Music – a firm economic ‘bass’ It has been maintained that tourism and agriculture are Jamaica’s two economic mainstays. What is sometimes overlooked is how lucrative Jamaican music is as foreign exchange earner. Though some of the lyrics have become controversial and face criticisms from the Church, the Government and ordinary citizens, reggae and dancehall [...]

Jaro attacks in self-defence Killamanjaro has had a reputation of being a ‘rude boy’ and even ‘bad man’ sound system over the years? Does this have any basis? Well, I don’t know how they arrive at that. Killamanjaro had to defend themselves on numerous occasions. The sound was so good, everyone wanted to kill it. [...]

Energy Goddess Manning dares to be different Khalifar Manning is a Synergy Soca Star with a difference, who fuses traditional calypso and soca with a soulfully blended melody, and a powerful voice to create a soca medley that impacts her audiences to the maximum. Manning wrote the tune entitled “We Time,” herself, and its appeal [...]

Chuck Fenda’s Living Fire goes to Greensleeves Living Fire, the sophomore album from cultural/ conscious deejay Chuck Fenda, will be released next month by London’s Greensleeves Records. The 16-track set will be led by the international release of the single Coming Over Tonight, which features actress-singer Cherine Anderson. The song has already topped local charts [...]

Jamming With the King Davina Morris is jamming with the Legendary King on his new album and his passion in the Reggae music industry. Legendary Jamaican producer Lloyd ‘King Jammy’ James is regarded as the man who launched dancehall’s digital era. The release of his 1985 hit Under Mi Sleng Teng, (sung by Wayne Smith) [...]

Local selectas confront dancehall’s gray-market For DJ Smoke One, collecting dubplate “specials” is a passion. Over the last six years, he’s meticulously built up his collection of unique versions of dancehall reggae hits personally voiced by top artists like Junior Reid, Cutty Ranks, Sizzla, Louie Culture, Ninjaman, Luciano, Yami Bolo, and Yellowman. He’s traveled to [...]

The reggae messenger Luciano believes music can make a better world. In his native Jamaica, Luciano is a bona fide superstar. Now, the leading light of roots reggae in its modern post-dancehall incarnation is bringing his conscious sounds to Australian shores for the first time.

Sean Paul Gets Serious About Jamaican Violence Reggae superstar SEAN PAUL is set to launch a one-man campaign to stop youth violence in Jamaica on his new album. The GIMME THE LIGHT singer insists his upcoming dancehall release won’t be full of party anthems, but will deal with issues that concern him about his native [...]

60 SECONDS: Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry is a Grammy award-winning dub and reggae artist and producer who’s worked with Bob Marley, King Tubby and the Mad Professor. Also known as The Upsetter, he has a reputation for being a bit mad and claims he burned down his old recording studio. He now lives [...]

Ready for soca battle When Marcel Bennett started winning singing competitions at primary school it was a clear indication that his future would play along to the musical notes of his dreams. The reigning Junior Soca Monarch whose stage name is Young Marcel took home last year’s award with his infectious tune “Running Red.”