MAGAZINE #10 - July/August 2011

Sumfest - Summerjam - One Love Festival - Sierra Nevada World Music Reggae Summer Fest - Öland Roots - Dour Festival - Reggae On The River Amsterdam Reggae Festival - Uppsala Reggae Festival - Reggae Sumfest United Reggae Magazine #10 - July / August 2011 3/ REVIEWS Want to read United Reggae as a paper magazine? Now you can... In addition to the latest United Reggae news, views and videos online each month you can now enjoy a • Dub in HD - Don Corleon 54 free pdf version packed with most of United Reggae content from the last month. • Alborosie - 2 Times Revolution 55 • Modern Rockers Vol. 1 - Joggo 56 • Dub Revolutionaries - Zion Train 58 • Musical Raid - RockDis and Blackboard Jungle 60 EDITO by Erik Magni • Love Filled Dub Band - Pama International 61 Summer is a time for recreation – and festivals • The Free The World riddim 62 • Back For The First Time - Perfect 63 Summer is for many people a time for relaxation, contemplation and for visiting and spending time with • Invasion Of The Mysteron Killer Sounds 64 friends and family that you don’t see as much during other parts of the year. • Deeper Revolution - Mo’Kalamity 66 • Words Of Wisdom - Vernon Maytone 67 But the summer is also a great time to catch up on music, and to attend concerts, especially the many festivals in Europe and the U.S. In the tenth issue of United Reggae Magazine, which covers both July • The People’s Choice - Ray Darwin 68 and August, we have visited festivals and concerts from France and Sweden to the U.S. and Jamaica. We • Ghetto Princess - Diana Rutherford 69 have witnessed – and captured on camera – spectacular performances and interviewed artists back- • Love Is Overdue - Gregory Isaacs 70 stage. You can read some of these interviews in this issue, while many, many more will be published in • Hollie Cook 71 the coming weeks and months. • The Story Of Trojan Records 72 So stay tuned. We also have the usual interviews and reviews. Find out why David Rodigan was dressed 4/ REPORTS as Elvis in the Ninjaman Clash, how Perfect ended up recording with Zion I Kings and Sizzla’s reaction when he heard Mista Savona’s Fire Dragon riddim for the first time. • Horace Andy in Los Angeles 74 • Sierra Nevada World Music Festival 2011 - Part 1 75 The past months have also treated us with many fine releases, several of these actually debut albums. • Sun Seine Festival 2011 78 My most played song for the past two months is New York Minute taken from Ray Darwin’s eagerly antic- ipated debut album People’s Choice. Other highlights include Hollie Cook’s self-titled album, described • Sizzla Album Launch 79 by herself and her label as tropical pop, and Joggo’s energetic Modern Rockers Vol.1. If you have been • Josey Wales and Little John pay tribute to Sugar Minott 81 disconnected for the past two months, then this jam-packed issue is the perfect catching up. Enjoy! • Stand Up For Love - Summerjam 2011 82 • One Love Festival 2011 in French Guiana 86 • Sierra Nevada World Music Festival 2011 - Part 2 87 • Reggae Summer Fest 2011 89 SUMMARY • Öland Roots 2011 90 1/ NEWS • Junior Murvin and Willie Williams live in London 92 • The Itals and Kenyatta Hill in Norfolk 93 • Dour Festival 2011 94 2/ INTERVIEWS • Garance Reggae Festival 2011 95 • Reggae Sumfest 2011 98 • Sylford Walker 16 • Uppsala Reggae Festival 2011 102 • Dub Akom 21 • Marcia Griffiths in Los Angeles 106 • Mista Savona 23 • Reggae On The River 2011 108 • Phillip Fraser 25 • Stephen Marley and Toots and The Maytals in Paris 110 • Perfect 32 • Reggae Sun Ska 2011 111 • Mafia and Fluxy 37 • Barrington Levy in Paris 112 • Tiwony 42 • Takana Zion in Paris 113 • David Rodigan 46 • Amsterdam Reggae Festival 2011 114 • Queen Omega 52 • Ziggy Marley in Paris 116 • Gregory Isaacs 61th Earth Day 117

