MAGAZINE #11 - September 2011

Taj Weekes INTERVIEW

LEE PERRY HANOUNEH MARK WONDER RAY DARWIN MR. WILLIAMZ

Reggae Rhythm and Blues Festival - Reggae’s Gone Country On Tour with the Itals - Ziggy Marley - Chiemsee Reggae Summer The Revival of the Band and Live Music in Jamaica - One Love Festival United Reggae Magazine #11 - September 2011 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 SUMMARY free pdf version packed with most of United Reggae content from the last month.

1/ NEWS EDITORIAL by Erik Magni 2/ INTERVIEWS

• Alpha Blondy 16 • Lee Perry 21 • Hanouneh 26 • Mark Wonder 29 • Ray Darwin 36 • Mr Williamz 40 • The Revival of the Band and Live Music in Jamaica 42 • Taj Weekes 45

3/ REVIEWS

• Maximum Sound 2011 51 • 10 Ft. Ganja Plant - Shake Up The Place 52 • The Caroloregians - Fat Is Back 53 • Black Roots - The Reggae Singles Anthology 54 • Digitaldubs - #1 55 A new generation of reggae musicians in Jamaica • Little Roy - Battle for Seattle 56 • The Sidewalk Doctors - Music Is Medicine 57 Bob Marley was once asked in an interview if reggae music could successfully be copied • SuperHeavy 58 outside of Jamaica. He answered “Well, you see, the way I feel about the music is that it • The Hit Sound of The Dub Pistols at Midnight Rock 59 can be copied. But it’s the feel. You ask plenty musicians, them know it, but they can’t do it.” 4/ REPORTS

We all know by now that reggae can be copied. There are several successful reggae bands, • One Love Festival 2011 60 artists and musicians from around the globe. But Jamaica is the motherland. That’s why • Ziggy Marley in Bologna 64 it’s great to hear people living in Jamaica say that roots reggae is back on the island. • Singing Melody Presents His New Album 65 Don’t get me wrong. I love some of the contemporary dancehall coming from my favorite • Chiemsee Reggae Summer 2011 66 part of the Caribbean. But to hear that a new generation of live musicians is playing reg- • Reggae’s Gone Country Album Launch 70 gae makes me shout with joy. I mean, just listen to bands like Rootz Underground, Raging • On Tour with The Itals 72 Fyah, The Uprising Roots Band and Dubtonic Kru. They have rough bass lines and that • Reggae Rhythm and Blues Festival 2011 74 feel Bob Marley is referring to. • Rototom Sunsplash 2011 76 • Diana Rutherford in Paris 77 Even if reggae nowadays is played successfully all over the world, there is only one Ja- maica. Was, is and will always be.

All the articles in this magazine were previously published online on http://unitedreggae.com. Cover photo by Frank BLANQUIN 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. The Hit Sound simply has a point of view,” ex------lord, Christopher “Dudus” Initial indictments for Cokes plains Justine Henzell. Coke appeared at a US federal extradition in 2009 were re- of The Dub Pis- Shake Up the district court in New York yes- jected by Mr Golding who ar- tols at Midnight A portion of the documentary’s Place by 10 Ft. terday (31st August) to face gued that the evidence was Rock profits will be used to create Ganja Plant charges of racketeering and flawed. However pressure both Jamaica’s first film fund to ena- conspiracy to commit assault at home and internationally ------ble Jamaican filmmakers to tell ------with a dangerous weapon in grew to such an extent that in Roots Records kicks off a their own stories in their own U.S. based mysterious outfit aid of racketeering. He plead- the spring of last year he finally brand new series of releases voices. 10 Ft. Ganja Plant – with mem- ed guilty to both charges. succumbed and signed an ar- where they’re asking DJs to dig bers from John Brown’s Body rest warrant and this led to a through their old dub and early Submissions will close Novem- – drops their new rootsy al- While in court he also admitted state of emergency being de- dancehall seven and twelve ber 6th, 2011 and the picture bum ‘Shake Up the Place’ on to having run the Kingston, Ja- clared as gunmen loyal to Coke inches to come up with a per- will premiere on August 6th, August 30th, one year after the maica-based criminal gang the barricade the streets of Tivoli sonal musical journey. The first 2012, in Miami, Toronto, New conceptual ‘10 Deadly Shots’. Shower Posse and the Presi- Gardens and mounted attacks release – ‘The Hit Sound of The York, London and Kingston. dential Click, both of which against the police and security Dub Pistols at Midnight Rock’ – pendence in 2012. You’re there- ‘Shake Up the Place’ as- had been major traffickers’ of forces, who were accused of us- revolves around the Midnight fore invited to contribute with ------sembles ten tunes and fea- marijuana and cocaine in the ing excessive force, and result- Rock and Hit Sound labels, run footage to celebrate Jamaica’s Dub Vendor tures reggae legends Sylford country. He also told of how he ed in the deaths of 76 people by Jah Thomas and U-Brown global reach 50 years after in- Records 35th Walker and Prince Jazzbo on had ordered the purchase of over four days of gun battles. respectively. The compiling dependence. one track each. Winston Wat- firearms and the importation of has been conducted by Barry Anniversary son – from The Meditations those firearms into Jamaica in Christopher “Dudus” Coke is Ashworth from The Dub Pis- “A user-generated documenta------– provides additional harmo- furtherance to this conspiracy.” due to be sentenced on De- tols. He has selected 14 tunes ry such as this depends on the An era has come to an end. Lon- nies throughout the journey. cember 8th when he could from singers and deejays such quality and diversity of the sub- don’s legendary record store Afterwards, US Attorney Preet face up to 23 years in prison. as Al Campbell, U-Brown and missions and I hope you will all Dub Vendor closes the doors to The album is now available on Bharara said in a statement: ------Ranking Toyan. “I loved the op- submit to make this a truly his- the shop on Clapham Junction CD, LP and on digital platforms. “For nearly two decades, Chris- portunity to go back through toric documentary to celebrate as from Saturday September topher Coke led a ruthless #1 some of those early, pre-digital our island in its 50th year,” 10th. criminal enterprise that used by Digitaldubs dancehall classics and throw says Justine Henzell, producer. fear, force and intimidation to so many of them together on On August 6th, 2011, the ques------On the website the staff writes support its drug and arms traf- Brazilian steppers duo Digital- this album - I’m a massive fan tion “What does Jamaica mean that the recent events in Lon- ficking ‘businesses’. He moved of Jah Thomas and it was a to you?” was posed with the dubs re-releases their fourth don have accelerated the deci- drugs and guns between Jamai- album titled ‘#1’, originally put great opportunity to listen to aim that a global community sion to concentrate on online ca and the United States with so much of his work and fash- of creative minded people will out exclusively in Brazil as a and mail order services. This impunity. Today’s plea is a wel- very limited edition CD. Some of ion it into an album. Can I do a respond by uploading a visual put an even greater signifi- come conclusion to this ugly volume two?” says Barry Ash- representation of their answer the tunes have previously been cance on the 35th anniversary chapter of criminal history.” released on 7” and on digital worth. ‘The Hit Sound of The to the film’s website. dance that takes place on Fri- Dub Pistols at Midnight Rock’ platforms. Some might recog- day September 2nd at the Mu- The pursuit of Coke by the US nize riddims such as 30 Head. was released on digital plat- “We know that our tiny island sic Bar in Brixton, London. This authorities shed light on the forms on August 22nd. nation has touched many out- ‘#1’ features dubs as well as vo- star-studded night will be host- links between politicians and cals from veterans Ranking Joe, ------side of our country, even be- ed by the Dub Vendor All Stars ------gang leaders in Jamaica to yond our Diaspora, and with Earl Sixteen and Brinsley Forde. OnePeople along with a special guest – Dudus Coke which Coke enjoyed substan- There are also some Brazilian this project we will embrace former Dub Vendor staff mem- tial protection from the ruling Documentary anyone who has ever been Pleads Guilty artists featured – Dada Yute, ber Roberto Allen of Vibes FM. Jamaican Labour Party lead- Jeru Banto and Tiano Bless. ------moved by a reggae song, en- To Racketeer- er and Prime Minister Bruce joyed a plate of ackee and salt- OnePeople’ is a collaborative Tickets to the anniversary ing Charges Golding whose constituency Their fourth album hits the documentary to celebrate Ja- fish, been stirred by the words dance are available on www. includes the Shower Posse of Marcus Garvey, fell in love ------streets as CD, LP and digital maica in its 50th year of inde- dubvendor.co.uk. The 42 year old Jamaican drug controlled district of Tivoli download on August 30th. watching a Negril sunset or Gardens in West Kingston. ------ists whose careers it launched. ------ga, who gives the riddim its second album, ‘Free Expres- mighty title track. Joining the sions’, come Heart Broken (on State Of Mind It features hundreds of full-size The PassOver matriarch is a very impressive the Worth Your Weight In Gold) by Zion Train Studio One record cover de- Riddim Fyakin, Dainjamental, Zebulun and Dance - exhibiting her de------signs and original artwork, as ------& King Solomon, Wild Life and mure and confident sides. Due out on the 3rd October is well as rare and exclusive pho- others. the new Zion Train album ‘State tographs, original flyers and Of Mind’ the official follow up to artist interviews. Jah Light Records continues to 2007s Jamaican Reggae Gram- impress with its latest release, my ‘Best Dub Album’ award Available on November 30th. the big PassOver Riddim which winner ‘Live as One’ and best File it right next to your copy of is set to reach etailers on Sep- of compilation ‘Dub Revolu- ‘Stir it Up: Reggae Album Cover tember 12th. tionaries’ from earlier this year. Soul Jazz Records is about to Art’. ------put out a book on the cover art ------New Music From the few previews I have of legendary label Studio One, Stand Firm by heard so far it will be an- owned and run by one of the from Necessary other blend of reggae and greatest producers in reggae Cen’C Love and Mayhem modern dance styles fea- music – Clement “Coxsone” Capleton Jah Light Records is surely do------Meanwhile the Dancehall Style turing the band’s staple in- Dodd (1932-2004). ------ing its part to keep Reggae mu- Curtis Lynch Junior of Neces- gredients of brass, bass, sic from out of Trinidad timely provides a base for the usual Cen’C Love – daughter of sary Mayhem has two simulta- Lynch blend of familiar and dubwise rhythms and hard Studio One is sometimes de- Bunny Wailer – dropped and current with its fantastic neous releases to see us into electronic beats combined scribed as iconic as Motown consistency and activity and, fresh talent. On the title piece her debut album ‘Love Autumn. The first is his Dance- Tippa Irie takes us through a roll with few new string additions. was to jazz, or Blue Note for Letter’ earlier this year. judging by its latest release, hall Style Riddim: a revamp of Jazz. Several of the most be- things don’t figure to be chang- call of sound system heroes, one of the unstoppable back- UK and Jamaican, alive and Guest vocalists appearing loved and utilized riddims were Now she has put out a new sin- ing any time soon. ings of the 80s - The Answer. along with Zion Train’s own originally laid for Studio One by departed. Mayhem Mainstay gle – Stand Firm on a riddim The other is an EP celebrating Mr Williamz gives a typically Dubdadda and Lua are Brins- musicians such as Jackie Mit- with the same title – where The PassOver Riddim follows his work with Etana, boasting ley Forde of Aswad, on an up- too and Leroy Sibbles. Riddims previous efforts from the label trancelike performance on the she has teamed up with the new material plus reworkings swaggering Set The Standard. date of their classic Rainbow like Full Up, Real Rock, Mean fire man himself, Capleton. such as the New Day and the of songs we know. Children which has already Girl and Satta Massagana saw Mount Zion I riddims and it, Up-and-coming ladies include seen release as a single and the light at Studio One. once again, reaffirms the com- Dutch model-turned-singer Stand Firm is produced by Leah Rosier who showcases the up and coming Jamaican One Blood Carl and Sheldon mitment to high quality and Dub Poetess Jazzmin Tutum on Chris Blackwell – founder of Is- righteous works on the part of a pleasant voice on Do U Like “Callibud” Stewart and is cur- and rapper Stush who supplies the potent Share The Flame. land Records – has described rently available from cdbaby. Jah Light Records. Studio One as the University the lyrically humorous Call Mi Zion Train will begin an autumn of Reggae. And there is some The PassOver Riddim is a com- Phone. But most surprising of tour to promote the album with truth to that. Almost every well- position marked by a sublimely all is Uncaring, a throwback prospective dates for 2012 al- known Jamaican artist from the cool vibes with nearly the per- organ instrumental played by ready including USA, Japan, 60’s and 70’s did recordings for fect amount of edge and bite Lynch himself. “I’m a huge fan Latin America as well as visits the label – Bob Marley, Hor- and it makes an excellent back- of Jackie Mittoo” says Curtis, to Dubai and the Caribbean. ace Andy, Alton Ellis, Burning ground for several extremely “So I thought it would sound Spear, The Abyssinians, Sugar talented vocalists. The real sto- nice to do something like he ------would if he was here with us”. The Cover Art Minott and many, many more. ry on the roster of names ap- The Etana EP offers a sultry ‘The Cover Art of Studio One pearing on this set is that Jah previously unreleased track of Studio One Records’ is edited by Stuart Light has finally linked with; Both EPs are available for called Make Love as well as an download on 13th September Records Baker and claims to be the first arguably, Trinidad’s single extended mix of both the vocal book ever to tell the story of most talented Reggae export, with the Dancehall Style out on ------and dub to Inner City anthem vinyl on 6th September. Studio One and the many art- the incomparable Queen Ome- August Town. Also from her completely overused in Reg- titled No Doubt with contribu- gae and all of music, for that tions from Capleton, Omar Per- matter but... One of the “most ry and Pressure among others. anticipated” albums of 2011; I- Wayne’s ‘Life Teachings’ from Worth noting is that Busy Sig- VP Records arrives in stores on nal also makes an appearance October 11th. on this one drop riddim. It’s a somewhat rare appearance ------since he hasn’t voiced much Green Light material in that vein lately. by General Trix No Doubt riddim hits the streets ------as 7”, CD and digital download Amsterdam-based singjay on October 11th. General Trix has teamed up with Swedish producer and sound system operator An- dreas ”Ante” Johansson, from Rough Lynx, on his debut al- bum ‘Green Light’.

