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DEC 2015 #02.12

T R A X ROOTS / ROCK / / RESPECT

featuring SHUGA

ZORO ARMY NAFFI-I JOJO MAC TREASURE DADA YUTE B.B. SEATON CALIAH MAR EAZY WAYNE NKULEE DUBE IRIEMAG.COM IRIEMAG.COM ISSUE #02.12 / DECEMBER 2015

“ If you haven’t confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life. With confidence, you have won even before you have started.” -

Nicholas ‘Nico’ Da Silva Founder/Publisher & Editor in Chief

IRIEMAG.COM MERCH. The Official ‘Rockers’ Tee from Irie Magazine Available in T-Shirts & Hoodies for Men/Women Two styles to choose from: or Ethiopia IRIEMAG.COM Shuga Nkulee Dube B.B. Seaton JoJo Mac Jamaica South Africa Jamaica Jamaica

Army Naffi-I Dennis Alcapone Treasure Virgin Islands Jamaica Jamaica

Caliah Mar Dada Yute Zoro Eazy Wayne Colombia Brasil South Africa Jamaica JAM SHUGA

IRIEMAG.COM REGGAE SHUGA

Photo Credits: Nickii Kane & Lauren Watkis FOLLOW Misty Campbell is a Jamaican international recording artist and winner of the competitive national Shuga TV program, Jamaica Digicel Rising Stars (J.D.R.S - 2009). Best known as ‘Shuga’, the artist adapted her moniker depicting the sweet sugary sound of her vocal ability. Embodying the spirit of a rebel with positive messages, Shuga’s mission is to create for her fans that is reflective and relatable to real life situations. With her vast talent for and songwriting, she continues to grow as an Featured Single artist and perform amongst the most sought after reggae artists in the world.

Shuga began her professional career as ‘Brown Shuga’ in 2005 while touring with reggae artist, . Her talent provided a path for her to experience singing in front of multitudes of people all over Europe, the Caribbean, and North America. Her gift of connects her with a passion for music, which she attentively pursues with all of her heart. In making the decision to follow her destiny as a solo artist, she has fully personified the complete journey, performing from intimate to large scale audiences and being invited to appear as a celebrity guest at various events. In 2011, her diligence led her to Penthouse Records where she met Germain. Dropping ‘Brown’ from her In Deh name, she became simply ‘Shuga’, and has since been represented under the prestigious Penthouse March 03, 2015 Music Label.

The music of this sultry songbird has been known to rock the airwaves, and crowds, both ‘yaad’ and abroad. Her discography includes hits such as ‘Complicated Love’, ‘9.58’, ‘Give my soul to Jah’, ‘Ride di ’, ‘Ebony’ (2014 Black History Month tribute), ‘In Deh’, ‘I Threes Medley’, ‘Seal up again’, ‘Crime Scene (Johnny Dead)’ and ‘Banana’. Over the years she has worked alongside renowned producers and ; , Boot Camp Records, Computer Paul Henton, , Jah Snowcone, Riff Raff, Silly Walks Discotheque, and Scrucialists. IRIEMAG.COM With her vast talent and enthusiasm to entertain, Shuga has graced main stages at many international festivals. Her pres- ence made known, she has performed at the infamous (Jamiaca), FOLLOW Shuga Tribute to Bob (European Tour), Reggae Festival (Curacao), Reggae Jam (Germany), Reeds Festival (Switzerland), Casalabate (), Yaam (Berlin), (Belgium), Level the Featured Vibes (Germany) and Rototom Sunsplash (Spain) to name a few.

As she finalizes her highly anticipated EP, Shuga’s fans can expect a delivery of quality music and soulful performances every time she touches the stage.

Shuga January 01, 2013

IRIEMAG.COM ZAF NKULEE DUBE

IRIEMAG.COM REGGAE NKULEE DUBE

No female artist has managed to fuse ethno-soul, with in one song as this 29-year old FOLLOW singersongwriter, as Nkulee Dube has done in such a short space of time since entering this Nkulee Dube challenging and yet exciting industry.

Born to the family a music legend, Nkulee Dube has big shoes to fill to preserve and sustain the name of her late father, Lucky Dube. Nkulee, whose music can be classified as ‘ethno-ragga’ fused with soul Featured Single and jazz, is no stranger to the performance circuit and the ; she was a backing singer and dancer for the late Lebo Mathosa and later Ntando Bangani.

She glides and slides with ease in between her as she traverses between ragga and ethno-soul as if she was born on stage. As a guest artist and backing vocalist, Nkulee has been part of her late father’s performing and Nkulee has performed at major festivals in , Holland, Papua New Guinea, French Guyana, Suriname, the South Pacific, Australasia, Africa, the USA, and across all of Europe.

Luv The Way Nkulee was awarded the prestigious ‘Most Promising New Entertainer’ award at the International May 26, 2015 World Reggae Music Awards show after being nominated in seven categories and was also nominated in a number of categories at additional award events. Nkulee Dube was requested to become the ‘Goodwill Ambassador’ for the African Youth Leadership Council. Also she was nominated in South WEBSITE Africa at the South African Music Awards for “Best Produced Album” and the also at the Metro FM reverbnation.com/nkuleedube Awards show.