All the articles in this magazine were previously published online on http://unitedreggae.com. Cover photo by Christian Bordey This magazine is free for download at http://unitedreggae.com/magazine/. Not for resale. United Reggae. All Rights Reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. A Step Closer / favourite of the label, Kon------one of the iconic images of the shaking riddim from Mun- the world recognised genre of shens, alongside Anthony B. 1970s and this music is their go’s Hi Fi that will be out on Reggae. It was also the time In and Out of Listeners can get their very Jayaben Rid- tribute to her. The riddim harks an 180g vinyl 12”, via Scotch when respected label owner Love by Bitty first taste of Anthony B - 2K12 dim From Sama back to those troubled times Bonnet Records on 4th July. Blondel Calnek aka Ken Lack McLean when Beat Dem Bad arrives Roots Records and is in the classic roots reg- was slowing down the issuing in digital stores on July 1. gae mould of the ‘70s. It is pro- There are two vocal cuts, one material with just occasional ------duced by Fullness from, the from the undiscovered raw tal- sessions, primarily overseen Bitty McLean – one of the Based in Sheffield England South Coast’s premier Reggae ent of Jamaican I Bogle and the by either Bunny Lee or Phil Pratt sweetest voices out of the UK Sama Roots Records, who were band, Dubheart who formed other from UK veteran toaster producing a number of fine, – has teamed up again with responsible for the popular in 1999 and have played many Kenny Knots. A straight, un- if commercially unsuccessful veteran musicians and produc- Light Switch riddim champi- festivals and clubs around the touched riddim version and a 45s and it is from one of these ers Sly & Robbie. Their fruit- oned by Channel One Sound- UK and Europe, as well as sup- dub of Kenny’s Gimme Gimme sessions, before Lack finally ful relationship resulted in the system last year, will this porting and working with great completes the track listing. locked up shop and emigrated acclaimed ‘Movin’ On’ set re- month be releasing their sec- artists like The Wailers, Easy to the United States, that these leased in 2009. The new sin- ond riddim. The Jayaben riddim Star All Stars, Vibronics, Zion two cuts come and finally get gle is titled A Step Closer / In is named after Jayaben Desai Train, Macka B, Don Letts and a first official UK release af- and Out of Love and is just as the Asian worker who led a many more. There are two Vo- ter more than four decades. smooth and lovers oriented as walkout, by around 100 mainly cal cuts on the riddim, the first you would expect. Their warm Asian, female employees at the The Wicked is a conscious af- The single, pressed on high and deep riddims suit Bitty ------Grunwick Film Processing Lab- fair by the brother and sister quality vinyl and bearing McLean’s fragile and croon- One Pants by oratories in Willesden, North duo Rootsamala who recently the celebrated Big Shot im- ing voice very well. Along with Doniki London on Monday 23rd Au- impressed with their version of print, is strictly limited to a the vinyl release, a CD will hit gust 1976 in a row about work- Forward To Jah and other works run of 400 so visit the Tro- the streets. It contains the sin------ing conditions, pay inequal- with the BDF band. jan store before they run out! gle and three additional tunes Vinyl-heads will remember ity and institutionalised racism ------from the Movin’ On album. British producer Matt Downs within the company. The dis- The second One Family is from ------releasing rhythms like Jah pute by the women, who be- Ghetto Priest who is known ------Ba Lari Senn Anthony B and Glory and the Everbless in came known in the press as for his far-out lyrics and tells Trojan Presents is online now! 2006. CD buyers may recall “strikers in saris”, lasted more listeners not to ignore reality Konshens Beat his tune Higher Level with Za- than two years where there Its 10th Limit------as he warns “don’t abandon Ba Lari Senn is a webzine Dem Bad reb being featured on the 2008 were frequent confrontations current affairs, put no trust in ed Edition Sin- Greensleeves Spring sampler. between hundreds of trade un- launched yesterday. It is about ------millionaires”. Both of these gle reggae and dancehall news Now Downs has a new 45 out ionists and the police. Despite cuts have lyrics that Desai I’m Having already sewn up an at on his Lionvibes label: a mourn- the fact that they eventually ------from Martinique and Caribbean least solid 2011 with the re- sure would have related to The 10th single in Trojans strict- Islands. It is written in French ful digital piece voiced by the lost the dispute it proved to be and agreed with and so act as lease of the big album from singer Doniki titled One Pants a seminal moment in British in- ly limited edition range is to be and features articles, inter- Luciano, ‘Rub-A-Dub Market’ a fitting reminder to what she the catchy little dance number views, photos, vidéos, news backed with a serious dub. dustrial history, drawing atten- stood for and worked so hard and a nice set for the Sweet- Produced by Downs, recorded tion to the overlooked plight of ‘You Are the One’ performed by releases, sound systems and Baby Riddim, outstanding Aus- to achieve. There is also a mix Caltone regulars, (Max) Romeo concerts in Martinique. Discov- at Cell Block studios in King- female migrant workers. Desai, of the riddim featuring the Full- trian imprint, IrieVibrations ston, JA, with a mix by Alkemist who died just before Christmas & the Emotions flipped with er it now at Balarisenn.net ! have turned their attentions ness Horns and an elegant dub Phil Pratt’s ‘Girls Like Dirt’. on the Sufferers rhythm built last year at the age of 77 was version by Nick Manasseh. ------to 2012 when they’ll deal a by session drummer extraordi- considered remarkable for her Soothsayers - full album for Reggae star An- naire Kirk “Kirkledove” Bennett, defiance of the stereotyping ------Both of these tunes are taken thony B. The album, ‘Freedom One Pants is out now - avail- of south Asian women as sub- The Bogle from the early summer of ‘68, We’re Not Leav- Fighter’ is set to reach stores able at the Lionvibes website. servient and for being a strong Riddim when Jamaican musical tastes ing early in the year and they’re and eloquent leader. A photo- were starting to change from already working with its in------the lilting sound of Rock Steady ------More releases - including a full graph of her confronting a row Anyone who has missed the fectious first single Beat Dem length concept album of instru- of police officers, a handbag The Bogle is the name of the to the more rugged style that Bad, which features another new stripped down, dirty bass would eventually morph into sounds of South London’s mentals - are soon to come... dangling from her arm, became Soothsayers since their 2009 third album ‘One More Rea------Dub to the Hotel Costes styled son, Lloyd ‘John John’ James Jr. son’ and its 2010 compan- El Diablo Dub or the Bossa ion ‘Red Earth Dub’ will have R i s e U p Nova influenced Island Sun The old gate has been covered been cheered by two uploads screening with its memorable guitar and with split bamboo and a BIG on their Soundcloud this year. for 48 hours flute hook. Jammy’s label painted around First came the deep roots vo- the doorway. Yes, that’s the cal Hard Times, performed live exclusively on If you don’t already have King himself you see in the and released, in dub form, on United Reggae this album you should defi- doorway or sitting across the the last longplayer, followed by ------nitely head over to Dubmatix street keeping an eye on what’s the poignant ballad We’re Not RiseUp, a documentary on the Souncloud spot and check going on in the neighbor- Leaving - their most touching Jamaican underground music it out. The free download hood. Big things are happen- slow number since their Mel- scene, has toured festivals and offer ends at August 6th. ing here, right now and in the low Baku collaboration Hold special events around the world ------months to come. Stay tuned…. On. screening in over 25 countries Walk Alone by ------and winning awards such as The River Niger the AFI/DISCOVERY SILVER- General Trix DOCS Best Music Documentary ------Riddim Award. It has also been broad- Romanian born Amsterdam------cast in U.S. TV earlier this resident General Trix drops Out now on 10” vinyl is The Riv- year. But we thought that this the first single as free down- er Niger Riddim, a mighty slice great documentary deserved a load. It is taken from his up- of modern roots reggae from wider audience so that every- coming album ‘Green Light’ Roots Hitek Music of Feltham, ------particularly given the fact that one could be able to watch it. – set for release in September. Middlesex, England. Joe Fraser is known as a label The People’s specializing in a very healthy That’s why United Reggae Walk Alone is in an 80’s digi- To add vocals to it they have Choice? brand and blend of old school teamed with RiseUp Enter- tal vein and the rocking riddim teamed up once again with Prin- Ray Darwin Lover’s Rock and Roots music, tainment to show you the suits General Trix’s heavy pat- cess Linn, the former member which is Darwin’s specialty. Un- Now We’re Not Leaving is due TV version of the movie (60 ois singjay-style well. The pro- of the Royal Rasses camp that ------surprisingly the album is sprin- for official 7” release backed min) for free over 48 hours duction is carefully handled by worked extensively with Prince Better late than never! A few kled with recognizable classic with a special mix by Manasseh and also give you the oppor- Swedish soundman Ante Lynx Lincoln Thompson, to deliver years back, the sensational riddims which push Darwin in (a member of ‘Sayers Red Earth tunity to BUY the original 90 for Rough Lynx Productions. the uniting anthem Rally. The Ray Darwin made his presence a fine direction. Collective band in all but name) minute theatrical version, be------other vocal cut on the riddim known on one of the highest featuring the voice of none fore its official release, ex- ‘Lift Up’ is courtesy of Murray levels of Reggae music via his Also recognizable is the duo other than Cornell Campbell in clusively on United Reggae... King Jammys Man, who owns and runs the huge breakout hit tune, Peo- of guest artists with which Ray dub. ------Studio New Mellow Vibes Music Company ple’s Choice and it was at least Darwin collaborates on the al- Look in Birmingham. A very prolific presumed that an album would bum - The venerable Fred Locks Recorded at Prince Fatty’s stu- Dubmatix artist and producer in his own be forthcoming - And it was chimes in on the anthem-like In dio in Brighton with the flip- Debut Album ------rights this is just one of a num- true... This Time and the incompara- side cut at Bunny Lee’s base Free Download King Jammy’s Recording Stu- ber of songs he has done with ble and the wonderful German in Kingston, We’re Not Leaving dio has a whole new look Roots Hitek music. Oddly enough, however, it’s star, Sara Lugo beautifies the is out on August 1st and for ------from the street since all of the taken a few years to manifest, sublime Good For You. download on August 15th. A ‘Champion Sound Clash’ was family labels, a family por- Also available is a dub of the but now Darwin releases to extended version of Cornell’s released in 2004 and is a mod- trait and typical sound sys- riddim plus River Niger Horns the masses his fittingly titled The wait is over! After four piece will be released on 12” ern dub album with a variety tem scene were painted on from Digistep the multi talent- album, ‘People’s Choice’, via years or so of waiting, Ray Dar- in late September (plus record- of styles and tempos. It spans the outer walls in preparation ed saxophonist and musician Joe Fraser Records. Even in a win’s album, ‘People’s Choice,’ ings with Lutan Fyah and Earl from the rootsy Blade & Chal- for the recent launch of Siz- who produces for the Dubkasm delayed fashion, the album fig- is in stores now on CD and for 16) with a full album coming in ice and the hip-hop-tinged zla’s ‘The Scriptures’ album, label and can be found here ures to be very well received digital download, courtesy of 2012... 20,000 Leagues Beneath the produced by King’s oldest by many of the same fans who Zojak Worldwide. supplying tenor sax and flute. caught on to the big single, activities and to carry on this ------tradition anyone who buys the box set and registers it with the New Release newly re-launched Trojan Ap- From Jah Seal preciation Society will receive ------an exclusive 12 track bonus Berlin based Irieland Music digital album. in partnership with One Drop Music and Planet Earth Studi- Both the album and the fan os has just brought out a new club go live on the 19th August release from Jah Seal, who and with the box set reason- delivered us the excellent and ably priced at £29.99 this is varied album ‘Itopia’ in 2008, sure to be a must for any fan. called Slow and Deep on 7” vi- For more information visit the nyl. Trojan website. ------Fairground Riddim ------The always reliable producer Frenchie has dropped another great riddim, this one is called Fairground, and is a nice piece ------her most high profile release to ------key personnel plus a foreword of energetic modern roots reg- date and is also going to have Trojan Records from Rhoda Dakar (the Body- gae. It’s voiced by I-Octane, Ce’Cile’s Jamai- a legitimate claim to being her snatchers/the Special AKA). Konshens, Luciano and Fantan canization finest piece of work to date. Announcement The set is further embellished Mojah, and is now available This single, on a one drop, is Along with the extensive work with original photographs, rare as 7” in all good record stores. a great slice of modern roots ------Currently available on etailers of Bazzazian, who helms much Trojan Records have just made memorabilia and other relevant In late July it will also be made reggae that started life on the of the album, listeners can also ephemera including four re- available as digital download Irieland Soundsystem as an is the latest single from Reg- a big announcement that they gae/Dancehall diva, the very look forward to well known are to release a deluxe 5 disc production double-sided post- on iTunes. Maximum Sound exclusive dubplate mix of the pieces such as Woot Woot, Nah cards of original rare Trojan fly- has had some great releases in instrumental Eins Drei Dub, easy on the eyes Bad Gyal box set featuring 123 tracks Ce’Cile - Singing This Song - Stress Over Man, Step Aside across five themed CDs that ers and promotional material 2011. In April the label dropped which is on the flip and was and others which feature back- from the sixties and seventies the acclaimed riddims Sound originally recorded early in from Kingstone Records. The showcase the hits, artists, pro- catchy tune, which finds the ing work from the likes of Tony ducers and labels, as well as plus a Trojan window sticker. Exterminata, Ghetto State, 2010 in Jamaica by Josie Big- ‘CD’ Kelly, Stephen McGregor, with elements from Half Pint’s finga Coppola with Hopeton artist celebrating the wonder- an entire disc of rare and unre- ful man in her life, is produced Chrome and Ce’Cile, herself. leased gems. To coincide with this historic ‘One Big Ghetto’, and Skate- Hibbert, son of the legendary Also, fans should delight with release they have also an- land Killer, based on Eek-A- Toots, on bass. Keyboards and by Ben Bazzazian and is digi- tally distributed through the a trio of big combinations - Not content with that they are nounced that they will be re- Mouse’s ‘Star, Daily News and guitars were then overdubbed Featuring oft-collaborator of launching Trojan’s classic fan Gleaner’. in Berlin before Jah Seal re- ultra-active Zojak Worldwide. also giving away with it a 50 Singing This Song, of course, Ce’Cile’s, the impressive Chris- page book that tells the story club. Originally established in If you’re curious on how Fair- corded the vocal version early topher Martin, one of Europe’s the 1970s as a means for the ground riddim sounds you this year. Eins Drei Dub is also is only the warning shot from of this remarkable label’s his- Ce’Cile’s forthcoming and hotly biggest Dancehall stars, Mil- tory in fascinating detail from company to interact directly can listen Maximum Sound’s going to be appearing on the lion Stylez and dominant lyri- with its most ardent fans, the megamix of the riddim below, forthcoming dub LP by Bigf- anticipated full length album, its launch in the summer of ‘Jamaicanization’. cist, Agent Sasco [aka Assas- ‘68, right up to the present day, Trojan Appreciation Society which also includes cuts from inga and Aldubb.Available now sin]. with revealing contributions offered exclusive product and Chris Martin, Cecile and Zinc from www.one-drop.de involved fans in the label’s Fence featuring Stylo G. Also from Kingstone [and Zo- from many of the company’s jak], the album is, arguably, If you cannot wait at all, Sing ing This Song [with Accapella put out the 16 track compila- album, Dillinger’s third, fol- Tony’s cultural messages on acclaimed debut album ‘Nine and clean riddim versions] is tion ‘Vibes and Tides - Set One’ lows two excellent sets in ‘Live seven vocals meet the clap- If you are Ska inspired solo Signs & Heavy Bliss’ released available now while ‘Jamai- with tracks from both new and & Learn’ and ‘Love Life’ should ping snares and blazing horns artist or part of a Ska inspired earlier this year. canization’ - the brand new and veteran artists and producers. find a very welcome audience of seven dubs - including an band from anywhere in the scalding hot full release from as the fiery African chanter update of the Revolutionaries’ world and want to enter The It is very simple. You under- Ce’Cile reaches stores on Au- has amassed a very impressive Mean Girl/I Need A Roof. Love London Intl Ska Festival 2012 take one unselfish act and tell gust 2. and loyal following thus far, Jah More’ is out now. Band Competition all you have Jonahgold about it by sending ------which only figures to grow in to do to is email your band a picture or a line where you response to the new release. name to enquiries@rockersre- describe the good deed. This Sara Lugo is volt.com with a weblink to your goes on for the rest of the year. Locked Away! Besides featuring combina- music (myspace/facebook/ ------tions with the likes of Jahson youtube/soundcloud). Please You can send your unselfish Just in case you’ve continued to and Ward 21 & Tifa, the album put ‘2012 Band Competition’ contributions by Jonahgold at exercise extremely poor judg- is also noted for featuring the in the subject line. All entries jonahgold /at/ goldheartmu- ment in not picking up her out- blazing former single, Volcano must be from the band/man- sic.com. standing debut album, ‘What Erupt. agement themselves and be ------About Love’, brimming Ger- submitted by 31st August 2011. This Is Protoje man Reggae star, Sara Lugo, You’ll find the sweet soulful Have a listen for yourseflf - is giving you yet another rea- voice of Bunny Rugs along with Black Dillinger’s brand new 20 bands will then be short------son to do just that in the way Sizzla’s chanting. The major- album, ‘Better Tomorrow’ is in listed and posted online for of releasing an EP for her new ity of the tunes are by singers stores now. ------the public to vote for their fa- single off the project, Locked in the – just like Bunny Rugs vourite. Voting will take place Away. Along with the original – soulful vein. Jah Cure, Tony The London between 1st September 2011 version of the tune, which was Curtis and Maxi Priest just to Intl Ska - 30th November 2011 and the ran by Loomis Green, the EP name a few. Festival 2012 band with the most votes wins. set features a fantastic new and more ‘Reggae-centric’ ‘Vibes and Tides’ is a great in- Band If you are lucky enough to win track which is touted as the troduction for new reggae lis- Competition your prize will be an opening “single version”. Also, there teners that want to get more slot on at The London Inter- acquainted with the sounds, ------national Ska Festival 2012, is a Dubstep remix courtesy The promoters of the London of El Wharton and, perhaps or for the older ones that just with all travel/hotel expenses need some sweet vibes. International Ska Festival 2012 paid. The festival takes place Prior to Protoje’s debut album most interestingly, a dubbed are running a competition to out version of Locked Away ------3rd - 6th May 2012 across the ‘The Seven Year Itch’ an al- enable one lucky band or solo Sheperd’s Bush Empire, Brix- bum sampler mixed by selec- appears courtesy of Lugo’s Black artist, from anywhere in the lead producer, Umberto Echo. ------ton Academy and the Islington tor Yaadcore was released. The Dillinger’s world the chance to perform at Academy. sampler had five Protoje songs Tony Roots next years festival. Fans can also look forward Better ------intertwined with dashes of the Loves Jah More singer’s commentary about to seeing a very well done Tomorrow After the resounding success Jonahgold video for the track! The EP ------each of them. ------of last years festival, which in- Rewards release of Sara Lugo’s lat- The Jamaican born UK based cluded many well established est single, Locked Away, is Always impressing South Af- singer Tony Roots has released Unselfishness Now the pair has created an- rican light, Black Dillinger, artists like Ken Boothe, Marcia other mixtape, but with less in stores right now. So get it! a new longplayer in showcase Griffiths, Dave & Ansell Col------links up with aspiring, but al- format. talking. ------ready well solid, Austrian im- lins, Owen Grey, and Rico they Swedish producer Jonahgold want to make a big part of the has decided to promote and Vibes and print, RichVibes Records to It’s a collaboration with Paris- ‘This is Protoje’ contains 23 deliver his latest set, ‘Better forthcoming festival as an op- reward unselfishness. The tracks from Protoje’s catalog, Tides Set 1 ian production house Reggae portunity to introduce new art- compensation for doing a good Tomorrow’ which is currently in Remedy titled ‘Love Jah More’. where of two are dub versions ------stores now. The eighteen-track ists and they’d like the public deed is, of course, the act in it- of Wrong Side of the Law and Mango Seed Music recently to help them choose one act. self, but also Sheya Mission’s Dread. You should also pay special attention to track 19 – Both of these cuts have been many more. He was well en- and shallowness. Our Time Come. It’s previously Maximum Sound has also for- lying dormant in the Trojan trenched in the VP Records or------On August 23rd his sopho- unreleased and has producer tunately enough decided to vaults for 40 years and will fi- ganization and made a strong more album ‘Gimmie Di Bass’ Don Corleon singing the hook. release their new Fairground nally see issue on the classic contribution that helped el- Man Free, reached the streets as CD and riddim as well as the back cat- Techniques imprint, but with evate several young artistes Documentary digital download. This 15 track ‘This is Protoje’ is available as alogue on iTunes. And this is a just a limited run of 500 copies. to the next level in their music about Jamaica set features collaborations with a free download over at Proto- real treat. If you don’t own rid- careers. He has been credited a number of both well-known je’s website. dims such as I Know My Herbs, for signing Sean Paul to the VP ------and more unknown singers, ------Jah Powers and Blackboard which album turned out to be ‘Man Free’ is a new documen- including Maxi Priest, Shaggy, already you should definitely a tremendous success for the tary – shot mostly between Tanya Stephens and Beniton Maximum head over to iTunes. company selling over 7 million 2003 and 2004 – about the life the Menace. And of course also Sound 2011 ------units. He will be sadly missed. of everyday people in Jamaica. several irresistible bass lines The stories are told by the peo- courtesy of Taddy P. ------Trojan Release ------ple themselves, among them a A Double Familywise taxi driver called Master Blast------‘Double Barrel’ by Fyah T er, a young woman who runs Sizzla her own bakery and the soulful Hospitalized ------one string singer Brushy, who To coincide with their soon to you also met in the documen- after a Bike be released new 5CD box set ------tary ‘RiseUp’. It’s not all about Crash ‘The Story Of Trojan Records’ Joel Chin reggae or having a good time. ------the company are bringing out Murdered Jamaica is a land with conflicts their latest limited edition 7” and struggles, where many vinyl featuring two songs taken ------people fight for a better life. from it. Joel Chin, long-time A&R man- Young and old come together to ager for VP records, was shot battle politics, crime, violence UK-based label Maximum The songs both ride on one of and killed at his Stony Hill and drugs. ‘Man Free’ is nar- Sound, lead by producer the biggest selling Reggae re- home last night, Tuesday, rated by the late film director Frenchie, steps into the digital cords of all time, Double Barrel August 16th. Details are still Perry Henzell and also includes age and releases an exclusive which went all the way to the sketchy and a motive for his the last documentary footage iTunes compilation titled ‘Max- murder has not yet been de- Fyah T, a talented singjay, mul- Miguel Collins, popularly know top of the national charts in the of him before he passed. This as Sizzla was involved in a mo- imum Sound 2011’. UK in March 1971 and featured termined. The thirty five year ti-instrumentalist, composer, legendary director is probably old Chin was the grandson of songwriter and band leader out tor vehicle accident last night, two of the island’s most gifted best known for the cult movie Wednesday, August 24th. Re- The new compilation holds 17 performers, keyboard maestro Vincent & Pat Chin, co found- of Munich, is set to drop is de- ‘The Harder They Come’, which killer tunes from artists such ers of VP Records. Chin had but album ‘Familywise’ on Sep- ports are that he was riding a Ansel Collins and the immense- starred a young Jimmy Cliff. bike in the Runaway Bay, St. as Sizzla, Tarrus Riley and ly versatile singer Dave Barker. relocated to Jamaica some tember 2nd. The title describes Busy Signal on a variety of dif- two years ago after spending how the album was produced, Ann area when he was hit by ‘Man Free’ launches on iTunes a motor vehicle which did not ferent dancehall and one drop The first of these cuts is a re- several years working out of but also an attitude towards in October. riddims, including Skateland VP’s Queens, New York office. life, where family is important. stop. He was rushed to the visit from Ansel Collins who ------St. Ann’s Bay Hospital where Killer, Ghetto State and Praise created this organ driven in- The set holds 15 righteous and Jahovia. As A & R manager of VP Records conscious roots reggae tunes, Gimmie Di Bass he later undergone surgery. strumental Double Or Nothing The DJ who was in the St. Ann soon after its original release. he was integrally involved in the two of which are combinations by Taddy P Several of the tunes haven’t release of some of their biggest with Lutan Fyah and Jah Ma- area rehearsing for a show suf- The second take is from Rob------fered a broken hand, injuries been available on digital plat- ert ‘Dandy’ Thompson who uti- hits including the Reggae Gold son respectively. All riddims forms until now, which makes and Strictly the Best series, are executed by Next Genera- Taddy P is a musician, song- to his ribs and lungs. Early this lised the track on a couple of writer and producer hailing morning he was flown into a it an essential purchase for sides, including this DJ cut that ‘Parables’ and ‘Contagious’ by tion Family. Over these riddims non-vinyl buyers. Keep an eye Tarrus Riley, ‘No Holding Back’ Fyah T sings about greedy gov- from Jamaica. His progressive Kingston hospital to undergo highlighted his toasting skills sound is diverse and combines further observation and treat- out on August 21st, when it Double Barrel Man. by Wayne Wonder, ‘Moment in ernments, advocates for more hits the streets. Time’ by Beres Hammond and humane ways of interaction roots reggae riddims with blue- ment. sy melodies and soulful vibes. ------tumn to complete her third al- cal catalog for years. “Every- bum which will be released by one from 20-year-old kids to Etana Joins VP Records next year. their grandparents listen to Penthouse ------country in Jamaica. People are Records Team always so shocked when I say Reggae’s Gone this, but the music plays such ------Country an important role in the Carib------bean,” states Cristy Barber. Reggae giant VP Records has Cristy Barber also hopes that teamed up with Warner Mu- these renditions will introduce sic Nashville on the upcoming and educate music fans eve- compilation ‘Reggae’s Gone rywhere to the talent that ex- Country’. As indicated in the ists in Jamaica. ‘Reggae’s Gone title, this 14 track compilation Country’ drops on August 30. is about country hits covered ------by reggae artists such as Be- The Sensimil- res Hammond, Luciano and Et- ana supported by reggae and lionaire Rid- country musicians. “Reggae’s dim Gone Country is taking some ------of Jamaican’s favourite clas- Considered by many special- sic American country songs ists as the most talented fe- and putting their beats and male singer in Jamaica – she whole instrumentation around won the EME Awards 2011 in it while still having that root the category “female vocalist of country. It is this crazy cool of the year” five months ago idea,” says John Rich of the – Etana has just got a manage- multi-platinum selling country ment deal with Penthouse duo Big & Rich and the win- ner of this year’s Celebrity Ap- Records owner Donovan Ger- prentice. The album opens with main. This deal should allow Romain Virgo’s rendition of the her to uplift her international Gatlin Brothers’ 1979 hit Cali- Austrian band and production career. fornia, with Larry Gatlin him- crew House Of Riddim will re- self contributing vocals, while lease their new riddim The Sen- “Etana is expected to be at the Busy Signal offers a rendition simillionaire on September 9th. forefront of the Reggae bat- of Kenny Rogers’ country-pop Among their previous produc- tle and I am gonna be working Grammy Award-winning The tions you’ll find Natty King’s very hard to help her accom- Gambler. latest album ‘Born to Be Free’ plish her goals” said Germain. as well as the Hot and Camel According to Cristy Barber, riddims. The Sensimillionaire Traveling the globe this sum- Vice President of Marketing Riddim includes cuts from art- mer performing on the world’s and Promotions at VP Records ists such as Jah Mason, Ras largest reggae festivals and and a Grammy nominated pro- Zacharri and Zareb, and will be planning another European ducer for the 2003 dancehall available on the usual digital tour in October and November. reggae-hip hop compilation al- platforms. “The Strong One” will be back bum Def Jamaica, country has ------in Penthouse studio during au- been a part of Jamaica’s musi- for a producer and none of where I couldn’t even change I was just boiling some roots. the producers would look at my clothes. I thought there I went to my bredda and buy me. I went to Mr Gibbs and he was nothing in music. It was 22 different roots so then it Sylford sent me to his engineer Errol only after I went to Europe and becomes powerful. It was just Thompson and that’s where saw people from all over say- juggling for everybody who I broke away. I built that song ing “Sylford, you are great and needed a bottle of roots but it [Burn Babylon] and I sang [Jah] legendary and thing” so I take was cheap. But I still sent my Walker Golden Pen because he told me up the work now in hand. kids to school and had restau- “I went to Eu- jured in a car crash in 2002 and Burn Babylon wasn’t selling rant where I’d cook up a little is currently unable to leave Ja- and there was nothing going What did you do for a living Ital food. rope to do a maica due to VISA issues. Even on with it. when you weren’t making show and read so, he has a new album in the music? in a maga- works with young US producer How did you come up with Carson McPullish. Angus Tay- those lyrics? zine that Syl- lor spoke to him at his rural St ford Walker is Thomas residence about his Jah Golden Pen was more like a dead!” plans for the future and the ups church song from my boy days. and downs of his tough life... It used to say (sings) “WRITE ------MY NAME UP THERE... YOU GOT The languid chanter Sylford TO PUT YOUR FINGER