The album is an excursion into 80’s and 90’s computerized reggae with influences from hip-hop and digital pop as well ------Besides what remains his larg- as reggae legends Augustus acoustic album release, United ------est hit to date, the mammoth “Gussie” Clarke and King Tub- Reggae and RiseUp Entertain- Life Teachings One Man Can’t Satisfy Her, by. ment offer you to watch the Love Inna by I-Wayne I-Wayne is known as an art------short documentary ‘The King Mi Heart ------ist who lifts up righteousness ‘Green Light’ hits the streets Brushy’s Of One String’ exclusively. by Omar Perry In the midst of very popular and calls down condemna- today and is tonight celebrated tion on negativity and wicked- with a release party at Jimmy Acoustic Album It presents the story of Andrew ------peers such as Tarrus Riley, French production duo Bost Queen Ifrica and others rising ness wherever he sees it ex- Woo in Amsterdam hosted by ------Chin, AKA “Brushy One String”. Many people discovered & Bim has produced a relick to prominence over the last few isting and that continues well General Trix alongside Rough Filled with musical performanc- Brushy and his one guitar of Lee Perry’s Words of my years, it has become some- throughout the new album. Lynx. es by the artist, ‘The King of string in ‘RiseUp’. The movie Mouth, originally voiced by The what easy to forget that, just Joining the singer along his One’ String follows Brushy from ------team has just released Brushy Gatherers at Black Ark. a few short years ago, in that way is another big name who the dangerous streets, back al- No Doubt debut album. It includes songs very same spot was yet another has enjoyed a sensational rise leys and crowded streets of Ja- that come from the live video The relick comes in three ver- group of very powerful up and over the past few years, Roots Riddim maica, as he demonstrates the recordings that you can see in sions – a vocal cut from Lee comers. This lot included the Princess Etana on Life Joy, as raw power of hope and courage ------‘The King Of One String’ docu- Perry’s son Omar Perry titled likes of Fantan Mojah, Warrior well leading Dancehall lyricist, Last year Dub Inc, aka Dub in a land where he is revered by mentary, plus a studio single Love inna Mi Heart, a dub ver- King and a peculiar singer from Agent Sasco who appears on Incorporation, released their both young and old. called Destiny. sion and an instrumental with the well spun Fire Song. Listen- fourth studio album ‘Hors Con- out Portmore, I-Wayne. After a lethal saxophone. two successful releases with ers should also be aware of the trole’ (Out of Control), a set The album is now available for the largest Reggae imprint in big big title track as well as the that included the Tarrus Riley Brushy soothes the souls and digital download on amazon These three versions are avail- the world, VP Records, I-Wayne very strong and very curious combination No Doubt. rough hearts with a bright Drugs & Rum Vibes. and iTunes. smile and one string. able as digital download on is back with his third studio set September 13th. for the label, ‘Life Teachings’. This tune has now formed the At the occasion of BRUSHY’s The term ‘most anticipated’ is basis for a one-riddim album ------first released in the late 90’s on 12’’ at all good reggae deal- three bonus tracks. The album, tion will only be debited if the on the Record Factory label. It ers. Only 500 copies pressed! including the CD bonus tracks, project reaches the desired C.A.F Studio became very popular after be------will also be available for down- amount. The funds will be used Allstars - Soul ing regularily played by the The Bucket load from 12th September ex- for travelling, accommodation, Fighters UK’s Entembe and Aba Shanti I clusively on the King Spinna rent of equipment, sound de- sounds. Bottom riddim website for a limited period be- sign and mixing, editing and ------fore appearing on other down- translation. Depending on the Not many people will be fa------French production crew Irie Ites load sites. size of the donation you can re- miliar with the name of C.A.F ceive a DVD, a T-shirt, a concert (Catch A Fire) Studios, but this is set to put out a tribute to the ------late Jamaican producer Ber- ticket or an invitation to the small independent studio in Support the premiere. the leafy suburb of Ponders tram Brown, the man behind Journey to Jah End, Enfield, London, has been the rough and tough Freedom ------responsible for some of the Sounds label and artists such ------Jahmali’s as Prince Alla and Earl Zero. The New Label For the past five years German most authentic sounding un- Sounds derground foundation reggae Bucket Bottom riddim is laid by From The film directors Noël Dernesch and dub of the past few years Mafia & Fluxy, Bongo Herman People Behind and Moritz Springer have been With Purpose such as the Himperial Rock- and Earl “Chinna” Smith and is working on the movie ‘Journey ------ers album ‘New Dub Evolu- a relick of the Prince Alla song Blood and Fire to Jah’ – a picture that tries to While it’s seemingly been sev- of the same name. Prince Alla show reggae as an intriguing tion’ released earlier this year. “The collaboration with Sib------eral million years from the is also responsible for the title Bob Harding and Dom Sotgiu – construct of music, politics bles was born after we re- last time the very respected cut. formerly of the acclaimed and and spirituality. They have fol- Now the proprietor of this stu- leased Blood in The Streets on and amazing voiced Jamaican folded Blood & Fire Records – lowed Gentleman and Albo- dio The Manor has put together my label Kingston Connexion” veteran, Jahmali, had a new The riddim also features the tal- have founded a new reggae la- rosie as they try to bridge the an in house band C.A.F Studio said Jacques Golub, owner of album, that certainly doesn’t Allstars, who are at this mo- ents of deejay Trinity, who has bel called King Spinna. gap between cultures. They mean that he’s gone totally be- Kingston Connexion and sister recorded an album for Irie Ites have also talked to artists such ment working on an album ‘I label Timeless Records. “The reft of big new material. In 2011 due in early 2012, as well as King Spinna is said to have a as Luciano, the late Gregory VOLUTIONARY SOUNDS’ and originality of this new 12’’ is in he’s taken to the mixtape cir- dub and instrumental versions. wider remit compared to Blood Isaacs and Lutan Fyah as well as a prelude to its release they relicking a digital cut into roots cuit and done so with strength. The Bucket Bottom riddim will & Fire, which means that the as followed the young, ambi- are promoting the album with whereas we usually do the op- be released in early October as label will release anything they tious Terry Lynn around in Wa- a single ‘Soul Fighters’ on the posite”. Fans can download, for free, Sprinline Jamaica label via At- 10” and digital download. deem worthy of issuing. Some terhouse, one of the numerous Jahmali’s hot mixtape, ‘Sounds releases will be in physical ghettos in Kingston. Part of the lanta Street Records which This new release launches his With Purpose’, from I Dwell formats, while others will be financing for ‘Journey to Jah’ is has a bit of a rockers feel to it new label dedicated to the Records & Inborn Productions and is available now to down- download only. provided by film fund Medien- Inc. on I Dwell Records’ Face- roots foundation and Jamai- board Berlin Brandenburg. And load at all leading stores. can legends: “Timeless is also book Page as well as Jahmali’s The first release is ‘Dub Will this is where you can come in a label for all good things that Facebook Page. ------Change Your Mind’ by Bunny and help to finance the remain- will never die, like talents, art- Never Give Up Lee & The Agrovators. It’s a 14 ing part of the project through ists who reached the status of track album of rarities never crowd funding via Kickstarter. by Leroy Sib- legends, and simply…Love,” compiled on album before. Its Crowd funding enables produc- explained Jacques on the jack- bles cornerstone is dub versions of tion of independent films, and et of the vinyl that details the ------four little-known Derrick Mor- in this particular case helps message and purpose of the The French brand new label gan tracks. to close the current financial Timeless Records strikes hard label. “The love they gave to gap of $60,000. Kickstarter their works is equal to the time with its first release! They’ve ‘Dub Will Change Your Mind’ is is an all-or-nothing fundrais- thy spent on it (…)”. teamed up with Jamaican roots released initially on vinyl only ing service. If the full amount singer Leroy Sibbles to produce in a pressing limited to 1,000 of $60,000 is not raised, the Never Give Up backed by Per- the roots version of Never Give copies. Subject to demand a project doesn’t get financed. severant Dub is now available Up. This digital classic was CD issue will follow featuring This means that your contribu------The first release is the album Reggae community as of late Punk and New Wave bands bum with a Jamaican producer, eight, limited edition 7” vinyls ‘The Revenge’ from multi-in- through a slew of big big singles and thus opened them up to Andrew “Bassie” Campbell, aimed at collectors and lovers Everything You strumentalist Tom Fire due on and this album, should it live it a whole new audience as they and features Jamaican musi- of the early reggae scene. The Want by The October 17th. It mixes dub, to the hype, could possibly be shared the stage with diverse cians such as drummers Leroy first release being lined up is Simpkin Project electro, reggae and pop and one of the biggest of the year. acts like The Ruts, Tom Robin- “Horsemouth” Wallace and from the godfather of ska him- features former Makasound son and Elvis Costello amongst Squidley Cole, percussion- self Laurel Aitken, with Reggae ------artists Matthew McAnuff, Of course, featured on ‘Back- others. ists Mikey “Boo” Richards and 69 b/w Big Fight In Hell Sta- Seven piece reggae band The Jaqee and Derajah amongst the yard Boogie’ is J Boog’s largest Sticky Thompson and guitarist dium, and is going to be lim- Simpkin Project, based in Cali- successful French hip-hop art- hit to date, the massive Don Criminally overlooked by the Earl “Chinna” Smith. The al- ited to just 300 copies world fornia, has just released their ist MC Solaar. Corleon produced set, Let’s Do BBC on their recent ‘Reggae bum is mainly recorded at Tuff wide. This will be followed by third full-length album titled It Again, but it isn’t alone as also Britannia’ documentary, their Gong Studios in Jamaica, with another classic Aitken release ‘Everything You Want’. This Among the other upcom- featured in the album’s sixteen contribution to the British Reg- additional overdubs, vocal re- Apollo 12 (Skinhead Invasion) 14-track reggae album incorpo- ing projects are Derajah’s selections are other well known gae legacy is indisputable and cording and mixing completed b/w Moon Rock before it is the rates elements of Americana, long-awaited debut album tunes such as Crazy, Mystery has helped define UK reggae at I Grade’s studio in St. Croix. turn of modern day bands the rock, pop, and dub. ‘Paris Is Burning’ recorded Girl and Take It Slow. Were that today. Irie Beats, Ocean 11, The De- with The Donkey Jaw Bone. not enough [and it was], also Mongst I&I and ‘Kings Bell’ is lirians, The Revivers, The Im- “This album is a huge progres------featuring on the album are The ‘Respect Due’ tour starts released through I Grade Re- palers and The Soulsteppers sion for us as musicians and in Reggae stars Peetah Morgan, on the 30th September at The cords and Andrew Bassie Re- to roll out their own brand of terms of the recording quality J Boog’s Tarrus Riley and Million Stylez. Picket in Liverpool before tak- cords on September 27th and Boss Reggae sounds, many of and songwriting style,” says Backyard ing in many of the UK’s major November 1st respectively. which have been previously lead vocalist-guitarist Phil Boogie A sure winner of an album, towns and cities. A full list of unreleased or recorded espe- Simpkin, and continues: ‘Backyard Boogie’ by J Boog dates and venues can be found cially for this collection. All re------is set to reach stores, world- below. leases will be on the fan club’s “Every member brought some- wide, on September 20th. ------own Moondust imprint and will thing unique to the table, and ------be offered in characteristic pe- everyone’s ideas were openly Mongst I and I riod styled packaging, with a expressed and welcomed.” Misty In Roots by Midnite UK Style centre punch so that Announce 10 they look as well as sound like The Simpkin Project formed ------Date UK Tour Hyper-productive Midnite from authentic singles from back in in 2003 and will be on tour those seemingly halcyon days. throughout California this fall. ------the Virgin Islands is set to re- Misty in Roots have announced lease Mongst I&I, the brand ------new single from their upcoming To get a hold of these delightful that they are about to embark releases first you have to join Makasound on a 10 date UK tour. Misty, album ‘Kings Bell’. The single ------will be accompanied by Mid- the The Reggae 69 Fan Club, Team Chapter along with Steel Pulse and New you only need an email and to The currently flaming J Boog Aswad, have been one of the nite’s first ever music video, a Two video recorded on location in Laurel Aitken confirm your age. Just for doing is in the midst of a sensation- cornerstones of British based this act you will be rewarded ------al streak in his still relatively Roots Reggae since around both Frederiksted, St. Croix, Reissues and Nicolas Maslowski and Romain and Kingston, Jamaica. with the opportunity to get a young career and 2011 figures 1978 when they strode out with More From free download of the sparkling Germa – the duo that founded to be yet another high-point for songs containing powerful lyr- French label Makasound that Mongst I&I is based on a one Reggae 69 organ driven instrumental 11 the very impressive vocalist as ics inspired by economic de- Anõs de Alcohol from Mexico’s went bankrupt earlier this year he is set to release his brand cline, spiritual awakening and drop riddim and is a digital-on- Fan Club – have a new upcoming project. ly release featuring the single, very own Jamaica 69. Then as new album, ‘Backyard Boogie’, a general awareness of their ------the November release date later this month to much antici- African culture. They were also the music video, two remixes The Reggae 69 Fan Club, a They have been hired by Wa- courtesy of Lustre Kings’ An- approaches you will be sent pation across the world. Argu- during these musically fertile website which is primarily ded- an email so you can pre-order gram to establish a label mix- ably one of the greatest things times at the forefront of “Rock drew “Moon” Bain and Sound- icated to the sounds and inspi- ing reggae, world music and Ponics, and a dub mix. your set. The cost for all eight to happen to Hawaiian Reggae Against Racism”. An organiza- ration of Jamaican music from singles is $45 (plus shipping), crossover music. They call it [if not the greatest], J Boog has tion that put on pioneering con- 1964 -’69, has announced it is Chapter Two. ‘Kings Bell’ is Midnite’s first al- or for $69 there is an option left a big impression on the certs that crossed Reggae with about to release a collection of that includes a limited edition Chema Skandal art print, a poignant Autumnal rhythm and nessa Brantley-Newton. ‘One Reggae 69 Centre Adapter for lyrically he continues the se- Love’ is published through all your other old vinyl, plus a ries’ departure theme. The B Chronicle Books in October. sticker/pin and postcard set. side is the vocal to the Cornell ------Even if you don’t own a record Campbell piece issued in Au- player but love those Ska and gust. Featuring that unmistak- The Story of early Reggae sound s of the able falsetto, it’s a strong fol- Lover’s Rock late ‘60s and early ‘70s it is lowup to Soothsayers own cut. ------still worth joining this fledgling Lovers rock is a reggae genre club as there are