A powerful performer, just like her father, Nkulee has shared the stage with the Jamaican reggae/ ragga artists , Turbulence, Tosh Meets Marley Warrior King, and others in countries such as the IRIEMAG.COM USA, Europe, South Africa, the South Pacific, Namibia, the Gambia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya.

She is one to watch and could easily fill the shoes of the greatest South African FOLLOW performers, such as Brenda Fassie, Lebo Nkulee Dube Mathosa and of course her beloved dad Lucky Dube.

Most importantly, Nkulee is a blessed Featured Album artist in her own right with her own style and has many miles to travel…

Nkulee is currently recording her new album entitled ‘The Journey’ which will be released shortly, and Nkulee’s debut solo album ‘My Way’ rose worldwide outside of South Africa to critical acclaim. My Way 2011

WEBSITE reverbnation.com/nkuleedube

IRIEMAG.COM JAM B.B. SEATON

IRIEMAG.COM REGGAE B.B. SEATON

B.B Seaton christened Harris Lloyd Seaton, born September 3rd under the star sign Virgo, is a rare FOLLOW combination of talent. A singer with a soulful voice, a qualified , producer and one of the B.B. Seaton most prolific song writers in the history of Jamaican music.

B.B started singing and writing songs from his high school days, and grew up listening to groups like The Platters, The Drifters, The Temptations and Tops to name but a few. Featured Album

He had his first big hit in Jamaica when teaming up with and Maurice Roberts to form ‘’. They recorded the hit single ‘Lady with the red Dress’ on Clement Dodd’s Studio One label in 1967. A series of hits like ‘You Should Never Do That’, ‘No Good Girl’, ‘Chipmunk ’, ‘Stop Making Love Beside Me’, ‘Love Me With All Your Heart’, ‘Red Rose’, ‘You’ll Never Leave Him’, ‘Africa’ followed including two ‘Soul Beat’ and ‘Gaylads Sing Folks’.

At Wirl Records they gave us tracks like ‘Joy In The Morning’ and ‘She Want It’. At Tip Top Records, ‘Hard To Confess’, ‘Over The Rainbows End’, ‘I Need Your Loving’, ‘ABC ’ and at Beverley’s Peace & Love Records, ‘My Jamaican Girl’, ‘There’s A Fire’, ‘Soul Sister’, ‘Fire & Rain’, ‘We Three Kings’. October 09, 2015

Going Solo... After ten years of working with companies in Jamaica like Studio One, Tip Top Records, Beverley’s WEBSITE Records and Treasure Isle Records as either A & R, Producer, Writer, Musician and Backing Vocalist, soulbeatrecords.com B.B. decided to go solo.

In 1972 he recorded his first solo single Accept‘ My Apology’ which was an instant hit and there was no turning back from then on. His version of Bill Withers ‘Lean On Me’, ‘Persuaders’, ‘Thin Line Between IRIEMAG.COM Love & Hate’, ‘Rainbow Love’, ‘One Thing Leads To Another’, ‘God Bless Our Love’, ‘Can’t Hide The Feeling’, ‘Sweet Caroline’, ‘All The Best’, ‘Miss My Schooldays’ and ‘My Jamaican Girl’, ‘Everyday People’, ‘Born Free’, were also hits.

B.B has also written songs for top Jamaican and English artists like , , Joy White, Merlyn Brooks, Jennifer Laura, Mike Brooks, , , The Chosen Few, FOLLOW B.B. Seaton Home T 4, Freddie Mc Gregor, , UB40, Beats International, Jimmy , , The Uniques, Saint & Campbell, Busty Brown, , Judy Boucher, The Inner Circle, , Denzil Dennis, AJ Franklyn , and .

As A & R at Studio One, Tip Top Records and Beverley’s Records, he auditioned and passed artists like , The Melodians, Kingstonians, (as The Termites), Fredlocks (as the ), Dudley Sibbles and introduced to Coxsone at Studio One. He served as executive member and Vice President for the Jamaica Federation of Musicians, he received the El Suzie award as best song writer and the Jamaican Cultural Development award, in 1981 - 1982 for pioneering Jamaican music as a singer and . In 1997 he received the MKB – Desnoes & Geddes award for his 38 years of invaluable contribution to the development and growth of Jamaican music since 1959, he received the IRWMA (International Reggae & Award) Hall of Fame / Lifetime Award in 2007, he received the Reggae Heritage Award in 2008. ...from the gallery with the Astronauts on guitar with in London 1976 working in Treasure Isle studio with and Willie Lindo, 1976 on stage with the reunited Gaylads.

Now... BB is now releasing some of his vintage productions on his Soul Beat in London, whilst WEBSITE his son Richard is releasing Hip-Hop music on the Soul Beat Record label USA. soulbeatrecords.com

His ambition is to write a song that the whole world will sing..