ON THE Walker has often been com- Where were you born? up the Collie Weed” [Burn Bab- GOLDEN PEN...” and because pared to Burning Spear - with ylon]. I was living in “South” at Gold whom he shares some stylis- Penlyne Castle in St Thomas Street I saw that song as gold. tic traits. Yet Sylford always but I didn’t really grow up How did you get into Rasta? That was one of my biggest had his own approach - sound- there. I grew up in the ghetto songs in England. That and ing off the cuff and unplanned part of the city. When I was a Well it is a part of the vibes Burn Babylon. All around the while somehow just right for babe I left my mum to live with where the love of music and world! When I was in Jerusa- the rhythms he rode. He got my grandmother and in my boy the roots and culture that is in lem and all over if I don’t sing his start voicing for Joe Gibbs days I was with my mother but me going towards life, that is those songs there is no show! in 1975 cutting the hypnotic I ran to be in the city at around the only way of I seeing it. It (laughs) Burn Babylon and the mysti- 13. was the 12 Tribes Of Israel with cal Jah Golden Pen. A one away Dennis Brown because we were How did they do in Jamaica? tune with Clive Hunt then gave How did you get into music? close brethren and Dennis a lot way to what is now his most fa- of little man joined the 12 Tribes Well it was going on but it mous collaboration - a series so I ended up getting baptized seems they never wanted I to of tunes cut in 1978 with the My brother, trust me, I loved and joining. But I don’t really know the whole secretness singer turned producer Glen music from schoolboy days. I go to the assemblies because and switch of the business. In Brown. At the time, however, did school concerts and sang I am now living in the country. London and in Jamaica it was these did not get a Jamaican al- in church but then when I ran Since I left Switzerland [where playing on the radio station for bum release and it was only in away from country to town he stayed with Asher Selector] maybe two or three months but 1988 - long after Glen had gone and being around these rebels smoking my herbs the cops I got a change of living. there was nothing coming from to America and Sylford’s career it. had stalled - that Greensleeves came to hold me with a spliff. issued the remarkable ‘Lamb’s How did you record for Joe Bread’, followed by the 2000 I went to Central and spent one Gibbs? Why did you leave Joe Gibbs? Blood & Fire reissue ‘Lambs year for that spliff in jail. That’s Bread International’ with Wel- how I built my song “It’s a long With Mr Gibbs I had come from Well the system wasn’t right ton Irie. Sadly Sylford was in- long long long time I man burn jail and been walking looking and I was suffering. I was go- ing to a little music school for a producer and none of singer. Him, Horace Andy and Your work sounds improvised. People have compared you to Stitch doing a recut of one of took the music more seriously. the producers would look at Dennis Brown - we all used to Do you write your songs down Burning Spear. Which singers your Glen Brown tunes Deu- All over the world I see that it is me. I went to Mr Gibbs and he move together. Until maybe the or just respond to the rhythm? did you admire? teronomy as Books Of The Old Sylford they are talking about. sent me to his engineer Errol love of people, laughing peo- Thompson and that’s where ple and don’t like guilty people Testament as well as I Love Yes I. It was just vibes. I’m good (laughs) The right man you Did part of that come from the I broke away. I built that song suffer Freddie dead. One of his You in 1979-1980? at that way. Very much crea- call! Spear! It was Spear, Hor- Blood & Fire release in 2000? [Burn Babylon] and I sang [Jah] biggest songs that a lot of peo- tive that way. As soon as Glen ace Andy, Dennis Brown, Bob Golden Pen because he told me ple here know - the elders like That is the next great song Tell me about that... came up with the rhythm and I Andy - great guys. The all Burn Babylon wasn’t selling we - was Dance This Ya Festi- that I have. I had that song listened I had something to put powerful. Also Alton Ellis and and there was nothing going val. Great festival song. This is even before Burn Babylon and They linked me and released to them. That was how it went Ken Boothe. But my favour- on with it. the thing in Jamaica - there is Golden Pen. It was another one and that was when everyone for me and him. He never wrote ite was Spear. I was more like no one to see you until you ei- from my bible days. But listen else realized about Sylford. He any song for me and I never him which is why they beat me was here in Jamaica for a little Why did you only do one tune, ther get on top or die. - Books Of The Old Testament wrote one on paper. down saying it [Burn Babylon] was first done for Paul Clough time and he told me what was Bad Bad Bad, with Clive Hunt? was Spear when it was me. wrong. Why was your Lambs Bread but he died in New York. I did And when you sing the songs three songs for Paul Clough. He carried me down to the max- album not released in Jamai- live do you remember what Why did Glen leave for New Books Of The Old Testament, They gave me £1000 and I took imum. Told me nothing was go- ca? Most people didn’t hear you sang? Do you keep them York in 1979? God Love and one I have never it and started a home here. It is ing on but when I go to Europe I in Yallahs St Thomas but I nev- it until it was released by in your head? heard released by the name see all those songs selling and Greensleeves in 1988. He went because his wife was of Rally Around Jah Red Green er heard anything more from I got nothing from them. Now him again. Yes I’ve got it all because once up there. He gave me a lot of And Gold. I hear they gave him 17 shots It didn’t release in Jamaica but promises that he would do and he’s still alive - because it comes out it is always in my it released in New York. Then mind. this for me and let me reach I did Tra La La La La [I Love You] Tell me about your car acci- his name’s Clive! (laughs) he made me a lot of promises and things but after a while for the brethren you’re talking dent in 2002. where he would link me with I realized he sold me out to about now in London. How you meet Glen Brown? Greensleeves until I heard he Greensleeves. I was living in South and then at sold me out to Greensleeves. I So why does it say “produced the same time not really know- That’s another poison man! wasn’t able to live in the coun- Have you had any contact at by Stafford Douglas” on the ing what is next. Then my friend (laughs) I and him were living try where I am now until Blood all since he left? Art & Craft 12? called me to go to Old Harbour on the same street. Lobban and Fire gave me £1000 [for the to help him deliver some ice on 2000 reissue Lambs Bread In- a truck. When I got there they Street in the eastern part of He tried to but I didn’t want That’s the trick. Because I’m in ternational]. left me to come out of the truck town. Then while I was going anything from him at all. Not Jamaica and don’t know what’s and when I came round the cor- to Joe Gibbs he told me he had even to hear his voice. I thank going on they just did what ner there was a car that hit me some rhythms he would like Tell me how you came up with him for what he has done but they wanted to do. I don’t even and mashed me up. me to voice - some King Tub- songs like Lambs Bread, Chant he can go to hell. I never heard know who named that. Maybe bys rhythms. I went with him Down Babylon and Africa anything about these songs af- if I saw him again I’d have some ter I recorded them until I heard But give thanks that my life and voiced them and then went Homeland? food, brother! (laughs) away! them again. Or maybe when I was spared and I can walk. did I thought people wouldn’t That was the time they wrote After I did Burn Babylon eve- By this time we’re getting to even listen. It’s not like now in a magazine that I had died ryone was saying they needed You also knew the late great when I know the music turns the 1980s. What did you do because when I went to Europe a different high grade song so Freddie McKay who sang many hearts more. I was just trying for a living then? I saw I was meant to be dead. I sang Lambs Bread. That and great tunes but sadly passed to be what I wanted to be. That was when Joe Gibbs asked all those songs were voiced in I was just boiling some roots for me and said “You been dead away before the roots veteran King Tubbys studio. Tubby was You also recorded for the Art and it moved to the people just a long time” so that might be revival. What was he like? a good man. A very great en- like the songs. I had three girl what made my shows so pow- gineer and a man who tried to and Craft label and producer children and all of them are big erful there. Freddie was a man who was a see you did your work well. Stafford Douglas with Jah now so now I leave it alone and humble soldier and a very great So tell me about your second period of recording for Joe Gibbs after the crash... DUB Mr Gibbs said I must do an al- bum for him and he will give me $250000 and I ended up doing 200 more songs for him. We AKOM put out an album by the name of Nuti Nah Gwan. At the same “We begun as a time I went to Europe to do a band, and the show and read in a magazine that Sylford Walker is dead! But label started in I did my best there and have 2007” been there five times. How did you feel when Joe You released an EP United in ------So when Asher Selector Gibbs passed away in 2008? April 2011 with Carson McPull- Being in Dub brought you for some shows ish and I believe there’s an al- Akom means a in 2004 that was when you I went to his funeral and the bum coming right? busy time realized there was an audi- engineer’s. Errol’s was bigger than Mr Gibbs! (laughs) ence for you? He’s supposed to get back to ------me about doing an album. You One of this summer’s best rid- How come you can’t leave Ja- know that song reached num- dims comes from the southern The thing that made me real- maica now? ber one? Rocky [Joe Gibbs son] part of France. Stars such as ize was these songs I did from sold me out. Mac sent some Konshens and Lutan Fyah ride continues talking about the lo- dim in 2008 featuring Jah Ma- the beginning like Golden Pen, I don’t know. Maybe I need money to Rocky to get Sylford. the pulsating hip-hop-tinged cal reggae scene: son, Lutan Fyah, Natty King and Burn Babylon and even Lambs some help from a good agent Rocky gave me $1000 Jamaican Bonafide riddim. Dub Akom is Edge Michael. After that we did Bread. Those were the songs who can help me send down and told me he wanted me to the production crew behind it. “It’s getting better. There are the Highlight riddim with Pres- that Asher Selector was play- the documents and things be- do one song for him. When I did And they have more things on some local bands, but no big sure, Jah Mason, Natty King ing and then he sent for me cause when I went to the em- the song I found out it is not his the stove - backing Pressure, scene. It’s hard to make events and some youths from Jamaica. from Jamaica in about 2004. I bassy that little spliff is still a own! So my nephew who is my Etana and Protoje on some here. Artists don’t stop in Mar- These two releases resulted in went there five times then Je- problem. I’m trying now to get manager saw what was hap- of their European tour dates. seille when they’re on tour,” he a two riddim album put out on rusalem, Tel Aviv, all over the some money to go the police pening on the internet and got United Reggae got a chat with concludes. CD.” world, man. high place and then clean off in contact with Mac. So we are David, drummer and producer. ------that record. Because I have working on an album but I also Faby – bass player in Dub Akom The story of Did you consider linking with seen men murder people who almost have finished an album Dub Akom is a label, back- – is also present during the in- ing band and production crew terview. David asks her ques- Welton Irie for a tour? can fly every day! I don’t know for myself named My Time Has Bonafide what’s wrong. I went to the Come. Eight songs are finished based in Marseille, in the tions in French when he needs riddim embassy and they turned me but I don’t have the collateral southern part of France. to find the right words. I can find him but he was not ------down. There was a brethren in to do the other four songs. I’m that much. When I was going Bonafide riddim is Dub Akom’s Mount Vernon named Hira who trying to put out 12. But we I reach David on the phone, “We begun as a band, and the to Switzerland he was going latest riddim. It was first re- was trying to get me for some have kind of run out of collat- and he speaks excellent Eng- label started in 2007. Murray to Germany. So maybe they leased as the single Weak from record business but when he eral so we are stuck until I can lish with a heavy patois accent. Man was the first artist we re- wanted I and him to go but by Konshens. sent for me he didn’t send a get some work and help myself. corded,” explains David, and that time I was on Asher’s pro- work permit so I could never go. “Marseille is different than Par- continues: gramme so I could never reject “We had some good response Brethren right now I’m looking Interview by Angus Taylor is. It’s no business city. It’s the it. sea and the sun,” he says, and “Then we did the Vitamin rid- and we said like ‘yo, it’s time to to find a godfather. make a series on it’.” sent him the riddim.” ------Dub Akom begun the festival Busy through season on June 25th with Sun “Sizzla loved the riddim. Seine Festival 2011 where they Mista the summer had to back Chezidek, Lyricson, He jumped around and kept ------Anthony John and Jah Marnyah. hitting the CD player when This summer seems jam- I played it in his yard” packed for Dub Akom. They “It’s challenging,” says David: Savona are the backing band for sev------eral Jamaican artists coming to “You have to know 15 or 20 Europe for festivals and other tunes by each artist. The artist Mista Savona gigs. Previously they have usually sends us the playlist puts Australia worked with Jah Mason and and then we discuss it.” on the reggae Lutan Fyah. This year Pressure, ------map Etana, Burro Banton and Pro- New toje will be added to the list. ------productions Jake ”Mista” Savona is the Dub Akom managed to find “It’s odd sometimes just be- this fall leading reggae producer from some great artists to voice the ing the band,” says David, and ------Australia, and the first to con- riddim. Both newcomers and explains what makes a great After the summer when things sistently travel to Jamaica to more well-known ones.to voice backing band: have cooled down Dub Akom record some of the country’s the riddim. Both newcomers will go on with production most acclaimed singers and and more well-known ones. “It’s important when the artist again. deejays. United Reggae got an come to have rehearsal time. early morning chat with this Two of the more interesting But we almost never rehearse “We have recorded Jah Mason well-educated and humble pro- new names were South Afri- with the artist as we don’t have and Queen Omega on a new ducer. can singjay Jahnett Tafari and the time,” he laughs: dancehall riddim. It will hope- Ricardo Clarke from Bahamas. fully be released in September Australia is not necessarily David explains how they got in “The artist must feel good or in October.” known for its burgeoning reg- contact. about the structure and the rid- gae and dancehall scene. Rath- dim. It must sound good for the Interview by Erik Magni er pop music and artists and “We have worked with Black artist.” Photos by Jennyfer Papin groups such as Kylie Minogue Dillinger [also from South Af- and INXS. rica] before and one day I sat behind my computer watching Reggae is according to Jake ------a Black Dillinger show on You- Savona regarded as a mostly Started early He learned to play reggae by tube and saw Jahnett Tafari. underground style in Australia himself through trial and error, He had some good feeling, so and is not in the mainstream ------listening to records and also I looked him up on the Internet consciousness yet. Jake is a classically trained mu- through friends. And he says and linked with him. I sent the sician and has been playing that the music expertise in riddim and he came back with “The scene is fairly small here”, keyboards such as the piano Australia is very good. this huge cut. Maybe we’ll re- explains Jake Savona over the and Hammond organ from the cord some new cuts with him,” phone, walking through a park age of six. “I have many inspirations. Au- he says, and adds: in Sydney in the middle of the gustus Pablo, King Tubby and day, while I have just woke up “Playing keyboards gives you Lee Perry. That mid 70’s sound. “I already knew Ricardo Clarke. and am preparing for break- different skills. It gives you But also the late 90’s and early He has made music with a fast. melody, harmony and compo- 2000’s sound, like the Diwali friend of mine, so I tested and sition techniques,” he says. and Coolie riddims. Not much of the music from Jamaica to- “I’m a vinyl collector and for vocals were laid in Jamaica. day. It has too much auto-tune that riddim was inspired by Ko- and is too generic,” he says rean music and kung fu sound- The album’s core messages and adds: tracks. The bass line in Drum are concerned about the state Phillip Song was itself inspired by old of the world today and the en- “I also love electronic music, 50’s Latin American stuff. My vironment. This is obvious in world music, and vintage Bol- version is in a totally different tunes such as Clean Air Clean lywood music.” style. It is Arabic and Middle Country by Burro Banton and Fraser ------Eastern sounding,” he says. Why Does the World Cry by Siz- “In those times artists zla. Begun with dub The riddim was voiced by weren’t getting no mon------chanters such as Burro Banton “Why do the same things hap- ey. That was why the Jake first became interested and Sizzla. pen again,” asks Jake rhetori- music was so good” in dancehall and modern reg- cally, and continues: gae when living in Brixton for a “Sizzla loved the riddim. He Phillip Fraser was a helped bring to fame... month in 2000. And he clearly jumped around and kept hitting “I want to put out music with mainstay of the roots remembers when he heard dub the CD player when I played it a message. Not necessarily reggae scene that cen- You were born in for the first time. in his yard,” he says, and con- about girls, money or consum- tred around the Green- Whitfield Town but tinues: erism. Plenty of people are al- wich Town area of King- “First time I heard real dub was ready doing that.” ston in the late 1970s you are associated at someone’s house in deep “He is an amazing guy. Moody and early 1980s. He with Greenwich Town/ downtown London. Horace and inspired. Reminds me Warn the Nation also features played a central role Farm area. Andy was there in person sing- sometimes of Johnny Depp’s the late Alton Ellis on Chant in the development of ing, and there were speakers character in Pirates of the Car- Rasta Sound. Jake remembers Bertram Brown’s Free- I was born in Whitfield on all the walls,” he laughs, ibbean. A brilliant character the recording which took place dom Sounds and Errol Town but in Greenwich and continues: with amazing vocal ability.” in London. Don Mais’ Roots Tra- Farm I grew. I was just dition labels, singing born in Whitfield Town “I went back to Australia and Jake also reveals that he has “It was amazing. Alton heard classic cultural and and never even stayed started making hip-hop beats recorded a full length album it [the riddim] and loved it. He love themed singles there. I spent my whole with reggae influences.” with Sizzla, hopefully due later went through a news paper including You’re No life in Greenwich Farm ------this year. It is a reggae album to get the words going. I have Good, Come Ethiopians so really I was born with some hip-hop, dancehall also done a yet to be released and Mr Wicked Man. there but officially I Travelled and dubstep influences. combination with Sizzla on that Yet where some of the was born in Whitfield to Jamaica ------tune.” Greenwich Town sing- Town. I was just a child ------Important ers like Rod Taylor and so I never really under- In 2004 Jake visited Jamaica for Jake says that he is already Earl Zero left Jamaica stood why we moved the first time, and his first re- messages planning his next trip to Jamai- and have been fairly but in those times my cording there was with Antho------ca, and once the Sizzla album prolific abroad, the dis- family never really ny B. Since then, he has been Mista Savona’s latest album is has dropped internationally he tinctive voiced Rasta- owned a place so they back two times – in 2008 and the compilation ‘Warn the Na- will go back and voice another man has preferred to had to move up and last year. tion’. It has been available in set from the top Jamaican sing- stay in Kingston and down. Australia for a year, and was ers and deejays. record for his own Ra- While in Jamaica in 2008 he re- recently released in Europe zor Sound label. Angus What were your first Interview by Erik Magni corded some of the vocals for and the U.S through Soulbeats Taylor spoke to this cru- experiences that got cial veteran about his the wicked Fire Dragon riddim, Records in France. you into music? a clever interpretation of the long and distinguished classic Drum Song riddim. The music was mainly recorded career in music and the neighbourhood that he It was something I was in Australia, while most of the born with when I check it. You see my father was one number one local artist) then was my idol because his ba- They claimed he said he saw dicate band was in Greenwich Who influenced you to em- of Jamaica’s number one danc- Jerry Butler, Curtis Mayfield. bymother was my brethren’s somebody at the window and Farm at the time because Ch- brace Rastafari? ers. His name was Sparky and And it goes on like that be- sister so we used to be in the he thumped out the glass and inna [Smith] and all those guys he used to dance with another cause I always tried to listen to same yard. When Slim Smith bled to death by the time peo- used to rehearse on 9th Street. Well, to be honest listening to man as Sparky & Pluggy. the top ones all the while so I would come he was singing ple came back and found him. While they were rehearsing the music when we were small know where I stand. Because with Lloyd Charmers and Jimmy So it was a shock. Tony Mack said we could go like Bob Marley and Burning Then in Greenwich Town when I never went to music school - in the Uniques and they would to the studio, take some mon- Spear, talking about Africa and I was young I used take some it was born into me. So for my rehearse and I used to just sit What was the first tune you ey and buy a tape because things like that. Then we grew match boxes and try to build training and things like that I down and listen and smoke recorded? we didn’t even know that. So up in an environment where it a turntable. I’d a get a bottle had to listen to people that are them chalice and be like ww- when he told us Mr Brown was was pure Rasta that surround- stopper, which was round like singing real and if you can sing wooooooaah, because the man working so he became the pro- ed we as little youths, smok- a record and dig out the inside these people’s songs you know can sing you know? Then me It was a song named This Time ducer, bought the tape and Won’t Be Like The Last Time ing pipes, cooking Ital food, and I just put the round part on what you’re doing. and him became close and he booked the studio time so we and we would sit down and a match stick, bore it and put would carry me to town where which was recorded by our- and Soul Syndicate went to Dy- selves - Freedom Sounds my read our bibles every day - it it on the match box like a turn- What was your favourite he lived and introduced me to namic Studios. I recorded This was how inspiration came. We table. I remember doing these Roy Shirley and people when little brethren [Bertram Brown]. Time..., Single Man, Mr Blue sound system? A guy named Tony Mack who came to realize about His Im- things as a little boy. I just a kid. So I idolised Slim Bird and we started working on perial Majesty, how Africa was Smith because when I listened was around Bunny Lee, a big- coming up with an album. That My favourite sound system ger man than us, he knew the for all of us and these things. That was because you were was one from Greenwich to all the voices that came out was how the Freedom Sounds So you understand it was an in- of Jamaica and compared them business and showed us how label started. influenced by sound system? Town named Echo Vibrations we could do it. The Soul Syn- born thing but we were around because that was the sound to his voice I realized he had people that made it come out Yes, that was my little idea for where we all started. Peter the real voice! my own sound system! And Ranking, General Lucky, Phillip then, living in Greenwich Town Fraser, Michigan and Smiley; What was Slim like? I used to hang out with Slim that was our sound before we Smith. But before Slim Smith launched out and started sing- He just a humble person the even, I used to be at a place ing for any other. Echo Vibra- same as me. I never saw him called Club Bohemia doing a tion used to play in Greenwich in any violent thing nor igno- little talent show business - Town every Wednesday and rant nor nothing. That man just me, Johnny Clarke and Mighty that was the first sound I ever smoked his pipe and had his Diamonds. So I used to go on saw that used to play in the guitar and sang. a lot of talent shows singing day. Pure night sounds used to foreign songs like Wild Flower, play and it was the first sound So it must have been quite a Help Me Make It Through The that had day sessions. shock when you heard of his Night and those tunes and death. ended up winning a couple of Prince Alla told me he used to these talent things. That was look up to Slim Smith. Did you Yes, it was a shock because we because I could manage those used to do the same? used to see each other when types of tunes well because Bunny Lee and him were driv- I was a real listener of a lot of ing up and down. I was just a foreign songs. Slim Smith had a babymother in Greenwich Town so he used kid and they were bigger men to often be in Greenwich Town and I’d see them going to the Who was your favourite for- whereas Striker Lee used to studio with people like Cornell eign singer or song? live in Greenwich Farm and he [Campbell]. Then suddenly I was a big producer so all the heard that Bunny Lee left Slim My favourite singers were Sam artists used to come to Green- at his house and he was com- Cooke as number one artist for wich Farm. But Slim Smith plaining saying he was sick but me (just as Slim Smith is my the people took it for a joke. Tell me more about your in- do a Slim Smith tune today!” cooking Ital food and just hav- do here were automatically re- producer is afraid to talk to volvement in the Freedom so we just went in there to ing a vibes - and lyrical content leased in England. Now it is like them because now producers Sounds label. Channel One with Soul Syndi- would just come! I’d hear a tune a different thing because they aren’t even producers - they cate and made the rhythm and and just sing! (laughs) have kinds of changes: Ragga just have money. In our time and all those kinds of things. Well Freedom Sounds is really then went to Tubbys and voiced producers were real and all I don’t know that because I me, Bertram Brown, Prince Alla it. When I voiced it I didn’t even That tune did very well in artists wanted to do was sing only know roots rock reggae! and Earl Zero. I was the one like it because I thought I was England too. How did you good songs and hear ourselves singing too flat! But everyone upon the radio and feel good. that really started it as I told come to spend some time said, “No man! You’re comfort- You did some recording for you when my friend Tony Mack over there? more. We were around elders introduced me and Bertram able! It bad!” By this time no Junjo Lawes when you came Tell me about your memories like a brethren named I-Eye one really knew Slim Smith did to buying the tape and taking The first time I came wasn’t back. What was he like to of Scientist who you worked whose son used to cook his Soul Syndicate to the studio. the original. Even to this day food on a stove with kinds of people still say it’s I who did on music. I had some relatives work with? with on many occasions. So that’s how it started. We over there and my aunt died in fruits which he used to put used to go to King Tubbys to the original. That’s because on top of his bamboo house. the Slim Smith one was on a 1970-something and I just came I did some recording for Juno Yes, well most of the tunes we do the voicing but before that for the funeral. When I went Lawes but they never released did at Freedom Sounds and His son used to cook his food we used to go to Channel One Studio 1 LP. with enough pepper and herbs back again Sugar Minott was them except on dubplate. He Roots Tradition were mixed by to make the rhythms with Soul there with a couple more peo- was a nice youth and I miss Scientist at Tubbys. Tubbys was when you used to eat that food Syndicate. That was how Free- That rhythm became very big I’m telling you! He was one of ple and I spent some time there him. He was a very nice quiet a place that you could go to voice dom Sounds and all those la- in the dancehall in the 80s. - me and Toyan staying with a brethren. He was the first pro- and mix while the rhythm lay- the influences, seeing his life, bels started. That’s how Corner seeing Rastafari and seeing guy named Rusty. Now Rusty ducer who would give artists ing happened at Channel One. Stone started, that’s how Roots Yes! All of a sudden it just blew would look for shows for us and money and carry them to for- him as a dreadlocks so when Tradition started. I helped start away and became the biggest we read the bible and saw cer- I met Silver Camel who put out eign. He gave artists enough You could voice and mix there all those labels because we thing! I’d say, “Bwoy, it’s a joke Blood Of The Saint [10” in 1982]. because in those times art- too but Tubbys just had that tain things our little circle just were all youngsters in Green- this because some of the tunes grew up saying, “Yes Rasta!” ists weren’t getting no money. sound! Scientist was just a lit- wich Town, all of the same age I sang in a high pitch that I love I ended up spending a year tle youth and we were all young because it was the right liv- group. and see my pitch is right - it’s ing. So in the music we started out there and having two kids They’d just get a bag of crack- so we’d just try to experiment. not that. It’s Never Let Go run up there and doing a whole ers and a piece of cheese and So eventually that was how he singing certain tunes from the everything!” bible and it went from there... It was on the Roots Tradition heap of shows to get myself go in the studio. That was why got the name Scientist because label that you also brought popular because I wasn’t that the music was so good. Now he was just experimenting and You also recorded Come Ethi- experimenting with songs. What was your involvement back your inspiration Slim popular. Then when I came artists get everything and the opians in 1978 on the same back to Jamaica I was the hot- with Earth and Stone that led Smith’s Never Let Go in 1979. rhythm to Rod Taylor’s Ethio- test thing because Never Let to you recording the 1978 al- Definitely. Once Freedom pian Kings and both became Go was mashing up the place! bum Back To Africa together? Sounds was up and running, big hits. Don Mais was another youth What did you think of the reg- Yes, with Buster Riley - Winston from Greenwich Town who was Yes, it was Rod who laid the gae being made in England? Riley’s brother. A lot of people working at the time. It was only don’t even know that album rhythm and about two days me, Prince Alla and Earl Zero after he did I was listening to At the time all the reggae being because it didn’t get released who have never done any work made in Jamaica was exported in Jamaica. Two singles were it. Through reading the bible outside of music! (laughs) Don a lot I just came up with this to England. America at the time released - Back To Africa and Mais was working so he had a wasn’t getting reggae music Dance Crasher but not the al- concept of Come Ethiopians little fund that he could spend whereas Rod Taylor sang Ethio- so England was