videos, a fo- I’m Leaving / I’ll Never Leave is that hails from the UK and has rum and with the aim to help out on 7” on October 7th. Grab influenced pop and soul artists foster new music from bands it while you can. such as Police and Sade and around the world you’ll get ac------went global through the likes cess to exclusive downloads One Love by of UB40 and Maxi Priest. It is and CD’s in time as well as also probably the reggae genre more limited edition art prints. Cedella Marley that has given women a voice Visit www.reggae69.com/r69/ ------in the predominantly male to find out more. Bob Marley’s oldest child – dominated world of reggae mu- the three-time Grammy Award sic. Female artists like Louisa (The Delirians Musical-Remedy winner Cedella Marley – has Marks, Janet Kay, Brown Sug- is due to be the fifth release in adapted the lyrics from her ar, Carroll Thompson led a “girl the series). power” explosion in the early ------phase of lovers rock. And now Soothsayers you can get to know everything that you wanted to know about meet Lutan lovers rock through the feature Fyah and Cor- length documentary ‘The Story nell Campbell of Lovers Rock’, a picture that tells the story of an era and a ------music that defined a genera- When Soothsayers dropped tion in the late 70’s and 80’s. lovely ballad We’re Not Leaving The film combines live perfor- backed with a Cornell Camp- mances with some of the kings bell version in August, fans of father’s beloved song One and queens of lovers rock with the group’s current reggae di- Love for a children’s book. Its comedy sketches, interviews rection could rest assured their chorus “one love, one heart, and archive material. Inter- next album would be a high- let’s get together and feel al- views include Denis Bovell, light of 2012. Now they have right” has been the guiding UB40, Levi Roots, Linton Kwesi another 7” out on the same star in her work. The result is Johnson and Maxi Priest. beautifully crafted backing, a picture book promoting fam- played by their loose band of ily and neighborhood unity The comedy sketches are pro- musical spars Red Earth Col- through a girl that enlists her vided by the likes of Eddie lective. The A side comes from community to help transform Nestor, Robbie G, Wayne Rol- one of the most collaborative her neighborhood for the bet- lins and Glenda Jaxson. ‘The and well loved Jamaican roots ter. The book bears the same Story of Lover’s Rock’ opens at artists - Spanish Town deejay title as the song and comes selected cinemas in London on Lutan Fyah. His raw but vulner- with colorful illustrations with September 28th. able tones are perfect for the some collage elements by Va------politicians. They have to re- in French a canonciére - which You don’t use reggae as a center their priorities. The hu- means she was top-ranking - ... newspaper (laughs). But reg- man being is the priority. And and she was kind of, ok guys, gae talks about everyday life, AlphA Blondy that’s my vision, one of my vi- I see you later. And someone reality. African reggae talks sions. in the crowd said “Well, don’t about the land where milk and “Not all Africa forget to protect your vuvuzela honey don’t flow, only blood is a battlefield” You’ve pre-produced Vision before you waka-waka”. I found and tears. Voila. That’s not new with a mobile studio while that sentence really beautiful. for the people, because they ------It was very nicely said. Pro- see it. That’s what they live you where on tour in various He was one of the very first tect your vuvuzela before you sometimes. But not all Africa is reggae artists born in the places in Europe, South Amer- waka-waka. Don’t let HIV take a battlefield. No. You can sing Motherland. His career spans ica and so on. How is you mo- your life! That’s how the song love songs, you can talk about incredible 29 years now. Sey- bile studio set up? Vuvuzela was born. happy things, happy events. dou “Jagger” Koné, better But African reggae talks more known as Alpha Blondy and about what’s happening in eve- It’s a suitcase, a small suitcase Reggae music in West Africa dubbed the Emperor of African ryday life. And everyday life is like that. We got computers generally seems to function reggae, sat down with Valen- not always bright. tin Zill in Paris in April to talk inside, we got a M-Box inside like a newspaper or radio in- about his latest album ‘Vision’, and a professional mic. In eve- asmuch as it talks about re- ry city we arrived, before go- What are your favorite Reggae music in Côte d‘Ivoire, his work cent political developments ing to soundcheck, we had to artists from Côte d’Ivoire right as a messenger of peace of the and brings them closer to an United Nations and the difficult do something in my bedroom, now? audience that often can’t read process of reconciliation in his in my hotel room. So we did home country after years of that in Europe here, in France I nor write. In private, I don’t know. But I civil war. While Alpha is getting mean, in Germany, in Switzer- love Ras Goody (Brown), I love a bit long in the tooth, the fire land. We did it when we went to That’s true. That’s true. Be- Ismael Isaac very much. I also in him is burning as hot as ever. Marocco. We did some work in cause when you sing in African love Beta Simon. They do some Brazil, Argentina. So that gives dialects, people in the village, very good work. ------a special texture to the sounds. deep in the country, that’s the The legend from Côte The musicians and I were in way they are informed about When the civil war started the mood of a live performance d‘Ivoire on music and what’s happening. They feel in Côte d’Ivoire, some Ivori- kind of thing. So you can feel iticians. What I wanted to really replace mankind in the middle it, they see it, but if they don’t politricks that in the record we did. have access to the newspa- ans went to Paris and created emphasize is that politicians of their politics. For instance, coupé décalé in nightclubs ------have forgotten to take care of I tell you something. How can per, if they don’t speak French What was the vision behind the essential of their politics. you imagine that the FAO [Food You were in Johannesburg or English... When it’s some- there. Does that music work Vision, your 17th studio al- The human being should be in and Agriculture Organization during the soccer world cham- thing in Dyoula, they can pick for you, too? They don’t have it up. They can understand. bum? the center of all politics. And of the United Nations] needed pionship. Tell us about the a real message to spread, just It’s another dimension of com- that’s not what I’m seeing. They 30 billion dollars to eradicate impressions you got there. partying... replace human being by mon- famine on the surface of the munication. Reggae becomes A Vision of today, a vision of ey. What I want people to know earth. So every country, every something that allows people yesterday and my vision of to- I loved the atmosphere. We Yeah, coupé décalé at that is money is made for the use of citizen could eat at least. They to communicate in different morrow. Musical vision, spir- went shopping, and all over the time had a very positive effect man. But it’s not the opposite. did not succeed in getting 30 languages, tribal languages, itual vision, and social vision. place you could hear the vuvu- on the minds of the people, That’s the vision, the sad vi- billion dollars. But when the you see. Which means what I really zelas. At the hotel, me and my because they were very con- sion I have of the world. But I’m banks had a problem, they got wanted to say by choosing Vi- guys sitting and watching the fused, very scared, they were still optimistic. I hope that one thousands of billions to take Should music always trans- sion is my spiritual vision first girls passing by - sexy, sexy, afraid to go out. So coupé dé- day the politicians will realize care of that. That’s not fair. port a social message? around me, around the world you know, sexy something man calé was the young kids, you that they’re doing the wrong That’s what I mean by we have I’m living in. It’s also my vision (laughing) - so, anyway, all of a know, who wanted to show of calculation. That they’re gonna to recenter the politics and the No, it can be a love message. of the world as seen by the pol sudden a peer with what we call their nice clothes and “We got money and we show it”, OK. supported Gbagbo in the enough credibility to defend Will there be some kind of Blacker than the other Blacks going to Africa. Because that This is a part of the craziness of elections. But they had a lot peace. If the ECOWACS choose reconciliation tour with other (laughs). “I’m more nigger than day, they will realize that the music. But there was still some of respect for you again when Alpha Blondy as a messenger artists? you!” (laughs). human being, we are one small reggae going on, you see. And of peace of ECOWACS in the family. And if we live on this other music. But the coupé dé- you asked Gbagbo afterwards Ivory Coast, it means that the We have to. Reconciliation tour global land, nobody is - how do calé, for me, was a very good to step down. On Vision, there is a track Ivory Coast politicians failed. - I don’t know [There will be a you say that... Don’t say “This thing to heal people’s fear. called Ma Tête. It is about And I, with the little things I reconciliation tour with Alpha will never happen to me!” Nev- It’s not because they love me know, I tried to put our pieces Blondy, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Ziggy politicians trying to use you. er say that. Because nobody Would you say that reggae in that, you know, I have to do together to avoid the war. Marley and others]. knows tomorrow. What’s hap- Côte d’Ivoire lost out to newer things that always please them. Ya, they all did. When they feel pening in Japan today could They don’t have to love me. But everybody was kind of tired happen somewhere here. So styles like zouglou or coupé But we have to make reconcili- that what I’m saying is going But at least I have to be free to of this Ivory Coast problem. The to their favor, then they treat we got to have land where we décalé? ation. Reconciliation is a must. choose who I support and who UN was sick and tired of being If we want to heal our mental me as if I was a genius. But if I can save people and wait until I don’t. They talk about democ- accused, France was tired of wounds, if we want to erase happen not to agree with them, the radioactivity wears off. I want zouglou to be. I want racy and they want me to be a being blamed. The European the bad souvenirs that we col- then they treat me as if I was coupé décalé to be. And I want victim of their dictatorship. I’m community was accused, the lected during this time of crisis, a mental case. So today, you They have to find a place to live reggae to be! And besides of free to choose who I support. international community was we all have to give our contri- need my help. for those 20 years. That day, that - Ivory Coast, we got so accused. In Ivory Coast, our bution in order to reach perfect they will understand that we all many rhythms and dances. You If they’d really love me, they problem was very delicate. and complete reconciliation. Today you need me to come are part of that big human fam- mentioned a few, but you got would respect my choice. But We have to talk to each other, and rescue. But listen to this ily. That’s the lesson that God the kineh, you got ziglibity, you they don’t have to try to influ- Somebody said “The person we have to forgive. Even if we one, dig this one: Talk to my will teach us. got - I don’t know, polieh. We ence my choice or impose their who will tell you that he under- cannot forget, let’s try to for- ass, OK, because my head is have so many dances. All those choice to me. I would never do stands the Ivory Coast problem give. That’s the mission that all sick! Voila. Which means I’m With all the wars going on, dances should be. They are that. Now those who love me did not get the right explana- Ivorians have to be submitted sick and tired of being used by Lybia, Afghanistan, Irak, and there to make people happy. will understand me. And those tion.” Because if we get the to. you guys. I’m sick and tired of with man-made catastro- who don’t love me should f*** right explanation, we cannot being humiliated. I’m sick and All dances shall be. Our mission off. understand. At my level, I don’t tired of being insulted by you. phes like the one unfolding in is to make people happy. If we think about yesterday. Which measures should be Fukushima, do you sometimes taken on the road of recon- can make people happy with As a messenger of peace for Do the recent revolutions in loose your faith in humanity? zouglou, thank God. If we can I think about today’s results. ciliation? ONUCI, do you feel responsi- some North African countries make them happy with coupé The war is far from us. The No. Never. You know why? My décalé, thank God. Because we ble for the peace process not people started going to the Ivoirité should be banned by a let you gain hope for Africa’s grandmother said if you’re are here for that, to give happi- turning out as it should have marketplace, guys are going law. I’m going to ask the new future? looking, searching for God and ness around us, to give hope. turned out? to work, salaries are going to government for that. They have you pass a human being, you’ll And I love people to dream! be paid, hospitals gonna have to ban the concept of ivoirité. Africa is the hope of the human never see God again. God is race. You know why? Because I did my best. I’m not a politi- medication, children might That’s very important. Now if in the building of the world. the kind of nuclear business We’re dream weavers. All musi- cian. So in the very beginning, start going to school, and life they don’t ban the concept of It’s not that God has built the in Japan will not happen to the cians are dream weavers. And for them to choose me as a goes on. The test that God put ivoirité, they’re gonna find me world and is finished (claps Ivory Coast, to Africa I mean. we wanna do our job. It’s sure messenger of peace means in our way, together we’ll over- in their way. hands). No, no, no. He keeps Tchernobyl - we don’t have nu- that life is not all blood and that the danger was there al- come everything by the help of on building. And he himself is clear plants! So one day - knock tears. In life, you got coupé dé- ready. It means that all the pol- the Almighty. But that’s what the journalist, he himself is the Ivoirité reminds me of the on wood - I don’t want that to calé. In life, you also have reg- iticians failed. I want to see: I wanna have a road paver, he’s himself the gae. So as long as people are very optimistic vision of tomor- fascist German blood and soil happen, but in case that hap- mechanic. pens, and we have to move 20 happy, we’re satisfied. For them to choose an artist row, and not let what I saw ideology. million people, where are they like Alpha Blondy to become yesterday have an influence, a He’s the farmer. He’s the pilot. negative impact on my vision gonna go to? Some Ivorians were disap- the messenger of peace for the That’s ivoirité. I call it negro And he is the airplane. And he United Nations was a prove that of tomorrow for the people of nazism. It’s when in a Black is the kerosine in the airplane. pointed at first when you You will see ten million tourists all the politicians didn’t have the Ivory Coast. country, some Black things are The Almighty is at work. You see what I mean? So all those catastrophes belong to the procedure of the building of the world. He’s in the brain of Lee mankind, it’s God at work. So let’s not feel desperate. As the Rastas say: God at the control! Perry As Bob Marley put it: “Have no fear of atomic energy, as none “Don’t want of them can stop the time!” to talk to the Exactly! Because God is time. devil, me want He’s not the master of time, to talk to God. no. He is time (in a deep voice). So you got to That’s one of his names. put the demon Interview by Valentin Zill away, so you Photos by R. Deluze can undestand God fully”