IRIEMAG.COM JAM JOJO MAC

IRIEMAG.COM REGGAE JOJO MAC

JoJo Mac, beautiful and talented singer and songwriter, adds to the copious Talents, which hail from the parish of Clarendon in Jamaica West Indies. She has lived in the (U.S.) for most of FOLLOW JoJo Mac her life, and can tackle any ; however, she will admit that she has never strayed from her reggae roots. In 2002, JoJo met the late Sir Clement ‘Coxone’ Dodd, who was so impressed by her creativity and style that he recorded a song with her the very first day they met by way of intro- duction by Reggae veteran Ernest Wilson. She recorded 22 songs of which she wrote 20 in an eight Featured Single month period. Two singles, ‘Good Girl Go Bad’ an original, and a cover ‘Victim’ originally done by Candi Staton, were released during the making of the impending album. Unfortunately, the album was never released due to Coxone’s passing.

Determined to not let a setback keep her from pursuing her career in the music industry, back in the U.S., JoJo continued her pursuit by singing in nightclubs and opening for major acts in the reggae industry, capturing the attention of every audience she encounters leaving them gratified. JoJo has the tenacity to display versatility on any genre of grooves and has a knack for being one with the beat. As a performer she is electricity personified and has a commanding way about her with Dread Out Deh an “in your face” delivery of her songs and songs from other artists. She never ceases to mesmerize April 17, 2015 her audience, small or large, garnering their full attention. JoJo Mac has shared stage with the likes of , , Marcia Griffiths and many more of the top Reggae Acts. She recently shared the stage with Cuba Gooden Sr. of the group Main Ingredient. She was recently the only Reggae act at the Philadelphia Latin Festival, an annual event. WEBSITE jojomacmusic.com

JoJo Mac is a brand and she wears many hats. She was the host of a cable television show, ‘Reggae On The Move’ in Washington DC, while at the same time writing for a Baltimore newspaper ‘Caribbean Connection,’ giving advice to the lovelorn in a weekly column called ‘Issues of the Heart.’ The Philadelphia IRIEMAG.COM resident is currently a news correspondent for several radio stations across the US and the United Kingdom. Her voice has also been used for voice-overs. Despite her many talents and experiences, she would be quick to point out that her first love is singing and performing. She is an avid songwriter who either wrote or co-wrote all of the songs for her Debut Album/CD ‘Superstar’ released digitally in October 2011. FOLLOW The spin-off album titled “Superstar Reloaded” is her newest release. An official video for the track JoJo Mac ‘Forget Him’ was released followed by a video for the track ‘Girls Night Out Weekend ’ along with a couple of hot reggae and tracks with , of which one track takes the number three spot on her most recent album... ‘I’m In Love’ with Chaka Demus went to Number One on the New York Foundation Reggae charts and Number 3 on The South Florida Reggae Chart. She was Featured Single voted Top Female Artist of the Year for 2013 on The New York Foundation Reggae Charts as well. In July 2014 she became the third member of Grammy-winning, group .

In 2015 Pickout Records released a single ‘Dread Out Deh’, originally done by Joy White, which gave JoJo Mac her first real International buzz. In the summer of 2015 she released her first book; a novel titled “Secrets: Mixed up Moods and Deadly Attitudes”.

In 20 14 she recorded a cover of the Joy White Original Dread Out Deh which is currently making Superstar Reloaded trails for the singer and peaked at number two on the New York foundation Reggae Chart. She was August 23, 2012 voted Top Female Artist of The Year for 2015 on that same chart ….but that’s not all there is to JoJo Mac ….In July of 2015 she added another title to her name, ‘Author’, when she published her first book, a fictional novel titled “Secrets: Mixed up Moods and Deadly Attitudes”. JoJo Mac also went on a one month U.S. tour with Black Uhuru in 2015, her first. WEBSITE jojomacmusic.com JoJo Mac is definitely one to watch.

IRIEMAG.COM USA ARMY

IRIEMAG.COM REGGAE ARMY

Army (Fritzmaurice Williams) was born and raised on St. Croix, Virgin Islands. He began his musical FOLLOW journey at the age of five as a member of the youth at the church his family attended. Little did Army he know that he was laying the foundation for what would become a very promising musical career. Determined to explore a variety of styles, he learned to play the saxophone, became a member of a jazz band and sang in various local bands. After relocating to the New York City, completing his education, and serving in the US Army (which is how he got his name), Army returned home and Featured Album became deeply involved in the local reggae scene.