like the next bum. I just did some tracks and as a producer. So we went into headquarters of reggae after then I guess Buster did some pian Kings. I just came up with the studio same way and licked it out of my own head because Jamaica. The LP I did with Earth tracks with Earth and Stone this rhythm. He looked upon and Stone wasn’t released and compiled them together. in those times I never used to me and said, “Phillip Fraser. write music on paper. I’d just here but it was in England. You love Slim Smith we have to hear the rhythm while smoking, Most songs producers used to You produced your own album into people’s camp and they did Never Let Go. The first song in 1984, I Who Have Nothing have their favourites. So it was he sung out of his mouth was and you recorded two combi- all these things that made me African Girl and it was a hit and decide to have my own label so then he went to England and nations with Tristan Palmer. I could get the right justice and across to New York and Sammy Was that what inspired you to people could hear the things never came back. Then Michael break out with your own la- I have in my head. I’m not go- Prophet and Earl Zero did the bel later? ing to record Phillip Fraser and same. Only me and Prince Alla put it down - I’m going to put are still here! I see Alla every Yes, I did some work with it out! (laughs) Not like people day at the studio where I am. Tristan Palmer on the Black Sol- like Bobby Digital who put it on idarity label. Then in the 90s the shelf. I must give credit to a Are there any plans for more I decided I was going to break man named Barry Clarke from music in the works? away from everyone and have Afro Eagle label. In the 80s he my own label Razor Sound be- put a tune with me he wrote Definitely. I’m still doing some cause I showed everybody how called Please Stay and it was a recording right now. I put out to have a label when I worked big song to follow up Never Let an album No Escape with my with them but I never got the Go. son Ras Fraser Junior who is a right justice. Better I have my very cultured little youth com- own label. So I just come with Did you consider a move to ing on. He has a couple of my own label now and put most Europe like Rod Taylor? songs out there playing and things on there. things. Also there’s a compila- No, even though all my breth- tion with me and him, father How did you react to the ren did and I have two kids out and son, Roots Man Time. We changes in the music in the there. I never considered living have seven tracks each. My 80s and 90s? in no foreign country like Eu- next project is keeping myself rope or America or nowhere. healthy, still singing. I did a I have been to all of them but I never really reacted. There show in New York on Christmas my roots is Jamaica and my feel were producers who wanted Eve which Jah Life put on as a is Jamaica. Because what I un- me and more artists to come vintage thing with Big Youth derstand is when an artist lives on what I would call “racehorse and couple more artists like overseas the respect is not rhythms” that would get up and that. For the future, I’m not run- there anymore because you run and they wanted me to say ning down this thing because have to know how to condition anything and everything but I the music alone shall live, but yourself. A guy sees you at this wasn’t into that. So I decided what I see going on is pure club and at that club and then to just keep cool and stay with rat race. So I just keep myself sees you at the racehorse shop my label and record what I feel healthy, fresh, fit and nice, still so you become cheap. By the is the right thing to record. So doing my private recording in time someone puts you up for a people weren’t seeing Phillip my own studio. I just recorded show people say, “I seen Phillip Fraser enough because I didn’t a song with my son for a radio Fraser at that race track. I see want to go on those rhythms. station in Canada and they sent him at the party last night!” But I did a couple for Jammys but it on to a radio station in Eng- when they here “Phillip Fraser he didn’t release many. He re- land where it is getting some live from Kingston, Jamaica” leased a various artists album good play. it’s more exciting and more ap- with me and Big Youth with pealing. So I never try to leave. my tune called I’m Holding On. All of my brethren did: Sammy Interview by Angus Taylor I didn’t get the right justice Dread was going good after I Photos by Charles Le Brigand there either because you go the album like? Did the Lus- regular one drop rhythm you the productions that have been tre Kings team come to you will hear. The composition is coming out of Jamaica recently Perfect with some rhythms or did you very unique and intense and the majority of them are cross- has a lot of detail to it. So it over stuff, so the producers come to them with songs and is the rhythm that inspires are experimenting right now “We are inject- they built the rhythms behind the artist. A rhythm can make and there’s nothing wrong with ing that one you? you write a good song or a that. But the majority of pro- drop medicine bad song. A rhythm can bring ducers are experimenting with into the veins I would say it happened both out the best in you. And this crossover music and putting a ways. This album started about is what I was hearing - Lustre little of the dancehall and reg- of the people” two years ago. I was up in Cali- Kings rhythms were bringing gae flair into it more than pro- fornia for the first time in Santa out some melodies from me ducing the authentic roots one Since we last spoke to Per- Cruz and I met Lustre Kings which I haven’t heard in a cou- drop reggae vibe there. You fect, the fiery performer from after doing a concert. At that ple of years. When you hear know, I have never been ap- Bamboo St Ann’s has released time he just wanted to voice a those horns - it’s not like some proached by a Jamaican pro- fifth full length effort ‘Back For couple of singles so I took the kid who gets a little synthesis- ducer to do an album? The First Time’ with Califor- rhythms from him and I went er bass from a keyboard and a nian production house Lustre back to Jamaica and recorded little drum track off a computer Why? Kings - a return to the organic the two singles. Then, after with just a little bang of a pi- roots sound that made his sending the songs to him, I got ano. There’s not really much to Probably it’s because of my name. Working with the Lustre about another five rhythms experiment with on something message or the type of music Kings team of producers - An- from him a week later. So after like that. But when you hear I do. They know that Perfect is drew Bain, Laurent Alfred, Nick I recorded two out of those five the sax and guitars coming in one of them Groundation. We Listrani and David Goldfine songs I was already thinking it sends your brain all over the come to hold Groundation mu- - he has once again created a about doing an album. Their place. So it’s not about how sic - no matter how we might contender for the best album rhythms were very special - the I’ve said it before but how I’m experiment for one or two days of the year. The time seemed composition of the rhythms, going to say it again. with something else we are right to hear from one of our the vibe and the whole ar- here to maintain roots. There most passionate and eloquent rangement just wasn’t another Since we last spoke there has is a saying right now that goes past interviewees so Angus ordinary rhythm that I felt like been a lot of talk in the Ja- “If it not live, it’s dead” which Taylor caught up with Perfect doing a single on. Somehow maican media about losing I think is really true. Either it’s the rhythms motivated me to live or it’s dead. It can’t be half shortly after he had stepped control of reggae to foreign- off a plane in Poland on his two start an album. live or half dead. So the pro- month European tour. He had ers. ducers in Jamaica are experi- just entertained a rainsoaked A few years ago you were menting because the US has a but joyous crowd at Ruhr Reg- working with European pro- Music is universal. Jamaica is lot of influence on Jamaica - but gae Summer and performed different producers from loca- the land in which this beauti- they should be doing right now ducers. Now lots of Jamaican ful music which we call reggae is being done by European pro- second single HIM Smile in Is Back For The First Time a tions around the world so we Stuttgart on the day of Haile artists do that and you’ve was born. But we also have to ducers. concept album and if so what just decided that for this album Selassie’s birth. Together they we were going to have a very gone to America instead. understand that the Europe- discussed his globetrotting re- is the concept? rootical authentic approach ans have been listening to our You yourself finish your al- cording habits, the quest for to it. Bringing back the same Each time I do an album I think stuff for a lot of years and they bum with a totally up to the have almost perfected it, so to authenticity in reggae music, Well, it definitely is a concept vibe you got from the original about trying to create some- minute “trancehall” track. Is the misfortunes of two of his album and the concept is Per- thing new with somebody new. speak. When it comes to the Perfect songs like How Come, there a danger that roots reg- favourite artists and why he fect going back to the authentic Handcart Bwoy, Black Marcus And as I said before rhythms more authentic sound of reg- has yet to commence a long side of Perfect. Because over and all those songs. from Lustre Kings, which is the gae - and it’s a bit sad to say gae will become like the blues term project on the island he the years I have played with same stable as Zion I Kings, but - it is more prevalent right - controlled by foreign enthu- now in Europe than Jamaica. calls home... different genres of music and What was the process of making productions are not just the siasts and critics who get to Because if you should check decide what is and isn’t au- This was deliberate. In fact I because our message remains ing about her as a singer. I’m thentic? “No Autotune”, “no didn’t want any combinations the same throughout the pas- not getting into her personal R&B”. Won’t this put the mu- on this album because I can sage of time. The message of life. I really miss Amy and I also do it by myself and I wanted to the Rastaman is equal rights think she is sadly missed by a sic in a museum? do it by myself. But Ginjah is and justice, upliftment for the lot of people in England and all an artist with talent and a ter- people and positive words for over the world. I don’t think so Angus. The rea- rific voice. He’s a younger artist the listener so I don’t think my son is because you’re always than I am in the business and I lyrics have changed that much. going to have artists around There’s a similar sentiment just ran into him at the studio When it comes to my vocals I in your song Hold On Buju. who will be willing to hold a when I was playing the rhythm have learned to use my voice rootical vibe. You’re always go- - which I had got ten minutes more efficiently on different It’s not about what he did or ing to have a Jah Mason, a Lu- before. I had downloaded it types of rhythms. I listen to a didn’t do - it’s about missing tan Fyah, a Perfect, a Fantan and put it on my iPod and was lot of stuff. People will see Per- a person and his music. Mojah, an Anthony B, a Siz- playing in my car just parked fect pull up at the gas station zla, a Jah Cure - the list goes up outside the studio. Ginjah and who am I listening to? Amy Yeah! Guilty or not guilty - that’s on. No matter how you might stepped over and said “That Winehouse. See me pull up the our Buju. Regardless of what hear us experiment with some- riddim sounds great - whose next morning and I’m prob- the system has to say, Buju’s thing else for a minute it’s just is it?” and I told him it was for ably listening to James Brown. ours. He’s a son of the soil and to show the listener or the fan some producers in California In a month’s time you might he will always be ours, good or we can do that and we are well- and it was actually for my new see this Rastaman pull up at bad, rich or poor, that’s our lit- rounded in the music. I’m not album. He was like “It bad” so the gas station playing a Bea- tle Buju. If your kid did some- a reggae-cian - I’m a musician. I said “Listen to it. If you come tles CD. So from listening to a thing wrong this morning, it’s But the authentic vibe we hold up with something good we do whole bunch of stuff my head still your kid. And if your kid did on to - we’re just not letting go. something together for my new is crowded with billions of mel- something right the other day, I even had a meeting with a album”. Ten minutes later I was odies and I improvise on them. it’s still your kid. You have to couple of artists recently - Lu- standing at a restaurant and Because of out of one melody compromise regardless, guilty tan Fyah and Jah Mason - and I heard him singing out of his comes melodies if you know or not guilty the world misses we decided to really give back voice! So the studio was right what to do. Mark Myrie, just like the words the people some of that au- there so I said “Go do your said. thentic one drop vibe that eve- part. I’m going to smoke a joint As a fan of Amy Winehouse rybody thinks is slipping away and then come and do mine”. from the business. That is what you must have been saddened How did you celebrate We booked the studio time. Haile Selassie’s birth- we are trying to inject back into I was outside for five or ten by the news of her death this the music. That is why this al- minutes then I went in and did weekend. day on Saturday 23rd July? bum is called Back For The First my piece and it was mixed the Time. We are injecting that one same night. The whole song I’m sad. I’m really sad. I really I was alone on Saturday. First drop medicine into the veins of was done in less than 45 min- loved Amy. Trust me, I really in the day time I had a show in Jamaica, California, New York inna doing work on some of the the people. utes. The chemistry was right think I’m one of Amy’s biggest Stuttgart which was tremen- and St Croix. It was mixed in songs there. and I didn’t fight it. fans and that sounds so impos- dous with a nice turnout and St Croix, mastered and some sible. A Rasta artist saying Amy during that set I paid tribute to Speaking of which, there are overdubs done in New York, Why is there only one guest Winehouse. But I’ll say it again. His Majesty with the song HIM some great musicians on the much of the recording for the You’re on your fifth album vocal combination on this one Amy Winehouse was such a Smile. I’m not lying when I say album was also done in Califor- now - how would you say album like Dean Fraser and sweet heart. I really admire her it’s the most beautiful song nia and Oregon - Hold On Buju compared to your previous al- Earl Chinna Smith. you have developed since music. I really admire her lyr- I’ve heard about His Majesty and Smile were recorded at the bum French Connection which Born Dead With Life when we ics. I really admire her style. and not because I did the song. studio in Oregon. Then Slave had Sizzla, Zamunda, Lutan spoke last? Her tone was so incredible. I’ve never heard anybody who Yeah man. Because Lustre Driver and other songs were Fyah? Was this deliberate? And regardless of her cocaine chose that topic - singing about Kings came to Jamaica and did recorded in Jamaica at Anchor activities or whatever, I really His Majesty’s smile. People some work there also. This al- where you had Dean and Ch- To be honest I haven’t really bum was recorded between changed vocally or lyrically don’t care about that, I’m talk- sing about the positive side of him - his consciousness, his you also. Because feeling good never know what will happen. bravery, his kingship - but I’ve is also looking good. I also ad- You could be walking down the never heard anything about mire His Imperial Majesty Em- street and there is a car stop- His Majesty’s smile. So I think peror Haile King Selassie I The ping with ten tourists from it was so stupid for me to sing First for always looking so royal France that want pictures right MAFIA & FLUXY about His Majesty’s smile in his attire. I think as an artist away because the driver of the Angus Taylor met them out- M: Yeah we used to rush home but it came out as a very nice it is really good to be looking car knows you and says “There side their regular weekly ses- and whoever got to the turnta- song and I really, really love good. I learned from an early goes Perfect!” It isn’t good to “Beres Hammond sion at West London’s Sting- ble first, that was his evening this song. So after I paid trib- age that whenever you leave not look good in a picture. I ray Studio to talk over what sorted! ute to His Majesty during the your house as an artist you’ve don’t think so. So it’s really im- calls us Harmony has been a varied and truly set I was alone and because it got to leave looking good. If portant to get yourself together House UK!” remarkable career. was an early show at about 3 o’ you only have one pants and and look good for the people. So it was sound system first clock in a day festival it was re- one shirt you wash it out, iron Leroy “Mafia” Heywood and ------before music. ally a holy vibe for the rest of it, starch it, put it together and Interview by Angus Taylor David “Fluxy” Heywood - out How did you get into mu- the afternoon. make sure you step out clean Photos by Christian Bordey of Tottenham, North London, sic? Your uncle Ivan had a F: Yeah. And then my mother and Michael Patton bought him... and neat - because you never UK, - are Britain’s most fa- sound... know who you’re going to walk mous reggae rhythm section You were a vocal critic of M: ...a guitar for five pounds into. It might be you’re not come production team. They Mafia: We had a sound sys- George W Bush. How do you from a friend of mine. Because booked for a show but you’ll grew up around their uncle’s tem in the house which we we used to go the Tottenham feel about president Barrack Wizard Hi Fi and in the mid 70s grew up with and he had all school and there was a school Obama? formed their school group the the tunes from the ska tunes band that used to play in mu- Instigators - catching the at- coming to the rocksteady. Me sic lessons and I used to say It’s just a new face for the tention of neighbour and local and Fluxy used to take them “They wicked”. Then I said same system. I feel no dif- scene eminence Fatman who - and these were the days of to my mates “I want to be a ferent. What should I say? A helped link them with the best paraffin heaters and lino - and producer” and they kind of black George Bush? Probably. and brightest vocal talent of we used to slide on them and laughed! That’s a nice way of saying it the day. Their success as a use them as skateboards! But - a black George Bush. Things backing band and as rhythm growing up listening to all that haven’t really changed. They makers for labels like Chris we knew all the new tunes, Why a producer? still remain the same. He still Lane’s iconic Fashion imprint so we used to go to school - has to answer to the so called snowballed until 1987 when anybody used to sing a tune M: Well at that time we’d met “elites”, so he’s a new face for they forged their eponymous and I’d say “I know that tune”, Bunny Lee and people like the same system. I feel no way. label, travelling to Jamaica to you know what I mean? So that, we knew Fatman. We liked the stuff Striker was put- I’m the same victim. record for Sugar Minott and we had a good knowledge of eventually Donovan Germain tunes. We knew who Toots ting out but we couldn’t play and Beres Hammond. Lately, & The Maytals were, Prince any instruments then so when My friend Jess interviewed the dynamic duo have been Buster, Desmond Dekker, Pio- my mum bought me the guitar you and first drew my atten- touring Africa and the UK neers, Skatalites, Bob Marley just before the six weeks holi- tion to that fact that you put with Luciano, playing the One - we grew up listening to all of days I used to put on albums and rehearse and practise off as much work into your out- Love Peace Festival with John them. Holt, and releasing critically of them until I found it was fits as your music. Is clothing acclaimed albums with both Fluxy: We were getting pre- the bassline I was playing. important to you? veterans like Little Roy and releases from Jamaica and UK That was what I picked up. I newcomers in Adele Harley. releases from his sound sys- couldn’t do the chords and Yes, it is. Clothing is very im- The brothers’ impenetrable tem box and would stand on everything so I was playing portant. It helps you to create synergy as a musical unit is a chair and play them. So the the notes of the basslines to the thing you are trying to cre- matched by their habit of fin- knowledge flowed from there. all the tunes and I was picking ate. The way you attire yourself ishing each other’s sentences! them up quick and learning helps to bring out the best in them fast. Fatman came to a point where there - the first time was using sicians, English man, let’s see he managed us. We then Sugar Minott’s studio. We laid that they can do”. Timing is quite important started to play a residence at the first set of tracks with Pa- performing on a sound sys- a club called the 100 Club in blove Black on keyboards who M: So Wayne Wonder started Oxford Street and all the art- just came and jammed with us singing, I found the chords to tem, so was that good early ists from Jamaica like Trinity, and it was really good. the song he wanted to do and schooling for you as a rhythm Al Campbell, Clint Eastwood, Flux started tapping up the section? Barrington Levy started to do How did you start working beat same time. We whacked shows in there and we were for Penthouse? it out quick and everyone F: Yes, absolutely. the support band. So that was started tapping their feet and how we got to know artists as M: We got introduced to Pent- nodding their heads. So how did you go from that well - that was our introduc- house by an artist by the name to drums? tion. The band then grew until of Sugar Burke. F: And me and Mafia were we became a backing band as nudging each other now go- F: After Mafia learned to play well backing people like Cor- F: We were at Bunny Lee’s ing “We’ve got ‘em. We’ve the bass he said “You’re go- nell Campbell, Sugar Minott, house and he said “I’m going got ‘em!” That was our way ing to have to learn to play the Johnny Osbourne and all those to bring you to Penthouse’s into Penthouse. After then we artists who came over from Ja- didn’t look back. drums you know”. So I con- So is that why you called we were rehearsing a track in manager. He needs you guys”. tinued listening to the music maica so we were known to your first band the Instiga- our parents’ bedroom. We’d those artists and they started and just tapping along. I had set up for our rehearsal and M: But at the same time Ger- You often work with people a homemade drum kit - some tors - after the Aggrovators? saying we should come over main had a good relationship who are skilled producers were about to record a track to Jamaica. In about 1987 we bamboo sticks and a speaker so I counted them in and did with John at Dub Vendor so F: Exactly - because we when drew for our Mafia & Fluxy la- themselves. Does it ever be- for a snare drum, a bicycle a drumroll and everyone start- John must have told him that we built the band we said we bel because we knew artists come like too many cooks? lamp for a hi-hat and an odd ed laughing! I said “What’s so we were coming over as well. had to have something that now and we thought if Sly & shaped microphone we would funny?” and they said, “Bwoy, The first time we did a session ended “T-O-R-S”! So Instiga- Robbie had their Taxi label F: No, I’d say us ourselves are plug into a speaker and step that drumroll sounded kinda was for Wayne Wonder and it tors came out of the bag! In- when they were doing Black very good to work with. If we on so - boom! - it would give Fluxy yunno!” and it kinda was massive. The studio was stigators was Mafia & Fluxy Uhuru we could do the same have an input we would say it me the kick drum! Until later stuck from there! packed with people. Every- on drum and bass, our elder with our Instigators - we were but we wouldn’t drill it in and on in life my elder brother body wanted to hear these go “No no no - it should be like bought me a drumkit and we brother Dingle played guitar, going to call it Mini-Cab label! Englishmen’s sound so we Tony Cooper, who’s now called How did you link Fatman? But then we thought that was that”. With most producers just played along to songs, had to be on it! they just say “Give me a Ma- any tune that was out. Most of Skully played keyboards, the a bit too close and went with leader sing was Toyin Adekale F: Fatman lived up the road Mafia & Fluxy. fia & Fluxy feel” or something! the stuff was Bob Marley and so every minute we were hav- F: Can you imagine like a They just leave it down to us Burning Spear and Aggrova- but it went over to Courtney dancehall! The studio was Bartley who recently passed ing rehearsals in the house Tell me about your first mu- so then me and Mafia will tors, Bunny Lee stuff - that top we used to put it on cassette. packed and it was a big stu- have a talk and say “Shall we three was like that. We also away, and the guitarist’s name sic related trip to Jamaica. dio! There was a load of peo- was Redeye. King Jammys used to stay at go here? Shall we go there?” started to play along with funk Fatman’s house so we used ple watching and we were in Some producers will say we stuff like Ohio Players and all M: It was in 1987 when we one corner on our own. It was How did you get your names? to knock on the door and say should play it a certain way that. “Listen to this! Listen to this!” went to do Maxi Priest in Sun- like being on a stage! And but we avoid the “too many and Jammys would say “Yuh splash. But because of the then the man said “Let me cooks thing”. M: Back in the day they used So we’re talking mid 70s good yunno, but keep prac- backing we knew artists like see what you can do. Wayne to say “Yuh bad on guitar. Yuh tising!” We knew deep down Sugar Minott and Bunny Lee Wonder, here’s the mic. Let’s M: It’s either that or an artist now. bad on bass” so I’d say “Oh, he was saying we weren’t re- and they were glad we were see what’s going to happen will sing a song and we build bad, Mafia” - simple as that. F: Right on. ally ready yet! But they took out there. So again, me and out of this.” You could hear the rhythm behind them. Or it quite serious though until Fluxy started recording over mumbling “Damn English mu- someone comes with a series F: My name came about when of tunes to lick over. F: (laughs) now with him. Same vibe. And for Pickout and one for Mikey got a serious input and he lis- swered! When we first started we’ve got one now with the Brooks. So we started talk- tens. We and Beres went back I was trying to count and then Do you ever get phased by M: (laughing) Everything is a Pioneers. ing after that and said “Why from Penthouse days and we we got more popular and ran working with big artists or challenge so there isn’t really don’t we get together and do kind of clicked. We worked out of zeroes! any music we don’t like. some tracks?” Her voice is with him here there and eve- M: There’s a whole heap of have you been around it for Are you on Little Roy’s Nir- vana covers album? great and whatever I throw at rywhere. But when he rose rhythms we worked on for so long that it doesn’t mat- F: Music’s music - that’s all we her she delivers and she just up he didn’t knock us back or people like Al Campbell and ter anymore? know. M: I played on that one. takes it her own way. I could anything. Every time we went Jah Shaka that haven’t even give her the Satta Amassa- to Jamaica he said “Come up touched the street yet. We M: Yeah it is like that but back M: So if Take That wanted us F: Yeah Mafia played on that gana rhythm and she hasn’t to Harmony House. Let’s do used to play for Al Camp- in the day when we were first to produce them tomorrow - one. Roy said he really wants heard the rhythm before but something tonight now!” The bell every Wednesday at our doing a tune with Gregory bring it on! to take his time with our one she likes it and she’ll write to last trip we were producing studio in Tottenham [which Isaacs... because he’s got the Heat one it. That’s what I like about her. his artists for him for Harmony closed in 2006] - we used to Tell me a bit about the Little and he’s got the Nirvana one She doesn’t come with the House - we’re always welcome fill up a tape every week. F: Wow! That was like “Man”! Roy album Heat you did ear- so we can go easy. same old melodies - she just up there. He calls us Harmony When we first did Gregory that takes it somewhere else. House UK! lier this year. What projects should we was like big time phase! But M: Garnett Silk was a good look out for in the future? now it’s like “Hey”... He’s recorded some of his one as well. F: You know what? We met up Who is your main production songs many times - he’s F: And Buju Banton - he is because we were doing a Bob inspiration? M: We’ve got another Adele M: ...Bring it on! quite a perfectionist - but very good to work with in the Marley tribute at Jazz Cafe and album we’re working on, an- studio. He has got some nice when we were rehearsing me he’s been saying he prefers F: Bunny Lee, Donovan Ger- other Little Roy album we’re ideas. You work in all styles from and Mafia looked at each oth- the songs he recorded with main... working on, the R&B to Reg- roots with Sip A Cup to One er and said “He’s worth doing you to the way they were re- M: Sly & Robbie. gae series, a Pioneers album, And who do you like touring Drop and Dancehall with an LP with”. So we called him corded back in the day. F: Obviously Sly & Robbie. a tribute to Jackie Mittoo al- Frenchie - who you know over and said “Roy, we’re at with? bum... F: We’ve got some Gregory from Fashion days - to lovers Stingray on Tuesdays so come F: Yeah, he kept telling me that What’s the main part of down”. He came down the and I thought “Yeah, right...” what you do - playing live or F: At this present time I would Isaacs that hasn’t been re- with Adele Harley to R&B. say Luciano. leased yet which we need to following Tuesday when we but it’s nice to hear that. I felt in the studio? weren’t even expecting him really good about that. M: And we used to tour with work on. M: Yeah, we want to expand and we laid a track... Soul II Soul. That was great M: We need to catch up on our it even more. We like to ex- M: It very much balances be- when we supported James mixing. We’ve done a lot of re- periment and do some fusion M: It was nice to work with cause we’re in the studio and M: Two tracks. him and George Dekker of the Brown in Germany. cording but we’re behind on stuff as well. For our dancehall we get called away for a tour F: He was cool. He was nice that. Pioneers. then we’re dying to get back in style we put a lot of input from F: Yeah two tracks. We had man. the studio. If we’re in the stu- the UK club scene and use such a wicked vibe in there. And how about your work dio for a while and nothing’s Who’s still on your list to those kind of Lady Gaga-ish Everything was live - I set up going on we’re dying to do a How many tunes would you work with? sounds as well. In Jamaica a the drums and everything, with Adele? How did that tour! estimate you have worked lot of people are just starting Mafia got the notes and Roy come together? to do that now. on? F: You know who I would really would sing. We just clicked like to work with? Bunny Wail- and said “Let’s go for an al- M: We actually met her on Who is your favourite artist F: Pffffttt! er. If Bunny came here right Is there any kind of music bum”. Live horns, live percus- Myspace. I went on her page to record with of all time? M: (laughing) Wow! now I’d say “Let’s do an album sion, everything 100% live. and said I liked her stuff be- that you don’t like that you’d F: How many people are there right now!” never put into your produc- Ideal artist. cause two of the rhythms on F: My personal favourite is Be- her page were ones me and res. We have a nice vibe when in the world? tions at all? M: I could never name it. Interview and photo by M: Yeah we’re on the next one Fluxy laid. She’d done one we make songs together. He’s F: (laughing) That goes unan- Angus Taylor did arrangements on several tracks (My continent, So Spe- cial).

