Reggae is singled out

Damian Marley is furious with critics who blast reggae as the only homophobic form of music, because he believes the rock and rap genres are just as guilty of producing anti-gay material.

Sean Paul keeps you dancing

You know what they say about things that aren’t broken, and how they shouldn’t be fixed. It’s a philosophy international dancehall star Sean Paul seems to have taken quite to heart on his third album, “The Trinity.”

‘Our music’

Burning Spear is taking care of business – and music

“Our music / they think that we lose it,” sings Burning Spear in the opening line on his CD, “Our Music,” released on Tuesday. Coming from Burning Spear, this idea of “losing our music” could have any of several meanings.

DrumMagazine: Where Reggae is King

There is something inherent about these and other foreign popular musics and cultures that cross oceans and language barriers to beat in the hearts of urban youth around the world. One such, which is as much a religion and lifestyle as a music, has broken new ground. This is African reggae.

Eek-A-Mouse returns

One of reggae’s most original toasters has resurfaced on the local music scene after a long absence.

Twenty-five years ago when Eek-A-Mouse took centre stage with trademark catch-phrases he was inventing not only a new style, but one of the most unique and colourful stylings in the annals of Jamaica’s music history.

Catch the Riddim

Da’Ville back from Japan, excited about new album

Singer Da’Ville is back in the island from a recent tour in Japan, where he promoted his new album In Heaven. The album has only been released in Japan and is being distributed there by Avex. Avex is known for its work with international R&B star Jaki Graham as well as several European acts.

A bit of Jamaica — Vallejo waterfront opens up to ‘Dreadstock’ festival

With his roots implanted in Jamaica, where the heart of reggae lies unscathed by political turmoil, recording artist Junior Reid sends a message of unification through his music.

It’s a Thursday evening in New York City and Reid just spent the day searching office buildings for a future distribution company in New York. To no surprise, the prolific recording artist already has one in Kingston, Jamaica.

Reggae Getaways: Check Out the Upcoming Seasons’ Deals for Jamaica

Most travel providers are coming out with their fall and winter specials to Jamaica. With so many options to choose from, it can be a little confusing. For many, budget will be the deciding factor, but for others it may be the hotel, the length of a package, location or the all-inclusive factor.

She’s dancing with success

She says she loves to dance, and the need to move her hips is the reason for the inventive beats. But underneath the squishy synth lines and concussive international mix of Jamaican dancehall, glints of New York punk, Southern crunk and Baltimore club music, M.I.A. alludes to the political strife and violence that filled her childhood. It’s dance music emblazoned with rebellious messages of uplift – though sometimes the artist, like the most cocksure rapper, needs to let you know that she’s not the one to mess with.

Jah Wobble: The ace of bass

There is, with Jah Wobble, a problem of protocol. Friends call him “Wobble”, but that seems presumptuous. Calling him “Jah” seems bizarre. “Mr Wobble” is hardly more satisfactory. The reggaefied moniker is a comic mispronunciation of his real name, first coined, Wobble believes, by John Lydon (also known as Rotten), though legend has it that the nickname was invented by Sid Vicious (nee John Ritchie). Fortunately, Wobble offers a way out telling me to ask for John Wardle.