You’re never sure what’ll hap- pen when you interview Lee Perry. Since 1999, I’ve spoken ‘Scratch.’ Like whole new generation of listen- with the reggae originator at Bob Dylan, another septuage- ers. Over the past half decade least half a dozen times and narian genius, once said ‘I’m or so, Lee has been recording every time we’ve connected only Bob Dylan when I have to and touring with a vengeance. has been different. The first be’, I sensed that Mr. Perry in- Collaborations with State of few times we spoke, Lee rarely sulated himself from the public Emergency, Andrew WK, Adri- broke out of character – almost by hiding behind his ‘Scratch’ an Sherwood as well as ‘Rise everything he said was outra- persona. Really, after more Again’, the long awaited col- geous, stream of conscious- than four decades in the music laboration with Bill Laswell ness, an exercise in perfor- business and the inane ques- give evidence to a late career mance art. I thought that’s all tions most journalists ask, who renaissance that has few paral- there was to the public Mr. could blame him? But, in recent lels in popular music. (Johnny Perry. Then, while speaking years, something has shifted. Cash’s prolific series of albums to Clinton Fearon, the former I don’t know whether it’s tied with Rick Rubin recorded in his Black Ark bassist and mem- into Perry’s decision to quit final years come to mind) I re- ber of the original Gladiators, smoking pot or if his advanc- cently arranged to speak with shared this with me, “If you ing years have made him more Lee from his home in Switzer- get past the joking, Scratch is careful about communicating land. Here are some excerpts a very sensitive man. A sensi- clearly in order to preserve his from our conversation. tive intelligent man.” I think I legacy, but the last few times always knew that, but had ac- we’ve spoken, Lee has been Lee, it’s good to finally get cepted that I may never meet patient, clear and sincere – and the real Lee Perry and only ever full of gratitude that his mu- you on the phone. How are have the chance to meet sic has survived and found a you? I’m doing fine. I was inside the sound collages remind me of aren’t from Jamaica to reach is orthodox – you know in the about whether they like it or bath last time you called me. some of your work with The the international community. usual sense? not, so I can think about what I am sorry, I didn’t hear your Congos. You and Bill sound I wanted something a little to record in the future. So, let call. I was making holy water. broader. me interview you about that very well suited to each oth- I’m an orthodox! Orthodox! He- But, this is a good time to talk. hehe….. The reality is that Ethi- some more – Tell me about this Which of my records do you er – which certainly hasn’t And, Bill Laswell works with opian orthodox – have a huge record some more! want to talk about? always been the case when a lot of musicians from Afri- knowledge - are the original What I think is that the songs you’ve worked with other ca, India, America – probably force from Africa. Everything (Ha Ha) That question says a has been copied from Africa. sound more like classic Lee Well, the sound and I made producers. Do you work with people you wouldn’t normally lot in itself. There aren’t many Things have expanded since Perry than we’ve heard in a a positive connection during each producer a little differ- have the chance to work with. long time. A lot of seventies the creation of this record. The other artists who put out as then. It would be too boring to ently, or does your vision take see only one set of people, but sounds and Congos type vibes songs sometimes sang their many records as you do. It over the project and the pro- Yeah. I need international ex- now all the people can get to- – I think Bill did his homework melodies to me. When the must be hard for you to keep ducer is a kind of facilitator? posure and international fla- gether to form one new group before he got together with songs sing their melody to me, track. I wanted to talk to you Or, how do you approach col- vor. This is a man of good taste. of people. It is wonderful. you. He has obviously listened the songs give me the words to about ‘Rise Again’ – the new If this record became a hit, it to and understood your music. sing. So, there was a creative laboration? You spent most of would make me very happy. He recorded some hard hitting force working with me that tell- record you did with Bill Las- your career in the producer’s sounds for you to sing over. ing me the words and I went in well. seat. It would make me happy, too. front of the mic and the songs My favourite track is the collab- Yeah yeah – good. This is one told me what to sing, what to Oh! Bill Laswell. Yeah, yeah, Ha Ha….That’s right. I was the oration with Gigi, the Ethiopian of those records that comes out say. I am overblessed actually. yeah, yeah…… that man. Hm- producer, so I work the same singer. I love her work and the that I never got to know exactly I am well blessed. mmm. Perhaps it’s better that with every producer who comes two of you sound very comfort- what goes on as it was being you tell me what you think to me. able singing together. made, so I got to listen to it only So, like you sing – the lyrics about this record. To tell you one time. I came in to voice it come from a higher level! the truth, I’ve only heard it one So, let’s talk about your re- Who is Gigi? and I had only one day, then I time. went on tour, and then I toured cord with Bill Laswell. It They come straight to the ears. a couple of weeks, got a mes- The Ethiopian woman who I hear the voice I hear the mel- Once! I’ve been listening to it sounds like a very successful sage, got a copy of the music, sung on ‘Orthodox’ ody. I hear a special blessing. collaboration that really mir- got to sing it and then toured a for weeks. That’s why I work. That’s how bit again. It was so busy a time, rors the best of both of your Does it sound good? You tell I work. I told this to Bob (Mar- but if you tell me that you love Then, I am listening to you now. approaches to music. me for - let me tell you the truth ley). Open yourself up. And af- it, I’m so glad that you love it. Tell me what you think. now. What happened is that I ter I stop smoke and drink al- You’ve listened to my music for OK. Yes, this was the first time listened to the record one time. cohol, it all comes to me very a long time, I think - Well, you know Bill Laswell – I worked with him. It was a When we were recording it, I It is wonderful. I find it very clearly. That’s the power of the practical decision. I would say was on tour and would stop interesting that you’ve only self, and if you disobey, you’ll it was an enjoyable experience off for a few days and do some Coming up to 35 years Yes, he was recommended to listened to ‘Rise Up’ once. You be cut down. Your soul will be me – because I don’t want to be con- voicing. Since then I haven’t cut off. You’ll go to the demons. sidered just as one type of art- dealt with it or listened to it. I must have been very busy. Are Thank you very much. I really like what he does. He ist or to work with just one type haven’t had much time. I don’t you recording again? Touring I remember you told me once of artist. I want to be an inter- know what to tell you. I’m in- has obviously been influenced again? You know, it is a very good that you used to think smoke national artist. terviewing you now. So you tell piece of work. Let’s talk about by your music. Is that some- me what you think about it? Ha and alcohol gave you the lyr- I’m not thinking about the next lyrics. Do you walk in with thing you picked up on? So, ‘Rise Again’ – this is like Ha. one already. It is no problem ics – a dream come true because I for me to have ideas for new them to the studio, or do you Hmmm…. Tell me more. wanted to do some music that Well, on that track I love when songs, but I want to give this hear the lyrics and improvise No probably never as far as would reach out past Jamaica you sing ‘I’m an orthodox.’ Is one a run of time so people can around them? alcohol. Alcohol never gave and work with musicians who me no lyrics. I had to stop the His delays, the incongruous there anything about you that listen and give me their idea alcohol by making a sacrifice. part of nature is that we must nobody else this – it’s how a In the Black Ark studio we did have to pee pee. Pee pee. You computer works. I’m explaining too much alcohol and ciga- understand ‘pee pee’. it to you. Think like a computer rettes and Godless smoking, to write songs. So, you say AB so then I had to make a sacri- It’s part of life, but why sing and Z again and you have ABA fice because the smoke and about it? - AZA ABA the alcohol made so I couldn’t hear the words clearly and it all Pee pee – without it, life would So you can say ABBA, Jah Jah. was confusion. Mixed the holy be very bad or very sad. You Jah Jah – Roger – Ro Jah. Allah spirit into music because the can’t do nothing then. Jah AJA. Allah ABA. That’s a com- holy spirit is the opposite of comes to me with music eve- puter. That’s a new song! So, alcohol. The holy spirit below rywhere – on the toilet. On my you try – and the alcohol allows – you’ve toilet I hear rhythms. I wrote got to be careful….. It’s like I ‘Duppy Conquerer’ on my toi- (some interactive word play be- had to do something or commit let. I wrote the words on the tween interviewer and subject. suicide to stop the voices. The toilet. Lines continue to blur between wrong voices. Cigarette and al- God will provide and that you be alive man is what you need. them) cohol and beer and wine – God don’t have to make bad music. I give thanks to Bill Laswell So, did you hold onto the himself is a spirit. God is pure Start to think about the proph- and his idea about me and his Well, you can construct words out the best in him. and God is clear. So, to see God ets like Moses and the power- ideas about the facts of life and lyrics for a while, or did you like that. Even Bob can’t show as a spirit, you have to put the ful ones and understand what revelation. write them on toilet paper that – you are the first one to I think that is true. OK! You take alcoholic spirit away. God has given to those proph- and run right to the studio to grasp that. Ha ha. He he. We care. Jah bless you. ets. What you need. When you Something we’ve talked record? have some new songs. Amen try to reach for that, if you’re about before is that you’re And you! open to the music, the door Just like that! The thing that very hard for some people to First time, me have to have The spirit is negative. Don’t will open for you. You find the a book to write inspirations impresses me so much every Until the next! pigeon hole. By that I mean want to talk to the devil, me words you are looking for and down, so then I had to think time we speak is how awake want to talk to God. So you got the words will have power that that you’re a very serious Interview by like a computer. I remembered and alive you are to creative to put the demon away, so you will endure. You go into the lock artist in a lot of ways. What the words – the first ones and Doug Heselgrave opportunities in each second Photos by Michael Grein can understand God fully. and open the lock. I opened the you’ve contributed to our un- wrote them on toilet paper. lock and I don’t need the dread- of life. I can feel you vibrating derstanding of mixing, sam- Kept the toilet paper…. You say you’ve been blessed, locks any more. (uncontrolled over the phone lines. pling has changed music, but and in terms of creating a laughter) (laugh) I don’t think you’ve received I’m never so happy in my life body of work, you have been I have the words. I opened the the attention you deserve be- It makes you laugh! Good! So before. Thank you very much overblessed. When you look lock and trimmed the dread- cause you might sing about as far as lyrics, we are creative for telling me what you think locks. I came to the understand- back over your career, are you computers. It is a system. The about the record. I want to be ing that dreadlocks themselves God and piss and shit in the satisfied with what you’ve next words came after the first able to take this all to the next cannot rule because dreadlock same song. Do you think peo- brought to life? words. You have to think like a level. Do you like Bill’s music – have become a fashion for ple miss the message because computer. The first word is A in itself? many people. It’s a hairstyle. Yes, satisfied. Yep, you could of your weird sense of hu- and the last word is Z. So, you All the singers in Jamaica are be producing good songs and mour? can take A-Z-A and call it AZA. I do for the most part – de- dreadlocks. All the musicians bad songs because you just are dreadlocks. It’s a hairstyle! pending on the project. His want the money. You have to Yes, I think that’s true, but I I told Bob this about songwrit- It’s a commercial. sound reminds me of yours decide these things. You can also think I talk about nature, ing. You can create your own produce some very bad music too and that is serious. Nature words. I want to say that ‘A’ is with the paint stirred a little Jah didn’t tell people that to be and make money, but you have is what we have and what we the alphabet opened and ‘Z’ is more thickly. He brings out holy you need dreadlocks. To to decide and understand that are losing. Nature is life and the alphabet closed. I don’t tell the best in you and you bring terial.” to be independent. There was a City. ------great belief in the future,” she says, and adds: “The influences have been Hanouneh Moving to Palestine more on content, like aware------“A few weeks into 2001 the ness and my lyrics. It is not so “Many Jamaicans are Hanna Cinthio, Hanouneh’s whole infrastructure was torn much in the music. I have yet very aware of their own real name, was born and raised down by the Israelian bomb- to explore the oriental music Gaza/Gully conflict, and in Skåne, in the southern part ings. People lost their safety tradition through my own crea- of Sweden. When she was 17 and confidence.” tion. I hope to do it eventually they became interested years old she left Sweden and though,” says explains. when I played my tunes moved to Jerusalem and lived The same year as the bombings about the real Gaza” with a Palestinian family. She she went back to Sweden set- Some of her songs have got learned Arabic and stayed for tled in Skåne again and started wide attention. Gaza/New Swedish singer Ha- me back because of the several years. In 2000 she got to make music. Year’s Eve is about the bomb- nouneh dropped her pressure from being a job at a law firm in Gaza City. ------ings on New Years Eve during debut album ‘Love & surrounded by skilled the Gaza war in 2008 and Real War’ in February. It’s people that can value “I was curious about the area. Jamaican interest in the Gaza me Seh became some- an album that tells your work.” It was a big surprise to experi- real Gaza thing of an anthem during the stories of her experi- ence the environment and the ------attacks on the Ship to Gaza ences from the real ------mood during this optimistic Even though she left Palestine convoy in 2010. Gaza set to sounds of and positive time. This was A Macy Gray Story her music is heavily influenced roots reggae, dance- in the year 2000. The people by her experiences from living Real Gaza Me Seh has also hall, RnB and hip-hop. ------waited for the Palestinian state in both Jerusalem and Gaza been noted in Jamaica, partly Hanouneh is a Swed- She says that she has ish singer whose music always created music, springs from a broad but that it took a long range of different in- time before she started fluences and topics. singing professionally. According to herself Why she started sing- she is rooted in jazz ing is, according to her- and had an upbringing self, a Macy Gray story. where music was a nat- ural part of life. “I have heard that her career started when “I have always had she had to put vocals music around me. My on a demo with her father and my uncles own compositions, be- have all been into jazz cause the original sing- and my brother and er did not show up,” my cousins also play she says, and makes instruments,” says Ha- an example: nouneh, and continues: “It was a lot easier “This has both in- when I did jazz with the fluenced me and re- old folks. Singing cov- strained me. I believe ers are not as hard and that I have got a strong self exposing as when musicality from this, you sing your own ma- but that it has also kept because of its topic and the meaning of the term Gaza, a term that is used in Jamaica Mark when referring to Vybz Kartel and his posse of artists like Popcaan. Wonder Hanouneh recently got home from her first visit to Jamaica and got the chance to talk “Reggae Sum- about her experiences of the fest. I call it real Gaza, which gained inter- “Some Reggae est among artists and produc- ers. Fest”. How can songs, but also with clean and ------you have a reg- “Many Jamaicans are very complex stuff, such as Tremen- gae festival be- aware of their own Gaza/Gully dous Lix productions or Viktori- Open to new projects conflict, and they became inter- ous digital dub,” she says, and and ideas ing headlined ested when I played my tunes continues: by a hip-hop about the real Gaza. Interest------There are several projects artist?” ingly enough, Real Gaza me “This album is a summary of ahead and Hanouneh has many Seh was well received among different collaborations, and Mark Wonder - who took his new ideas. She is attracted by both Gaza Empire and Alliance. I think that it is great that all stage surname from Stevie the idea of working long-term We were instantly talking about these different styles are gath- Wonder - was born in Kingston and focused with one band or doing a remix of the tune.” ered on one album.” and grew up in Manchester, with one producer and jointly Jamaica. He originally decided ------produce an album. Hanouneh says that it hasn’t to train to become a jockey but Swedish production been an easy road completing was unable to produce the nec- The first step is however live the album. It was much harder essary paperwork and instead ------gigs this summer with The In Jamaica, dancehall reigns than she had expected. found his way into music - re- Awakening Band, and she nowadays. And even if ‘Love & cording his first tunes for Jack hopes to do concerts outside War’ is influenced by contempo- “I worked with a person and Scorpio in 1988. In a familiar of Sweden. rary Jamaican music, it’s most- our collaboration did not last story for an uncompromising ly based on one drop riddims which meant that I had to put roots artist his debut album “I will also put some effort in man, Anthony B, Capleton, Lu- The True Story Of Mark Won- produced by mainly Swedish out the album on my own la- ‘Signs Of The Times’ was re- a mixtape project that I dis- ciano, Junior Kelly and Everton der and friends? talents, such as Tremendous bel. I had the intention to re- corded for a European label, cussed with some artists and Blender. Angus Taylor spoke to Lix, Viktorious, Lance-A-Lot work some of the tunes before Zola and Zola out of the Neth- producers when I visited Jamai- Mark as he was finishing sixth and Doobie Sounds. Hanouneh the release, but because of the erlands in 1996 and he has Well, first let me say “Greet- ca. On a longer term I also want album ‘Working Wonders’ with says that the producers have crashed collaboration I had to continued to release most of ings” to the most high. I want to continue recording and put Bavarian production house had an enormous influence on put them out in the condition his works in Europe rather than to say “Big up” to the artists out new music. The collabora- Oneness Records - about his the album. they were in. The alternative his island home. Last year he who’ve lent their talent to this tion with Tremendous Lix is al- music, his love of horseracing would have been to screw it dropped his fifth longplayer project. I’ve been around in ready going. But I have to wait and why he feels there is a plot “We have extremely talented all,” she says, and adds: - ‘The True Stories of Mark the industry for more than 15 and see. So far life has been in Jamaica to keep Rastafarian producers in Sweden. The ones Wonder and Friends’ - a col- years, so most of the artists, unpredictable and offered a lot roots artists down... I have worked with all have “On the other hand, it now laboration with Austrian label I’ve known them for quite a of surprises, so I keep all doors their own style, and it has been feels like a great success to IrieVibrations and Jamaica’s long time. It wasn’t really hard open.” very fulfilling to work with not have completed everything on Al.Ta.Fa.An. which features a How did you get so many peo- to get them to collaborate with just the rootsy and organic my own and keeping control huge number of guest contri- ple to collaborate with you on me, it was just getting the over the final product.” Interview by Erik Magni butions from Sizzla, Gentle- time because everybody had their own stuff going on and it Europe by Groove Attack. Well, I deliberately was sneak- was just some of it took long ing a few pre-release, you time, so that was really hard. You also put out a mix- know? We put out some early tape with Zion Roots from release stuff to create the con- cept that we had wanted! We How long a period of time did VI which went down very it take to get all those people had to sneak in just a few new well. Tell me about that. releases. Hopefully by the end together? of the year the songs will be Well, it was just a concept that out. We had started recording a came to me while I was on tour few singles before AlTaFaAn in Europe last year, in France, the producer came up with Germany, Switzerland, Bel- Tell me about this Dragonslayer the concept - the first one was gium, Holland. Whilst stopping concept. Do you see yourself as Only the Strong Survive with over in Germany, Gütersloh to a dragonslayer in the industry? me, Chezidek and Lutan Fyah. be exact - big up the G Town Then there was Still Deh Deh. Massive - I was just toying Yes, kind of. When I look back So after those two singles the with the idea of the name Drag- on I and I journey through the producer decided he wanted to onslayer, and I was saying to music, as a being on the earth do a project with me for AlTa- another person, my touring there is so much hypocrisy go- FaAn. At the time I was working partner Prince Theo, who was ing on in the music, so much on several other projects, so along with me on the tour that catastrophe taking place. he decided to let me do some- I wanted to make an album by And I have to do something thing different from the rest of the name of the Dragonslayer. about certain situations where the projects that I was work- So while back I was in Jamaica, there’s just talking talking and ing on. Obviously we had to after the tour was finished I words without works are not about our culture, our strug- not, basically. I think there is a works and restore the order. choose the people we wanted got hooked up with Zion Roots, sustainable. So I see myself in gle, our needs, our wars, our plot to get rid of roots but my to work with, make sure we had who’s from St Croix - big up this time forward as a battler vigil. So I and I in this time is theory is - how can you kill the There has been a lot of debate the right concept and songs. It Zion Roots, big up the St Croix who comes to wipe out certain the Dragonslayer, reminding I root? If you kill the root there recently about reggae in Eu- took us about a year and a half massive. Zion Roots is actual- situations and we get this tool and I from whence I and I came will be no future because the to really get the project kicking ly living in an estate in Wash- to use which is the word sound. and that’s what this music is all root is the foundation and if rope versus reggae in Jamai- and feeling. The project was ington - he lives in the United And through the word sound I about. you kill the foundation and kill ca. As an artist from Jamaica ready for a while but we had to States. The good thing about and I sound I and I trumpet in the roots then all the branch- who records regularly for the make sure we were getting a Mark Wonder is that the music a melodic vibration and also Do you think that the purpose es are going to die. There will European market what is your proper distribution. That’s the has been making grounds in in like-mind reaching words. be no substance in the other of this music has got lost in view? thing that is hurting reggae the those parts of the world and I In these situations we utter parts of the music if you kill most at the moment - not get- hooked up with Zion Roots. He these words. That is I and I tool recent times? the roots. So I and I duty as I am just very, very sad about ting a proper distribution. seems to be a very strong fol- that Jah Rastafari has given I. the Dragonslayer is to restore the situation. That’s why I have lower of Mark Wonder, so we Babylon quake because I and Well, I wouldn’t say it was lost, the order and be one of those come to this realisation that I hear that a lot. hooked up and he has done the I utter it in this time carrying I wouldn’t say it was that bad. who will be a solid foundation there seems to be a plot to kill mixtape for me. I think it has on the works that were started I’m there and a lot of the other in this time. It’s going to take this rootical vibration. How done very, very well. by our brothers before. People veterans are there, a lot more a hefty and mighty lot of work So it took us until last year for us can we destroy something so like the Wailers - Bob and Peter I and I there. The thing is that to restore this order so as the to really seal up a distribution ancient? Something that has who came before I and I, Burn- basically I can speak of Jamai- Dragonslayer I man in this time deal. I’m pretty much grateful Am I right in saying that some a purpose to be recognised ing Spear, Israel Vibration, The ca. It seems that this roots is step forward free and bold, for that, you know? The album of the tunes on that mixtape throughout the world? This art Abyssinians, Jimmy Cliff, Bob lost here in Jamaica and I won- mighty and strong and as Bob was produced by AlTaFaAn, it form, this music, that served have not been released yet? I Andy. All those great warriors der what is happening. People Marley did say “Nah look no ended up being a collaborated to establish us as a nation and heard one or two that I was who went out and create an en- are now gravitating towards a help” and him no want no help effort between AlTaFaAn and as a people. The music that like “Where can I find that?”! ergy, a vibe, you know? Create different type of vibration and so I and I ain’t going to look no Irie Vibrations from Austria. speaks of I and I courage and The project was distributed to that vibe that speak very much living a culture which they are help and just be there to do Jah I and I livity. The people are some guy saying “I’m going to pened naturally. There was no that was the route I had to go gravitating to different vibes make a one drop rhythm”. The strain, no pain. A lot of it came down because that was the and living a culture that they music has lost its essence but through wanting to know more new system set up by the Rac- are not. I feel really sad about then you find Europeans really about I and I black self. I and I ing Commission so I enrolled in the situation because when I putting their heart and soul as a nation, as a people, and I the jockey school. But as you trod through Europe I see so into it and really taking the mu- and I as an individual. said, fate put me on another much roots and people living sic by the scruff of the neck. I path. The music came calling the culture. Then I come back am a rootsman and I have to As you said in previous inter- because the music was always to Jamaica and it’s not so - the find and sort out my situation views you were involved in a part of me and I was always a radio, the TV, the newspaper. so I have to record with roots part of the music so I am here people in Europe. Most of my horse racing as a youth? But today as Mark Wonder, the I’ll tell you the truth - it all boils fate intervened and set you down to hypocrisy. The reg- things that have been released Dragonslayer. gae music industry in Jamaica over the past two or three years on the path to music? is like a pimp and prostitute have been on European labels. You aren’t the first reggae Jamaica is sleeping. Wake up game. Well, as a youth growing up in artist to have come from that Jamaica! Wake up people of Ja- the ghetto in Kingston the com- background. Donald Manning maica! munity I resided in had a lot of How do you mean? thoroughbred farms and a lot from the Abyssinians and Co- What took you to Rastafari as of people involved in horse rac- coa Tea are involved in the That’s the way I see the industry a youth? ing - jockeys, grooms, trainers. game. Is there anything from -a straight pimp and prostitute We used to enjoy racing mar- being a jockey you can take game. The roots is lost in the Well, from a long time as a bles as youngsters - that was a into music? middle because the rootsman youth I trod in the ghetto and considerable part of our fulljoy- lives a different culture. He be- I was always inspired by the ment. When we were not going You aren’t the first reggae artist lieves in a different situation. movement of the Rastafarians to the track we would go by a to have come from that back- He thinks differently, so he is - just by the way they live, the complex where there was a fac- ground. Donald Manning from not caught up and involved in way they speak, the whole vibe tory with corridors where we the Abyssinians and Cocoa the pimp and prostitute game, of their cultural behaviour and could race marbles. And from Tea are involved in the game. so the roots gets squeezed. patterns. Their spiritual high- there a lot of us would go down Is there anything from being a Then you travel the world and ness and also their kingly char- to the track. I would find myself jockey you can take into music? you see so much roots. I was in acter. So after years of grow- stealing away from school and France last year and I went to ing and living amongst men going over to the track at Cay- one session and it was some- Do you still get involved in and people finally I decided manas and just hanging around thing to behold. I mean back horses at all? that this is a choice that I and with the whole population of in Jamaica you never have this I going to make in my life. That the game itself. We would hang music in your collection - you out with a lot of grooms and a Yes. I’m not an avid gambler a reggae festival being head- artists are working with Eu- whatever change I made in my never hear this music. They are lot of trainers and a lot of jock- per se but I just love that fact lined by a hip-hop artist? So I life this was the sort of vibes keeping all the big music fes- ropean producers. Is this the eys. I had a lot of jockey friends that I can give credit to the think the people in high places that I and I was going to make. tivals, the Reggae Sumfests. way it’s going? and they introduced me to the sport of kings because I am a are the ones who are helping to So from early I found myself I call it “Some Reggae Fest”. game in a bigger way. Then king and it is my sport. So I am create this situation and push- gravitating to this movement, There is so much heritage and I can only talk about myself the industry started to make into horseracing just as I was ing the roots aside. We’re talk- to this culture, to this livity. So history of roots music and oth- and the last situation I had out a change because back in the in times gone by. The thing is I ing about the media, the radio it was no surprise that I just ers genres of music like dance- of Jamaica is The True Story. day a lot of youths who en- don’t really gamble like I used stations, the television, the found myself one day saying hall - and yet still people have There are a lot of people that tered into the game were trying to but I just take joy in watch- newspaper writers, the people “This is the choice that I am to go abroad to get artists - hip- say they are producing roots to project themselves so the ing the races and I have my fa- who keep shows - what hap- going to make. This is the liv- hop artists, R&B artists - to be music but a lot of them lost vourite jockeys and my favour- ity. This is the spiritual heights Racing Commission opened a headliners for a reggae festi- pened to our roots? the feel. There is no energy, ite trainers. I am just a big fan that I am going to seek and jockey school. So after hanging val. That means there is some- there is no feeling in it. There of the sport and I love it dearly. I want to reach”. It just hap- out at the stables for a while I thing wrong. How can you have More and more Jamaican roots is no hyper spirituality - it’s just decided if I was to be a jockey I still go down to the track now and again, I catch the coverage on the radio and I still follow the sport a lot.