In the early 70’s, Jamaica was bubbling with an incredible amount of untapped musical and vocal talents. That same level of energy, enthusiasm and potential is present today in the Virgin Island of St. Croix. Army is to be counted among the many conscious singers and players of instruments from St. Croix who are worthy of international recognition. of Army first surfaced several years ago on the famously vital (though obscure) compilation “Eastbound”. Soon after, Army contributed several selections to the “Homegrown” . In 2000, Army’s first album -”Yesterday’s

News” - was released on Glamorous Records, with production provided by Dean Pond. In 2002, Dredlocks Time Army linked up with Dub Rise Records who released his second album, “Struggler”, along with a March 30, 2013 re-release of “Yesterday’s News.” 2003 saw Army releasing the single “Calling Jah Army”, a powerful duet with Luciano. In 2004 Army went on to tour the U.S. stopping DC, VA, NC, CO, NM, CA, OR, WA and capping off in the Hawaiian islands repeating this with Igrade Records in 2005. WEBSITE

armyreggae.com With this solid foundation of tunes under his belt, Army embarked on the recording of his highly anticipated third album, “Rasta Awake.” Largely produced by legendary guitarist and multi-instru- mentalist Tuff Lion (of Bambu Station), ”Rasta Awake” is a masterpiece of all-live instrumentation roots reggae. The 13 tracks on the album capture Army at previously unseen creative heights. IRIEMAG.COM His poetic songwriting challenges and connects with the listener in a way that few other are able. Army’s voice - while influenced by such artists as , Dennis Brown and Freddie McGregor - is unique in all of contemporary reggae with its amazing ability to be both deeply sooth- ing and intensely energizing.

Army then relocated to California in 2007 and went on to release yet another album with the leg- FOLLOW endary guitarist Tuff Lion entitled Zion solders chant. Army has since had the good fortune to return Army to the mother land performing shows in Senegal& Gambia along side VI artist Abja and Satta from Vermont. Army has worked alongside many main stream artist like Luciano, Sizzla, , Kimani Marley to name a few, from the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the east coast, middle America and in the West. Army has played on the San Diego fest, the SNWMF, Featured Album , Garborville Ca and at Streamboat Co and keeps adding to his portfolio.

His latest musical rendition Dredlocks, time is his crowning achievements having done production on the album and being it’s executive producer. He is currently working on another album to be released in 2016 and is in collaboration with artist in , and .

With a voice as invigorating and free as the wind, and with word sound utterances that penetrate hearts and minds, Army’s mission is clear. He is firmly committed to using his music as a weapon in Rasta Awake the war for spiritual renewal and justice for all peoples. As Army describes: “I send positive November 28, 2011 universal messages to people through my music, without the commercialism we see so much today… For me the music is a healing. I feel that the music healed me, took me to places where I could have not necessarily have been without it. I also feel that if someone could walk away with some type of healing, (that) they could be touched in some kind of way, they could associate themselves with some WEBSITE aspect of the music and then say ‘wow,’ maybe I’ll make it after all. If I could shine some light some armyreggae.com how, I would know that I have done something.” Army continues to do something special for all those with ears to hear this unique and much-needed voice.

IRIEMAG.COM REGGAE NAFFI-I

Naffi-i was born in the UK to a family where music was the food for every feeling you had. FOLLOW Naffi-i’s early musical experience began at the Naffi-I early age of 10 yr’s old where she use to jam with her brother, sister and friends around the piano and a few bin lids for Drums. This would lead her to a band called ‘Oceans’ where she Featured Single first started performing at festivals.

Years later, she left Oceans and trained to become a youth worker. She worked with the youth teaching them drama, art, cooking and life skills. Her love and passion for music never died.

In 2006, Naffi-i hit the streets with her first Plastic City 2015 singles entitled ‘We Shall Not Want’ and ‘Stand Up’ which also featured her niece ‘Lady of Soul’ and her 7 yr old Son, ‘Iquela’ on Injection Label. The tracks sold out. Since then, WEBSITE she has worked extensively with some of the naffi-i.com top Producers in the roots scene. In 2008, She released a few more songs through various record labels. IRIEMAG.COM Her album, ‘Stand Firm’, which released in 2009, took the world by storm and was based on life, upliftment and inspiration with a universal message. The album featured 20 banging tracks with a few special dub tracks.

Because of her love for music, Naffi-i started presenting on a variety of Radio stations while hosting several chat shows. Naffi-I hosted a Jazz show where she played the old skool greats like Nina Simone, FOLLOW Kenny G and many more. Naffi-i also had a show called The‘ Soul Train Show’ where she played Naffi-I , RnB, Rare Grooves from the 50’s and up. She also hosted a show called ‘ & Dub’.

Due to circumstances, Naffi-i had to cut down her sessions with her Jazz and soul show along with the chat shows, leaving Naffi-i with just the Rockers & Dub Show which Naffi-i says she will not give Featured Album up. After moving from station to station, Naffi-i is now hosting her own show on FM 1 FM Radio station every sunday between 7pm - 10pm UK time. She plays a wide range of Reggae music from foundation to new, Roots & Culture, Ska, , Rock Steady, Studio One, Rub A Dub, Steppers and so much more on the Reggae all day sunday’s. You can joined Naffi-i and have a good time chilling every sunday evening’s at www.fm1fm.com.

In 2011, Naffi-i released the album, Strong‘ I Love Jah’, to the four corners Stand Firm Strong I Love Jah of the globe featuring a variety of styles, while understanding that each July 10, 2009 April 17, 2011 individual is unique. Naffi-I truly believes that “Word sound can make all the difference in life and how we live today.”