There are also productions by my cousin Original B who is part of Blackwarell, some by Scandalize from Guyana who is part of the group Damani- ak, then Kaprisson who also made one instrumental, as well as Jaly Beats, Jean Marc Guiose and Don Dada ...

In the end we tried to make something open and have fun with everything.

This album was recorded and composed by France, Jamaica and Africa.

Which guests feature on the album ?

My father Vicky Edimo, did the “We are dynamic. I make track So Special about moth- ers. There’s also Konshens music with passion. I’m with the track Never Give Up. TIWONY not subject to the calcu- Tiwony is a Guadeloupe-born lations of record compa- Then there’s Winston McAnuff, artist, active since the 90s, who was like a father to me and a member (with Black nies” in Jamaica. He first brought very promising singjay, is also On this album you worked Kimbo Original B Lyaï, Luzdi me there to do the mix, and present on the album. with your father(successful and Fefe Typical) of Black- Your new album ‘Cité Soleil’ level. he found himself in the stu- warell Sound System, Cham- bassist Vicky Edimo), how did was recently released. Who dio when we mixed a track. Da Brain from Senegal I met pion Sound System of France He liked the vibes of the song at the studio from Dider Awadi you find working with him? worked on it with you? D & H production, brithers in 2003, which he has led from Rennes who are a com- and we decided to do a duet. (Positive Black Soul), has re- since 1999. His new album posing duo and also do a lot He sang it in an original way. corded African Whine. It’s a We did one track together. He ‘Cité Soleil’ was released in First, I worked with my usual of remixes, worked with me on big tune now in Senegal. also did some backing vocals, May. It’s a very heterogene- crew : Blackwarell, which is Never Give Up with Konshens. I did a song with Anthony B and was musical director on ous album which allows us my family. It is a label, a col- They also mixed several and Gyptian, which began The guest appearances hap- some songs. to appreciate the talent of lective and a soundsystem. I tracks. They are very versatile with an Anthony B demo. He pened as and when we met. Tiwony, as it evolves from reg- started this album before my and have produced riddims suggested I could sing on it Nothing was planned in ad- We were partners. After see- gae to dancehall to gwo ka to mix tape ‘Viv La Vi’. I wanted with very different styles. with him. The track was re- vance, in general it is an ex- ing I took music seriously, he nyabinghi and beyond... something different, some- accepted I could do it for a liv- mixed by Marc from Animal change. thing I could take to a higher Tyrone Downie (ex Wailers), sound. Speedy, a brother and ing job, although he knows that even successful musi- I came up with the title before we try to do different things. cians don’t make much of a the earthquake, but it’s also Internet is a new communica- living. We do great things to- a way to pay tribute to the tion tool to interact with the gether whether recording mu- Haitian people. “Cité Soleil“ public, so it helps to have a sic or playing on stage like at is one of the largest ghet- fast turnaround of new tracks. the “Festival des Arts Nègres” tos in the Caribbean. I saw a I’ve made contacts throughout that took place in Senegal. documentary “Ghosts of Cité the world through the internet Soleil” produced by Wyclef - in Chile, the USA and I have There is a wide diversity Jean (of the Fugees), which even done shows in Canada. of sound on this album, it touched me deeply. We see people like this every day. As I seems like you have no mu- What is the future of music always say, “much love and so today and more specifically sical limits? much hatred.” I also wanted to big up every ghetto in the the reggae and Caribbean It’s all about the vibes. I grew world. music scenes? up with lots of different music. All of which inspires my flow. I’m going over there for a We always have had to cope I’ve never had boundaries. I charity show. I had very good with the crisis in the world of listen to zouk, rap, R’n’B. Dur- vibes with the people. The reggae music, so this are just ing a trip to Jamaica, I realized song “Pitit Toussaint” was little changes. We can now that even in the motherland made in direct response to the benefit from new broadcast of reggae music, the brothers earthquake. Haiti has a spe- networks, which allows us to listened to a lot of different cial place in history thanks move forward in parallel. things. to Toussaint Louverture, who is known for being the first There may be a lack of struc- Even Bob showed us the way Black leader to have defeated ture which could be improved without limits. It is more often the forces of a European colo- on the business side. In the in France that there are fixed nial empire in his own coun- Caribbean the talent is there - genres. And it does not serve we have to sort the logistics. NTM for me was always anti Fefe Typical? do music, to record or play a try, and establish the “First Establishment. They have al- show. But visiting Africa was the music. Republic of a black people “ When I see the lineups of ways been an sinpiration for We are always together and more about my spiritual jour- me, through their lyrics and ney and identity. I wanted to Will you perform this new the major reggae festivals in we already have new songs. You are very productive and their music. They always said But we are not ultimately a set foot in the cradle of hu- album live? France, I wonder why they are active on the Internet (mys- inviting artists from Jamaica aloud what others thought group. We might do things manity. I’ve also been to is- pace, skyblog, facebook ...) and whispered. We had al- together but we have two dis- lands like St. Martin, Antigua I do have dates for the album. when they could schedule an ready worked with Joey Starr tinct careers. This is my big and St. Thomas for “gather- There is a tour with Turbulence and always offer us new evening just with Francophone producing BOSS (Boss Of brother, so he was one of the ings “of all the houses of Ras- and on June 9th, I did doing a tracks, some even for free artists. Their loss. Promoters Scandalz Strategyz) and the first to hear this album and tafari (Nyabinghi, Bobos ...) very special gig at Cabaret download. Do you think this should not be afraid to invest on the French artists. Ragga Connection compila- give his assessment. for prayer, Bible studies, and Sauvage in Paris. is a way out of the music in- tions. I also opened the Joey to discuss future prospects for dustry crisis? show in Olympia. It was a new You travel a lot. You have the Rastafarian movement. It “Cité Soleil” is the name of a You supported French hiphop audience for me but I got very was outside of music, but of- pictures on your myspace of district in Haiti. Is the choice We are dynamic. I make music group NTM for their 2009 good feedback from the pub- ten I developed relationships you in Jamaica, in Africa and of this title a way of paying with passion. I’m not subject reunion. How did it feel to lic. that eventually led to profes- Haiti. How do you choose sional projects. tribute to the Haitian people, to the calculations of record open for them and how did companies. When I like a rid- After the success of the first your destinations? affected by an earthquake in it come about? dim, I make a song. Every day 2 albums, will there be a new Interview and photos by 2010? Franck Blanquin album in collaboration with I often leave the country to some of them are not necessar- ily reggae gigs, more dubstep or drum’n’bass gigs - and I’m DAVID RODIGAN playing elements of traditional the UK. An appearance before neers in 1972-73 were doing reggae and the crowd is going young dubstep fans at the Lon- was and is similar to what’s crazy. You Can Get It If You Re- “When I first don superclub Fabric led to the happening now. There’s some- ally Want by Desmond Dekker broadcast in release of his ‘Fabric Live 54’ thing about the breaking down is hardly a dubstep record, it’s Jamaica I real- cd where all kinds of Jamaican of rhythms and the rebuild- hardly even a dub record, but I and Jamaican-inspired music ing of them which is basically tell you what - when it’s played ized the true are given typically seamless what dubstep and dub in its it gets a phenomenal forward. power of ra- mix - proving that while Rodi- original form are - that excites Because there’s something in dio” gan definitely has the tunes people. And in an environment that song and many songs like it’s still what he does with where people are gathered to- that - whether it’s Abyssinians them that counts. Angus Taylor gether in hundreds and thou- Satta Amassagana I mean you David Rodigan has been called spoke to David in the spring at sands (and similarly in the know you love the music - that many things in his life: an am- the studios of Kiss FM where drum’n’bass experience) it is a brings something out in people bassador for reggae, a show- he presents their Sunday night bass experience. It’s not really in terms of its soul, its content, man, a legend. But in factual reggae show. a vocal experience. and the essence of it. When terms he has to be one of the ------you hear it it’s like “What was best known broadcasters and What do you like about it? that?” selectors in the music. The son You’ve been getting more and of a treasury officer from a min- more into dubstep recently – There’s something about the Who was into dubstep first – ing village in Kirkcaldy, Scot- what has dubstep done for culture which when I’ve seen you or your sons? land, David was born in Hano- the UK reggae scene? and been to dubstep things, ver and grew up in Libya as a the energy current that’s cre- Oh, the boys! My eldest son small child and as a teenager What it’s done is introduced ated by the music is phenom- first, Jamie, who has a sound in Oxford. In the early 1970s people to the likes of King enal. And I think that they - the system called Extra Stout and he defied his father’s wishes Tubby, Lee Perry, Errol Thomp- young dubstep audience - have then subsequently Oliver who and trained as an actor before son - the engineers, the sound identified that in reggae and is four years younger than him. his love of both performance system, the dub engineers of dub music - and it’s led them Extra Stout is my son and three and reggae got him a job at Jamaica, via the music. Be- also into rubadub. Now you other chaps who love Rubadub. BBC Radio London. In 1983 he cause if you discover dubstep and I know what that is and Probably what really sums it up visited Jamaica where Barry G you must progress - and I think why it’s an important part of Ja- Angus would be this, and I’ve challenged him to a clash live people do naturally investigate maican music. Modern dance- probably told you this before on air, a event that began his Come and it was a Brixton cin- that song which is on the Fab- beyond the perimeters of the hall doesn’t have that element: but about 3 years ago I went second career as a soundclash ema and everyone was talking ric album – he cleared it with music as it is. And certainly the bass, the breakdown, the into my son’s bedroom and he champion, travelling the world and they had subtitles - it was a Derrick Harriott- and he built the reason I’ve been booked at bounce, the depth - it’s too en- was horsing around with that to take on all comers. Now ap- bizarre experience. But that se- his melody on top of it. I said to dubstep gigs is quite specifi- ergized. Dubstep, dub music Stop That Train rhythm and proaching his 60s, and in a cli- quence when Ras Daniel Hart- him, “why did you do it?” and cally to play dub music (not all and rubadub music from the I asked him why and he said mate of reduction for specialist man’s walking down the track he said “that guitar you know night!) that I’ve collected from 70s and 80s has that. So there because it just blew him away. radio, Mr Rodigan has become and the guitar goes and “For- (imitates guitar again) and the back in the day so I think there is a direct connection and you That rhythm was made in ‘67. more outspoken at what he ward and fyaka” I said “What way that rhythm drops” – Lynn is a direct lineage connecting can hear it and feel it in the Lynn Tait and the Jets. (imitates sees as a bad patch for Jamai- is this?” I remember there was Tait and the Jets – what a band. King Tubby with Caspa, Break- music. And I think it has had a guitar sound) I remember the can recordings, increasingly something so haunting about Priceless. age, all these people. There’s profound effect on reggae be- first time I ever heard it was supporting foreign artists like it. And my son when we has a fusion. What King Tubby and cause I’ve noticed now when when I was at the movies and Collie Buddz, YT and Alborosie, 17 got the same experience to Last time we spoke you were the people like him, the engi- I’m playing at my gigs - and I went to see The Harder They and the dubstep movement in such an extent that he created unhappy with the state of reg- -gae. Has anything improved in like the way it’s been recorded. talks about vinyl. It’s already lot of work involved in it – of to clash with younger sounds me “the man we see waiting terms of new artists and tunes. Stephen McGregor is very tal- shaping up to be an interesting cutting dubplates and specials because I don’t want to be put in the wings is not the man we ented – I’d hardly say he was year so far. A couple of nice ver- and going to the trouble of in a position – and for a num- see in a sound clash. Some- Yes I think it has. I’m particu- a genius but maybe they’ve put sions on that message rhythm finding the artists and booking ber of years I’ve refused to do thing happens.” I’m aware that larly impressed with the al- that title on him. Because he’s from Don Corleon – one or two studios. And then the essence the Riddim Clash in Germany - something happens but I’m bum from Protoje which I think young and he’s obviously very things on there. of it on the night is to basically for the simple fact that I didn’t quite sure what it is. I’ve never is very refreshing. I like the astute when it comes to work- show your skills as a mixer and want to be seen to be, without been able to fully explain it but Nyabinghi rhythm which rolled ing with technology because Since the 90s you’ve been in- with speeches that reflect what sounding pretentious, showing I know there is a change out out at the end of last year from that’s clearly his strength. Pos- volved in soundclash. What you’re talking about in terms of off or bigging up my chest say- there whether it’s just sheer the TOK camp. I’m enjoying the sibly in Jamaica they’re quick to music and what you’re about ing “I can beat all you guys” be- adrenalin that pumps through new Steven and Damian Marley give someone a title if they’re does soundclash mean to you? to play against your opponent. cause I have nothing to prove. the body because there is a big tune Jah Army, there’s a Mava- impressed – and he comes So it’s a musical boxing match Certainly not to young sound adrenalin rush when you go do tune I quite like called Pep- from a great heritage from The essence of soundclash ap- and if it’s performed correctly systems. I think they should be out there – facing 2000 people per, it’s a relatively new rhythm Freddie. I’ll just quickly look at peals to the ultimate collector. in the traditions of it, it can be clashing with each other and or 200 it doesn’t matter. You by Stephen McGregor called my playlist here [looks in bag] It is essentially about people a lot of fun. If it descends into that world should develop in its have to entertain. the Pepper rhythm. There’s – (must remember to send that who are so obsessed with the a slanging match it can be un- own way. The old boys network also a Stephen McGregor and birthday card!) the Etana I’m music that they will go almost pleasant. – there is a danger with that of to any lengths to record some- How has your theatrical train- Vybz Kartel – I almost want to really enjoying her People Talk it being “here we go again”. ing helped you? wash my mouth out. but I haven’t heard the album. thing that they have as an ex- How many times can we hear clusive or customised or brand- There’s an upward mobil- I’ve heard it’s weak in places. ity aspect to soundclash isn’t some of those old dubs? I think OPP – other people’s problems. Also Beres Hammond’s Keep- ed song for themselves. So in that’s why the sound system (laughs) Why? essence they will go and get there? The new people taking In the theatre you’re taught ing It Real, a couple of tracks on clashing has peaked and now never bring your problems onto the Apple Gabriel album I’m en- new versions of popular songs on the establishment. fallen off without doubt. I find a lot of Vybz Kartel stuff recorded personally for them the stage because the pub- sickening because of the sub- joying. I like that Shaggy with lic are not interested in see- Mavado – Girls Dem Love We by the artist. That is slightly I agree completely and without ject matter but this one is a obsessive behaviour. It’s a bit You started as an actor. You ing them. They’ve come to see warning to young people to – I like that. And even though the new element the music can like a musical boxing match only be considered to be an old seem to love performing. Crown Matrimonial or Henry VI avoid dangerous drugs – I for- it’s an old rhythm I’m enjoying Part 2 or The Tempest and they Macka B’s 45 on that old 54 46 and if you weigh in at the right boys network and that’s not ac- get what it’s called [Careful] weight with the right number I knew when I was much don’t want a miserable look- but it’s a one drop rhythm and I rhythm “Nothing But The 45” ceptable. I frequently encour- of dubplates in your right class age new artists and sound- younger that I enjoyed per- ing actor to come on because – whether featherweight, mid- systems. I’ve always done so. forming. Elton John summed it he’s just had an argument with dleweight (I think the boxing I think it’s wrong to hate on up brilliantly when he was in- his girlfriend. They’re not in- analogy works) it’s a bit of a young sound system selectors terviewed recently by saying, terested. When you walk on blood sport and the people that as some sound systems do. It’s “Yeah I love showing off. And stage, you are there to enter- come to it want to see action a sin. It’s just so unfair. We need so does Rod Stewart and Mick tain. I realized that when I first and they want to see a result new selectors. We need ideas. Jagger. Three of the biggest did a school play which was – they want to see somebody We need new young blood to show offs in show business.” Our Town, the Thornton Wilder winning and somebody losing. come in and take a look at it to When he said that it struck a play. I had a character called And similarly there are sup- turn it on it’s head. If we don’t chord with me. There is an ele- the Stage Manager, a narrator. porters for each sound system have that it won’t progress. The ment of showing off in the ex- The first night I did that I will who turn up en masse. Some- only thing I would say is I feel treme version of entertainment never ever forget it. I was six- times they’re brought in buses sorry for some young sound because it requires a personal- teen and I knew, standing on by the sound system. There are systems because it’s impossi- ity that changes when you go that stage and performing that one or two solo sound selec- ble for them to get vintage dub- out on stage. I think Robbie Wil- part, that this was something tors but essentially it’s a team plates because the artists have liams said there is a moment I really really wanted to do. I work and usually consists of died. And that makes it unfair on stage when his mad brother dreamed of working in the the- three or four people in a team for the older sound systems. joins him. I identify with that atre and I was told “you can’t who work together. There’s a Frequently I deny and refuse because people often say to do it, you can’t do it, you can’t do it” so I finished my A Lev- he was like 22 but it was ridic- (laughs). in towns and cities outside. they’ve always wanted to do. night in 1983 when Barry G els and went and studied Eco- ulous. And I thought, “Elvis… Those scenes are very diehard What I’ve always wanted to do challenged me to a clash at 8 nomics because I was told I clash with Ninja… No it’s ri- The camera people go running and committed aren’t they? is to make people laugh so I’m o clock during the news when I couldn’t even think about be- diculous”. That night, having over when they see you com- not retiring”. was supposed to be co-hosting ing an actor, it’s ridiculous. Af- dinner with Mighty Crown in an I think when you live in a small the show with him, was a piv- ter six months of studying eco- ing on? How did you keep it Italian restaurant in Osaka they community, a small town and That’s playing out and as we otal point in my career because nomics I was going absolutely secret? were playing “You’re caught in some small cities I think the know touring is having a re- he said Jamaicans love a con- stir crazy and I ended up work- a trap” Elvis. I said, “this has environment can breed a very test. So from me just playing ing at Whitbreads in Chiswick I was outside freezing cold in surgence in the current cli- got to happen”. And I made the intense passion. I remember some songs and saying “I’m on a summer break, thinking a truck, waiting to come in be- mate. What’s the future of decision in Japan that I would living in Oxford where I was David Rodigan” it became a “I’ve got to go back for my sec- cause I couldn’t let anyone see do Elvis to clash Ninja. I came reared from my teenage years radio? clash with Jamaica’s number ond year – I just can’t do it”. I me. Ninjaman won the toss so back here – actually got an of- and we were very passionate one. Next day when we drove booked myself into classes in he went first and played his Radio is always going to be ficial Elvis costume with the about rocksteady and ska and down to Belmont because we Holborn at the City Literary in- 15 minutes and I heard them there. It’s an immediate me- wig and everything – because soul. We were devoted. We had a big show in Belmont stitute. They did acting, speech saying “this is the last song dium in the way Youtube is im- in previous incarnations I’ve had our scene and went to our where Peter Tosh was born – and movement classes four from Ninjaman” and they were mediate but it’s even more so been an Indian Taxi driver and I clubs like the Bridge in Wheat- all you heard as we drove was nights a week. I was there eve- phoning me saying, “this is the because it’s talking to some- go to theatrical costumers and ley and those places. I think cassette recordings from the ry night, realizing that I wanted last song, get in here now”. So one. That’s the thing I’ve al- get costumed up – I’ve even because it’s harder to get and night before. That showed me to pursue theatre. I started go- I knocked on the stage door ways loved about radio from been a jockey in a horserace in you look to London as the hub, the power of radio particularly ing for auditions and was of- of this big place in Queens – when I first joined BBC Radio various clashes over the years. the heartbeat, the beacon, but in a country like Jamaica where fered a place in East 15 acting the Amazura – and the secu- London. What they taught me often the scene is more intense hardly anyone had a television school. I attended LAMDA and rity opened the door and tried there in my first tuition les- You have made over 40 al- in a local community and more in the early 80s in Jamaica and didn’t get offered a place, I at- to shut it again because they son in how to be a broadcast- bums and now there is a new accessible as well. reception was limited but most tended Webber Douglas audi- thought I was a headcase – er was “You are being invited people had radio. In The Hard- tions, and I was offered a place generation of artists. Do you guy standing out there in an into someone’s home. Please er They Come you’ll see a se- at Rose Bruford and snapped it consider yourself a veteran? overcoat and an Elvis costume. What does the future hold? behave accordingly. If you’re quence where there was a guy up and don’t regret a moment I banged it and said, “let me in invited into someone’s home walking down the street – just of it. I wouldn’t say that. I leave that please. I’m Rodigan” and then As long as the phone rings you wouldn’t start shouting or a long shot, not a character in to you and the people. I consid- someone else saw and said, and people want to book me I screaming at them. You would the film – and he’s got the tran- Is that why you do things like er myself a messenger, a hum- “that’s Rodigan” so they let will always perform because behave with dignity and re- sistor radio to his ears. And if ble servant, a father, as a role Ken Dodd said “when you’re dressing as Elvis for the Nin- me in and I hid in a cupboard spect. Be informative when it’s you go to Antigua you’ll see model. People are looking unto for a few more minutes. And counting success don’t count necessary to be informative. people on the street listening jaman Clash in New York in me. But to give myself titles then I had a dubplate with money, count happiness” and Do not be patronising. In be- to the cricket on transistor radi- 2007? saying I am a veteran I think is Richard Asprey an actor saying he made a song called Happi- ing informative you are prob- os – now that was the original really presumptuous. I leave “we’re terribly sorry but David ness, The Greatest Gift That I ably confirming something the rhythm box. You could hold it (laughs) Yes I think so. I remem- that to the people and just Rodigan is unable to perform Possess. I’m very happy do- listener already knows and if in your hand walk around with ber that. I was clashing with keep doing my work. I didn’t tonight but he has sent a sub- ing this and I’m stealing Ken they don’t know they are learn- it. That is the instant power of Ninjaman and I knew that Nin- come to claim titles. I came to stitute selector from Las Vegas Dodd’s lyrics here but they in- ing it but don’t do too far down radio is it not? And I don’t think jaman loved costumes so I was see the sheep to spread mes- and I ran on as Elvis. I decided terviewed him on Newsnight that road. Carefully choose the radio will ever die. Pictures in going to wear a ninja costume sages! (laughs) I would say I’m I would sing my own dubplate a few months ago and when songs you are playing and be the mind. but then I thought “no, that’s a shepherd. I would say I’m a – I don’t know if that’s on the they tried to bring up the word aware of the fact that they are priest. I would say I’m a king. retirement he said, “Don’t you too predictable. He’ll probably video but I sing “Ninja you precious and never crash a vo- Interview by Angus Taylor come in a ninja costume.” I was I would say I’m a humble serv- caught in a trap, you can’t get dare use that word!” and they cal.” That still stands and ra- on tour in Japan and on a bul- ant. I would very much say I’m out, Rodigan will kill you”. said “why” and he said, “re- dio will always stand because Photos by Christian Bordey let train and the guy in front of a prophet. I’m a teacher. But tiring is something people do of that. Why do I say this? Be- me had a laptop and the host a veteran? I don’t think that’s You play regularly in Lon- when they’re sick and tired of cause when I first broadcast for me to claim. Leave some- doing what they’ve been do- of this Japanese TV show had don but you also play a lot in Jamaica I realized the true the most ridiculous Elvis and thing for the people to decide! ing and they start doing what power of radio. That Saturday QUEEN OMEGA “My upcoming morning and she’s going back to Trinidad in a matter of hours. album shows ------places where I The reggae haven’t been scene in Trini- before” dad & Tobago ------We begin talking about the reg------gae scene in her homeland. Queen Omega advocates cul- “The reggae scene in Trinidad & Tobago is growing,” she ex- ture to the plains, and continues: she says, and adds: is on a higher level. It shows people places where I haven’t been ------“But we need to work on the “Dancehall has some positive before. I’ll tell you about the I. Queen Omega is a singjay hail- industry. There are no proper and some negative sides. But It’s a product for the people.” ing from the Caribbean islands labels, no infrastructure. We it’s the same over and over – ------need money, investors, pro- having money, being rich. But of Trinidad & Tobago. She has other strong album effort. She put out five albums and a sixth motion. The usual stuff,” she everybody is irie, there’s no Mark Wonder She was later drawn to Rasta- has also dropped lots of strong laughs. fighting among one and other.” reveals upcom- on the way. United Reggae met fari and started writing lyrics singles, mainly for European her backstage at two in the with roots and reality . producers and labels. ------ing project morning after her performance There are certainly some at Swedish reggae festival ------great reggae artists coming New album on ------Her self-titled debut album was During the interview Jamai- Öland Roots. from Trinidad & Tobago. But the way recorded in London with pro- Toured the not many are well-known. can singer Mark Wonder sits ducer Mickey D and released in world ------beside Queen Omega. He has She hails from Trinidad & To- Queen Omega mentions art- 2001. It was followed by ‘Pure ------ists such as Jah Melody, Mar- During her long career she has also performed at Öland Roots. bago’s second largest city Love’ in 2003 and ‘Away From worked a lot with European San Fernando, located on the During the years Queen Omega lon Asher and Million Voice. Babylon’ in 2004. producers. She explains why. He has been rather silent dur- southwestern part of Trinidad. has toured the world, and has ------ing our chat. I ask him about It’s a city known to be the coun- visited Europe many times. On her fourth album – ‘Des- Dancehall is “I like Europe. Europe loves his upcoming projects. try’s industrial capital. culture. I’ll never stop coming tiny’ – she began working with “It is great to be here. It’s my taking over French producers Bost & Bim. here. It’s natural to come here. “I’ve recorded an album with She was raised in a musical second time in Sweden. Last ------Together they developed her There’s a request for Queen Oneness out of Germany. It’s family and grew up listening to time was a festival as well. Queen Omega is concerned vocal technique further switch- Omega,” she explains, and re- finishing right now and I’m soul artists like Aretha Frank- This time I’m going in and out,” that dancehall is taking over. ing to a more singjay oriented veals her upcoming plans: working on getting the thing lin, Anita Baker and Whitney she says. Queen Omega sits approach. together,” he reveals. Houston, as well as jazz and the in a sofa backstage after her “The radio is pushing dance- “I’m working on a new album well-attended performance hall. They’re pushing it to the traditional music of Trinidad. At ‘Destiny’ was released in 2005 right now. I only need a few at Öland Roots. It’s two in the people. But people love cul- Interview by Erik Magni the age of nine she began en- and she has since then put out more tracks. It’s produced by ture. Trinidad loves culture,” tering local talent shows. ‘Servant of Jah Army’, yet an- High Fly Music out of France and Photos by Anna Thunander Dub in HD 2 Times Don Corleon Revolution stated that he used Pro Tools when mixing the tunes. He has managed to put a whole new level of energy in the Alborosie songs, something that gives them new character and new life. Alborosie makes you Jamaica has not been in the forefront when it comes to smile. dub in the last ten years or so. It would be great if other Italian-born Jamaican resident young Jamaican producers Alborosie is back with ‘2 Times took interest in one of the Revolution’, his third album to foundational reggae genres, date. It is jam-packed with his and a genre that has influ- distinctive heavy patois sing- enced several artists in other jay-style and has influences genres, most notably in the from Europe, the Caribbean house and electronica vein. and North and South America.

Please let this album be the ‘2 Times Revolution’ is both ac- beginning of a new trend. cessible and complex. Acces- sible because of the infectious melodies and grooves on tunes Review by Erik Magni such as the sun drenched Grow Don Corleon’s Leaf riddim. Your Dreads with its wicked pi- tough dubs. ano or the rolling Soul Train. The Don has ripped apart the Complex because of the many probably the best example. covered to great effect by Bob tunes, put emphasis on the styles, influences and novel- Or the Manu Chao-like La Rev- Andy in the late 60’s/early 70’s. Jamaican producer Don Cor- bass and the drums and then ties utilized. However, that is olucion with its acoustic guitar leon – famous for mellow put them together again. His also one of the album’s several and melancholic trumpet. If this album will start one or riddims such as Changes usual polished style is no- strengths. two revolutions remains to be and Seasons – has just put where to be found and this The digital release of this al- seen. But if this is the sound- out hard hitting dub album album certainly showcases Because this is an album that bum features the bonus track track to the revolution you will consisting of ten tunes. a brand new sound from this makes you happy. And it is ob- Games. Be sure to check that certainly find me in the front- acclaimed producer. vious that Alborosie has had a one out. It is a great 80’s in- line along with Pupa Albo. Viva! The selection ranges from blast in the studio when he re- spired tune somewhat similar the tough Ghetto Life in Dub ‘Dub in HD’, as the album is corded and produced ‘2 Times to Games People Play, original- Review by Erik Magni on a relick of the Baltimore titled, has a contemporary Revolution’. Raggamuffin is ly recorded by Joe South, but riddim to the softer Drop sound and Don Corleon has Modern Rockers Vol. 1 Joggo