You have a new album in pro- duction Working Wonders on Oneness Records - what can we expect?

I can safely say the world can look forward to this album. I have to say big up to Oneness out of Germany and big up Moritz from the Oneness crew who I have been working with as co-producer because I am co-producing this project with my own Battle Axe imprint so this is a collaborative effort be- tween Battle Axe and Oneness Productions. So I can tell you this going to be a gem - listen- ing back to the tracks and get- ting feedback from others both inside and outside Jamaica. Most of the tracks are mixed. Actually there is a late track that is going to be added and we were just discussing the situation yesterday. It’s a track with Sizzla that we are just put- ting the finishing touches to. We haven’t come up with a re- lease date yet for the is project because The True Story is still doing well so there is no need to rush putting it out. We are just biding our time. When you release a project the time has to be right to unleash it!

Interview by Angus Taylor and the internet magazines so on. But one thing that feel special it was the first re- and the German magazines stays the same throughout is assuring thing. So I love art as and writers have been very the quality of the songs, the a form of therapy and yeah, generous and I fully appreci- it’s creative, so I like it. RAY DARWIN vocals and the harmonies. ate it because I put a lot into it and I went through a lot. I felt Did you do all the harmonies When you say childhood like there was even more room with yourself? Which classic scars, not wanting to pry “I love art as a for improvement but I had to reggae harmony groups and into your life, but what kind form of therapy!” stop at one point and say “OK, harmony singers do you ad- this is it!” because I’m a per- of trials have you faced? mire? Leroy “Mafia” Heywood and fectionist and I will keep on I hate to be saying this over David “Fluxy” Heywood - out improving till 2020! (laughs) I used to love John Holt of and over, I say it a lot, but my of Tottenham, North London, But the point that I’m making Paragons, I love the Abyssin- father usually told me that I’m UK, - are Britain’s most fa- is that the reviews were very ians, the Techniques. Those stupid like my mom because mous reggae rhythm section kind, it’s very reassuring and I were the groups. I remember he has his doctorate in meta- come production team. They appreciate it. The Paragons used to kill me! physics that he studied. He’s grew up around their uncle’s And then the biggest ones, an academic. His whole family Wizard Hi Fi and in the mid 70s You did some of the rhythms sorry to say it, but The Wailers is, and my mother never went formed their school group the yourself and others were (laughs). But I did all my har- past high school. But she ran Instigators - catching the at- compiled from other pro- monies, yes! I stacked all my a business for 30 years, very tention of neighbour and local ducers. Is this a deliberate harmonies and sometimes, successfully for her husband scene eminence Fatman who depending on the weather - in Jamaica, so what she didn’t helped link them with the best strategy? How did it fall into winter times if I’m a little bit make up in academics she and brightest vocal talent of place? stuffy or sore it was more dif- had in common sense, to be the day. Their success as a ficult but when I’m healthy I was building a lot of my stuff able to control a business and backing band and as rhythm and I do my vocal exercises it and I felt that I wanted some run it successfully. But for him makers for labels like Chris was very easy and I love doing fresh blood, some other crea- they had their own issues that Lane’s iconic Fashion imprint colours. I’m a painter so I like tive input and the unifying they didn’t work out and when snowballed until 1987 when harmonic colours, sound col- glue would be my songs on I moved to New York to live they forged their eponymous our and also physical colours. other peoples music. It’s al- with him he took out his own label, travelling to Jamaica to It’s my hobby. It’s the first ways good to have variety, guiltiness on me by saying record for Sugar Minott and thing that I’ve ever done that as the saying goes “Variety things like that. When you tell eventually Donovan Germain made me felt special other is the spice of life”. So I also this to a child, no matter how and Beres Hammond. Lately, than singing. I was in the Ba- identified with these rhythms strong a child is, there’s a part the dynamic duo have been hamas to visit my aunt, years and when I heard them they of it that stays in him where he touring Africa and the UK ago, and I took a photograph inspired me. So that was one doubts himself. with Luciano, playing the One in Harbour Island and one time reason, the other reason was Love Peace Festival with John when I went back to New York that I calculated to have a mul- Is the creative path that Holt, and releasing critically I decided I’m going to paint it, ti-production input. acclaimed albums with both to be exactly like. And I did it, you’ve chosen the kind of veterans like Little Roy and side their regular weekly ses- first album out after all this I accomplished that goal. That thing that he’d approve of? newcomers in Adele Harley. sion at West London’s Sting- time? As you say there’s a huge va- was the first time I felt spe- The brothers’ impenetrable ray Studio to talk over what riety from the vintage roots cial, it was from deep inside He does now but then he has been a varied and truly synergy as a musical unit is Does waiting to exhale explain of Nothing Can Touch My ‘45 to know that I had the ability wasn’t so big on it. It wasn’t matched by their habit of fin- remarkable career. it? (laughs) I feel very good but concrete enough. through to the modern lov- to interpret this, after going ishing each other’s sentences! even better is the reaction and through situations and child- Angus Taylor met them out- How does it feel to get your the response, the magazines ers vibe of Good For You and hood scars that made you not Talking about some of the collaborations that you’ve was just taking it in and it was that there’s a tendency to be Next obvious question, done, tell me how did you my concise account of a day problematic. However it was what’s your favourite tune get the link with Sara Lugo, today, life in Kingston. It was produced by Andreas and I from the days of Studio One? a simplified, concise look at, liked it, but for my album I re- to sing together? produced it. like the second verse said, the Oh man! You should ask me police and the badman. Some- what’s my favourite 100 Stu- I used to stay down in Augs- how it just naturally came to- burg and sing with a one drop Yes, it’s a different mix, isn’t dio One songs. I love some gether with what Fred Locks it. Abyssinians stuff, some old reggae band down there and I was saying and it was anoth- got in touch with the Bavaria/ Horace Andy, some Dennis er song for peace and love in I completely did it over, com- Brown. But the one lately Augsburg clan and eventu- this time, you know. And even ally I got to meet Sara and I pletely. Nothing from them be- that’s been really hitting me though the time moves along, cause I didn’t want any prob- that I like is one by Bunny heard her voice, and I was like certain things stay the same, “Oh my God, wow! This girl lems. Wailer called Armagiddeon. I like the incidents and the situ- love that one but I can’t have is killer!”. I don’t like to col- ations don’t change. laborate with people to make That’s interesting. Do you a favourite because there’s so me look good because I sing know where I’m going to go many. I’ve been singing Sil- Let’s talk about Nothing Can houette a lot, I’ve been sing- with a big name. I sing with next? and collaborate with a person Touch My ‘45. How did the ing “No more will I roam, yeah, yeah”. So that’s a difficult one. because there’s something concept for that come about? No? naturally inspiring and the Did you write those lyrics? of producers but I have a spe- terms of my lyrical content. collaboration is natural, it’s Finally, what’s the next al- cial awareness. It’s like you How many ‘45s do you own? have a person who can buy a not put together because of Yeah, I wrote all my lyrics. bum going to be like? Would Do you have a closing mes- Mercedes and dress up in the some ego or such. Same thing Sheppy and Frank from Love sage to give to your fans? Ah-haaa! I don’t believe it! Ja- you like to produce an album best clothes and everything with Fred Locks. Fred Locks Tank approached me and said maica and here, I don’t really entirely from scratch? and they really have no taste. came to me and asked me to they want a song, and Sheppy I just want to say that I do this know, but I have quite a few Then you can have a person write a song for him after he said “I would like you to sing because I love it, I’ve been (laughs). I always make sure I pro- who can ride a bicycle and is heard People’s Choice, and I this about this for me. I want doing it for over 30 years and duce my albums. I don’t want full of taste. I would consider wrote In This Time for him and to hear about this, I want to look how long it took me to do anybody producing them. It myself one of those person. I he said “Sing it with me!” and hear about that” and he told an album. It’s not easy when sounds egotistical but I want didn’t come from wealth but I that’s why I put it on the al- me the pointers that he want- you do it. I’m a loner, I don’t to control what goes out for ride a bicycle and I know I have bum because I haven’t heard ed. I then I take those point- walk around with a posse or me, and this one I’m going to taste. I use that as a basis to anything from Fred Locks for ers, I went home and write the anything, I’m alone and I just do it all myself. I already have which I create my music, that’s so long and it’s a good song, song. I wrote the song. try my best to do music be- the concept, I have a lot of you know. why when I say I want to pro- cause I love it. I hope they the songs already, I started duce this it’s not from an ego- feel the love in it. The things Did they have the rhythm working on it already. I don’t tistical standpoint but from I sing about is from my heart Was there a specific incident prepared already? know what I will eventually a taste standpoint. A lyrical, and things I’ve experienced. that inspired that song? call it but I know it’s going to musical, tasteful awareness. I can’t change the world but I Yes, it was prepared by Up- be even deeper down in the That’s why I didn’t want my al- can change myself, so I’m just Yeah, at the time I was living tones. A guy named Andreas 70s and 60s to the 80s reg- bum to be aggressive, I didn’t going to try to be a better per- in Jamaica, after living in New produced it for them. I asked gae. Like rocksteady, ska. So want it to try and fit in with son and if you can - get some- York and then coming to Ger- Sheppy at the time, I said I like what Toots does, so it’s what’s popular. I wanted to thing from my music it’s good, many and then going back to “Did you make sure that you going to be in that area, and be honest and simple but still and if you can’t, I understand. Jamaica, it was like I was very buy this rhythm from them roots. I’m going to up it and meaningful and somewhat in- aware of every little thing that and control it?” because I had I’m going to make sure. Like tellectual but somewhat sim- Interview by Angus Taylor unfolded on the streets, the worked with these people in- with this one, you have a lot ple and be real and honest in interaction, the mentality. I directly before and I know don’t get that opportuni- have to learn how to take a ty. It was very exciting for crowd, learn the lyrics,” he me. I was like a sponge.” explains.

We sit behind a small table He also believes that some backstage. Mr. Williamz is topics are for the dancehall dressed in white pants, white crowd’s eyes and ears only. shirt and a black down jacket. It has started to darken and “I don’t chat no slackness or there are no lights where we foolishness,” he states, and sit. But Mr. Williamz keeps his continues: sunglasses on. “Slackness is a big topic. I Foundation style mean, you have x-rated lyr- ics and you have guys singing Mr. Williamz hypnotic toasting about bleeching. That’s slack- style echoes old school, and ness. Those things are for the he often mentions Super Cat dancehall and not for the ra- as an influence during the in- dio. Now it’s on the radio. Pre- where the duo chats: terview. viously you could only hear such tunes in the dancehall. “Police officer we a demand a “It’s an original dancehall Certain songs should only be answer style. You can’t imitate it or heard in the dancehall so that Weh really happen to the great copycat it. You have to grow kids can’t hear them,” he ex- Smiley Culture? up in the dancehall to learn plains, and gives and exam- Cah we nuh want nuh more it,” he says. ple: lies, no propaganda Right now a justice we a make Mr. Williamz gives a serious “You couldn’t hear Ninjaman a stand for” impression and speaks with a on the radio a lot. You had to thick patois accent. go to the dancehall.” “I had to do that tune. His MR. WILLIAMZ death was of a suspicious and “Lots of youths sing in front Collaborations and upcoming mysterious nature,” he ex- Backstage chat with Mr. Wil- Need for dancehall college of the mirror in the bathroom projects plains. liamz on dancehall culture and then go straight to the He is concerned that reggae The future is uncertain and Mr. Williamz has mainly studio” singers and deejays nowa- Mr. Williamz doesn’t want to British dancehall deejay Mr. worked with producer Curtis days don’t get the appropri- give any hints of upcoming Williamz has dropped several London, but raised with his hall from the age of five. Lynch and has voiced every ate teachings, since dancehall projects. scorching tunes for producer father in Jamaica. When he riddim on the Necessary May- was 16 he moved back to “I grew up in the dancehall. culture has started to fade. Curtis Lynch in the past years. Especially in Jamaica. hem label. A few months ago he also put London to live with his moth- My father was a rasta and “I can’t tell you what to expect in the future. It’s a movement out his debut EP titled ‘Last er, and have stayed since. had a free mind. He used “Curtis has the right feel for “You’ve to exercise your tal- of the times. I could tell, but Night’. United Reggae got a to give me money so that I the music. It’s an original ent. Them vibes are missing. then something else is going chat with him on dancehall He says that he has only been could go to the dancehall,” style, foundation style,” he Lots of youths don’t get to go to happen.” culture after his performance in the music business for a he says, and continues: says. few years, but that music to dancehall college today. at the Öland Roots festival. They sing in front of the mir- has always been in him. He “I feel blessed to have had He also recently did the YT Interview by Erik Magni started to go to the dance- the chance. Nuff youth ror in the bathroom and then Mr. Williamz was born in go straight to the studio. You duet Tribute to Smiley Culture, Photos by Black Baccara The Revival of the Band and Live Music in Jamaica and Sound Dimension being musicians graduating from the just two examples. Edna Manley College. Really “The music in- amazing musicians,” he said to dustry is a cy- In the 70’s other bands me a while back. cle. It’s a new emerged, often with a some- what loose line-up. Members And there are several bands ac- wave of what’s played in several different con- tive in Jamaica at the moment; happening stellations and changed names some of them have been play- now” - Jubba depending on the producer or ing for many, many years. label that hired them. from Dubtonic A new cycle Kru These bands were often back- ing or studio bands without a Deleon “Jubba” White formed Reggae music is often about regular singer. Dubtonic Kru about 15 years solo artists rather than bands ago with Strickland Stone. He an end. It’s all about the evolu- factors behind the upswing: everyone is important. We’re or groups, especially in recent When reggae was digitalized and his fellow band mates re- tion of the music. Variety is the not a band, we’re family.” years. But something has hap- in the mid 80’s the need for cently won the Global Battle spice of life,” he laughs. “It’s about revival. The youths pened. Live music has had bands and “real” musicians of the Bands where they were don’t pay attention to where Jubba also mentions the family resurgence in popularity in decreased. The riddims were up against 17 other countries. Rashaun “Kush” McAnuff is the reggae is coming from. It’s analogy and adds that a com- Jamaica, several bands have laid using keyboards and drum drummer in The Uprising Roots a call for righteousness and mon goal is important too. formed and they’re touring machines instead of using real “Well, you see, the music in- Band and was literally born awakening.” the world. United Reggae has bass and drums. dustry is a cycle. It’s a new into the music business as the “Me and Stone have played to- talked to The Uprising Roots wave of what’s happening son of vocalist and recording Equality and family gether for about 15 years, but Band and Dubtonic Kru to learn Now things might have now,” says Jubba on the phone artist Winston McAnuff. He and other members have changed. the story behind the upswing. changed. According to singer from Poland where the Kru his band have been playing to- Being in a band means equal- We have a common goal – love Ray Darwin roots reggae is recently finished their Cel- gether since 2006 and put out ity. And when talking to Kush and passion for music. We’re ------back. And with that said, bands ebration tour, and continues: their debut album ‘Skyfiya’ like a family. A family that Reggae bands in Jamaica have it’s obvious that The Uprising are back. earlier this year. plays together stays together,” always been around in one Roots Band has a “no man is “Conscious music is at the explains Jubba. form or another. One of the an island” mindset. “People want more roots. center stage again. Youths Kush says he loves foundation earliest examples being The Everyone’s going back to the are involved in this move- music and positive music, and Skatalites, a band that later “Each person is a sound. No The Kru promotes live music roots, they see the value of ment. But it’s not necessar- he seems happy about the re- transformed into several differ- one is higher than anyone else. roots reggae. Dub roots from ily the end of the dancehall surgence of bands and live mu- ent outfits – The Supersonics Equality in the group is impor- Jubba and his Kru are heavily Jamaica. There’s a new era of cycle. And I don’t want to see sic in Jamaica. He describes the tant. It’s about teamwork and involved in the live scene in Ja- TAJ WEEKES “We only have this one world. There’s no place to go to after we’ve destroyed this one”