WEBSITE naffi-i.com

IRIEMAG.COM REGGAE DENNIS ALCAPONE FOLLOW Dennis AlCapone Dennis Alcapone (real name Dennis Smith) is one of the original Dee-Jays, a classic performer of extraordinary talent. Featured Single Born in Clarendon, Jamaica in 1947, Dennis first started to DJ for the El Paso Hi-Fi in 1969. Influenced by U-Roy, his excellent DJ skills and ability to toast over the tracks made El Paso the leading sound system of the time. U Roy was the first DJ to make records voicing over tracks, but it was Dennis’ skill and unique style that challenged U Roy’s dominance. Woman Yuh Strange March 17, 2015 His first hits were made for the youth producer who doubled as a part time ghetto dentist. In 1970, Dennis had his first hits with tracks like, Shades of Hudson, Spanish Omega, Revelation Version, Maca Version and the Sky’s the Limit.

IRIEMAG.COM Through 1971 Dennis teamed up firstly with Clement Coxsone‘ ’ Dodd at 13 Brentford Rd the famed Studio One; then to toast over some classic then Arthur ‘Duke’ Reid over at Treasure Isle; and over on Orange Street. With his witty, half-spoken lyrics over the top of the classic rhythms, Dennis created some hit numbers. Tunes like ‘Number One Station’, ‘Mosquito One’, and ‘Guns don’t Argue’ raced up the Jamaican charts. This success continued into 1972. Tunes like ‘Rock to the Beat’, ‘Love is not a Gamble’, ‘The Great Woogie’, ‘Teach the Children’ and ‘Musical Alphabet’ placed Dennis FOLLOW firmly on the front ranks of international reggae. Dennis AlCapone

Through the early 70’s, Dennis worked making over one hundred tracks and released three albums. He worked with some of the great reggae producers including , , Lee Perry, , Buster and others. He toured through Guyana and the UK as well as winning the Swing Magazine award for Best DJ. He also worked in collaboration with Dennis Brown, and Delroy Wilson and by now his skills were highly prized.

By 1974 Dennis was living in , but continued to tour as well as work in Jamaica. Through the late 70’s, he worked on making albums for Sidney Crooks, Bunny Lee and Count Shelly. He was also, one of the first DJs to take on a bad‘ man’ persona.

In 1990 he returned to Jamaica and spent over three months recording over digital rhythms for Bunny Lee, and . Since then Dennis has toured almost every year. He took part in the Ariwa Showcase with , the successful south London producer appearing along side artists like and Tippa Irie. By 1994 he was recording for UK dub master and released a 12” version of the classic ‘Rome’ rhythm as well as working on tracks with the On-U-Collective. His 1995 tour dates included a return home to Heineken Star Time show in Jamaica his first appearance in twenty years.

It is true to say that Dennis Alcapone is a living legend. His DJ skill, vocal talent and musician-ship have earned him a well-deserved place in modern . IRIEMAG.COM JAM TREASURE

IRIEMAG.COM REGGAE TREASURE

Treasure was born on June 10th in St. Andrew, Jamaica. His family moved around a little until they FOLLOW settled in the Whitehaven area of Kingston when he was ten. Reggae has been in his life for as long Treasure as he can remember. He has fond memories of his parents dancing to first wave Ska to the likes of , , , and John Holt.

His father had the most influence on shaping his love for Reggae. He would take young Treasure to and introduce him to some of the artists that would become some of his biggest influences.

Third World and The Wailers are at the top of the list. Around the age of ten his father took him to his first Third World show at the Ranny Williams Center. He remembers the place going dark and then cursing coming over the sound system. He was frightened. Then the spot lights started to search the audience and then came to rest on the band members walking through the crowd cursing their way to the stage and played “Human Market Place.” The crowd erupted and young Treasure was hooked. He was fascinated by the sound, the music, and the stage production.

Treasure and his father attended a Bob Marley and the Wailers and Jackson Five at the National Stadium. He was so absorbed in the show, feeling the music he started dancing and soon the crowd was cheering him on. It was that show that Treasure was inspired by .

Although Third World, The Wailers, and Michael Jackson have had the biggest influences he must also acknowledge the following artists who have shaped, inspired, and amazed him: , , Junior Tucker, Dennis Brown, , , Marcia Griffith, , Huge Mundell, Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, , Neil Diamond, and, of course, Three the Hard Way; , , Charlie Chaplin. IRIEMAG.COM In his late twenties Treasure spent a lot of time at recording studios in New York. He started as an Apprentice under the tutelage of Randy Phipps at Coxsone Music City in early 1997. It was at Coxsone Music City that he was first voiced. In short time Sir Coxsone saw how livicated he was to this craft and encouraged him to go to the prestigious Institute of Audio and Research (IAR) in New York. It was there he learned the theory behind his natural talent. After completing his course at IAR he started his own record label, Chant Out Productions, in 1999. He voiced several artists on that FOLLOW label; Luciano, , Natural Black, and Ambilique among them. He has been a Sound Engineer Treasure at Mixing Lab and Cave Man Studios.