Me Some Roots. This song is sure another Dutch artist, Mr. Patze Joggo adds to gain an audience amongst the and is a very upful and excellent his star to the multitude of like-minded fans, vibes. The same could be said lights of Dutch who long, like Joggo, for an era of for the previously heard Strong Reggae which has now passed. Black Woman, which is the only & Surinamese Also, it should be said that it’s none Dredda produced track on Reggae one of the finest written selec- the album - This one chiming in tions on the whole of the album on the Paradise Riddim from the It seems to be occurring more and it sets a lyrical tone, as far boiling Dutch label pairing of Jah- and more - A new and interesting as quality, which is maintained SolidRock and Not Easy At All. name on the Dutch Reggae scene throughout the project. The song Also present are strong lover’s will give the world a reason to pay on the album which is likely to sets Love You Like No Other and a greater level of attention to the garner the ‘lion’s share’ [pun in- the powerful You Don’t Know, country which has been literally tended] of concentration from the latter of which is simply a dif- brimming with big vibes for the fans is the stirring Strong Like ferent level of music from your past few years. The latest addi- Lion, which features Joggo along- standard type of track and it finds tion to attempt to make his name side Jamaican star, Turbulence, as Joggo urging more application to the rest of the world from an well as Jah Decko, who is the al- of love in the prevailing sense, already very impressive pack cur- bum’s producer. Anytime you can rather than ‘merely’ for the sake rently headlined by the awesome find you Turbulence at or near the of a lasting relationship. The tune Ziggi Recado and featuring the top of his game, you have a guar- also finds the artist delivering likes of Maikal X and Smiley is an anteed big tune and he impresses one of the greatest lines of the artist who may very well prove to to no end on the track. entire album - bring a similar level of attention to the country of his heritage as “Yow, dem seh Zion is a state “When things badder, you haffi Joggo manages to create a project of mind, I’m not saying they’re think twice identifiable material such as es to run the listener through names such as Kenny B, Koye- of which Suriname Reggae fans wrong But I know there is a place LOVE IS A NATURAL REMEDY OF the captivating Peace & Love, a musical gamut of emotions ba, Little Guerrier and others can be proud, with his debut al- where my people belong LIFE” the previous heavy antivio- which is nearly flawless! doing big vibes for Surinamese bum ‘Modern Rockers Vol. 1’. As Ethiopia awaits The Conquering lence single, Gundown, and Reggae. So, while the wish the title of the album [which is Lion Hey Dredda Youths come Still, it’s difficult to not find the al- the very Steel Pulse-esque and Really the only critique to is that there was more of this produced by Dutch-Surinamese sing Rasta’s song” bum’s closer, I Wonder, to be the historical, Jah Jah Nevah [all be made for the album, as a one, what is present is mighty label, Dredda Records] would sug- real class of the love song on the of which make up some of the whole, is that it only contains work and perhaps a bit for- gest, this is an project which is -Turbulence from Strong Like album. From beginning to end it is biggest moments to be found eleven tracks. However, should ward-reaching as well - ‘mod- much like Joggo himself - geared Lion. The album’s other combina- just a stunning piece of romantic here] - Is the somewhat unas- this one prove to do well, per- ern rockers’ indeed. towards a more old school ap- tion, I Am Blessed, is one of sev- Reggae music. The entire album suming, but entirely MASSIVE I haps the proverbial gates may proach of making Reggae. Such eral strong love songs which are reaches its peak in a somewhat & I Know. On a very easy and open and the rest of the world Review by Ras Achis a tune, directly speaking, gets to be found throughout ‘Modern unusual manner as in the midst laid back tune, Joggo manag- can get a taste of the works of the album up and going, DJ Play Rockers Vol. 1’. The tune features of wholly more potentially Dub Revolutionaries Zion Train 2CD “best of” The album itself is a 2CD best while Babylon’s Burning that of which has been complied samples the vocals of the late from one of the by lifelong Zion Train col- Malcolm Owen, who scored a most forward leagues Maken of Warsaw and top 10 hit with the song in 1979 thinking Brit- Les Earthdoctor of Wales rath- with punk band The Ruts is er than the band, though of something of a car crash that is ish reggae in- course they did give their full probably best forgotten. fluenced acts of cooperation and thus included the last 20ish are some vinyl-only rarities It would be easy to dismiss and a never before released ra- this album as out-dated and years dio session for John Peel. indeed I do find that house music, as a genre does not Zion Train… ‘Dub Revolution- The opening three tracks on age well. This is also where, aries’? Well first off I wouldn’t disc 1, Dub Power and Dub To by the bands own admission, call a lot of their music “Dub”, Power, taken from their 1992 they sometimes fail to connect a moniker that I feel is way over debut album ‘Passage to India’ with people because they fall played in reggae music with followed by Ross Ice Shelf, are into that trap of too housey for just about everything that is what could be described as typ- the reggae crowd and too reg- an instrumental applying the ical digi dubs with a mellow laid gae for the house crowd, but if name to make it sound cool, and back feel that wouldn’t sound you are more open minded in secondly revolutionary? Acts out of place on many of today’s your approach to music then like the Ragga Twins, Longsy D albums of this ilk by the nu- Zion Train may have something or the Beatmasters with their merous bedroom studio based to offer you. They have always 1989 mix of Skacid that fea- artists out there that populate stood by their guns and made tured on Ska Train, the B-side the internet. However tracks music that they are proud off of hit Hey DJ I Can’t Dance beat like Eagle Ray, Fly and War In and have never bent to seek them to the punch, but Zion Babylon which cranks up the popular appeal and for this I Train have sure picked that ball BPM up will have most reggae applaud them. up and run with it further than fans running and screaming to This album is a decent retro- some interest as to where they anybody else and been one of the exit, as they leave the reg- This album is a decent retro- spective look at Zion Trains may go next. the most forward thinking, and gae virtually to one side and spective look at Zion Trains previous varied and boundary yes in a way revolutionary, Brit- go for a full house/club/dance previous varied and boundary pushing work and with a new Review by Karl Pearson ish reggae influenced acts of vibe. The frenzied ska induced pushing work and with a new album reportedly out in the the last 20ish years with their Dance of Life and Baby Father album reportedly out in the autumn this collection acts as blend of reggae and electronic, featuring YT show how well the autumn this collection acts as a nice prelude to its release techno, rave sounds. two genres can work together, a nice prelude to its release and leaves me wondering with Love Filled Dub Band Pama International Soul-fuelled, Stax flavoured funk and soul a member of 2 Tone one single with punk and 2-Tone ideology wonders the Swinging Cats. dub-induced thrown in, they created their There are, as the album ti- Roots, Rockers own unique style and brand tle suggests also a couple and Reggae which always promoted reggae of dub versions nicely scat- in a positive way. Lyrically the tered across the album rather album is fairly conscious deal- than following straight on in ing with the “one love” ideal the shape of Orgon will Fol- and the multitude of troubles low (Wherever You Lead) and, in the world today. From envi- Lovely Dub (Lovely Wife) both ronmental global disasters and keyboard driven classics that war, to violence on the streets evokes memories of Studio One Musical Raid and the wasteful consumerism house band Sound Dimension. Jamaica or African Simba from that plagues our society. Don’t This album was probably the the UK. however let this put you off as best album from Pama with the tunes are not all doom and keys man Sean Flowerdew and RockDis gloom, but try to raise the spir- vocalist Finny, the two con- Regardless of the singers pre- vious credits all tunes are Originally released on CD and its with a party vibe that begins stants in the band; they have solid, and the production is vinyl via their own label Rock- with the funky, soul fuelled been together since the late loaded with distinct influences ers Revolt in 2008, after leav- reggae of, Wherever You Lead. 80s when they were with ska and Former single Highrise, used to band The Loafers, in fine form. from the late 70’s Channel One ing Trojan Records where sound. they’d become the first band spearhead a campaign tackling The production by Sean with in 30 years to sign to the il- the issues of gun/knife crime the aid of John Collins, who was Standout tracks include Real- lustrious label, Pama Interna- within our communities, rides also behind the desk for The Blackboard a slowed down version of the Specials seminal Ghost Town, ity Souljahs’ Born Again where tional’s ‘Love Filled Dub Band’ the singer goes Marvin Gaye is due to be re-released in digi- Cherry Oh Baby riddim and fea- is crisp and solid with the band over a thunderous steppers in- tal format, by new record label tures guest vocalist Michie One having something of an edgier fused riddim, Christine Miller’s Phoenix City as part of their (one half of the London Reg- sound than with earlier releas- Jungle gae duo, Louchie Lou & Michie es. It was lauded by a lot of the Signs of the Times with a nicely opening salvo of releases. The Musical Raid is sical Raid’. It assembles ten vo- pumping organ or Prince Mala- album, which was their fifth One), while The Specials gui- music press, MOJO, Echoes cal cuts and five dub versions chi’s apocalyptic Jah Fire. at the time, found them re- tarist Lynval Golding takes and so forth on initial release a hidden gem. of the heaviest sort. ally starting to hit their stride, lead vocals on his self penned and featured in many peoples This compilation is a must have and it gave you exactly what it Wonder Wonder. In fact Lynval Top 10 Reggae albums of 2008 appears on all of the songs including those of Record Col- RockDis aka The Rockers Dis- The vocal duties are mostly for fans of contemporary reg- said on the tin, a musical mix with other guest appearances lector and Total Music mag ciples and the crew behind handled by fairly unknown gae firmly rooted the 70’s. of “Soul-fuelled, dub-induced littered throughout. There is so if you didn’t get this first Blackboard Jungle sound sys- singers, like Daba, Anthony Roots, Rockers and Reggae”. the trombone of Rico Rodri- time round it would be churl- tem, both based in France, John and Mo’Kalamity. The Not always one for the reggae Review by Erik Magni guez MBE, Sir Horace Panter of ish of you to miss out again! have sneaked out the excellent most well-known names are purists, but their mix of Studio The Specials on bass and sax roots reggae compilation ‘Mu- probably Prince Malachi from One, Black Ark, King Tubby with player Paul Heskett who was Review by Karl Pearson The Free The World riddim Back For The First Time Single riddim Perfect album from Perfect goes Nightmare’, arguably the best of dread slow single Hold On the Reality concept album of last year. Buju, which speaks for many in Shock produc- back to the The Kings’ glossy lavishly-pro- stating “guilty or not guilty, the tion house. roots - and it’s duced rhythms are not a million whole world miss Mark Myrie”. no bad thing. miles away from those of Irie Vi- There’s also some romance in This single riddim album from brations and the overall feel of Cece Peniston do-over Natu- UK DJ Kris Kemist’s Reality Two years have passed since the two albums is distinct but rally and, of course, the obliga- Shock production house was the last album by Bamboo not dissimilar. Horns and mili- tory herb tune in Never Gonna recorded at the House Of Hits St Ann’s Greg Rose, also tant drumbeats abound. Angry Stop. On the uncharacteristi- studio in Spanish Town, Ja- known as Perfect. The cally dancehall title track maica and features vocal per- flamboyantly dressed Perfect even invokes Jahdan formances from some of the Bobo Ashanti deejay-sing- saying “Babylon you’re MY islands leading reggae artists er has been a big believer nightmare” - while match- including Jah Mason, Junior in the results yielded by ing Jahdan’s gift for mimic- Kelly, Lutan Fyah, Jah Mali, roots-oriented Jamaican ry with an impersonation of Tony Curtis and more that all artists working with Euro- the Congos’ Cedric Myton deliver in fine style. This very pean producers and is one at the start of the melodica percussive original roots/step- of the most explosive live daubed Doom’s Day. The pers riddim track is powered performers on the conti- only genuine guest appear- along by the drumming of the nental festival scene. His ance comes from former legendary Leroy “Horsemouth” second “concept” album, Beres protégé Ginjah on marching “success against Wallace, star of the 1978 film condemnation to a world full but then on the other hand if ‘Born Dead With Life’ with “Rockers” and is supplement- Austria’s IrieVibrations, the odds” combination of “politricks”. Breaking away you didn’t put all these cuts in Mash Up Di Ting. ed by tambourine and scraper, from the conscious style and one place then many could be was hands down the finest with a choppy rhythm guitar longplayer of 2008 - and while missives like the anti-politician giving the riddim a lighter edge overlooked and this would be piece Fakers and Slave Driver The promo copy arrived at quite for melody and keys adding with a more lovers vocal are unjust as this album serves as neither of the follow-ups have bright accents here and there. been quite as extraordinary as (which manages to pay tribute short notice but it doesn’t take female vocalists Honey B and a great testament to all the vo- to Prince Lincoln in its lyrics, many listens to detect another As with a lot of Reality Shock Nateesha Stream who both calists here that they manage that felt at the time, he main- riddims it s has something of tained a good standard with the Bunny Wailer in its Armagide- quality album from Perfect. give powerful and soulful per- to make the riddim sound their on-like rhythm, and Peter Tosh Although, it might feel like he an old time feel, yet remains formances on Crazy Love and own and a testament to the hip-hop roots of ‘French Con- sounding fresh. Lyrically, as nection’ with Kingston based in its dedication) cohabit with is going back to familiar terri- Give Love respectively. I’m not quality of the riddim itself that uplifting cultural material such tory here after the musically di- you may expect from a riddim usually a lover of single riddim it works so well with all the dif- Frenchman Sherkhan. Now he of this name, the songs are has unveiled this intriguing- as “picture of Selassie” song verse ‘French Connection’, it’s albums as no matter how good ferent vocal styles on display. HIM Smile and the stoical real- hard to quibble when he does strikingly conscious and none its component parts are after ly-titled set with respected more so than Emanual Stain & US production house, Lustre ity chant Eye Wata. The latter is it so well. hearing the same riddim six Review by Karl Pearson delivered in a style reminiscent Coolant’s opener that delivers times in a row I do tend to wilt, Kings, who were behind Jah- dan Blakkamoore’s ‘Babylon of Buju Banton - the subject Review by Angus Taylor Invasion Of The Mysteron Killer Sounds Impressive look beats and of course bass melo- on the more traditional dance- just dying for a “chat”. dies and do all types of excit- hall sounding ‘Electro Agony in at the sounds ing things, I should know I had Dub’. Soul Jazz have over the years & influence of one back then as well! garnered quite a name for digital reggae Disc two, with Stuart at the themselves when it comes to Anyhow history lesson over controls, has more to offer digi- compilations, go listen to their music. this 2 CD, 35 track collection, reggae fans as some familiar Studio One or Dynamite series compiled by Soul Jazz’s Stuart names and riddims stand out. for proof and this impressive Back in 1984 King Jammy Baker and Kevin ‘The Bug’ Mar- The daddy that started it all look at a musical genre that is came across the Casio MT-40 tin embraces, past, present ‘Sleng Teng’ is mashed up with sometimes cheaply regarded keyboard. He plugged it in, and future sounds of digital panache by King Tubby on ‘Fat as being cold and soulless com- switched it on, chose one of the reggae and dance music that at Thing Version’ and Sly Dunbar pletely disproves that theory. auto rhythms called rock which times paints stark almost post leaves Robbie to team up with The cuts here are varied and was based around the old Ed- apocalyptic visions in your Christopher Birch on the frenet- exciting slices of technological die Cochran hit ‘Something mind, can draw you into an al- ic space age dancehall styled wizardry and with the majority Else’, hit one of the tiny keys on most hypnotic trance like state ‘Corners Boy’. Prince Jazzbo of songs coming in at just over the left hand side that added a or just makes ya wanna move. and Pliers follow a different 3 minutes none out stay there bass melody and the shape of Disc 1 is down to The Bug and path as they take old Studio welcome. Although not what reggae music was changed for- Steely and Clevie’s hip hop fla- Riddims riddims ‘Heavenless’ I’d call a regular reggae album ever as what emanated from voured opener ‘Streetsweeper’ and ‘Give Me The Right’ and the traditions and influence of the little built in speaker was certainly falls into the latter very subtly add digi touches on it can be felt in every electronic what would become known as category as it’s precise, crisp ‘Great Stone Version’ and ‘I’m beat and note and highlights the ‘Sleng Teng’ riddim. beat has something of a pa- Your Man Dub’. The best mix of the profound influence that rade ground drill feel about it. old and new for me however is digital reggae music has over The Casio MT-40 back then Lenky’s ‘Diwali’, celebrates the by Henfield and Shadowman, a many modern dance music was like electronic punk rock in victory of good over evil to a couple of artists that are new to styles. that it now enabled a lot of or- beguiling Bhangra / Bollywood me, with their cut ‘Babatunde’ dinary people with no musical beat, while Fira’s ‘Hummer Ver- which uses the hook line from Review by Karl Pearson ability to easily and relatively sion’ feels like a creepy mix the ‘Slaving Riddim’, probably cheaply, it retailed for around of Halloween and Blade Run- best known for its use on I £100 pounds, make music with ner. In amongst all the various Roy’s ‘Blackman Time’, to cre- all sorts of sounds from trum- styles of disc 1 there is also an ate a very contemporary, digi – pet to glockenspiel, add drum appearance by the irrepress- organic, dancehall hybrid num- ible Tippa Irie with the Grynch ber with a classic twist that is Deeper Revolution Words Of Wisdom Mo’Kalamity Vernon Maytone ‘Foundation Compilation – Reg- Deeper Revolu- gae Series vol.1’ with performers tion takes time such as Ken Boothe, Leroy Sibbles to appreciate. and the late Sugar Minott. Their collaboration obviously worked out fine since they have teamed Mo’Kalamity is a singer who up for the album ‘Words of Wis- originates from the small re- dom’. This album is almost a solo public of Cape Verde. Nowadays album from Vernon Maytone. It she resides in Paris, where she collects 15 tunes, where of three has recorded her two albums are duets with Linval Thompson, – ‘Warriors of Light’, put out in U Roy and Vernon Maytone’s 2008, and ‘Deeper Revolution’, son Dillon Buckley, who turns originally released in 2010 with out to be an above par rapper. poor distribution. The U Roy duet was featured on ‘Foundation Compilation’, Fortunately enough the label Show us the Way was original- realized that ‘Deeper Revolu- ly put out in 1979 on the ‘One tion’ had potential and decided Way’ album and some of the rid- to release it more properly this dims have been heard on other past spring. Not Easy At All productions. ‘Deeper Revolution’ is a roots ‘Words of Wisdom’ is however a reggae album composed and well-produced modern roots reg- written by Mo’Kalamity herself singer Vernon Buckley, aka Ver- gae album. Vernon Maytone’s and produced by L’assos Pi- its memorable chorus. It takes time to go through with. Vernon May- non Maytone, is nowadays living heartfelt singing is just as great as kante, who had the same duty And same goes for this album. tone is still in in Canada and runs his own label it was in the 70’s and suits the pol- on the debut. It assembles 14 But the thing about this album But once you have dedicated fine form. – Music Life Movements – togeth- ished live-played riddims nicely. tracks whereof one is an echo- is Mo’Kalamity’s distinctive yourself to it, your world won’t er with his cousin Everton Phil- ing dub version of the rolling voice. It has a fragile jazz tone. be the same. lips. Last year the label collabo- Remember the great vocal duo I’ve been a long-time fan of The Inner Peace. It is cool and laid-back. Often rated with Dutch producers Manu The Maytones? They recorded Maytones and I’ve previously like whispering with low ener- Genius and Marc Baronner from Review by Erik Magni some great tunes with producer praised Not Easy At All’s produc- The riddims are easygoing, of- gy. Her voice is best suited for Not Easy At All Productions, the Alvin Ranglin in the 70’s. Songs tions. So don’t get fooled by the ten with deep bass lines and lower notes and it does sound same producers responsible for such as Boat to Zion, Madness, gangsta hip-hop album sleeve heavy percussion work. Check off-key at times. acclaimed albums from Chezidek, Zion Land and Money Worries, and check out ‘Words of Wisdom’. Autour de Toi, the nyabinghi- Earl Sixteen and Apple Gabriel. also featured on the ‘Rockers’ styled title track or Walls with A revolution doesn’t come easy. The result was an album titled Review by Erik Magni movie soundtrack. Anyway, lead The People’s Choice Ghetto Princess Ray Darwin Diana Rutherford I choose Ray Diana Ruther- Darwin. ford is a pop princess from My first encounter with Jamai- the ghetto. can singer Ray Darwin was through BMC’s excellent reg- gae mixes. First the People’s Diana Rutherford has made Choice mix in 2007 and then some excellent efforts on the celebratory (Nothing can French producer SherKhan’s Touch) My 45 mix in 2009. Both riddims in the past years. Now named after the Ray Darwin the pair has made the album tunes by the same names. ‘Ghetto Princess’ together, an album that assembles 16 ur- Even though both tunes re- ban tunes. ceived great response when issued Ray Darwin hasn’t been But first things first. ‘Ghetto over exposed at all. He has ac- Princess’ is neither a straight tually been rather quiet over reggae nor a straight dancehall the years. Until now. His debut album. This is a popish RnB al- album with its boisterous title bum with some notable excep- ‘People’s Choice’ reached the tions. The dancehall excursion streets on July 19th. It compiles Hot Gyal is one such. 15 tracks recorded in Germa- ny, Italy, Jamaica and the U.S The former includes the title Therefore it’s a shame to ruin ‘Ghetto Princess’ is rather in sexy diva approach and with eral of the tunes would most and is produced by Ray Dar- track, a version of the Mean the singing with auto-tune, the same vein as Jason Mraz authority. She’s at her best likely appeal to a young urban win himself, sometimes with Girl riddim originally recorded which is the case on the strong or Bruno Mars. But with a lot when sounding fierce and an- audience that is continually fed a little help from Piet Abele, at Studio One, and New York album opener Time Flies. more attitude. gry, as in Beware, where she with the latest Nicki Minaj, Flo Rootical Records, Philip Meck- Minute, a superb cut of The warns that your best friends Rida and Keyshia Cole. seper and Lloyd Campbell. The Wailing Souls Jah Give Us Life. Despite the too heavy use of It’s radio friendly, stylish and are your worst. Or in the often with infectious hooks latter is also responsible for Ray Darwin is a great singer in auto-tune on some tunes, this straight gospel tune The Treas- Review by Erik Magni putting out ‘People’s Choice’ the soulful Beres Hammond is a strong album that needs and bass lines, even if the rid- ure with its grand chorus and through Joe Fraser Records, a vein. Sometimes on fire, but your support. Do I as do and dims and beats at times are harmonies. label recognized for some fine never aggressive. Sometimes give Ray Darwin your vote. minimal. Just listen to Caged lovers rock and roots reggae. a crooner, like in the Sara Lugo on the Sufferah riddim. This album will probably disap- ‘People’s Choice’ gathers both duet Good for You. Review by Erik Magni pear under mainstream radio’s relicks and original riddims. Diana Rutherford sings with a radar. And that’s a shame. Sev- Love Is Overdue Gregory Isaacs Hollie Cook The very es- catalogue should be reissued few minor key offerings, The for posterity. And this double Border, recently given an es- Beautiful debut sence of reggae. CD collection of his album and sential cover treatment itself album from single sessions for Alvin “GG” by the Birmingham singer Pe- Hollie Cook. Ranglin - that yielded wedding ter Spence. and christening staple Love Is Overdue in 1974 - is a nicely In his excellent sleevenotes British singer Hollie Cook has packaged indication of what John Masouri likens Isaacs to music in her blood. She is the made Gregory great.. Sam Cooke in his style and his daughter of Paul Cook, former control of his music. Vocally, drummer in legendary punk A gifted, deceptively sim- however - though he spawned band Sex Pistols. ple, songwriter, the Cool Rul- a couple of knowing imitators er, like a painter, dabs and - there was nobody quite like But luckily enough her musical strokes his wonderful voice him. The closest comparison path has headed in a different over the stripped down brit- from the world of soul is per- direction, and has lead her into tle yet supple rhythms of Soul haps his Mississippi contem- the arms of Mike Pelanconi, The loss of Gregory Isaacs to Syndicate and then the more porary Syl Johnson who, while aka Prince Fatty, a talented lung cancer on 25th October militant work of the Revolu- distinct, possessed the same producer and engineer as well last year at the age of 59 was tionaries. And whilst his image plaintive pleading tone to his as an expert in vintage record- both a heavy blow and the as a crooner for the ladies is voice. ing techniques. close of an era for music. Right well represented on the afore- up to his final live performance mentioned title piece, there is If you haven’t grown up with Hollie Cook has contributed on at the Big Chill Festival near some gentle but compelling Gregory it may take a listen both Prince Fatty albums. And Malvern, England, thousands religious and cultural material or two to tap in to the full bril- her contribution has been wel- Check Sugar Water, a smart cut some well-known musicians, flocked to experience his leg- here too. A perfect example is liance of what he’s doing - but come, very welcome indeed. of Scientist’s Dangerous Match most notably George Dekker endary charisma and stage the soaring prayer Happiness tap in you must. For if someone Her tracks Milk & Honey, from 1, a dub version of Johnny Os- of The Pioneers and Dennis presence - which remained un- Come, where Gregory promis- asked to be played the very es- ‘Survival of the Fattest’ put out bourne’s Love is Universal. Bovell. The most prominent diminished ‘til the end. es to sing for the Lord and you sence of reggae music - with- in 2007, and That Very Night in believe him 100%. out frills or affectations - this Dub, from ‘Supersize Me’ re- guest is however Horseman, a The first single of the album deejay with a style reminiscent Isaacs was hugely prolific for would be it. leased last year, were among That Very Night captures the of the great Lone Ranger. his own African Museum label, Where disc one is all Gregory’s the standout tracks. feeling nicely – pulsating, dark started at the turn of the 70s writing, the heavier late 70s Review by Angus Taylor and a bit psychedelic. Her Brit- This is certainly a truly enjoy- with Errol Dunkley, as well as sounds of disc two showcase Her self-titled debut album ish voice is delicate, breezy able experience from start to for a roll call of top producers his ability with cover versions bears all of Prince Fatty’s best and creates an intimate atmos- finish. through the years. In the af- such as Alton Ellis’ Breaking Up ingredients – old school sound- phere. termath of his departure it is and Tyrone Davis’ Can I Change ing reggae and dub without then unsurprising that his early My Mind. There’s also one of sounding traditional or boring. Review by Erik Magni The album is also hosted by The Story

