With the apparent declining stronghold that Reggae music has within Jamaican culture, one of its premiere disciples hopes the local industry will help that change for the better.

Internationally acclaimed Reggae superstar, Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley addressed the local and universal state of Reggae music during an interview on CVM’s OnStage this past Saturday. Marley, who’s spent recent months back home after spending most of 2011 overseas recording and touring, believes that Jamaicans need to once again reap the benefits that Reggae music has provided to fans and musicians worldwide.

via Damian Marley calls for Jamaica to revamp Reggae music .

Five days. Eighteen resorts. One travel agent; now full of knowledge on the best Jamaican getaways.

Taking “familiarization trips” is an important part of what Stacey Hachey does. The travel expert said experiencing far-off destinations firsthand allows her to help travellers make the most informed decisions before boarding a plane.

via From resorts to the real thing.

Bob Marley’s wife Rita says she became his “guardian angel” as his fame grew.

On tour, she would graciously request the women crowding his dressing-room to leave when he’d had enough. She forgave him his many lovers. His mission was more important than her feelings, she says.

via Bob Marley’s Passions Extended Beyond Ganja, Women, Soccer: Film.

Cedella Marley doesn’t need much encouragement to sing One Love. “It is our favourite song in this house,” she says of the track that her late father, Bob, wrote in 1977. “It’s our happy, sad, sleepy, wake-up song. We can use it for anything and everything.”

For almost a year now, that song, along with other Bob Marley classics, have provided an inspirational soundtrack at Cedella’s studio in Miami, as she created the Jamaican Olympic team’s uniform for the London 2012 Games.

via Bob Marley Girl’s Grand Designs

LADY Saw is working on her ninth studio album which is expected to be released this year. Lady Saw Presents Marion Hall, the name of the album, will be released on her Divas Recording label.

“I’m very excited about this project as this will be a beautiful album. My fans will see both sides of me,” Lady Saw said. The 15-track album hears Lady Saw collaborating with Ali Campbell (formerly of UB40) and Beres Hammond.

via Lady Saw presents Marion Hall.

Internationally-acclaimed Reggae singer, Ziggy Marley, will host a new program on American satellite radio; promoting the best that Reggae music has to offer.

Ziggy’s new monthly show, Legends of Reggae launched this past Sunday on SiriusXM satellite radio in the United States, a day prior to what would have been his legendary father, Bob Marley’s 67th birthday. The program will feature unique insights from Ziggy Marley regarding Jamaican music and culture as well as interviews and music from some of his favorite Reggae artistes. Additionally, Marley will feature some of family’s music on the new program, including music from his days with the Melody Makers as well as his Grammy-nominated album, Wild and Free.

via Ziggy Marley launches new radio show in U.S.

There have not been many producers in reggae/dancehall, even though some of the ladies in contemporary Jamaican music have made significant strides to take creative control of their work.

Singjay Samantha Johnson, known in music circles as Sajay, is among this emerging class of independent artistes. The 26-year-old has been in the music business for 10 years, splitting her time as artiste and producer.

via Sajay’s no newcomer.

Munashe Tanjani, the latest find on the dancehall scene, says he wants to grow and become one of the greatest chanters in Zimbabwe. “I dream of becoming the sought-after dancehall singer because music is my passion,” Munashe said.

Growing up in Harare’s Glen Norah A suburb, the unheralded 11-year-old dancehall chanter is inspired by everyday life and his claim to fame was when he curtain raised for the Jamaican superstar Mavado at the Harare International Conference Centre.

via Zimbabwe: New Dancehall Kid On the Block.

SOME major jamming in the streets will take place next month at the Reggae on the Rise festival in Newtown, Johannesburg, featuring top reggae and raga artists as well as DJs.

Headlining the March 10 festival is Jamaican raga-gospel artist Anthony B, our own highly talented but underrated Colbert Mukwevho, Nkulee Dube (the late reggae icon Lucky Dube’s daughter) and Tidal Waves, one of South Africa’s foremost reggae talents, who are hugely appreciated overseas.

via Reggae rules in Joburg – Sowetan LIVE.

American Grammy-winning R&B superstar, Alicia Keys has made Jamaica her temporary home, as she will embark on a recording project in the island.

The songstress, known for several classics such as Fallin, A Woman’s Worth and Superwoman arrived in the island on Saturday for music-related purposes. According to media reports, Keys began attending recording sessions at Geejam Studios in Portland.

via Alicia Keys currently recording in Jamaica.