Treasure’s time in New York was life changing. He was introduced to Nyabinghi Elders through his older brother. The Elders watched him closely and started telling him he was a Rasta youth. The Elders invited him and his brother to Nyabinghi gatherings. He felt pure love. There was a large backdrop at one of the gatherings of His Imperial Majesty, I that he studied during the gathering. The Elders would counsel and give him life lessons in parables. He reflects on these teaching to this day.

Upon his return to Jamaica his Nyabinghi livity carried him to The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC). He started attending The EOTC in 2001. A year later he was sealed up in the church by Kez Gabre Igziabier (blessed be, he now walks with The Almighty) and given the name Haile Meskel, meaning Power of The Cross. a special occasion, as His Eminence, Abuna Yeshaq, the Archbishop of the EOTC Western Hemisphere and Zara Yacob, the Grandson of His Imperial Majesty, Haile Selassie I were in attendance.

In 2004 Treasure was in a life threatening motorcycle accident. Despite a separated pelvis, among many other severe injuries, a determined Treasure was walking, without assistance, within days of his acci- dent. Within a week he was recovering at home. The doctors told his mother to take him to church because it was a miracle he was alive. A few weeks later he returned to the hospital for surgery to his left hand and as a natural addition to his standard physical therapy he tried to teach himself guitar. IRIEMAG.COM While unconscious he had an out-of-body experience that caused him to search deep within himself during his recovery. He was compelled to start singing. This, he believes, was the reason for his second chance on earth. His first solo single “Love” released in 2009 was the first song sprouting from that reflection. He feels love is the solution to many of the troubles in the world.

During his performance at the Annual Bob Marley memorial show in Trench Town in 2010 the FOLLOW importance of visual performance he learned as a young child came back to him and enriched his Treasure solo performance. He shared the stage with Nesbeth, Natty King, Zebi Lion, Royal African Soldiers, Organs, and many more. He became one of two lead singers and percussionist for the band Rasta Bond in 2012. They did several stage shows, but two were most memorable for him. Rasta Bond rang in 2013 at the Twelve Tribes of Israel Headquarters. Sharing the stage with Marcia Griffiths, Richie , Jah9, Kabaka Pyramid, Itilafeyah, Kyenie, and Zebi Lion.

Augustus Pablo Memorial show in 2013 at Wickie Wackie also a memorable show. The people that turned out to honor Augustus Pablo was touching. They shared the stage with quite a few artists; Addis Pablo (Augustus’ son), Jah9, , Chronixx and Zinc Fence Redemption, Kelissa, The Uprising Roots band, and Inna Di Yard band with Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith among them. Among other shows he shared the stage with were and The Sons of Negus, Mark Wonder, King David, and Exile Di Brave. Natty Joe, a dub poet from Ghana, heard Treasure at a rehearsal session and asked him to do a combination, resulting in the song ‘Aluta Continues’.

At the end of 2014 he returned to being a soloist. Treasure stopped using the stage name Revelation and started using Treasure, his surname, in 2015 at the urging of acquaintances. He has reopened his project studio and is working on more singles. He said, “It’s a challenge but with Jah by my side I will overcome. It’s a struggle, but despite it all, I am confident in the victory of good over evil.”

Word!

IRIEMAG.COM COL CALIAH MAR

IRIEMAG.COM REGGAE CALIAH MAR

Caliah Mar is a Colombian singer who actually resides in Reus. Though ‘Salsa’ marked her origins in FOLLOW music, step by step she was discovering Soul, Ska and Reggae and it is hereby that she started enter- Caliah Mar ing the Jamaican rooted music.

The singer has been linked throughout the years with a multitude of groups or bands as “Skarmiento Band” in her beginnings in Colombia (experience that it allowed her to contact the world of the ska Featured Album and the culture reggae), La Plana Tropikal Krew in his step along Castellón (during this colaboration she acted as vocalist of the band ‘Alkerians and The Lionesses’ a ska, rocksteady and early reggae orientated band), or Kannarias Reggae during her stay in Tenerife.

Is in this stage in the Tenerife island that Caliah decides to undertake her solo career alongside Austrian producer Max Powa with whom enters in touch with the most digital sounds of reggae music and DUB, fact that remains reflected in the EP fruit of this collaboration ‘Caliah’ presented in January, 2015. Actually, and after some esporadic contacts, singer joined Di Farm Produccions definitely during september 2015 and decides to take some deeper journey throug Sound System Caliah culture and sounds and in this way, and helped by Reus Reggae Rockers (a Di Farm Pro- May 25, 2015 duccions former collective), she started to prepare her new EP “Sé feliz” which will be publicated by December 4th (2015) to begin the tour statewide in January 2016 with dates in such cities as Reus, Tarragona, Lleida, Castellón, Valencia or Madrid. WEBSITE caliahmar.com At the same time the singer started a round of esporadic collaborations with some producers like David ‘Scratch’ Barraso (Di Farm Produccions), Irie Mass Dub (Jungle Raiders/Di Farm Produccions) or Ras Zohen.