Many current roots reggae art- ists claim to make music that harks back to the days of old. But not many can claim to have done this in a way so in har- mony with modern times as St Lucian born, New York resident maica and have worked hard have been part of the Plug ‘N something to do with the re- Taj Weekes. In just three al- to promote it. Mainly through Play format to help the young- cent upswing is the Edna Man- bums he has carved out a niche for lyrical and musical prowess the yearly concert Bands Incor- er ones. Some of these being ley College of the Visual and credible records he makes... that invites even the dreaded porated and the regular Friday Toots Hibbert, Capleton, Chuck Performing Arts. One of the lyrical themes that night show Plug ‘N Play. Fender, Ken Boothe, Gyptian comparisons with Bob. In 2010 ------occurs on this album is viola- and Protoje. An impressive list “I’m a past student and Edna he and his band Adowa re- Tell me about your latest al- “We started Bands Incorpo- to say the least. Manley College did a lot for me, leased one of the year’s best bum A Waterlogged Soul tion: violation of people, of rated about five years ago. It alongside touring and being on albums in third effort ‘A Water- Kitchen. How do you think countries, of nature. logged Soul Kitchen’, whose features upcoming bands and “You name them, they’ve prob- the road. It created a good bal- that that album progressed older bands. Not so much solo ance for me,” says Jubba, and unusual title is a reference to When I sat down to write the ably been there,” states Jubba, from your previous album artists,” explains Jubba, and and continues: continues: the floods in New Orleans. But album there was no clear defi- continues: what is most surprising about Deidem? nition lyrically, the definition “Some dancehall artists have “The level has increased. The Taj is that music is only a small was more musically. But I think “Plug ‘N Play takes place on come through the show. But students are able to bond and part of his spectrum of activity: After the last album we already life, in and of itself, kind of just Friday nights at the legendary it’s about uplifting music. You practice. There’s a new genera- he is a published poet, runs a knew we could play roots reg- throws the stories at you and it Jonkanoo Lounge at Wyndham have to respect the standard tion of musicians from Jamai- charity, They Often Cry Out- gae music and what I wanted just kind of came out that way. Hotel in Kingston. It features as of Plug ‘N Play. But it is has not ca,” he believes and concludes: reach, and is a mentor to young to do was stretch the music a For the most part reggae is put- many young artists as possi- anything to do with segrega- people in public schools. And, little bit by including some in- ting a rhythm to a poor man’s ble. We give them a stage and tion. It’s about clean vibes.” “The number of bands will defi- as Angus Taylor found out dur- struments that are not regu- cry but I think for some reason a practice session to increase nitely increase. We are contact- ing a rigorous and open ended larly found in reggae, like cello we’ve kind of focussed a little discussion in June, there’s a and violin. So I brought these their live skills. Peer them with “A new generation of musi- ed every week. It’s shocking too much on the suffering of a lot more to respect and admire things in and I tried to switch older artists.” cians from Jamaica” and motivating.” particular set of people. I want- about this soft spoken yet qui- the subject matter a little fur- ed to bring the entire thing into etly confident man than the in ther. focus. I wanted to bring the Several experienced artists Another factor that might have Interview by Erik Magni other. My acoustic guitar is al- some kind of trade or some rest of the world it’s going to Ethiopia to help out with ways with me so as soon as I kind of equal lifestyle going to have to industrialise, and some soccer programmes out start thinking of something on with us, that that’s when what potential problems will there. A very good friend of I get to the guitar and auto- we get a little more frightened. mine just came back from Ethi- matically I play the chord and Maybe we need a little more that bring? opia having adopted two little I would sing [sings] “See I was happening in a lot more afflu- boys, and we’re moving in that born of rape” and it would come ent countries and maybe peo- Well, industrialise like the ants, direction to help out. We’re together at the same time. ple will take stock of what’s not like the rest of the world has heading back to the Caribbean happening, because I mean, done it. Somebody mentioned to bring back schoolbooks and really and truthfully, we’ve for- to me a while ago, the ants are supplies for the kids because That song illustrates my next very industrial yet they’re not question. Melodically it’s a gotten about Haiti, we’ve kind what’s happening with the of forgotten about Chile too. destroying anything. We need poorer children is that when very pleasant song but the There was a hurricane in St to be industrial in that kind of they get to school and they lyrics are extremely biting. Lucia and for the most part no- way, not in the way that we de- don’t have the supplies they’re Would you say that musically one knew about it. But should stroy everything and kill it off penalised twice by being sent something happen in England for the next generation. Indus- home again. So we’re trying to this album is a lot more pleas- trial and industrialisation has ant than the last and a lot of or France or Germany or even get schools enough supplies the United States then people a connotation, to me, of not so that when a child shows up the harshness and bleakness would definitely pay a lot more doing things in a holistic way; without supplies somebody has retreated into the lyrics? made and potentially man- will happen. I think they’re attention to it. if we can in a holistic manner, can go in a closet and give him made disasters happening all related. I think that we as then great. What’s sad about an exercise book and a pencil Yeah, I think I agree with you a people have to realise that it is, we’ve destroyed a world, recently. Are all these things What are your views on fossil and eraser, so that he can stay musically. Definitely so musi- we only have this one world I mean the Western countries, in class and get whatever is be- that have happened linked in fuels and their alternatives? cally. But it depends on van- and it’s not a rented world, it’s in a particular way. For these ing dished out for the day. We’ll tage point. For some people some way? ours. There’s no place to go to countries to catch up, the Af- It’s a funny thing that yester- be in Trinidad in October to this album was more biting after we’ve destroyed this one. rican countries and the Asian give out some balls in Trinidad than the other one. I know a lot Yeah, I think all of them for the I think if we don’t change our day was 100 degrees and we countries, we’re asking them were all caught up with our and Tobago and to talk to some of the reviews said that, but I most part are man-made. I think plan our children will inherit a not to do what we’ve done, we musicians out there about try- don’t know if I’d necessarily if people realised how close we wasteland. ACs trying to stay cool and I the Western world has done. don’t think we’ve realised that ing to make it happen from agree with it because I don’t are, on the brink, there’d prob- So how are they going to catch an independent standpoint. see it as any less biting than ably be a lot more people sing- Do you think that Western what’s happening with the up if they don’t end up destroy- world is because of how we There are lots of things in the the last album. I mean from a ing what I sing. But I guess the people are more frightened ing the world? There has to be pipe and we’re trying to make story point of view it is prob- propaganda machine works use up everything and do the some middle ground where by disasters in affluent coun- craziness that we’re doing with things happen so we can help ably a more personal story, but very well and we have people this can happen. out some people somewhere. then a more worldly story as watching the commercial radio tries, such as Japan, because everything across the world. opposed to dark clouds don’t and TV stations and nobody re- it reminds them that it could You don’t have to be a scientist You have various charity pro- to realise that we have to get You’ve also given lectures in always bring rain, you know? ally realises what’s going on. happen to them? jects and initiatives such as And propaganda war which When things happen in the back to the natural ways of do- school on social responsibil- ing things because if not, what They Often Cry Outreach that is more universal. The stories world, whether they be from a Definitely. For the most part ity. What does social respon- we’re using to have us move here I think are more personal terrorist attack or some tsuna- we’re a people who get so you’ve spoken of in previous sibility mean to you? along, in the forms of fossil fu- stories. mi or whatever, everybody al- caught up with headlines but interviews. How are these els, will kill us off in the end. ways kind of seems surprised they tend not to last very long. things going and what new That is the debate: whether so- On both albums you end by that it happened, when all it We like the sensationalism of initiatives are you involved cial responsibility is an in-born takes is a couple of hours of This is something I’ve asked focussing on environmental things happening, wherever. in? thing or is it a responsibility of reflection about what’s really But I think when it happens artists before. Do you think corporations? I think the Bible disasters. There have been so going on in the world and you said it clearly: we have to help maybe in the more affluent for Africa to get on an equal Well, right now we want to go many disasters, both man- realise that these things [countries] because there’s footing financially with the out each other. So I think char- ity is something that we should UK? any other services for free. I said to me “How come I don’t have always done all along had told somebody this story the know who you are?” It’s funny we been brought up with our Yeah, the funny thing is that other day. I went to a little get the way people blame you for in-born concept that would not somebody gave me some mu- together and there was a guitar their ignorance. I mean, there have been a question at this sic about 2 weeks ago and I’ve in the corner and a guy asked might be some blame on both stage. been digging it, yeah. I love it. I me if I would play a song. He sides, but I don’t think I should don’t know too many St Lucian happened to be a carpenter, I take it completely. How does one reach young musicians who have done oth- said to him “There’s a hammer people without sounding er things out of the island. But I in the corner, why don’t you Tell me about your next music tell you the St Lucians I admire fix the cupboard?” It’s a funny project. What have you got in too didactic or authoritarian - Derek Walcott, for sure. [Dar- thing that people don’t take given that they aren’t being ren] Sammy, the captain of the into consideration the fact that mind? brought up with these con- West Indies cricket team. A lot you have to write these songs, We’re going to Jamaica to re- of people probably don’t real- rehearse them, go to the stu- cepts? cord the next album. I’ve be- ise that St Lucia has the most dio, play them a million times, come friends with this brother, Nobel prize winners per capita and then most people ask you By being one of them. I think Alrick Thompson, he’s Sticky in the world, so we have some to give it to them for free. It’s that if you show people that you Thompson’s son. He engi- inspirational people, not nec- not something that we have are among the least of them, neered our show in St Lucia, essarily musicians, but very not considered but the music then it’s easier to reach them. jockeys have this perception the St Lucia Jazz. The songs inspirational people to look to. does finance most of the char- the right geographical loca- But if you’re coming to them that if it comes out of Jamaica ity work that I do, so giving it tion, could you elaborate a bit are already written, I wrote all from an elitist point of view or it’s great. What happened to for free would be a little diffi- 12 songs, Giant Beast, Desper- looking down on them in some You gave away a copy of your on that for me? David Kirton, Rocky Dawuni cult for us. ation, Choked, and there’s a way then nobody wants to con- song Drill for free to mark the and Nasio Fontaine and the St tune called Marijuana - my take Well, we’re struggling in ob- nect with you. People have to occasion of the BP oil spill. Lucian brother you mentioned? on how the laws against mari- scurity but I’ve not read a sin- see it in your lifestyle and how Is there a significance to the We don’t get the props that the juana have done more harm You’ve said in the past that gle bad review of any album you move, that you are like one name of your band given your other people get. Jamaica is the than marijuana has ever done you’re not driven by profit. A we’ve done. We’ve been doing of them. That’s when people own Ethiopian heritage? source and you’ll always get to anyone. I think it will prob- great work, we’ve been walk- are most open to listen to what lot of people nowadays seem props to the source. Music has ably be the most roots album ing the walk and talking the it is you have to offer. to think that music should Yeah, definitely. Everybody to grow and you cannot keep I’ve done. Though we’re still talk, but I’ve come across a lev- be given away for free. Have knows 1896, the Battle of it locked. We are the fruit from working on Waterlogged. Janja- el of mediocrity in the genre, People who suffer can be Adwa. You know, it’s a victori- that original tree, yet for some weed is the next single, which you ever considered giving probably music in general and quite cynical. Do you ever feel ous battle, so the band to me reason we’re not being recog- has a really beautiful video all your songs away for free? this reggae music suffers the signifies victory for a couple nised as the fruit. Reggae has which was done by a brother cynical about things? same fate. What I realise is that Would that act as a way of of things. For one I think, and grown, it’s an international mu- who works for Disney. It’s an people don’t know who we are, giving publicity to your mes- that might be touchy to some sic now, so we’re just looking animated video because we I’m sure I must have at some and I’m hearing music from the sage or is the music a source people, we’re struggling in ob- for people to support it. I heard wanted to bring out the story of point but what I try to do is source that is mediocre but yet seek my higher self from my of funding for your various scurity simply because we’re a DJ say “Oh, you didn’t send the Janjaweed but we wanted is everywhere. me the music” but you need to lower self and come back the projects? probably not from the right ge- children and everybody to like following day and hopefully I ographical location. The name do some homework too. If you it. There’s also a project called of the band, in and of itself, You’re talking about what’s want to know what’s happen- can overcome that feeling. We have considered giving Betrayed In Reaction, with signifies the victory we feel for coming out of Jamaica? ing in the world you don’t look everything away for free, but songs I’ve written that are not what we’re doing and where in your kitchen and your living Can you tell me which St Lu- at the same time we work. The going to be on any album, but we’re coming from, and also Yes, definitely. I’m not talking room, you look outside to see funny thing about it is that peo- we’ll just have different artists cian musicians, you admire? for my Ethiopian connection. about everything coming out what’s happening in the world. ple talk about giving away mu- coming in to add their vibe to it. Are you familiar with the of Jamaica but I figure that the I did an interview with a broth- sic for free but I don’t see any- It’s going to be an internet-only general public and a lot of disc er about 2 weeks ago and he singer Nereus Joseph in the body else trying to give away When you say you’re not in release. On your website you’re de- And finally, a humanitarian? Interview by Angus Taylor scribed as musician, humani- Photos by Franck Blanquin tarian, poet. Could you name A humanitarian... Maybe my stories have really taught me me a musician, a humanitar- about Jesus. Jesus is my hu- ian and a poet who you really manitarian. Jesus because he admire? loved his brother as himself. Maximum Sound A poet that I love... I love Derek Walcott, but I also love Dylan Thomas. I love his vibe, I love 2011 how he writes, I love what he says. There are lots of great poets, I mean Nikki Giovanni, tons of people, but sometimes Killer you lock into somebody be- cause of their delivery or the compilation connection you make with from them or how you were brought Maximum up. That’s what I love about Dy- lan Thomas. I love the way the Sound. says what he says. A musician that I love...do they have to be UK-based label Maximum alive or dead? Sound, lead by producer Frenchie, went digital last There are no rules. week. The first step was to offer the back catalogue on No rules! I don’t know if there’s iTunes, and the other day saw one particular person that I ad- the release of the iTunes ex- mire. I’m a child who grew up clusive compilation ‘Maximum in St Lucia with unformatted Sound 2011’. radio stations, where I listened Ghetto State (which incorpo- collection. to Mahler, to Jimi Hendrix, and This set assembles 18 dance- rates elements from Half Pint’s to Shakespeare. You know who hall and one drop tunes from Review by Erik Magni One Big Ghetto) or the most re- I really love? I love Lord Kitch- 2009 to 2011. And as usual cent addition, Fairground. ener. I love Lord Kitchener be- with Maximum Sound there are cause of his delivery and his no fillers here, only killers from Maximum Sound 2011 collects storytelling. He and calypso the crème de la crème of Jamai- several tunes previously only had the oral storytelling tra- can singers and deejays. available as 7” or 12”, but it dition, which reggae took on also includes exclusive titles, in the 70s with Bob and Peter I mean, you hardly go wrong such as Who You Love from and Bunny and Spear and Eric with Sizzla, Bounty Killer, Mr. Ce’Cile. Donaldson and these brothers. Vegas, Tarrus Riley and Albo- I think that’s what I have kind rosie on well-produced and in- This compilation is without a of followed up on. spired riddims such as Praise Jahovia (a relick of the Billie doubt an essential purchase Jean aka Get A Lick riddim), that will enhance any record A blend of 10 Ft. Ganja Plant reggae and funkified Shake Up The Place catchiness.

sound very comfortable. Syl- ford Walker is close to Burn- ing Spear in the apocalyptic My Roots and Prince Jazzbo’s flow on the relevant Recession is an excursion back to the 70’s.

