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.
Download Reggae Lover episode 140 by clicking the image above.
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. 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
This episode starts with early rocksteady then goes back in time to original vintage ska.
For those who are not familiar with ska, I will attempt to give you a brief history. Ska music originated in Jamaica in the 1950s and became popular in the 1960s. When you listen to ska lyrics and melodies you must keep a few things in mind:
Ska had an uptempo beat for dancing and required very energetic dance moves. It’s based on Mento (Jamaican folk music) and Caribbean Calypso mixed with classic American R&B.
Jamaica gained independence from Great Britain in 1962 with ska as the soundtrack. This music is the island’s 1st true ‘pop’ genre and there is a sense of new national pride in some of the lyrics.
An influx of youth moved from outlying areas of the island to Kingston to look for work. Unable to make a living, many teens resorted to illegal activities. This set the stage for what became known as the “rude boy” subculture, another major source of lyrics in early ska.
In the late 1960s the pace of the ska beat slowed down and a new, slower genre called rocksteady emerged. Rocksteady only remained popular from 1966 to 1968. Then reggae music hit the town and spread like wildfire.
Ska caught on in the British market from 1960 to 1967. Many British ska record labels popped up on the scene releasing music that featured Jamaican artists and musicians. The skinhead and punk communities also embraced the music. Ska experienced a revival with a second wave of popularity driven by UK bands in the 1970s. Traditional ska transformed with the hard edge of punk rock among other influences.
The third wave of popularity began in the 1980s and continued into the 1990s. By then most continents had a growing ska presence. Ska bands such as No Doubt, Sublime, and Fishbone led the way in the United States and had major commercial success.
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.
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
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
Dawit Selassie delivered a personal reasoning with soulfully warming vocals over accompanying acoustic guitar.
Dawit Selassie live acoustic reggae session at Rub-A-Dub ATL, Sunday, March 12, 2017
Dawit Selassie of Eastern Standard
Dawit Selassie live acoustic reggae session at Rub-A-Dub ATL, Sunday, March 12, 2017
Dawit Selassie of Eastern Standard
Dawit Selassie live acoustic reggae session at Rub-A-Dub ATL, Sunday, March 12, 2017
Dawit Selassie of Eastern Standard
Webba selected and featured mostly 1980’s era shots in a creative pattern.
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
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
Rest In Peace to one of our favorite artists, Garnett Silk. Many may remember Garnett’s silky smooth voice and powerful lyrical content that captivated us in the early nineties and left us wanting more after he flew away home to Zion. Garnett Silk was a Jamaican reggae musician and Rastafarian, known for his diverse, emotive, powerful and smooth voice.
Similarly to The Notorious B.I.G., whom many hail as the greatest rapper ever, Garnett had a short run within the timeline of music history yet his legacy continues to grow. We remember Garnet’s legacy and celebrate his widely acclaimed musical contributions. Garnet Damion Smith (Silk) Sr was born April 2, 1966.
Get more information, sign-up for the VIP list, and get tickets here.
Join this unique flavorful retro #reggae international celebration in Atlanta.
Join our mailing list and get tickets by visiting this link.
A portion of the proceeds from Rub-A-Dub ATL will be donated to help the poor orphans affected by Hurricane Matthew in Haiti. Please visit https://goo.gl/Uyb2kF to purchase your tickets or purchase at WildPitch Music Hall.
The reggae party soundtrack will be complemented by authentic Jamaican spices – Jerk Chicken to be exact. This Sunday come out early (8pm) to WildPitch Music Hall and treat yourself to Rub-A-Dub ATL.
For the next Rub-A-Dub ATL, warm up with a special – $5 cocktails featuring Wray & Nephew Overproof White Rum imported from Jamaica (available until 10pm). *Enjoy responsibly. https://goo.gl/Uyb2kF.
Sounds by: Highlanda Sound and DJ Passport Guest DJ: John Wayne Movements Free Jerk Chicken until 10pm provided by Webba’s Jerk Hut $3 Heineken, Guinness, and Red Stripe until 10pm Doors open 8pm – Midnight Ladies FREE until 9:30pm General Admission $10 at the door / $5 in advance **A portion of the proceeds will benefit Hurricane victims in Haiti** Every second Sunday, join one of the most unique international monthly events in Atlanta and experience a flavorful retro reggae celebration, WildPitch Music Hall
Doors open at 8pm and ladies party for free until 9:30pm. Enjoy a complimentary buffet until 10pm courtesy of Webba’s Jerk Hut and drink specials including $3 Heineken, Guinness, and Red Stripe until 10pm. General admission at the door will be $10, and $5 tickets can be ordered in advance via this link.
A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to benefit Hurricane relief efforts in Haiti.
The setting for Rub-A-Dub ATL, WildPitch Music Hall, is located at 255 Trinity Avenue, downtown Atlanta, and features a high-level custom sound system by D.A.S. Audio.
Dance to reggae and its sub-genres: classics that introduced Jamaica’s music to the world, the new reggae revival movement, Roots, Dub, Lovers Rock, Rocksteady, Ska, 70s, 80s, and 90s reggae dancehall music.
When?
Sept. 11, 2016 and Every month on the second Sunday of the month – 8 p.m. start.
Where? [NEW VENUE ALERT] WildPitch Music Hall – 255 Trinity Ave., Atlanta, GA 30303 What is Rub-A-Dub?
A style of Jamaican Reggae emerging in the 70’s and 80’s, the term “Rub-a-Dub” comes from a dance style where the man and woman rub up very close together.
This takes place every 2nd Sunday with music by DJ Passport and Highlanda Sound and special guests.
*September 11 DJ Line-up*
John Wayne Movements
Isis Swaby aka Isis Pablo (daughter of Augustus Pablo)
Highlanda Sound with selector Kahlil Wonda
DJ Passport
*Doors open promptly at 8pm. *
$5 Cover charge.
FREE with RSVP.
Email RocksteadyATL@gmail.com to RSVP
As you may know if you have visited this blog before, myself and The Honorary Citizen are producers of a successful 100% reggae event concept, Rub-A-Dub, which occurs on the second Sunday of every month in downtown Atlanta.
Rub-A-Dub Atlanta Reggae Event
As resident DJs at Rub-A-Dub, DJ Passport and I have invited different guests to partake in the non-mainstream vibe each month.
This is truly a unique concept, not just for the soundtrack, but especially because of this list of selectors to have performed at Rub-A-Dub:
Webba
Juggla
Cartel Sound with Philip 5
DJ Empress Rah
Yahquan Da Travellah
DJ Hourglass
DJ Redds from Spectrum Disco
Funkregulator Celo (456 Sound)
DJ Lion
Empress Movements with Tach
SuperPEC Archangel
Lion of Judah Sound and Nijah Don get credit for assists as well.
You might want to check in at one of these events if you even remotely like reggae music because I have more heavy weight guest sounds coming in to play for you “inna Rub-A-Dub style.”
Cartel Sound and SuperPEC will be featured on July 10 so expect to hear great selections, and solid mixing for FREE all night. That’s right there will be no cover charge for #RUBADUBATL through summer 2016.
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