Recovering the Skatalites The current keyboard player for the Skatalites admits he didn’t know much about the band – or ska music, in general – when hearing them live for the first time in the late ’80s. Despite his ignorance, the experience was nothing short of life-changing for the American-born musician. “I was just in [...]
Haunted by one song Buju Banton is the dancehall artiste targeted most by the homosexual community. Over the years there have been cries from the community for his shows to be cancelled, his music banned and for him to be imprisoned. Still, unlike some of his counterparts, he has refused to apologise for his 1992 [...]
All worn out However, while some patrons may tire of seeing the same popular acts over and over (and over again), the promoters and others seem to need them to breathe life into the entertainment industry. The argument of bored patrons and popular artistes coming to every stage with no new gimmicks, is apparent; but [...]
Anti-gay lyrics of Buju Banton’s youth remain an issue for activists Why dem try to make I unhappy, really and truly, I don’t know,” the gruff yet sinuous voice of Buju Banton chides. The words, from Banton’s 1997 hit “Hills and Valleys,” are warmly received by the capacity crowd, packed shoulder to shoulder on the [...]
Dancehall, reggae reach higher level The influence of dancehall and reggae music will probably soon surpass any other music. Bold statement, but Jamaican music is now turning up on just about any and everything to do with entertainment. In this instant, reggae and dancehall are now mainstays of video gamers.
Bring that beat back Yes says Ranking Roger of the Beat, they know they have to play Dream Home In New Zealand when they’re here. Yes, it might be a minor track from their second studio album – 1981′s Wha’ppen – which never made any of the many subsequent best-of collections. But it would be [...]
The world’s music: Reggae Sunspalsh There was never any question that UB40 was going to be a reggae band. “It was like a breath of fresh air for me,” Campbell recalls. “When everyone else loved the Beatles, I loved (ska pioneer) Prince Buster.” Then came the rocksteady sound of the late ’60s and Bob Marley’s [...]
Banton Presses On Despite Renewed Controversy Controversial reggae star Buju Banton has two words for the gay rights groups that have sporadically protested his concerts across the U.S.: “F*ck them.” “I have never bashed any gays before, and if I bashed gays, I bashed them 16 years ago,” Banton tells Billboard.com. “There’s no tolerance from [...]
Sly & Robbie: Rythm Method Ever since its incarnation it’s been an uphill battle for reggae to make serious inroads in the mainstream music pantheon, largely because it has faced below the belt criticism that has claimed all reggae sounds the same and suffered infantile stereotypes that propagate the notions that reggae is first and [...]
The return of Roger Moore “People want Roger Moore back, I’m not turning back” proclaims long-lost reggae crooner Oriel Johnson, aka Roger Moore. After being away from the reggae scene for 10 years, Moore is planning a huge comeback. Despite his absence, Moore still remains in the minds of many, with reggae hits with producer [...]