But ‘Shake up the Place’ is more than great vocals. Several of the tunes are instrumentals and the musicianship is flawless through- out. Just listen to the harmony be- tween the guitars, piano and or- gan in the title track or the trumpet solo in Ringers Rock. Pure gold.

‘Shake up the Place’ shakes up the more than the place The Caroloregians – it shakes up the world. Review by Erik Magni Fat Is Back The Caroloregians are from Bel- check out that lazy roll of Keep with a sultry middle eastern gium and their tongue-twister On Moving inspired Noonish. vibe. 10 Ft. Ganja On 10 Ft. Ganja Plant’s seventh al- of a name apparently derives Plant continue bum – only one year after the con- from the Latin spelling of their They also help build a party This album of predominantly in- to impress on cept album ‘10 Deadly Shots’ – they hometown Charleroi. feel with a big fat slice of funk strumental cuts should appeal continue to impress with tight rid- to which vocalist Matthew to fans of bands like The Agg- their seventh dims and dubwise arrangements. They have been around since Hardison, originally from New rolites and Greenroom Rockers album around 2006 when they re- Orleans emphasizes with his for its interesting blend of reg- ‘Shake up the Place’ contains leased ‘Organic Coal Beat From southern soul twang on the gae and funkified catchiness. John Brown’s Body is one of the ten tracks – always ten or elev- The Groovy Mines’ on the Grov- tracks like Donna Donna. From most popular reggae bands in the en on their albums – with sev- er label. Their sound is very The Congo Square has some- Available to download from U.S. 10 Ft. Ganja Plant comprises eral prominent guest artists. much built around the ham- thing of an afro-beat shuffle Phoenix City Records and other several members of that outfit, mond organ driven, boss reg- which owes a lot to The Rim- major outlets. but their music leans more to- Sylford Walker, Prince Jazzbo gae style akin to the Harry J All- shots Dance Girl while album wards authentic 70’s roots reggae. and The Meditations certainly stars, and The Upsetters, just closer Quagga blends reggae Review by Karl Pearson Black Roots The Reggae Digitaldubs - #1 Walking Singles Anthology through the jungle with Black Roots’ Now another compilation dedi- a bit more dated. Digitaldubs. cated to one of the – if not the singles – best reggae acts from the A 16 page booklet full of previ- Digitaldubs fourth album showcase a UK has been put out. This time ously unpublished photos of opens with nyabinghi flavored band in fine by Bristol Archive Records in the band comes with the al- digital drums and a slow and collaboration with Nubian Re- bum. The initial run of CDs also heavy bass line. After almost form. cords – Black Roots’ own label. has an added bonus – a DVD a minute a melancholic me- issue of the hard to find live lodica kicks in. The mood is My first encounter with UK- ‘Black Roots - The Reggae Sin- show Celebration from 1986 wet, warm and thick. It almost band Black Roots was in a re- gles Anthology’ assembles 16 with Vin Gordon on trombone. feels like I’m walking through a cord store about ten years ago. well-mastered tracks spanning This show was recorded at the moist jungle. The store had the original vinyl from the early 80’s up until Bristol Studio and was previ- press of their album ‘In Ses- 1988, when they were working ously only available on the That’s the atmosphere when sion’ up on the wall and I asked with Mad Professor. original self-financed video Brazil meets Jamaica in a stu- the clerk if I could have a listen. cassette issue. dio that could have been Lee It includes all of their key early Perry’s Black Ark. I enjoyed the album, but since singles, their first EP in its en- If you don’t already own the it was expensive I didn’t buy it tirety, the three track follow Makasound albums or oth- On ‘#1’ Digitaldubs have invit- and thought that I could spend up, the original single mix of er Black Roots material you ed renowned reggae legends my money on other records in- The Frontline from the BBC se- should definitely head over to Ranking Joe, Earl Sixteen and On top of the vocal cuts there up this release from its Brazil- stead. About a week flew by ries of the same name and five your local record store. Oth- Brinsley Forde as well as lo- are of course also heavy roots ian obscurity. If you like Zion and I regretted that I had ne- tracks from later releases, such erwise this album makes a cal Brazilian artists Dada Yute, and steppers instrumentals Train and Dubkasm this album glected the album. I went back as singles from albums put out great complement, especially Jeru Banto and Tiano Bless. where the dub effects are very is a must-have. to the store, but the album had in 1987 and 1988. if you’re early and receives the These are artists sing intense much present. Dub Echoes been sold and I haven’t seen DVD. and earnest about justice, love Theme with its hypnotic bass ‘#1’ is available as CD, LP and an original vinyl press of that Those five tracks are actually and spirituality in English and line and flyers style cymbals is digital download. album since. what make this album musi- ‘Black Roots - The Reggae Sin- Portugese. a great example. cally different from the Maka- gles Anthology’ comes as a Luckily enough French label sound releases. So the key limited edition double vinyl, CD That’s the same recipe as on Digitaldubs has created on ‘#1’ Review by Erik Magni Makasound decided to reissue question is – are the five tracks and digital download. some of their one riddim al- a rich album with crisp produc- that particular album as well worth having? bums. On Diáspora riddim, tion, but without sounding pol- as an compilation with Black Review by Erik Magni for example, they voiced Lone ished. Roots’ material entitled ‘On the The answer is yes. But, they Ranger and Sylvia Tella along- Frontline’ a while ago. are more pop oriented than the side Ras Bernardo and others. I’m thankful to ROIR for picking other material. And they sound Little Roy The Sidewalk Doctors Battle for Seattle Music Is Medicine Little Roy wins Vintage the battle for inspired Seattle. sounds to Making a concept cover album sooth your is not new in reggae music, troubles away. and that it can be successful is proven by Easy Star All-Stars “Music Is Medicine” claim the and their albums ‘Easy Star’s Sidewalk Doctors and ain’t that Lonely Hearts Dub Band’ and the truth, for music is surely ‘Radiodread’. the best mood enhancing drug there is and this elixir of 9 in- Now there is a new cover con- toxicating tracks, that take in- cept project. But this time spiration from the vintage commanded by Prince Fatty, sounds of Jamaican Ska, Rock- the man responsible for Hol- steady and Reggae will certain- lie Cook’s recent self-titled ly sooth your troubles away. scorcher. The Sidewalk Doctors are sing- ‘Battle for Seattle’ is a collec- er Nathan Thomas and instru- tion of ten songs originally mentalist Lenny Bignell, who recorded by Nirvana now per- has worked with top UK reggae formed in a reggae style. band Pama International and has a very live and spontane- to it with its soft and at times tage analog equipment. The singing and lyrics. Acid Jazz Soul stars Lord Large. ous feel. It is similar in style fragile warble evoking memo- Prince Fatty has assembled result is authentic reggae that The duo are now turning the ta- to that of Neil “Alpheus” Mar- ries of Smith himself and many some veteran soldiers for the echoes from the 70’s. I’ve never been a fan of neither bles and enlisting some help tin’s ‘From Creation’ which was of the old time crooners. Most project. Legendary Little Roy Nirvana nor grunge, but this from members of these bands released earlier this year, but definitely an album for lovers takes the lead on the micro- To win the battle for Seattle album has been on repeat for to create this album, that could where as Alpheus revamped of those classic sounds, but phone singing better than they have taken on some of several days now. Little Roy have come straight out of a many old Studio 1 and Treasure placed in a modern day setting. ever. He’s backed by Mafia, Nirvana’s biggest hits, but also and Prince Fatty have definitely dusty old box left in a forgotten Isle gems these tracks are all from Mafia & Fluxy, Bubblers, some lesser known tunes such conquered Seattle and hope- Jamaican studio back room, totally new and original. Slim ‘Music Is Medicine’ is available from the Ruff Cut band, Junior as Very Ape from the ‘In Utero’ fully fans of Nirvana will join with Sean Flowerdew of Pama Smith is obviously a big fa- to download now from Phoenix Marvin, prior with The Wailers, album. Most people will recog- their army too. and Stephen Large supplying vourite of the band with Too Far City Records and other major and George Dekker from The nize Come as You Are, Heart- some keys plus bass players Gone being inspired by Turning outlets. Pioneers. Shaped Box and Lithium, even Danny Thompson and Andi Mc- Review by Erik Magni Point and With You leaning to- Review by Karl Pearson though these versions are far Clean and despite this fluid line wards The Uniques’ My Conver- They fight in an old-fashioned from the originals. The melo- up and presumed over dubs to sation. Bignell’s voice also has style armed with tape and vin- dies are clearer and so is the put it all together the album something of an old time feel SuperHeavy The Hit Sound Too many art has worked with Jimmy nice groove on several songs. Cliff. This diverse and eclectic of The Dub Pistols cooks spoil line-up boasts no less than And it might not come as a sur- SuperHeavy. eleven Grammy Awards indi- prise that I believe that Damian vidually. But can these high- Marley is the best ingredient in ly talented and this dish. He has proven before at Midnight Rock skilled musicians that he is huge in cross-genre bring forward a collaborations, such as last ‘The Hit Sound of behind ‘The Hit Sound of The consistent album? year’s ‘Distant Relatives’ al- the Dub Pistols At Dub Pistols at Midnight Rock’. bum. But SuperHeavy doesn’t Midnight Rock’ is Supergroups usu- even come close to the spirit Barry Asworth from Both U-Brown and Jah Thom- ally offer a great and greatness of that effort. The Dub Pistols. as had a good feeling for promise on paper, SuperHeavy suffers from too His love of roots deep, uncompromising bass but at the same many cooks and strays in too and dancehall reg- lines, as is apparent here. time they are of- many different directions. Even gae traces back Just listen to U-Brown’s own ten short-lived, though the first single Mira- to the 70’s. His re- Blow Mr. Hornsman Blow on as witnessed with cle Worker proves different. cord bins are prob- the Take Five riddim or Early groups such as ably jam-packed B’s amusing History of Ja- Velvet Revolver, I’m sure that SuperHeavy had with goodies. maica on the Answer riddim. Audioslave and a blast in the studio when re- The Traveling cording this album and that Some of these are If you aren’t familiar with Wilburys, even the label was thrilled over the presented on this the Hit Sound and Midnight The newest addition to the though the latter suffered from idea of a supergroup with Mick compilation that Rock labels this compila- supergroup notoriety is Su- the premature death of band Jagger in the front seat. But Fine selection consists of mate- tion is a good introduction. perHeavy. It’s the brainchild member Roy Orbison. Super- this set probably works bet- of hit sounds rial from the labels Hit Sound But make sure to check out of Mick Jagger of The Rolling Heavy’s self-titled debut album ter on paper than in reality. and Midnight Rock, operated the compilations mentioned Stones and Eurythmics founder was recorded in different stu- by U-Brown and Jah Thomas above as well. Because both Dave Stewart. Onboard is also dios all over the world and as- SuperHeavy hits the streets In the past ten years or so there respectively. The material Bar- labels dropped some rough soul singer Joss Stone, Acad- sembles 12 tunes on the regu- in the U.S. on September have been a number of musical ry Ashworth has chosen is a and tough material in the emy Award winning composer lar edition and 16 on the deluxe 20th and on September celebrities choosing their fa- blend of singers, deejays and heydays of early dancehall.. A.R Rahman and Damian Mar- version. The sound is thick and 19th in the rest of the world. vorite tunes for compilations. dub versions mainly from the ley, whose contribution to this bears traces from pop, reg- Some of these are mixes while early 80’s and includes many Review by Erik Magni project is the sole reason for gae, electronica, rock, Indian Review by Erik Magni others are straight various magnificent tunes, whereof this review. One might wonder music and so called world mu- compilations. Two personal most are already easily avail- what Damian Marley is doing in sic. Reggae is not just present favorites are DJ Kentaro’s ‘Tuff able on other compilations. this company. But neither Mick through Damian Marley’s vo- Cuts’ on Pressure Sounds and Jagger nor Dave Stewart is a cals. He has brought with him Barry Myers diverse ‘Barry My- Nearly all tunes are actually on stranger to the reggae genre. his rhythm section – bass play- ers Presents Scratchy Sounds’ the compilations U-Brown’s ‘Hit Mick Jagger has sung with the er and composer Shiah Coore on Trojan. Now a new compila- Sound’, ‘The Lion Roars’ and late Peter Tosh and Dave Stew- and drummer Courtney Die- tion of the same sort has hit ‘DJ Sounds From Uptown’ on drick. And they are tight with a the streets. The compiler for Roots Records, the same label One Love Festival 2011 he and the horn backed Roots group of ladies to the front disappointment. But in gener- A pleasant atmos- Ragga band know how to get with his buttery voice. Even al, this contributed to a pleas- phere of “stumble the kids onside every time. backstage went wild when a ant atmosphere of “stumble around and see what purple clad Dennis Alcapone around and see what you you find” Johnny Clarke - with Henry arrived to perform with Trojan find”. One Love owes more to Matic Tenyue and the Dub As- Sound System’s Earl Gates- the diverse peaceful vibe of Last year Dan Wiltshire’s One ante band - slowed the pace Love Festival became Lon- head and introduced another the now huge Rototom Sun- with a hypnotic selection from special guest in Tappa Zukie plash - which took place the don’s first reggae weekender his vast back catalogue - in- in a decade by moving to Ha- who chanted acapella for same weekend - than the Brit- cluding Play Fool Fi Get Wise, everyone. ish reggae fests of times gone inault’s striking serene Forest Crazy Baldheads and Every Country Park. For 2011 it re- by. It seems to be a project Knee Shall Bow and Left With “Do you want to get involved?” that grows slowly rather than turned with a bigger stage, a A Broken Heart. France’s Dub asked a bespectacled, ever better sound set up, an abun- the many big extravaganzas Incorporation were a gam- dependable Ken Boothe of a that arrive and vanish. Hope- dance of flags - and a roster of ble that paid off, holding the large yet overawed throng, headline acts chosen for be- fully it will be with us for years crowd and showing they are finishing with Freedom Street to come. ing solid entertainers on these incredible entertainers. Less and a big Stax style ending shores. successful was concluding act from the Ruff Cutt Band. The Report by Angus Taylor The festival’s sound system Finlay Quaye who reputedly day eased down gently sound Photos by Veronique Skel- flavour stems from its Sus- had to leave the stage after system fashion via the still sey & Tracey McTreacle sex beginnings - and was evi- one song - but on the Saturday stunning voice of Susan Ca- dent on Friday night’s main the real headliners were in the dogan, minus advertised part- stage. An exception was sing- sound tents. Linval Thompson ner Mad Professor but ably as- ing drummer Blood Shanti was a mesmerizing presence sisted by Dalston Italian crew and The Shanti - Ites whose in the bar atop sounds spun Open The Gate. A true profes- beautifully intricate roots by Manasseh while Papa Levi, sional, Susan told United Reg- rhythms greatly benefitted having loitered for two days, gae that despite not achieving from the crisp PA. The drums- finally smashed Saxon over financial security in her career decks-and-brass dubstep of Gappy Ranks specials. Levi she was grateful to her fans for Jazzsteppa then drew a huge told United Reggae “I love the their adulation and thanked audience that was retained by laid back Jamaican vibe of this the organisers for giving her Mad Professor and his son Joe festival” saying it reminded the chance to sing. After a Ariwa reminding the people of instead Friday was topped off drubbing to the rum shack. him of Reggae Geel with less few words from final surprise the riots of two weekends past by the most interesting of the United Reggae managed to rain! guest Bunny Lee, a smiling Dawn Penn, (originally billed with cries of London’s Burn- four big sound areas - the Uni- miss Hollie Cook but spot- Fortunately Sunday was all ing - a new track on the Curly ty Collective marquee - in the ted her braving the queue for to be in the bar tent) sang No sunshine, broadening the No No on stage as the crowd Locks rhythm. Headliner Da- form of a lively dose of jungle much improved civilian toilets! dubby image of the weekend vid Rodigan also invoked the from Congo Natty featuring Meanwhile on the main stage swarmed for that last festival with lovers rocksteady and defining experience. recent street violence by clos- Top Cat and Tenor Fly. Macka B gave such a fervent ska. Christopher Ellis brought ing his crowd pleasing set with performance that some of the Saturday experienced some on the first surprise guest of The lineups in the various ar- Johnny Cash’s Ring Of Fire. revellers climbed over the bar- the day in Gappy Ranks him- eas had a habit of changing Later Rodigan was to be found early afternoon rainfall yet rier into the photography pit to the meandering mellow mood self - who at last got to appear (YT, the Wailing Souls and in the always reliable Saxon dance. The man of a thousand at One Love having been stuck Andrew Tosh did not appear) tent chatting to Papa Levi - of the festival endured. The opinions is one of the more sweet voiced David Boomah in traffic the year before. Don so anyone who came spe- who promised he would take ubiquitous acts in Europe as Campbell gathered a devoted cifically to see one act risked the mic on Saturday night. So offered a high octane jungle