IRIEMAG.COM BRA DADA YUTE

IRIEMAG.COM REGGAE DADA YUTE

Caue Granello aka ‘Dada Yute’ began his musical career at the age of 17 as a background vocalist for FOLLOW one of the biggest Brazilian Reggae bands, ‘Lions of Israel’. Dada Yute was featured on their second Dada Yute album, ‘Palavra Viva’, where he recorded his first hit song entitled Sofrimento‘ Ùtil’. The band toured all over Brazil, following legendary artists like Gregory Issacs and Clinton Fearon, ‘The Gladiator’. The group was invited and participated in the World’s Largest Reggae Festival Jamaica’s in 2006. The culture shock of what he saw in Jamaica drove him to want to learn English and in 2008 he Featured Album returned to Jamaica alone for the second time on a pilgrimage to gain knowledge and experience.

After returning from Jamaica in January 2006, he assumed the role as of the ‘Lions of Israel’. One year later he began to develop his solo career working with the Legendary Producer and Dj Gustavo Sola (Gustah echosound).

Gustavo who was influence by great legends like Bob Marley, The , Junior Reid and new generations singers, , Garnet Silk, Yamy Bolo, and the Nyabinghi peace drumming from Bobo Hill in Jamaica where Dada Yute journeyed to learn from elders in Jamaica about the Zion Bird King of Kings Haile Selassie l First Ancient King of Creation and the Rastafarian way of life. His music February 24, 2015 carries a message of Cultural Awareness. “Love til the End” and ‘Mo Fya’ are just a few songs from his diverse catalog that addresses how to over come difficulties in life with faith, just cause and courage.

WEBSITE Dada Yute recently release his new EP entitled, ‘Zion Bird’, featuring five solid tracks, including the new dadayute.com singles ‘Love till The End’, ‘Filho de Jah’ featuring Michel Irie and ‘Ganjah lips Woman’. Ganja Lips Woman was produced by Gustah who leads the beats of the drums for the band ‘Timbalada’.

IRIEMAG.COM ZAF ZORO

IRIEMAG.COM REGGAE ZORO

Zolile ‘ZORO’ Matikinca was born in the townships of Cape Town, Guguletu, during the peak of FOLLOW apartheid. The apartheid regime labeled his address Native Yard 9. Growing up under the oppression Zoro and violence, Zoro came to think of himself as a soldier early on in life. His quest was to always fight the system and uplift the people. Being the first-born son in a musical family, music came natural. At the age of eight he started singing in a community gospel choir, but kept listening to his uncle’s banned reggae collection. Featured Single

In 1989 Zoro was shot by a policeman when he tried to stop from hitting a woman. This paralyzed him from the waist and down and was told he would never walk again, But through deter- mination and faith he found strength to get back on his feet and found that his passion for music was stronger than ever before .Through the nineties Zoro established himself as a major reggae voice in the Cape Province. Together with the Chronic Clan he created a trademark sound of conscious dancehall and from his studio in Guguletu. As the founder of Chronic clan and Spliff Records Zoro discovered many of the south- artists such as Black , Crosby,

Alcapone JJ, Jesse Dan and he inspired many more. Serious Times 2015 In August 2003, after finishing a compilation with his former label, ‘Dope Records’, Zoro was signed with the Swedish label Juju Records and went to Sweden to record with the Breakmecanix production, Måns Asplun. After the successes of Timbuktu and Helt Off, they started producing Zoros afro reggae WEBSITE inspired album. For three years Zoro recorded songs and performed in virtually every reggae club gugszoro.weebly.com and on all major reggae festivals in Scandinavia. He shared stages with well known names such as Angelique Kidjo, Habib Koité, Mamani Keita & Nicolas Repac, Zeritu Kebede, , Julian Marley, Chezedek, Anthony Jones, Sal Dibba to name some. In 2003 Zoro came with his first vinyl single BAMBAM, In 2006 Zoro finished his first solo albumGugs ‘ News’. And then a project with a IRIEMAG.COM newly formed group by the name Ariise, featuring groups like The Congo’s, Gladiators, The last poets and stick man from dead prez and Carlton Livingston.

Zoro’s mission is to establish himself as a corner stone for roots reggae in Cape Town, South Africa. For a music that developed during Jamaica’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule in the early 1960s, it is fitting that reggae’s branches would eventually drop seeds in Africa, as reggae FOLLOW has been the music that promotes equality and justice it is only natural that south Africans relate. Zoro Africans embraced their Caribbean relatives and the music they created was warmly adopted from Cape Town to Conakry. Pioneering Jamaican artists and Jimmy Cliff were African favorites in the 1960s Then, Jamaican icons Bob Marley and inspired politically outspo- ken African reggae stars such as Alpha Blondy from Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa’s Lucky Dube. Subsequent African artists have woven together old and new sounds, making reggae more vital and vibrant than ever.