as believe this song failed to bird and many more. please everybody. I feel the Of Trojan Records chart at all on original release. tone is right and as a lot of Tro- Finally disc 5 is “Unreleased jan songs are already out there 123 track, 5CD lease a 123 track, 5CD box set you register your box set with The second disc “Reggae Gems, Rarities & Oddities”. then the inclusion of these ‘The Story Of Trojan Records’. the newly invigorated Trojan Greats - The Artists” shows that Some of the tracks here ride rarities and unreleased tracks box set cover- Appreciation Society online, back then just about anybody on popular Trojan hits like An- make this a worth while invest- ing the hits, A lot of you may be thinking why you can get your hands on an who was anybody in reggae sel Collins organ driven instru- ment and if the book is half as artists, pro- do I need another ‘Story Of’, exclusive 12 track bonus digi- had a song released through mental Double Or Nothing and good as the song choice then after all as already mentioned tal album. I would like to tell Trojan. There is the ever popu- Dandy’s Double Barrel Man, no this Trojan Story should be sit- ducers, labels this labels back catalogue has you more about these goodies lar Bob Marley & The Wailers prizes for guessing what they ting proudly in any reggae fans and unreleased seen many extensive releases but like you I’m afraid I’ll have with Stir It Up, the sweet vocals are versions on. Then there is collection. gems, rarities & and ‘Story Ofs’ before. Well to wait until its release to find of the Prince of Reggae himself the not so obvious Mama by where this one differs is that out more. I can however tell Dennis Brown on Meet Me At Nora Dean on the Liquidator Review by Karl Pearson oddities. it has been lovingly complied you a bit about the CDs which The Corner and the DJ styles riddim. There are a couple of by Laurence Cane-Honeysett, I presume is why most people of Big Youth on Natty No Jester funky reggae numbers I Can Trojan is a name that personi- the Jamaican music specialist would want this set in the first and URoy for Black Heart. Win by Bob Andy and a guitar fied reggae in the UK during and author of 2003s ‘Young, place anyway! plucking instrumental cover the late ‘60s and early ‘70s and Gifted and Black: The Story of “The Big Shots – The Produc- of I Shot The Sheriff from The since its heyday back then and Trojan Records’, who has in- The 5 discs are broken down ers” is the title of disc 3 and Gladstone Band. There is some the advent of CD’s it has had cluded along with a selection into categories with the first highlights the strength of pro- nice early reggae from Earl its name somewhat sullied as of the big hits many tracks that disc being titled “25 Big Ones duction talent on Trojan’s il- Lawrence on a Another Day Is various companies have held are making it on to CD for the - UK Hits”. The tracks here run lustrious roster from legend- Dawning, the sweet falsetto the rights to its immense cata- first time, some that have been chronologically from The Up- ary names like Harry Johnson, sounds from an early Flick Wil- logue and flooded the market unavailable since their original setters Return Of Django, a Joe Gibbs, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry son track Black African Woman with lots of brash and fairly release in Jamaica and 20 that #5 hit in October ’69 through and Leslie Kong among others. and what could maybe be best tawdry releases. Over the last are completely unreleased and to penultimate track Ken Disc 4 is the “A To Z Of Trojan described as the basis for lov- twelve months or so present unheard until now plus there is Boothe’s Crying Over You that - The Labels”. Trojan had many ers rock as Marcia Griffiths owners Universal Music have the addition of a 50 page book, reached #11in December ’74. numerous subsidiary and im- puts her dulcet tones to My gone along way in putting the with a foreword by Rhoda Da- Nearly all of the songs in be- print labels from Action to Lee Love. some gloss and pride back in kar, the former singer with The tween went high in the UK Top Perry’s Upsetter with which to this one of the most impor- Bodysnatchers and The Spe- 40 with many going top 10 plus the company had a distribution I dare say there are a few of tant reggae labels ever with cial AKA. It is also reported both Dave and Ansell Collins deal for the UK. There was also you who will look through the their limited edition 7” vinyl se- that the book is embellished and Ken Boothe making it all Pressure Beat which dealt with track list of this album and ask ries, of obscure and previously with lots of original photogra- the way to the summit with many Joe Gibbs productions, why is that song not included unreleased material, re-issued phy and other facets of memo- Double Barrel in March ’71 and Moodisc for the works of Harry or why have they picked that, classic albums on CD in their rabilia. Plus you get 4 original with Everything I Own in Sep- Moodie, the ultra rare Peoples but when you have a vast array original guise and brought out reproduction double-sided tember ’74 respectively. There Reggae Series that as far as is of classic songs and hidden an improved ‘Trojan Presents’ postcards recreating flyers and are however two exceptions known only had one release gems to choose from you could 2CD albums series. Now, on original promotional material, here that didn’t make the Top plus the more widely known easily produce another three August 29th, they about to re- a Trojan Window Sticker and, if 40 but are still iconic none the Big Shot, Attack, Horse, Song- or four ‘Story Of’s’ and still not Horace Andy in Los Angeles Sierra Nevada World Music Festival 2011 Part 1 (USA) Jamaican singer Hor- reggae artists. Horace gave a ace Andy played at fantastic performance, danc- Country Roads, Sier- The Dub Club, The ing energetically throughout ra Nevada Music Fes- Echoplex, Los An- the show. He did newer songs tival 2011 geles, California on and older classics that thrilled June 22. the massive crowd. This was “Take me high above the the set list as Horace wrote it: mountains, let me fly on the wings of love” - Duane Ste- Report and Photos phenson, Misty Morning The Dub Club was packed by Jan Salzman with fans, this night, await- The mystical hills of Ander- ing the performance of reg- son Valley are best known for gae veteran, Horace “Sleepy” vinyards, sheep ranches and Andy, whose works date back apple orchards- with one ex- to the early 1970’s to pre- ception. Every June, Anderson sent. His nickname, Sleepy, is Valley becomes the home of aptly shown in his trademark the Sierra Nevada World Mu- sleepy eyes, which barely sic Festival, a professionally open…even for posed pic- crafted, family oriented week- end, culturally rich in music, tures. He was backed by lo- from 11 a.m. until the wee Brigadier Jerry further capti- diversity and goodwill. The cal musicians, The Gumption hours of the next morning. vated the massive crowd who tight winding drive from Ukiah Band, who drove a pounding There is no rest for the weary. began skanking and singing to Boonville is rich in color, a reggae riddim all night long. As soon as the stage shows out to favorite reggae hymns. wild frontier of golden grass, Horace has a massive discog- end, an early morning dance- SNWMF fans have come to sa- coney dark pines tinged with raphy…too long to mention in hall begins on both Friday vor these special moments, to an occasional splash of crim- this review as he has been a and Saturday nights starring witness the deeply treasured son blooms. Nature’s glori- prolific songwriter and singer international sound system old time vintage performers, ous display of red, gold and for the duration of his career. dj’s such as Stone Love with especially with many legends green elegance is an appro- Thanks to a copy of the set Jah 9 and Jah Love Music with passing over the past few priate harbinger to a spiritu- list, which was provided by Brigadier Jerry. The dancehall years. ally charged musical revival renowned reggae archivist is quick to jam up and boogie infused with abounding fel- Roger Steffens (who got to it down for several more hours Saturday night, headliners lowship of friends, family and before I could), so that I could into the morning mist. Steel Pulse and Toots and the provide you, the readers, with Rasta-Fari. Maytals rocked a full house This year’s legendary line-up revealing a catalogue of his- an accurate accounting of the “Our singing and dancing is offered a wide range of clas- torical hits, couched as a night’s performance. There always for prayer, a blessing sical roots artists including sentimental journey of hard were a number of favorite and never for war” - Clayton a rare performance by Pablo driving riddims. Leba Hibbert, songs performed that Horace Duncan, Pomo Tribal Elder has recorded on multiple CD’s Moses, Studio One artists The Toots’ daughter opened his including: Skylarking, Zion In honor of the summer sol- Cables, ska and mento veter- set, while Junior Toots joined Gate and Elementary. One of stice, in tribute to the Pomo ans, The Jolly Boys and the be- later for a special father son my fave’s was Money, which Native Americans and in the loved Horace Andy. As an ad- combination. On the Village he sang near the beginning of spirit of unity and world peace, ditional compliment for highly stage, the elegant Thomas his set. Horace’s high pitched three days of world class per- inspired roots devotees, old Mapfumo, known as the voice is so recognizable… formers are perfectly choreo- time rock steady dj’s Winston “Lion of Zimbabwe,” poeti- sweet and unique among all graphed across two stages Reedy, Dennis Alcapone and cally delivered caustic social sensitivities around the fail- green flags. ings of humankind, they also present the opportunity of With any show this large, there hope and empowerment for a were many acts I was not able better world. to catch such as Rebelution, Tribal Seeds, Reggae Angels, Artistic professionalism and Rupa and the Angel Fishes, conscious messaging were The Expanders, Saritah, DJ crucial as modern day fa- Leydis, Ozomatli, Mambo This vorites took to the big stage. and Jesus Diaz Y Su QBA. I commentaries in Chimurenga Duane Stephenson, promot- was able to see short but ex- style, to a spellbound crowd. ing his latest release ‘Black cellent segments of 7th Street Like many other outspoken Gold’, delivered a smooth and Showcase, and a mix of Dub- singers whose messages pro- inspiring set, highlighting his skin with Alcyon Massive. mote social activism, Thomas soulful voice and deep lyrical Massive respect goes out to Mapfumo was banned by his introspection. Duane’s deliv- all of these artists who I am own government due to his ery proves his reputation as a unable to write about and yet, outspoken stand on revolu- profoundly insightful and tal- who contributed to the over- tionary struggles. Vusi Mahl- ented songwriter. Romain Vir- all success of the festival. The asela, hailing from the Ma- backing bands such as New melodi Township of South Kingston, Gumption and oth- Africa, acoustically sang of ers supported the show with painful change and political perfection and true rootical manifestations resulting from style. a sick and perverted apartheid The Sierra Nevada World Mu- regime. His soulful set clearly sic Festival is far more than a defined why he is considered three day music event. It is a “The Voice” within a country magical time and place where whose social change came the best of human kind is re- with violence, destruction and flected in the community of racial turmoil. Taj Weekes and people who perform and at- Adowa left a mark deep in the tend. Photographers, writers, hearts and minds by sharing vendors, and volunteers unify his potent messages through in spiritually charged collec- moving ballads inspired by en- tive consciousness. Produc- vironmental disasters, human ers, Warren Smith, Gretchen apathy, ravages of war and Franz and Jennifer Buchanan child abuse. Spiritual griots, go bounded on stage with his each year create a mythical Vaughn and Ron Benjamin, major hit Mi Caan Sleep and experience that fills the souls known collectively as Midnite the crowd went wild. Anthony of the people. Their work and teach to royal anciency of Afri- B, Prezident Brown, and Col- vision will be treasured for can knowledge and discipline. lie Buddz fired up the crowd generations to come. Although these lyrically po- with frenetic intensity. Their tent artists engage in skillful conscious sermons met with Report and photos poetic messages, enhancing a waving sea of red, gold and by Sista Irie Sizzla Album Launch Sun Seine What a Whoa release! Festival 2011 The naysayers said you couldn’t have an album launch outside (France) of New Kingston, that the press Chezidek, Lyricson, wouldn’t travel to the histori- Anthony John and Jah cally troubled neighborhood of Marnyah played at Waterhouse, especially when this new French festi- the Sumfest launch was taking val on June 25th. place the same night. But both the artist and the producer felt The first edition of Sun Seine strongly that where the music Festival in France (La Chapelle was created, so should it be St Ouen) took place place this presented to the world, and week-end. they couldn’t have been more right. June 29 was the night This festival was presented that both the press and the by Anthony John and Flyroots disciples of Rastafari came to- been covered in album post- supply of Guinness and Red Production. gether to celebrate the release ers for the occasion but by the Stripe. The sacred herb was end of the night, all of those in plentiful abundance and On Saturday the line-up was: of Sizzla Kalonji’s new album ‘The Scriptures’, together with posters would come down to you could witness other label Jah Marnyah with tunes such as the King himself and his family be autographed by Sizzla, as heads and staff of the album’s A New Day (Bonafide Riddim) at King Jammy’s Recording Stu- he accommodated the many, digital distributor, Zojak World and Stormy Weather, Anthony dio. Everything at the studio many request for his words of Wide, all enjoying themselves John with Ready or Not and was fresh-up and spotless, the wisdom. Journalists a-plenty right along with Sizzla and his Rock the Boat, Lyricson with entire block had bright, newly were granted video-taped in- entourage as the party moved Blessings and Bad Load and white-washed curbs and was terviews and countless photos on to DJ-ed music that had the Chezidek with Secret Ennemy the picture of respectability. were taken of Sizzla and his crowd up and dancing on the and Burn De Ganja. friends and well-wishers. ballroom floor to many classic Right from the very start, you Sizzla tracks. French band Dub Akom backed knew the party would be spe- Things really peaked when all these artists. cial when the artist himself Sizzla performed almost the At one point when I thought the was one of the first to arrive. entire new album and I don’t artist was leaving the party af- Sunday (which I could not at- This was his night to celebrate think anyone enjoyed the exu- ter about six hours, he instead tend) Anthony John gave us an the fruits of a year-long record- berant performance any more held an impromptu prayer ser- acoustic stage, followed by the ing and mixing process shared than Sizzla himself. Joy was vice outside the gates of the performance of Ras Zacharri with his close bredren and pro- the theme of the night and studio for the many youths of backed by My Name Is Band. ducer, Lloyd ‘John John’ James this party was certainly one the neighborhood who had worth taking, to quote one of come to listen. An hour or In the countryside, under the Jr., and I guess he didn’t want the songs from the album. The so later, when it seemed like summer sun, the vibration was to miss a moment of it. Labor catering was supplemented by the party was finally winding perfect. of love doesn’t even begin to describe the care they put into contributions from Rum Bar down, Sizzla and John John See you next year for the sec- the creation of this wonderful and thoroughly enjoyed, in ad- were inspired to head upstairs ond edition! body of music. dition to a sublime conch soup to the studio to record a new prepared by King’s wife Iris song, where they were joined Report and photos The courtyard of the studio had and of course, a never ending by Capleton. This celebration by Jennyfer Papin Josey Wales and Little John would not, could not, have pay tribute to Sugar Minott been as sweet in one of the typical New Kingston hotel JahRevelationMuzik of the venue was opened to venues for launches and al- meets Youth Promo- make room. though it was expected that tion sound with some The latecomers were vindi- much of the crowd would move very special guests. cated when Jamaican veterans on to the Sumfest launch, that Little John and Josey Wales didn’t happen, everyone was emerged at half past midnight having too much fun to leave. I for the first PA of a six city UK can’t help but believe that oth- tour. John, an imposing figure er album launches to come will dressed in a voluminous check take the party to the people at shirt, joked he was “not so lit- the spacious temple to reggae tle” anymore. Yet he was still music that is King Jammy’s Re- in sweet voice and let lucky fe- cording Studio. male audience members sing ‘The Scriptures’ album is avail- Almost one year after the pass- into the mic. able at all fine etailers in digi- ing of Lincoln “Sugar” Minott “The Colonel” Josey Wales, at- tal format and is physically dis- the sense of loss remains un- tired in a red t-shirt and gold tributed exclusively by Ernie B dimmed. The filling of the front chain, provided a gruff coun- at ebreggae.com. room of the Hootananny (Lon- terpoint, chanting messages of don, UK) for his tribute show racial unity and Jamaican pat- just three days shy of the an- riotism in his grainy tones. He Report by Susan de Leon niversary of his departure on also supplied the crowd with Photos by Locksley Clarke July 10th 2010 was testimony humour, asking the by then to that. crowded stage to watch his Promoter Cecil Reuben’s own drink and making statements sound JahRevelationMuzik, fea- too risqué to be published turing MC Trooper and Brother here! Honourable mentions in Culture played a very serious the warm up included singer selection - indicating that this Original Thriller and London’s was a unique event. They were own deejay Daddy Ranks. followed by Mr Shorty, Daddy Despite a very late start for the Ants and Colorman of Minott’s headliners on a weeknight, the Youth Promotion crew, who people of Brixton and the sur- started with exclusive cuts by rounding area turned out and Michael Rose before letting stayed to do Sugar’s memo- fly with their fallen mentor’s ry proud. Half empty reggae hits like Good Thing Going and nights even for important oc- Report by Angus Taylor Never Give Jah Up. Though the casions are an all too common Photos by Theresa Emmanuel Hootananny was only sparsely phenomenon in London but attended at ten thirty when the the Hootananny and their team “away” sound first took the continue to be the exception to stage, within an hour attend- the rule. ance had swelled and the back Stand Up For Love Summerjam 2011 (Germany) people. After a short delay An- and The Busters opened the Congos, Max Romeo and Lee Such a wide variety of Stage. A huge picture of wood Blondy, Jimmy Cliff thony B entered the stage and program on the Green Stage. ‘Scratch’ Perry, at the Red music and such a wide was placed behind the musi- provided a fantastic and ener- Stage Gappy Ranks fired up cians and a big curtain with a Unfortunately the weather on On time to the breaking open variety of visitors! this weekend was a bit too getic show. Beside well-known the massive and cleared the big eye staring at you fell down hits such as Police he present- of the cloud cover and under way for the Jamaican newcom- With the slogan “Stand Up For during the first song. Patrice cloudy and cool, that’s why blue sky The Congos took the the beautiful “Fühlinger See” ed his album ‘Rasta Love’. He er Romain Virgo. Both did a Love” the Summerjam-Festival showed that he was in a very also sang Buju Banton’s tune massive by storm with their fantastic show with a powerful 2011 started on the first week- good mood; he even climbed didn’t invite the people to charismatic singer Cedric ‘The take a swim. But some didn’t Not An Easy Road to support sound. end of July. It was the 26th edi- up the stage trestle. His fa- his detained friend. Congo’ Myton and his back- tion of one of the best Europe- mous tunes Soulstorm and let them stop! Also the spirit ground singers “Ashanti” Roy Ayo brought more smooth an Reggae festivals. Everday Good were sang along of the Summerjam braved the Now it was up to Alpha Blondy. Johnson, Watty Burnett and notes on the scene with her al- of an enormous massive. weather! He performed under a wonder- Kenroy Ffyffe. The Congos bum ‘Billie-Eve’. Her touching Friday – Tarrus Riley, Patrice, The program on Saturday on ful sunset his song Jerusalem. shared a slot with Max Romeo as well as expressive voice was Busy Signal, Barrington Levy At the Green Stage the pro- The sound and the spirit during and Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, like moving. gram was changing in the af- the Green Stage started with Sara Lugo opened a weekend his concert were perfect! Big often recently. Max Romeo fol- ternoon because John Holt’s two powerful Reggae and Ska Ziggy Marley continued with full of music and good mood. respect! lowed soon with his tunes One show was cancelled. Andrew groups from Barcelona with his albums ‘Love Is My Reli- She managed to give the peo- Step Forward and I Chase The Tosh performed two songs Che Sudaka and from Argen- After these two notable Reggae gion’ and ‘Wild and Free’. He ple a perfect start. Austria’s Iri- Devil. The musician and pro- (Equal Rights, Johnny B. Good) tina with Karamelo Santo. The greats the massive waited with gets on the family tradition epathie followed after her. American Hip Hop artist At- ducer Lee Perry inspired the backed by Tarrus Riley’s musi- joyful anticipation for Jimmy massive with his crazy appear- with his music successfully. Just a few meters away on the cians with the famous Dean mosphere and the German Irie Cliff, the veteran performer of Beside numerous tunes of his Révoltés, which are known for ance as well as with his music. Red Stage Dub à la Pub, a ten- Fraser on saxophone. After An- Jamaica. He played his endless His new album ‘Revelation’is own Ziggy Marley elated also man Reggae-Ska group, played drew Tosh, Duane Stephenson their intoxicating Live-acts, hits in front of celebrating peo- with songs of his famous fa- continued. Marteria and Mad- finding clear words against the before Holland’s Reggae artist entered the stage and sang for ple. The audience sang along system. At the end of the slot ther Bob Marley. the audience his Soul Reggae. con prepared the scene for Cul- at almost every tune, like Won- number one Ziggi Recado en- they came altogether on the As a grand final of the Sum- Tarrus Riley presented some cha Candela, a German Reg- derful World, Beautiful People tered the stage. He convinced scene to celebrate the tune War merjam 2011 the “Voice of Sen- songs of his latest album ‘Con- gae-Dancehall-Hip Hop group. and You Can Get It If You Re- the massive from the first Inna Babylon. egal” entered the Red Stage. tagious’ and enthused with ally Want. Enormous exaltation minute on. The Red Stage started into the Youssou N’Dour addicts with them the Summerjam. appeared at the first notes of Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ce’Cile presented adjacent to day with Illbilly Hitec, I-Fire his album ‘Dakar-Kingston’ be- and Samy Deluxe. The lat- Many Rivers To Cross. Jimmy Avenue, a master on trom- Ziggi Recado her new album In contrast to Tarrus Riley’s Cliff lived up to his name and bone and trumpet, followed. side African sounds predomi- ‘Jamaicanization’. With her sound Busy Signal continued ter attracted with his German nantly to Reggae music. With Rap a big audience. Samy De- made the day perfect! His funky and jazzy rhythms hot Dancehall rhythms she in- with fast Dancehall and hurling were elating. The French sing- Tyrone Downie on keyboards spired everybody. Boys and helicopters. But he also deliv- luxe presented a lot of songs The one who was not yet he fascinated the massive of of his soon published album er Ben l’Oncle Soul convinced girls from the audience were ered some calm covers, for ex- tired could celebrate until the the audience with his Soul à la the festival. ample Number One of Gregory ‘Schwarz Weiß’. The Dancehall- morning hour with Pow Pow allowed to enter the stage and Motown and a perfect chore- Such a wide variety of mu- Isaacs. Duo Mono & Nikitaman came Movement and Sentinel in the to shake their hips with Ce’Cile. ography with his background sic and such a wide variety of With the English, French and with their album ‘Unter Freun- Dancehall Arena. Contemporaneous to Patrice it singers. visitors (about 28.000) that it Kabyle singing of Dub Inc it got den’. At the moment there is was Barrington Levy’s run as Sunday – The Congos, Max would be nice to do it all over – multicultural. Their mixture of no German speaking Dancehall Joy Denalane did the closing headliner on the Green Stage. Romeo, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Stand up for Love! Arabic sounds, Hip Hop, Dub act which attracts the people of the festival on the Green He put a great massive under Ziggy Marley and Reggae is typical for them more than these two likeable Stage with strong-voiced Soul his spell with his Reggae and and unique. A fantastic stage singers. On Sunday Who Dat!? and and R’n’B of her new album originally Dancehall vibes. Report by Viktoria Spratter setting offered Patrice as the Afterwards the first main act of Heckert Empire started at the ‘Maureen’. Photos by Michael Grein first day headliner on the Red Saturday – Anthony B, Alpha the day was celebrated by the Red Stage while Mellow & Pyro Contemporaneous to The

Sierra Nevada World Music Festival 2011 One Love Festival 2011 (French Guiana) Part 2 (USA) On 17th and 18th June, second day of the event espe- A huge success and a Dennis Alcapone the legendary the second edition cially enjoyed his hit Be Strong wonderful family ex- Jamaican deejay who migrated of One Love Festival and once again embraced eve- perience! to England in the 70’s and made took place in Baduel ry word. Dancehall aficionados quite a name for himself. Du- stadium in Cayenne, were pleased to witness one After Sista Irie report about the ane Stephenson’s gentle spirit French Guiana. of the best ambassadors and festival, enjoy a second one by makes him one of the best re- showman… Shaggy. He sang Gail Zucker with Lee Abel as cent artists and he didn’t dis- The young artist Protoje per- his classic tunes and songs photographer. appoint his fans. President formed the songs from his de- from his new album. Shaggy’s Brown’s lyrics and relevantcy The Mendocino County Fair- but album ‘Seven Year Itch.’ He style and personality pleased to the times made his stage grounds in Boonville, Califor- is a very talented songwriter the women and they loved his presence exceptional. nia was host to the 18th Annual and has matured into a talent- Jamaican dance steps. ed performer. He was accom- Sierra Nevada World Music Anthony B’s energy and posi- panied by his cousin and pro- A big thanks to the whole One Festival on June 17-19, 2011. No tive vibez exuberated the audi- ducer Don Corleon. Love Festival team and espe- wonder it is said to be one of ence. His performance was so cially to soccer player Florent the best world music festivals energetic and exciting. He sang Queen Ifrica did an extraordi- Malouda, the promoter of the anywhere and if you’ve nev- most of his hits. nary performance and her pos- event. er been to this area, you are itive energy won’t be forgotten missing a real treat! The days It was impossible to see every by the Guianese massive. Report by Frederic Weinum are warm and sunny and the with hits such as What Kind of artist as two stages were hap- Photos by Claudia Berthier nights, fresh & crisp. World and Baby Why. The audi- pening at the same time, the Just off a tour in Brazil, Tar- ence loved Romain Virgo they Valley Stage was the larger rus Riley was the headliner of My first experience at SNWMF seems to know all the lyrics stage and the Village Stage the June 17th show. He gave was so enjoyable, I’m already to his songs. He was backed much smaller. One had to really a stellar performance in front thinking about when I can re- by Gumption Band and they plan their days as to which art- of 1500 fans singing hit after turn to the lovely little town of rocked it! He is so fresh on ists they wanted to take in and hit including his recent Never Ukiah, California, just over the the scene and his lyrics are enjoy themselves. There was I Leave. Conductor Dean Fras- mountains from Boonville. relevant to what’s going on in so much happening for chil- er performed amazing saxo- dren also: face painting, bal- The three day Festival con- Jamaica. Horace Andy gave phone solos that thrilled the loons and activities. Drumming sists of two stages and a late a supreme performance fol- fans. Great showman that Tar- and endless varieties of foods night Jamaican dancehall. Fri- lowed by Midnite and the Jolly rus is, both he and the Guia- from all nations were plentiful. day night Brigadier Jerry gave Boys. Toots and the Maytals nese crowd braved the rain and were next. The set began with a stellar performance on stage The Sierra Nevada World Music didn’t become disheartened. his daughter, Leba Hibbert. It and later in the Dancenhall Festival is a wonderful family He told us that the next conti- seems like Toots doesn’t age at joined by veteran JAH LOVE experience! See you next year! nent that he will be traveling is all. He is so fit with endless en- Africa, beginning with Gambia. selector Ilawi. Taj Weeks & Adowa hailing from St. Lucia ergy. Then a treat, Junior Toots Report by Gail Zucker On June 18th, the show began performance was spiritual and joined the stage and father & Photos by Lee Abel with veteran Barrington Levy. vibrant. Pablo Moses did an son did a duet of 54-46. Always consistent, Mr Levy energetic set. Steel Pulse energized the stage lived up to his reputation and Saturday started in the early with all of their hits. They were had the crowd singing along surely a crowd favorite. with him, knowing every word. afternoon with the Cables, a The 4500 fans present on the Jamaican foundation group My Sunday started off with Reggae Summer Fest 2011 (France)

Check the portraits from artists that played at the French festival. The fourth edition of Summer Reggae Fest took place near Saint Malo in France on July 8th and 9th, 2011. The festival, powered by Legal Shot sound system, invited some Jamai- can and UK veterans (Johnny Clarke, Michael Prophet, Jimmy Cliff, Horace Andy, Aswad and Martin Campbell) as well as up- coming artists (Ziggi Recado, Alborosie and Diana Ruther- ford) to perform in Brittany. Like previous years, the audi- ence could go from the sound system corner to the “Live stage”. A very exciting part of this 2 day festival was probably the soundsytem area. Indeed here, singers and deejays such as Johnny Clarke, Echo Minott, Al Campbell, Shinehead and Martin Campbell could show their skills alongside new com- ers like female singjay Soom T and French Pupa Jim (of Stand High Sound). They mashed up the versions on David Rodigan, OBF, Channel One (UK) and Le- gal Shot selections. Check these portraits from photographer Christian Bor- dey. He photographed most of the artists that played at the festival alongside some back- ground pictures. Report and photos by Christian Bordey Öland Roots 2011 (Sweden)

