‘Jah be praised’ Reggae music’s heart lies in celebration. It’s perfect party music, with its lilting, bouncy rhythm and sun-kissed melodies nursed on the culture of the Caribbean. But if its heart makes even the staunchest wallflower want to dance, reggae’s soul dwells in a deep Rastafarian spirituality that seeks to bring both listener and [...]
Reggae rocker brings his religion onstage Among many things, Matisyahu is a family man. In fact, the Jewish reggae rocker’s wife and children are on tour with him right now. “It is a lot of fun to have your family with you, and they really enjoy being out,” said Matisyahu. “My older son loves music [...]
Sizzla Kalonji apologizes for ‘St Mary Mi Come From’ incident Reggae performer Sizzla Kalonji is apologizing on behalf of his fans who assaulted fellow reggae singer Norris Man during the St Mary Mi Come From concert on Independence Day. Norris Man, who had allegedly verbally disrespected Sizzla’s mother, received several slaps from a group of [...]
‘Anything goes’ Reggae, rock, rap and funk: 311 boldly goes where a lot of other bands have gone before. They just do it all in one song. “Our sound stems from all the types of music we like,†guitarist Mahoney said recently after the sound check at a festival in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. “Everybody (in [...]
The Aggrolites: West Coast reggae’s best-kept secret Local connoisseurs, junkies for a taste of sweet reggae traditionalism, have been wise to the ways of the quintet called the Aggrolites for going on five years now. They have watched their subtle, steady rise from in-demand West Coast house band for a parade of touring pioneers (ska [...]
Is reggae taking over pop? A look at the pop charts these days suggests as much, noting that two of this summer’s hottest hit singles come courtesy of Jamaican-bred newcomer Sean Kingston (Beautiful Girls) and Barbados babe Rihanna (Umbrella), both of whom incorporate heavy doses of reggae music into their hip-hop styles. Then there’s 19-year-old [...]
Is reggae taking over pop? A look at the pop charts these days suggests as much, noting that two of this summer’s hottest hit singles come courtesy of Jamaican-bred newcomer Sean Kingston (Beautiful Girls) and Barbados babe Rihanna (Umbrella), both of whom incorporate heavy doses of reggae music into their hip-hop styles. Then there’s 19-year-old [...]
Jamaicans make splash at Rototom It is no secret that reggae music is widely loved internationally and, as countries across Europe and other parts of the world invest heavily in reggae festivals and other major events, local artistes are called upon to perform some authentic Jamaican music. One major festival that features a number of [...]
An angry, mad Michelle Former dancehall queen and popular dancer, Mad Michelle, has come out and expressed her disgust at what she describes as malicious rumours that have been circulating in dancehall circles about her. Mad Michelle, whose real name is Ann-Marie McKoy, says there is a rumour going around that she is involved with [...]
Dr Evil or plain hate? “My name is Dr. Evil” Austin Powers aside, the intro is as notorious now as the musical assault that typically follows: a rapid-fire burst of raucous rhymes layered over frenetic up-tempo dancehall riddims. The headliner of the Jamzone Summer Break billed for the Splashmin’s resort this weekend, Dr. Evil is [...]