Simon, Steffens’ ‘Scrapbook’ a hit Peter Simon and Roger Steffens were big-time lovers of Jamaican pop culture when they first met in 1981. Last year, the two Americans pooled their knowledge and produced The Reggae Scrapbook which has been getting strong reviews since it was released in November. On Saturday, Simon and Steffens will get [...]

Japanese make it ‘Jam’-aica Taking a musical pilgrimage each year, many Japanese nationals travel to Jamaica, the motherland of reggae and dancehall. With an almost fanatical interest in the culture Japanese visitors eat, sleep and drink in everything Jamaican.

Jamaica: Montego Bay This North Coast city isn’t just about beaches and all inclusives — it brims with gourmet eateries, swank bars, swishy spas, golf courses, shopping and sizzling nightlife. Try it on for size, I’m instructed by the affable vendor at the Fort Street Craft Market near Montego Bay’s Hip Strip. With a vibe [...]

So many dances … all at the same time What started out as a few street dances in the early 1960s and 1970s has now burgeoned into a barrage of street sessions, where revellers launch out in the early morning, and party until sunrise. These street dances which have gained some form of copyright legitimacy, [...]

UB40 reveal new lead singer: Ali Campbell’s brother Duncan The feud between UB40, the world’s biggest reggae band, took a further twist when it was announced that lead singer Ali Campbell would be replaced by a new member – his brother Duncan. The Birmingham group, who topped the charts with Red Red Wine, have sold [...]