Cool and casual at Dutch Herb-A-Lize It. minutes. But the sound difficul- he performed all of his Curtis – their fifth act during the fes- Öland Roots festival. ties made her show 15 minutes Lynch produced tunes. Mr. Wil- tival which makes them some- Several Swedish acts shorter. Despite the troubles liamz has attended dancehall thing of a house band at Öland Öland Roots is Sweden’s cozi- on Friday she made a wicked perfor- school, which was very obvi- Roots – and two background est festival and has grown a lot On Friday it rained during mance and owned the stage ous during the set. During the singers. He performed nine in recent years – from being a the day, but that didn’t stop from start to finish. She has last 30 minutes Mr. Lynch jug- songs in a row before saying fairly small festival with mainly the attendees from partying an authority few come close gled some of his own material. something to the crowd. Then Swedish acts to a well organ- and dancing to mainly Swed- to and a treasure chest full of he was at it again. His songs of ized event with two stages with mind-blowing tunes. Etana has one of the sweetest freedom and justice were per- ish bands and artists, such voices in contemporary reggae several foreign artists, this as Stures Dansorkester and formed in a hard tempo and he year boosting Junior Kelly, Et- Great performances from music and she performed an often only did two minutes of Glesbygd’n. The crowd was start to finish on Saturday impressive string of hits during ana and Queen Omega among also treated rising dancehall each tune. A great finish to a many more. This was the elev- her one hour show. She set the mighty fine festival. star T’Nez as well as Queen Saturday started off in fine mood with Jah Chariot from her enth festival and it was sold Omega and Mark Wonder who style, and the sun was shining out for the fifth year in a row. debut album followed by tunes Report by Erik Magni were on a short European tour when Hanouneh performed her such as Mocking Bird, August Photos by Anna Thunander The setting of the festival is and luckily enough dropped by hip-hop/dancehall influenced Town and I’m Not Afraid. She beautiful. The premises are lo- Öland. roots reggae. spiced up her own catalogue cated in the woods just next to T’Nez performed at 8.00 pm, And the strong performances with a vast number of cover the beach on Öland, an island a usually awkward time at a replaced one another. Jah Tur- songs, whereof three from Bob in the southern part of Sweden. festival. Most people are away ban, Joey Fever, Mr. Williamz, Marley. She also did a nice a cappella introduction to Riv- The crowd is a vital mix of eating, drinking and preparing Etana, Million Stylez and Junior ers of Babylon, originally per- young and old people, and for the night. The crowd was Kelly were all in great shape. formed by The Melodians. several have dreadlocks and therefore pretty thin in the be- ginning of the set. But T’Nez Joey Fever took over the small- African inspired clothes. Only er Roots stage in the late after- The vastly talented Million vegetarian and vegan food raw energy and charismatic ap- Stylez took stage at 10.45 pm pearance had people running noon. His Jah Cure styled sing- are served and it’s also a kind ing and UK styled MC:ing was in front of a huge cheering of family vibe, since there are to see him perform a string of crowd. He jumped onto stage up tempo dancehall hits. appreciated by the crowd. His lots of children. The secluded voice seemed a bit tired though to Love We a Deal With. But this area for drinking beer probably Mark Wonder and Queen Ome- since he had been warm-up for version sounded like it was on adds to that. ga had the last slot on Friday Busy Signal in Stockholm and speed. And this was actually for every tune on his set. The This year Öland Roots took night. Due to some sound diffi- Malmö the two nights before. pace was high and the temper- place Friday to Saturday July culties Mark Wonder took stage Therefore the best song parts ature rose when he invited Joey 15-16th. But it had a sneak at a quarter to one, 45 minutes were in deejay style rather than Fever to perform alongside him start on Thursday night when after schedule. His Garnett Silk straight singing. on Young Gunz, and the same All Out Dubstep and Curfew like aesthetics and gospel-in- Mr. Williamz probably had the for Mr. Williamz during Police Steppas played on the beach fused voice swept me off my feet for about 45 minutes. It’s a festival’s hardest slot. Satur- in Helicopter. between 1.00 and 4.00 in the day between 7.45 and 8.45 morning. And those beach par- bit sad though that he was off- Junior Kelly rounded off the key during his last tune. pm. The crowd was very thin, ties also take place on the two which is very unfortunate. festival. And what a concert other nights. This year with Queen Omega took stage af- Mr.Williamz – backed by UK- this tall rastaman from Span- Sweden’s Safari Sound, Million ter Mark Wonder and was also producer Curtis Lynch – made ish Town did. He was backed Vibes and Ashman as well as supposed to perform for 45 a solid 30 minute set where by The Roots Harmonics Band Junior Murvin and Willie Williams live The Itals and Kenyatta Hill in Norfolk in London Two voices, two AT&T Reggae Sol- bands, one great stice Rocked Towne evening. Point Park. Two weeks after Little John and The AT&T Reggae Solstice pro- Josey Wales took Brixton back duced by Festevents, a non- to the eighties in tribute to Sug- profit organization, took place ar Minott, the late seventies in Norfolk, Virginia on Satur- were in style at the Hootanan- day July 9, 2011. The event was ny once again. On an unusually a peaceful, positive celebra- hot summer night two veteran tion with a waterfront back singers, each of whose big- drop on a weather perfect day. gest hits were covered by punk Kenyatta Hill opened the night group the Clash, demonstrated with a voice resembling that of a still scorching mutual abil- his late father. Kenyatta has ity to entertain. Introduced as stepped in to complete many of “a legend of Studio 1” by pro- his father’s songs and has now moter Cecil Reuben, the St Ann made a name for himself in the parish-born Willie Williams an- industry as a talented and like- swered in kind. Attired in white, able artist. he sang on a series of rhythms launched by the label: Rock- The celebration continued forth Rock (The Unification), was followed by Junior Murvin, the people went wild. On re- with the legendary Itals, who Heavenless (Music Maker) and dressed in a red, yellow and turning to the spotlight to sing throughout the decades have of course, Real Rock (Armagide- blue dashiki, who cut a less ac- Police and Thieves, the anthem given us quality, well-loved on Time). To the drum and bass tive yet equally riveting figure of the troubled 1976 Notting Hill music like Herbs Pirate, Smile of the Hootananny’s own Artist on stage. Starting with one of Carnival, the message was not Knotty Dread, In A Dis Ya Time, is loved by many and comes band, he brought his knees up his greatest Lee Perry record- lost after 35 years, with crime Let Dem Talk and Rasta Philos- with a message of love, one- to his chest for tough steppers ings, Roots Train Number One, and police brutality still in evi- ophy. 2011 marked the reunion ness and peace. Clearly, we all fare like Messenger Man and he caused the venue to erupt dence. He was ably backed by of the original three Itals, Keith need more of that! at the first sound of his fal- Desmond Dekker’s 007 Band. Porter, Ronnie Davis and Lloyd Home Sweet Home. All that In the words of the late, great setto voice. But as well as hits PA support came from the UK’s Ricketts (RIP), for their first was missing was his self-pro- Joseph Hill “I’m not afraid to like Badman Posse (for Mikey Bunny Melody who braved the tour in over 15 years. With big duced classic Unity, originally hold Jah, not in any crowd”. released on the In Land label. Dread) and Cool Out Son (for heat in leather trousers. As well smiles and tight harmonies, But having attended Haile Se- Joe Gibbs) he also shared his as new single Just Go, he gave their energy and vibes seemed Report and photo by Cree lassie’s birthday celebrations passion for American crooners an impressive rendition of Cliff to radiate throughout the crowd the night before he had this Ben E King and Nat King Cole, Richard’s Miss You Nights - as at the park. This iconic trio unity message for the audi- whose lower registers he was reworked by Lloyd Brown on grooved and satisfied the well ence “You can’t love the Crea- perfectly able to imitate. It is his last album ‘Cornerstone’. diverse fan base, who chanted tor unless you love the person his unblemished falsetto, how- the songs along with the Itals. ever, that found him fame and Report by Angus Taylor Good, conscious reggae music in front of you” delivered in Photos by Theresa Emmanuel his trademark cool drawl. He when he held the long notes Dour Festival 2011 (Belgium) Garance Reggae Festival 2011 (France) Check out the photos of the 23rd edition of “We wanted to pay Stitt, Prince Jazzbo, Dillinger, gae concerts in Paris. I saw the the Dour Festival. tribute to original Willi Williams, Dawn Penn, Jim audience mix up progressively. reggae, conscious Brown and also Alpheus, last Nowadays, youths of 17 years Sun, rain, mud and storm, eve- reggae and to this signing of Clement “Coxsone” know the roots music I listened ry kind of weather you were generation of artists Dodd, in the late 90’s. to 30 years ago !”. faced with while the Dour Fes- who created it” tival. And like the weather the But roots doesnt necessarily Regardless, this music is ig- music was also multisided. In Burning Spear, Horace Andy, mean old. The new generation nored by big labels and media. 4 days over 200 bands were Johnny Clarke, Max Romeo, was also present at Bagnols- The reason? a lot of clichés as- playing on 7 stages on one of Ken Boothe, Twinkle Brothers, sur-Cèze with artists such as sociated with reggae. “In first Europe’s biggest festivals. It Third World… From July 27th to Gyptian, Queen Ifrica, Protoje, position, the cliché of weed. took place in Dour, Belgium 30th, reggae veterans gathered Midnite, Junior Kelly and Lutan People prefer reduce the thing near the French boarder from at Bagnols-sur-Cèze, France, Fyah. There was also the “Dub and only see Rastas smoking July 14th to 17th. for the 20th edition of Garance Station Corner”, dedicated spliffs and being stoned… We Reggae Festival. On the menu to UK dub and fat bass fans. never talk about the real thing : This year a lot of reggae artists : “strictly reggae” and, most of Powered by the two heaviest a militant music, politically and came to present their music to all, “strictly roots”. French soundsystems, Black- socially engaged”. the audience. Johnny Clarke, board Jungle and OBF, it fea- Horace Andy, Israel Vibration “It’s the heart of this music”, tured Jah Shaka – UK scene icon 48.000 people came to Ga- and Anthony B were on stage says Jérome Levasseur, local – and King Jammy – renowned rance Reggae Festival this year. as well-known reggae greats. coordinator of the festival. “We producer who launched digital It’s enough to be sanguine for Groundation even played two wanted to pay tribute to origi- reggae with his famous Sleng the future, according to Jérome times, one time with their “Trib- nal reggae, conscious reggae. Teng in 1985 – that made the Levasseur. “In the 80’s, no ute to Bob Marley” show and And to this generation of art- audience vibrate with their se- French reggae group could play one time with their own songs. ists who created it”. On open- rious selections. French artists Reggae. Several variety singers They fascinated the festival- ing night, Burning Spear gave a and dancehall artists were ab- tried, but it sounded bad. Only goers and after 10 minutes of powerful concert lasting more sent from the Festival (except Serge Gainsbourg succeeded uninterrupted exultations they than 2 hours. Also on the bill one French band, Danakil). because he worked with Sly & came back on stage. was Studio One Revue, a trib- “It’s only the second edition in Robbie. Since the early 90’s, ute to the mythical label of the Bagnols. We wanted to strike bands began playing reggae Some upcoming reggae sing- 60’s and 70’s. “We thought to hard. The heart of our artistic rhythms and developed them. ers such as Alborosie, Duane build this Studio One Revue choice, it’s the Jamaican reg- Hundreds of groups and sound Stephenson, Tarrus Riley with from long time. We did it thanks gae. It’s the reason why French systems exist today in France. Dean Fraser and Busy Signal to Fatta of French Soul Ste- people come to the festival”. Today Jamaican artists appreci- also performed in front of an reo sound system who works Indeed, the French are well- ate working with some French elated crowd. with artists like Lone Ranger known even in Kingston to be backing bands like Dub Akom (that backed Protoje, Pressure, Check out the photos of the and Carlton Livingston for sev- serious roots reggae conais- Lutan Fyah and Gyptian on July 23rd edition of the Dour Festi- eral years”. The festival-goers, seurs. “The movement grew up 30th) or No More Babylon who val! most of them not born during year after year. At the begin- the golden age of Studio One ning of the 80’s, there was only play with Ken Boothe”. Report by Viktoria Spratter – discovered some of the dee- 1% of White people and 99% of Report by Maral Amiri Photos by Michael Grein jays and singers that contribut- Africans or West Indians in reg- Photos by Jennyfer Papin ed to the label’s success: King

Reggae Sumfest 2011 (Jamaica)

Check out these pho- tos of Reggae Sum- fest with Gyptian, Cocoa Tea, Beres Hammond, Movado, Vybz Kartel and many more. The 19th staging of the great- est reggae show on earth turned out to be more success- ful than ever. Reggae Sumfest 2011 kicked into high gear with dancehall night on Thursday, July 20 with several current top DJ’s playg to a packed venue. Every artiste put their best foot forward but Cecile, Khago, Kip Rich, Konshens, Bounty Killer and Movado especially thrilled the crowd. Spice with her unique fashion style and col- laboration with US singer Maya also deserve special mention as did I-Octane who a big hit and masterfully kept his audi- ence on a high. The DJ of the moment, Vybz Kartel, closed the show however the build- up did not live up to the crowd expectation. Despite the late cancellation by R Kelly on Inter- national Night 1, the show went honoured by the organizers for could accompany her lyric by extremely well. Reggae greats his 35 years in the reggae mu- lyric. Other artistes who made Cocoa Tea and Bunny Wailer sic industry and his contribu- the festival a truly memorable were called in as last minute re- tion to Reggae Sumfest. Inter- one were Wayne Wonder, Jah placements for the R & B sing- national Night 2 was headlined Cure and Gyptian. The dynamic er. In the end they turned into by US Rapper Nicky Menaj who reggae band Chalice brought a splendid performance. Tanya performed to a jam-packed down the curtains to Reggae Stephens delivered her usual crowd. Apart from her perfor- Sumfest 2011. witty lyrics and singer extraor- mance being short, she was dinaire Beres Hammond was well received by the crowd who Report and photos by Steve James

Uppsala Reggae Festival 2011 (Sweden) classics such as Heads High who takes us for a musical jour- and Hot Gal Today. He is hugely ney back to the 90’s and then popular among the ladies, and onwards to the present. Tunes A musical feast at nados and people who happen tunately his microphone was when he took off his shirt the such as Jah is by My Side, Fresh Uppsala Reggae to live in Uppsala or just like set a little low and his singing screaming was almost deafen- Vegetable and Pretenders Par- Festival. festivals and great music. was also a bit off-key at times. ing. Mr. Vegas charisma and adise get the crowd cheering But he did justice for strong energy on stage is so intense and singing along, even though The biggest reggae festival in But the majority of the crowd tunes such as Ghetto Life, Be probably comes with one or that Germany could easily re- the sound quality could have the Nordics took place in Upp- Free and Love and Affection. place their nuclear plants and been better. The Garnett Silk sala – an hour north of Stock- more artists mind. Several where therefore vastly disap- Legendary vocal trio – nowa- use him as a power source. tribute Splashing Dashing is holm – on August 4-6. The also somewhat disappointing. eleventh consecutive festival pointed when Toots Hibbert days duo – The Heptones Saturday: Highly impressive had to cancel his show in the rounded off the evening with It’s a great song, don’t get me had more domestic artists than from Queen Ifrica wrong, but I would have pre- ever, but also boasted huge in- last minute due to a missed a 75 minute set that consisted flight in London. Yared Tekeste, of so many classic tunes that I Saturday is at first all about vet- ferred the actual Garnett Silk ternational acts such as Gyp- duet Christian Soldiers. tian, Mr. Vegas and The Hep- founder of Uppsala Reggae lost count. erans. At least it seemed like tones. Festival, was immensely disap- -ence a musical feast. Full of it. Ken Boothe, aka Mr. Rock- Many of the female part of the pointed since he had been try- Leroy Sibbles took bass du- steady, had the main stage for ties for a few riddims and did his most well-known hits from audience had been longing for In 2010 Uppsala Reggae Festi- ing to get Toots Hibbert to the the 70’s. His band played the one hour early in the evening. Gyptian. However, he seemed val celebrated its tenth anniver- festival for years. a hefty version of The Drifter. His gritty singing still sounds It’s impressive that he still has festival’s deepest bass lines, unfocused for a long part of the sary and had a best of the best so loud and deep they forced like it did in the 60’s and 70’s. Thursday: Leroy Sibbles en- such a great voice, and when show and he also invited Nitty line up. This year the festival’s me to pick up my ear plugs. At least for the majority of the joyed the stage he danced off stage it seemed Kutchie on stage for a substan- management had followed the show. When he did his classic tial portion of his one hour set. like he wanted to return for an- Johnny Clarke has a remark- same path as the years before The festival started out in fine Freedom Street, he didn’t man- Even if Gyptian seemed to be other set of songs. able strong voice and a set of – some of the biggest Jamaican style with Romain Virgo on ear- age to reach the high notes. But somewhere else during part of songs that would make other dancehall and roots artists, ly Thursday evening. He was Friday: Mr. Vegas is the ulti- his set was nonetheless solid. the concert, he had the area in artists envious. He did classic both newcomers and veterans. backed by a DJ, and showed the mate energy source front of the stage boiling when flying cymbals tunes such as According to the concert sched- crowd that it doesn’t take much he did his monster hit Hold This year also had a separate Norris Man was the first out None Shall Escape the Judg- ule Tony Rebel would have scene for dance, called Dance- more than an angel’s voice and been up next. But some famil- Yuh. Donovan Germain produced on the second day of the festi- ment and Enter into His Gates 4Life, where there were work- val. He was backed by Kapten with Praise. The only question iar Queen Ifrica tones reached Elephant Man, the energy God, shops and dance shows. The songs to make a solid perfor- my ears. It must have been mance. Röd’s band, and the crowd was is – why did the bass player rounded off the festival with an management described it as “a rather thin. Probably because hide behind the amplifier for confusing to many as she and bouncy performance where he, giant step into the new decade Three other youngsters took it was early in the day. most of the show? Tony Rebel switched times in just as Mr. Vegas, had dancers with a focus on street dance, stage just after. Protoje, the playing schedule without on stage. dance performances and dance backed by his cousin and mas- Kapten Röd took stage after- The two last acts on Friday – the festival making us aware of parties.” And it was obviously ter producer Don Corleon, did a wards. He is one of the big- since Toots Hibbert cancelled – it in advance. Report by Erik Magni a good idea since the younger mature set with a nice surprise gest Swedish reggae artists were in the contemporary vein. Photos by Anna Thunander audience showed up in the tent and managed to attract a huge Queen Ifrica is such a talented – Don Corleon took the micro- Richie Spice seemed distant to learn new steps and styles. crowd that sang along to his artist. She can sing, and then phone and sang the hook to for the first part of his set, but suddenly switch to deejay the unreleased tune Our Time political lyrics full of social Each year between 15,000 and commentaries. managed to pick it up in future mode where she sounds like 20,000 people attend the festi- Come. A wicked song with a sing a long classic Yap Yap. a more furious Buju Banton or val. And it’s no surprise that so hip-hop type of beat. After his more than one-hour Bounty Killer. Highly impres- Mr. Vegas did the festival’s many people show up. It’s easy performance, the crowd was sive. Don Corleon and Protoje are best performance. His hour to reach, it’s clean, it’s safe and waiting for roots veteran John- touring with Pressure. He took long set included dancehall She is followed by Tony Rebel, has a mix of both reggae aficio- stage just after Protoje. Unfor- ny Clarke. He treated the audi-

Marcia Griffiths in Los Angeles

Marcia Griffiths per- that she is. formed at The Dub Marcia blazed onstage in a Club, The Echoplex colorful, red, gold and green in Los Angles, Cali- dress to the song Childish fornia on August 10, Games, from her 1997 CD, Land 2011. of Love. She has a vast reper- Marcia Griffiths is undoubtedly toire to draw on for her perfor- the “Queen of Reggae”. Her il- mances and she gave us a taste lustrious career has spanned of her history. This woman can more than four decades with dance, too! Another favorite of many massive hits to her cred- mine that she performed was it. Working with the famed Cox- Fire Burning, from her ‘Indomi- sone Dodd in the mid-sixties, table’ CD. I was able to retrieve Marcia started her brilliant a set list at the end of the night career, first working as a solo from the bass player (thanks artist, then teaming up for du- bassie), so you can peruse the ets with Bob Andy in “Bob and list to see how many wonderful Marcia”, which spanned 1970- hits that she performed. Marcia 1974. In 1974 Marcia formed paid homage to the late Des- the “I-Threes”, the magnificent mond Dekker when she sang backing singers for “Bob Mar- the song Israelites, and closed ley and the Wailers”, where she the main portion of her set with performed until Bob Marley’s Bob Marley’s Buffalo Soldier untimely passing in 1981. Mar- and Could You Be Loved. Of cia sparked a dance craze in course, she was brought back 1989 with The Electric Boogie for an encore by the incredibly having the dance The Electric enthusiastic crowd. Her encore Slide, which is a line dance, was Dreamland and then she sweep the US. This is just a brought down the house with little history of this wonderful her smash hit Electric Boogie; singer who played to a packed during which she brought peo- audience at the Dub Club in Los ple onstage with her to per- Angeles, California. form the Electric Slide. Marcia kept us rocking throughout the Anticipation was in the air for night! I loved this show and this more than an hour perfor- was impressed with Marcia’s mance. We were treated, about consistent high energy. You two weeks prior to this night, to go girl! Thanks for a wonderful a performance of the I-Three’s and inspiring night! at the Hollywood Bowl. Now was Marcia’s moment to shine Report and photos as the incredible solo artist by Jan Salzman Reggae On The River 2011 (USA)

The festival took and ready for the dynamic place in California on performance of Gramps Mor- the 16th & 17th July. gan and Ky-Mani Marley who brought down the house Satur- Tucked far away amongst the day night. The collaboration of redwood trees, on a bend in the the two members of the great- Eel River, Reggae on the River est reggae families, the Mar- celebrated its 27th festival in leys and the Morgans, exceed- a memorable fashion. Boast- ed all expectations and kept ing two days of solid reggae the audience dancing late into music, Humboldt County’s only the night, chanting for more. reggae festival paid tribute to Gramps’ soulful lyrics and reg- reggae’s roots in Jamaica, Af- gae roots mixed with Ky-Mani’s rica, South America, and more. hip hop beats and tribute to his This year, with unforgettable father were the perfect end- performances from Rootz Un- ing to a spectacular day on the derground, Seun Kuti, Human river. Rights, Gondwana, J Boog, Edi Fitzroy, Queen Ifrica and Tony A plethora of food and bever- Rebel, and the kickoff collabo- ages was available to satisfy ration tour of Ky-Mani Marley all vegan, vegetarian and car- and Gramps Morgan, the festi- nivore needs, from the ever- val lived up to the hype it has popular Jamaican Jerk chicken maintained since the 90s. to traditional Greek gyros and the local fire station’s ice cream With a variety of performers stand. Unique vendors pro- on two different stages (a new vided the newest and greatest edition to this year’s festival), fashion, including feather hair Reggae on the River provided extensions, exotic clothing, hippies, businessmen, and jewelry, and wooden furniture. doctors alike with a greater ap- preciation for music. From Edi On Monday we drove south Fitzroy jumping off the stage through the magnificent, mys- and performing in the midst of terious redwood forest, still the crowd, to J Boog’s blend of basking in Reggae’s positive reggae, r&b, hip hop, and Poly- vibes. Feeling inspired and nesian soul, to Gondwana’s alive, we started planning for representation of Spanish reg- ROTR 2012. gae from Chile, to Rootz Under- Report by Alexis Anne ground’s overly-packed perfor- Photos by Lee Abel mance on the small stage, all music lovers were content. This year’s crowd was pumped Stephen Marley and Toots and The Maytals in Paris The artists played in Stephen also delivered a med- can not complain. Reggae Paris on August 16th ley of his raggamuffin tracks, to close the summer Traffic Jam and Mission but Report and photos Sun season of “La Place hese songs were definitely by Franck Blanquin Ska du Glazart”. lacking the presence of Damian 2011 Marley. It was a beautiful summer (France) evening at “La Plage du Gla- The set was cut short, barely zart” where they choose reg- a half an hour. After his final Check the portraits gae music for the last concert tune he cursed “Bumbaclot” from some of the art- before closing the doors until as if he wasn’t ready to end his ists that played at next summer. performance. the French festival. A large audience awaited for It was a short concert, but of The 14th edition of Reggae the doors to open to see Ste- great quality even if we would Sun Ska took place in Pauillac phen Marley, the prodigal son, have preferred that he played in South West France from Au- presenting his second album more of his own repertoire than gust 5th to 7th, 2011. The fes- released in June, ‘Revelation, those of his father. tival featured artists such as Part 1, The Root of Life.’ Toots Etana, Luciano, Takana Zion, After a long intermission, it Stephen Marley, Admiral T, The and the Maytals, a veteran of seemed they were trying to the reggae scene was also on Heptones, Big Youth, Professor get the sound right, Toots ap- and many more. the promising bill. peared on stage. His daughter Everyone was not inside when Leba opened the show with In three years the festival has Stephen Marley opened the one of her original tunes. changed location three times - due to high demand, thanks show. He started with a song Toots entered, as always smil- from his father Punky Reggae to the quality of their music se- ing and dynamic. He began lection. This year Reggae Sun Party with a bluffing mimicry his set with Pressure Drop and and the audience reacted with Ska took place over a period continued singing his hits from of three days, and took place much excitement. He contin- his extensive career such as ued with Chase Them from on three stages, two with live Louie Louie, What a Bam Bam, bands and one focused on his first album and then some and 54-46 was my Number. from his new one: No Cigarette sound systems. Smoking (in my Room), Selas- It was a beautiful evening and There was also an off site festi- sie is the Chapel and Break Us we had the pleasure of enjoy- val, which was set up along the Apart. The audience enjoyed ing a live concert. If only Ste- estuary of the Gironde. There the live set and the energy was phen Marley’s set was a little you could watch the movie ‘The electric. longer and less time between First Rasta’ by Helene Lee, and his set and Toots, the evening also discussions by Bob Mar- The set list covered a wide would have been perfect. variety of his father’s tunes, ley archivist Roger Steffens. It was a good time that Mediac- maybe a little too much for my Report by Christian Bordey om and the Glazart has prom- taste. They included Three Lit- Photos by Christian Bordey ised, and in times of shortage tle Birds, Could you be Loved, and Agata Wolanska and Buffalo Soldier. of reggae concerts in Paris we Barrington Levy in Paris Takana Zion in Paris

Takana Zion played at New Morning, Paris on May 10th. Here are the photos from the Barrington Levy is actually in Europe and he played in Paris at Cabaret Sauvage on June show. 28th. He was backed by French Roses Band. Support was provided by Kenyon and Alerta Photos by Frank Blanquin Kamarada, warm up by Soul Stereo Sound System. Photos by Franck Blanquin Amsterdam Reggae Festival 2011

On Sunday July 31st the Amsterdam Reggae Festival holded its first outdoor edition at the NDSM Werf in Amsterdam. Gentleman, Midnite, Junior Kelly, The Skatalites, Ken Boothe, Romain Virgo, Third World, Lutan Fyah and Ziggi Recado performed on the main stage. Photos by Paco Van Leeuwen Ziggy Marley in Paris Gregory Isaacs 61th Earth Day

Ziggy Marley is on European tour to promote his new album ‘Wild and Free’. On July 4th, he On July 15th, family, friends and members of the music fraternity celebrated the 61th played in Paris at La Cigale. Ziggy sang tunes from his new album such as Personal Revolu- birthday of the Cool Ruler, Gregory Isaacs. The day started with a ceremony being of- tion, Reggae in My Head, Forward to Love ... He also played his repertoire of classics like Love ficiated by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church at the Dovecot memorial cemetery. A series is my Religion, Justice, Tomorrow People. Of course, he performed songs from his father, of drumming and chanting led by Bongo Herman and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church fol- the legendary Bob Marley (Stir it up, Pimpers Paradise, Lively up Yourself ...). At the encore, lowed. The event also included the laying of a new headstone at the tomb of the late there was a special guest, the female singer Yael Naim who sang a duet with Ziggy on Is This singer. The celebration continued at the singer’s residence in Kingston where close Love. A concert that lived up to our expectations… The Rastaman vibration is positive !!!! friends continued to remember the life and music of one of Jamaica’s greatest entertain- Report and photos by Emmanuel Parata ers. The Gregory Isaacs Foundation which was recently launched is assisting the Walk- ers Place of Safety which caters to children that are homeless and mentally challenged. Report and photos by Steve James MAGAZINE

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