Just on the verge of Zoros success and in his finishing of his second album with juju records Zoro got sick unexpectedly and found him self on a crossroad of life and death having to choose between music or staying alive, Zoro chose life, For three years he was not able to use his voice after a AORTA operation that went wrong.

But after much work and determination Zoro came back with even a much more unique and soulful sound in his voice which you can hear in his album Roots’n`soul. Now he is in the studio again ready for a comeback in 2016-2017 with several interesting projects. From African Sounds to roots reggae. Persist to promote and forward the message of Nelson Mandela’s, peace! equality! and unity! Sometimes singing in Matiba’s native language isiXhosa makes him different and unique than WEBSITE most African reggae artists. With raw voice, soulful melodies and meaningful lyrics Zoros music is gugszoro.weebly.com taking this mandela message of Love further and make conscious and uplifting music for the people all over the world. Showing that not only can one always rise from a struggle and live, but also be much stronger! IRIEMAG.COM JAM EAZY WAYNE

IRIEMAG.COM REGGAE EAZY WAYNE

Eazy Wayne is an artiste with a deep originality, unique energy, and beautiful, passionate voice who FOLLOW inspires fans around the world with his music. Eazy Wayne

Wayne was born in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, to a strong Black woman who raised him with love and patience. He attended Black River High School and completed a course in electrical installation. But a career wiring buildings was not what Eazy Wayne wanted; he wanted to electrify life audiences. Featured Album

He began to work on a small sound system in rural Jamaica, taking the name John Wayne. However, when he moved to the Pembroke Hall area in Kingston, his friends immediately realized his flexibility and his fluid movements onstage and gave him the tag Eazy‘ as Eva’.

With a new name and renewed vibe, he recorded his first singe, Girl‘ Care Yu Body’ in 1993 on the Collin Fat label. He has also worked on labels such as Xterminator, Street Acoustic and others. He collaborated with British-based singer Amharic in the single ‘Dancehall Days’, and had two tracks, ‘Worries of Life’ and ‘Armagiddeon Thing’ on the very well received Pharos Frontline compilation CD Judgement Fi Dem 2000° that included tracks from the late great . November 21, 2007

Eazy Wayne’s earliest musical influences were Bob Marley, Dennis Brown and Garnet Silk. He also draws inspiration from Shabba, and , the mainstays of his more fire-breath- ing dancehall persona.

Eazy Wayne has appeared on stage shows in Jamaica such as , GT Taylor Extravaganza, Rebel Salute, East Fest, Western Consciousness and more.

IRIEMAG.COM Eazy Wayne’s debut album ‘Judgement Fi Dem 2000°’, was released in November 2007, after the title track single reached #10 on the French reggae chart and #19 on the 7 inch Jamaica Chart. The track enjoyed heavy rotation on iriefm radio in Jamaica, and the Judgement Fi Dem video is still popular both “a yahd and abroad”, on tv and YouTube. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-IKQCZvXSw.)

The Judgement Fi Dem 2000 Degrees album continues to fire up interest around the world with FOLLOW classic tracks such as ‘Whenever I’m Away’, ‘On and On’, ‘Talk to Dem’ and ‘Warfare’. ‘Lump Sum’ — a Eazy Wayne collaboration with and Lutan Fyah — is a unique and wonderful interlacing of roots styles that sounds as fresh today as when it was recorded. Eazy Wayne’s versatility and soulful vibe are fully present in this impressive CD, from hard-edged commentary on troubles in the world to sweet relationship songs.

Following the success of the album, Eazy Wayne toured in Europe in 2009 and 2010, performing in Italy, Germany, Austria and more, and has had invitations to perform worldwide, including in Finland, Japan, Dubai, Haiti and Gambia. Most recently he has appeared with Kabaka Pyramid in Brixton, in Wales and Newcastle with Avalanche, and on live radio interview shows including with Reggae General (UK). Eazy Wayne’s tracks are enjoying radio play on stations such as Reggae Vibes Radio (Georgia, USA), Metro Radio, AfroZimRadio (Zimbabwe), One Afro Radio, Riddim Roots Radio, Jamrock Radio, Unique Radio (UK), BDS Radio One (, Canada) and Bimbache Reggae Radio Station (Canary Islands).

On YouTube and in digital shops, more Eazy Wayne tracks such as Full Time, Rise and Deliver and Empress are available. An Eazy Wayne mixtape done by DJ Lorest in France can be heard at https://soundcloud.com/riddim-promo-france/brand-new-2k14-eazy-wayne.

The artist wants you to know “Well, Eazy Wayne has some fresh release, press releases and a whole lot of pre-release to unleash!”

IRIEMAG.COM

IRIE would like to thank the following people who helped make this issue a success. Without their efforts, this issue of IRIE would not be possible.

Giovanna Guimarães, Michelle Monreal, Esta Selekta, Carla Jah, Line Daniloff at Bud film/Spliff Records int., Lauren Watkis (@laurorebel), Nickii Kane (@nickiikane), Heather Cameron and the Reggae Ambassadors... Third World!

Nuff Respect!

IRIEMAG.COM