Jamaican producer release “Best of Rootsman” “On De Parkway”
Jamaican producer Charley Simpson honored the legacy left by calypsonian Rootsman who died on Aug. 21 in Trinidad & Tobago by releasing “The Best of Rootsman” a CD which compiles 11 dance tracks that most identify the style and contribution of the legendary recording artist. “It was a rush to get his music out there […]
“Without ska, there would be no reggae” – Interview with Legends of Ska, documentary director & producer Brad Klein.
Minneapolis-based filmmaker Brad Klein traces the history of ska in the documentary film the Legends of Ska . The film intermingles old & new concert footage, interviews, photographs, slides, artifacts and even home movies as it chronologically follows the history of original Jamaican ska from January 1962 through May of 1966. The film’s story […]
“Dancehall Bashment” Celebration for Irie Jam 22
Irie Jam Media group celebrated their 22nd anniversary by throwing a dancehall party in Queens at the Roy Wilkins Park on Sunday September 9, 2015. At 2:15 pm, the park was already hosting a sizeable crowd with early entertainment provided by the warm-up acts. Hailing from Barbados, Edwin Yearwood’s short and spicy set featured songs […]
Conversation with Jamaican singer Abby Dallas
This week we have a conversation with Jamaican singer, Abby Dallas. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Abby grew up in Portmore, where she attended the Bridge Port High School. At the tender age of six, Abby was exposed to music through her Church , School and Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Sponsored Events. Time and time […]
Reggae’s Black Cinderella, Sister Carol, Scores Triple Treat in Meryl Streep Flick
Believe it when you see and hear it. Reggae’s Black Cinderella gets the last word in the latest Meryl Streep flick “Ricki and the Flash.” To end the movie, it is the voice of the popular deejay AKA Sister Carol sounding the lyrics from her 1996 Grammy-nominated “Milk & Honey” single from the 1996 “Lyrically […]
Marley Magic II in Central Park – Skip Marley to Zilla Marley
There is no rhyme to the words summer, Central Park and Marley but somehow the three find compatibility and reason. It all started June 18, 1975 when a Jamaican Rastafarian, reggae musician named Robert Nesta Marley performed in the central Manhattan park where the Schaefer Music Festival was held. Fifteen thousand fans flocked the area […]
Mapfumo Tells Zimdancehall Artistes Don’t Imitate Jamaicans
Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo, 70, legendary Chimurenga musician, believes that Zimdancehall artistes should stop imitating the dancehall performers of Jamaica. He has previously criticized Zimdancehall performers for their lack of originality. Mapfumo says he does not “hate them at all” and is glad to share his stage with young performers. However, he also believes they should […]
John Allen Works to Preserve, Advance Ska
John Allen, 59, has been dedicated to ska music since he was a teenager in Jamaica watching the Skatalites rehearse in Kingston 30 years ago. After migrating to New York City and working as a top session man, he played keyboards on recordings with Shaggy and Super Cat, among others. Now he is presenting “The […]
Photo Highlights Reggae Sumfest 2015
Reggae Sumfest was on July 12-18, 2015 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Here are photo highlights. Photos by Steve James. See more Reggae Sumfest 2015 in our photo gallery
Conversation with Canadian Reggae Artist, Lucas DiPasquale
Canadian Reggae Artist, Lucas DiPasquale began playing guitar at 8 years old, and after a few years, he started singing and recording covers which he uploaded to YouTube and Facebook for friends. It was his 2014 Popcaan mash-up that changed everything. After the dancehall artist shared the acoustic cover on his Twitter page, the video gained […]