly with Dan Williams – Medley of Jamaican Mento
This mix features reggae’s vocal harmony groups from the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
I took it back to the roots on this one. I focused on songs with an impressive vocal arrangement. This is a specific selection of songs with male singers harmonizing together.
I featured The Wailers, mostly from the “Catch A Fire” album. That album has that very dry, grassroots sound. This was before instrumentation such as horn sections and electric guitars were added. Before the female energy of the I-Threes was added.
The mix also featured some of The Heptones‘ Studio One era hits. I dropped in some original Israel Vibration before they split. Other groups featured are The Techniques, The Abyssinians, The Gladiators, The Sensations, The Mighty Diamonds, and The Silvertones. You also hear songs from Lloyd Parks and We the People, The Sharks, The Royals, The Cables, and The Flames.
Listen to those names and you know these brothers were from a different time. These vocal groups created some of the most beautiful music and the most powerful songs. You feel their passion because of the emphasis conveyed within the harmonies. There was something special about those days.
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Its the sweet soulful sound of great reggae music! If you enjoy this, check out episode 74. It’s entitled “The Greatest Reggae Bands of All Time (not including the Wailers).” That show features Aswad, Steel Pulse, Third World, Israel Vibration, Black Uhuru, and Inner Circle. Similar material is on The Studio One tribute episodes: 55 and 56.
It’s a new season of the podcast! I am back in full effect with new shows coming out every week until the end of the year. Thank you so much for listening. If it’s your first time, this is a livication to you, the reggae lover.
Whether you know the songs you hear on this show or not, my goal is that you feel uplifted after listening. I want you to feel joyous and happy. The music should help you to transmute any negative energy into positive. You should enter a different frame of mind via the therapeutic mixes and level up.
For booking information or to sponsor this podcast, email reggaeloverpodcast@gmail.com. Thank you to everybody listening from around the world. I love that you get to tune in and listen to me doing what I love most. We are sharing a vibe and keeping this music alive. Check my Soundcloud or anywhere you listen to podcasts weekly for new shows to be available. Until next time, have a great week. One love!!
I had an eye-opening conversation with Atlanta-based organizer for social justice, Ben Speight.
Ben tells how and why he fell in love with Reggae.
He talks about reggae as the soundtrack to movements of social change over the years.
He discusses the history of Ska and Roots Reggae, highlighting the political content.
He draws comparisons between Motown and music from the Rocksteady and UK Lover’s eras.
Hear his thoughts on dancehall, Cali reggae, and the new school of roots rockers coming out of Jamaica.
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This interview, episode 100 of the Reggae Lover podcast, is a testament to the diversity and power of reggae music. Like my guest said, please continue to support reggae music artists, musicians, DJs, and promoters.
We salute our dancehall trailblazer, king of digital reggae, sound system owner/producer Lloyd James aka KING JAMMY. This is the first half of a megamix featuring some big tunes and riddims from the Jammys catalog.
For more King Jammys vibes check out episode 4 (Sanchez, L.U.S.T and Friends – 80s Lovers Rock), episode 5 (Superstars Hit Parade 1987-1989 Tunes/Riddims), episode 10 (Dancehall Time Traveling Back to the 80s and 90s), episode 36 (Stalag meets Sleng Teng), episode 39 (A Late Eighties Reggae Dream 1979-1991).
Also see our tribute episodes featuring Cocoa Tea, Sanchez, Johnny Osbourne, Frankie Paul, and Josey Wales – artists who all recorded hits released on the Jammy’s label. Lots more to come… all dedicated to you, #reggaelover.
Cocoa Tea’s voice is smooth and easy-going, yet very powerful. He was one of the most popular artists in Jamaica during the 1980s and went on to international stardom in the 1990s.
77 – Reggae Lover Podcast – The Very Best of Cocoa Tea (1984 – 1994)
This episode focuses mostly on selections from his early catalog – songs released on the Volcano, Jammy’s and VP record labels from 1984 to 1994. This is sweet sweet Cocoa Tea!
76 – Reggae Lover Podcast – Tribute to Fatis Burrell
Blessed love and respect massive! This is Kahlil Wonda of Highlanda Sound welcoming you to episode 76 of the Reggae Lover Podcast featuring songs produced by the late, great Phillip ‘Fatis’ Burrell, Jamaican reggae music producer and icon – the CEO of the Exterminator (Xterminator) record label. Sit back, relax and enjoy!
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