Singing Melody Presents His New Album Ziggy Marley leader of the “Melody Makers” a great mix of new and old and if you talk about the son of tracks of his career as Melody in Bologna Bob Marley everybody in the Makers and solo production, Singing Melody’s lis- world identify him as Ziggy such as Tomorrow People, tening session for his Marley… Love Is My Religion, True To upcoming new album. Ziggy Marley played Myself, with some great Bob’s Singer and member of the The last time he performed in at Estragon Club, oldies like Jammin’, One Love, group L.U.S.T, Singing Melody my country it was in 2007, and Bologna, Italy on Pimper’s Paradise, but he also did an unusual thing recently. the fans were really missing August 26th 2011 performed many songs of his The singer invited some of the his music and his vibes. This new work: some of my favour- key media personnel, produc- This 2011 summer has defi- show in Bologna has been the ites like Forward To Love and ers and engineers to a “lis- nitely been a “Marley” summer only Italian date for this 2011 Changes, this last one together tening session” at the popu- for Europe! Many of the Marley European tour, and even if it with Tracy Hazzard, the won- lar Mixing Lab studios for his brothers in fact have toured was a crazy hot summer night, derful backing vocals that sang soon to be released album, all over Europe performing in hundreds of fans came from all doing the part of Daniel “Bam” ‘They Call Me Mr. Melody’. concerts and festivals. Italy over Italy. Marley, the eldest son of Ziggy too has been blessed with the The audience was asked to Temperature and excitement that features this tune in the presence of the Marleys, start- rate and comment on each of were really hot, and finally album. ing from Damian and Julian, the fifteen tracks after which Ziggy came on stage singing than Stephen and Ky-mani, It has been a two hours concen- the first single which is to be one of his latest album track and least but not last Ziggy, trate of great vibes and great released was determined. Ad- Welcome To The World a song that performed in Bologna at music! Blessed Love….. ditionally, other tracks for written for his newborn Abra- Estragon Club in a hot summer the album were determined ham Selassie Robert Nesta, Report and photos night, August 26th. by the audience. The single followed by Mmmm Mmmm by Nadia Bestjamaica is titled Collide and will be Ziggy is the oldest of the sib- from the same new album released in early October. lings, he was the founder and ‘Wild And Free’. The show was Melody’s first solo album in a number of years features top producers such as Dave Kelly, Donovan Germain of Penthouse Records and Lyn- ford “Fatta” Marshall. Another single We Set The Trend was released earlier this year and received success in Europe and was even number one on the Dutch online chart. The album is set to be released in Feb- ruary 2012 and features col- laborations with U Roy, Lymie Murray, Stacious and L.U.S.T. Report and photos by Steve James Chiemsee Reggae Summer 2011 The 17th edition of Not only his red glitter suit but Lutan Fyah and Perfect & Sunday Report by Viktoria Spratter the German festival also his song selection satis- House Of Riddim braved the Junior Kelly, Photos by Michael Grein took place from Au- fied the massive. Capleton re- cold and rain, especially Per- Linval Thompson, gust 26th to 28th ally knows how to motivate the fect that played a great set. Jimmy Cliff audience! He appeared in crazy colorful ------This year the Chiemsee Reg- clothes and did a funny, active gae Summer started promising The most expected act of this and at the same time engaging IThe sun on Sunday was again on 26th of August with mid- day was anyhow Patrice & The concert. Perfect made the peo- more gracious and its shafts summer temperatures around Supowers. Far over the festi- ple smile and dancing while lis- of sunlight warmed again. 35°C. 25 000 visitors celebrat- val area the shouts of joy of tening to his sound. Adapted to the reappeared ed and enjoyed the sun at the his fans were hearable as he sun the visitors packed away river bank beside the campsite entered the stage. The like- The Hip Hop act from Germany the woolen hats and got the and on the festival area. able singer captivated with his Blumentopf managed to dispel bikini on again. Also the crane songs the audience from the the rain with great freestyle for bungee jumping attracted first minute on. and brought back the sun to again more people to jump 60 the Chiemsee. At the Tent stage were beside meters down. Friday others Susan Cadogan, U- The Reggae-Legend Lee The last day of the festival Toots & The Maytals, Brown & Prezident Brown and “Scratch” Perry, who is living in was marked of some German Capleton, Patrice Tippa Irie & The Far East Band Switzerland, entered the stage bands, like Ohrbooten or Irie ------on the run. after Blumentopf as usual with Révoltés. But also Jamaican fancy shoes and cap. His ex- Reggae-Greats such as Lin- Iriepathie opened the 17th edi- travagant appearance and his val Thompson and Jimmy Cliff tion of the Chiemsee Reggae Saturday distinctive Roots Reggae were came to the Chiemsee Reggae Summer and after them Lu- Lee “Scratch” Perry, celebrated by the audience. Summer. ciano did a very active show Ziggy Marley, Lee Perry played nearly every with somersault and huge Perfect, Lutan Fyah kind of Reggae – from Roots to At the Tent stage sunny Roots- jumps. Leba, Toots Hibbert’s ------Dub. Reggae-Sounds of Jamaica daughter followed with some Papa Curvin and Linval Thomp- About the probably biggest au- songs before Toots Hibbert On Saturday morning the festi- son warmed the people. With dience of the weekend Ziggy himself entered the stage. val visitors got a nasty surprise these two Reggae-Veterans while leaving the tent – the Marley and Mono & Nikitaman dancing feet were granted! Toots & The Maytals grew from temperatures dropped to only could be pleased. Ziggy Marley song to song and in the end 10°C. It was a downright onset played a more quiet concert At the Main stage the good they had the massive under of winter! The bestsellers of with a balanced mixture of own mood on stage came with Jun- control. Of course the songs Friday were sunglasses and on songs and songs of his father. ior Kelly. He replaced Mr. Vegas 54-46 That’s My Number and and he showed that he was a Saturday it changed to woolen Ziggy elated the massive and Pressure Drop were not miss- good choice for the replace- hats! it was fantastic to see how the ing – just to mention two of his ment. Finally the absolutely people celebrated his songs. many number one hits! The experienced Chiemsee headliner of Sunday was no one Festival visitors had of course The Dancehall-duo Mono & Ni- less than the Jamaican Legend Capleton, who was assailed gumboots in their baggage kitaman did a great show until Jimmy Cliff. The massive could previously because of his hom- that was why the people cel- after midnight and heated the sing along almost every song ophobia, adhered to the fixed ebrated despite the rain. massive again on this cold day. together with Jimmy Cliff. With. code and elated the Chiemsee.

Reggae’s Gone Country Album Launch

The launch was at Breezes Negril in Jamaica on August 30.

VP Records recently released its much anticipated CD enti- tled ‘Reggae’s Gone Country’. The launch event was held at Breezes Negril and it featured a media conference and perfor- mances from some of the ar- tistes who appeared on the CD. The fun evening showcased some of Reggae’s finest enter- tainers including Tarrus Riley, L.U.S.T, Romain Virgo, Freddie McGregor, Busy Signal and Du- ane Stephenson. Each individual belted out one of their hits and performed covers to some of Country and Western biggest hits. Led by Executive producer Christy Barber, VP Records Vice Presi- dent of Marketing, the album has six producers and two re- cording engineers. One of the highlights of the night was seeing young Ro- main Virgo perform with Coun- try great Larry Gatlin.

Report and photos by Steve James On Tour with the Itals

On 17th and 18th June, on to be with our ancestors, a The accomodations provided Philosophy, Dis Ya Time, the ray came out to the show. The the second edition few days later, while in Jamaica by the venue was not too bad. crowd was loving every mo- band was tight, and Ronnie of One Love Festival getting ready for the next tour. Good, considering that there ment. The audience members and Keith kept the crowd go- took place in Baduel It was a honor and a blessing to was a large boat show happen- commented afterwards that ing with hit after hit. After the stadium in Cayenne, be a part of these last two per- ing in town and we were told two sounded like angels. It’s performance, we mingled for a French Guiana. formances by Lloyd Ricketts, there may be no rooms avail- true, these guys are some of little while and then took off for Ronnie Davis, and Keith Porter, able. Luckily we got some, and the creators of reggae music, Putney VT where we rested for My name is Greg Ward. I have the original lineup of the Itals. continued to rest for a few hours and are one of the last remain- the night and next day. Big up been performing reggae music Nonetheless, as Lloyd would before sound check. I couldn’t ing groups that continue to rep- Charlotte for being one of the professionally since 1998, per- have wished, the Itals move- sleep very well, so I called resent harmony reggae vocal best hostesses ever! forming with many great artists ment continues. Here are some down to club to make sure eve- groups. We said our goodbyes and musicians. We as touring notes from last week’s tour rything was as it should be, to the audience after Keith and Aug 14, 2011 musicians experience so many that just finished up. which it was. 3:30pm we head Ronnie, met fans, took pic- Northampton, MA interesting things on the road, down to club for soundcheck tures, and signed autographs. Today we only had to drive 1 we would love to share some Aug 11, 2011 Washington DC which went fine, then everyone Tomorrow, Newport Reggae hour to get from VT to North- of them with you. Stay tuned came back to the hotel to get Fest with The Itals, Yellowman, ampton. We left in the evening for my upcoming blog, docu- The band and myself met up their respective dinners. Skatalites, and Bushman. It’s and arrrived at 6pm for sound- menting life on the road with a with Ronnie and Keith at 9pm going to be nice to see Roops, check. Interestingly, there were reggae musician. My first blog 8:30pm showtime... We ar- the bassist we toured with in in Washington DC at One World rive at the theatre to behold a lot of more 35 and over crowd from the road will be with The Rehearsal Studio. We hailed up June. He is playing bass with at this show them most. It was Legendary Itals (R.I.P. Lloyd a full house of anticipating Bushman for the week. JAH the owner, Kofi and then made Itals fans. After 10-15 minutes a nice sight, so many origi- Rickkets and David Isaacs), as our departure for our first show guide. nal fans coming out to see the Keith Porter and Ronnie Davis of chill time, the band hit the in Rockland ME. Everyone was stage and performed 2 instru- Aug 13, 2011 group. Show began at 8:30pm. tour New England showcasing excited to see one another. We Keith and Ronnie were having a classic hits such as Play your mentals (Ram Jam and Satta Newport Reggae briefly remarked at the mysti- Massa Gana). The crowd re- Fest, Commercial lot of fun on stage I could tell, Part, Rastafari Chariot, and Dis cal ways of JAH’s Creation, how going back and forth singing Ya Time. sponded well, so I asked them Wharf, Newport RI amazing it was to have Lloyd a if they were ready for the Leg- old Jamaican hits over top of Aug 11, 2011 part of the vibration again, and endary Itals from Westmore- We left Rockland ME at 4am to the riddims we were providing. then so quickly be humbled by land Jamaica. Frenzy ensued begin our journey to Newport Finished the show at 10:30pm Hi friends, Greg Ward here, the swiftness of how things and I proceeded to bring out RI. 10am we arrived in News- and began the journey home professional guitarist, cur- can change. Everyone was in Ronnie Davis and Keith Porter. port, RI. The vibes were high. towards Washington DC. rently on tour with The Itals. high spirits still and I could The band ran through the intro Some local band were enter- The last tour, a few weeks ago, Aug 15, 2011 tell there was an even more re- medley, playing excerpts from taining across the street, peo- Lloyd Ricketts joined Keith Por- North Garden, VA newed appreciation of the day. Give Me Power (tribute to Lloyd ple were walking everywhere. ter and Ronnie Davis, as the We got in the van and made our Ricketts), Dis Ya Time, Play Newport, RI is very popular Returned home for the week. original Itals lineup, for the way towards Rockland ME. your Part, and JAH Glory right during the summertime. Peo- Next weekend The Itals will be 1st time in the United States in into the first tune, Smile Natty ple were beginning to gather in at the Hoxley Fest in Wellston over 25 years. This was a beau- Aug 12, 2011 Smile. The two reggae/Rasta large numbers for the reggae MI- Sat and the Grog Shop, tiful sight to behold. People Strand Theatre, elders appeared on stage and fest. The Itals were going to be Cleveland, OH- Sun. in audience were overjoyed at Rockland ME did not stop the high energy the first group to perform. I was this reunion. Lloyd expressed Report by Greg Ward We arrived at 11am, 14 or so until the last song. Playing hits glad to see all of the fans in the to me how much he loved the Photos by Greg Ward and hours later in Rockland ME at like Call Dread Name, Rastafari crowd singing along. Last time vibes and wanted to tour for Kristin Kolaczkowski our hotel. Chariot, Peace and Love, Rasta we were in Newport, Bill Mur- years to come. Lloyd passed Reggae Rhythm and Blues Festival 2011

The festival took many, for some time. ing, as he gave them some of show how prepared he was place in New York his sizzling moves, much to the for this. One hit after another, with Tarrus Riley, I- After he left the stage, scores appreciation of the audience. could be heard, as the audience Octane, Bennie Man of security, escorted him to his bellowed their voices, with his and Movado. trailer, where he was whisked A tribute to Joel Chin, the late songs, in awe. He paid respect off, in a extra stretched limo, A&R director and grandson of to the police officers right be- Roy Wilkins Park in Queen was totally differentiate a super VP Records founder, who was fore he gave the crowd what the place to be in New York star, for a ordinary performer. recently murdered in Jamaica. they were waiting for, Delilah. City, on Sunday 4th of Septem- Joel was a mentor to most Ja- I-Octane hold his own and maican artiste and was instru- Reggae Rhythm & Blues festi- ber 2011, at the inaugural Reg- lived up to his expectation of gae Rhythm & Blues Festival. mental in singing Beres Ham- val, was indeed a success, but delivering on a positive note. mond and Beenie Man, among unprofessionalism surfaced, Undoubtedly, one could tell The singer emphasized on love other top Jamaican artiste to when security personnel, pre- it was a Caribbean event, as and cohesive collaboration for VP Records. vented press person from go- scores of Caribbean flags, building of better communi- ing back stage, or in front the could be seen, in exhibit of ties. His performance shows Tarrus Riley was next, and wait- stage consistently. It was much each Island support. The feel- some level of maturity and if ed patiently back stage, much to the disgust of myself and ing of Reggae Sumfest hit me, continued in this form, will en- to socializing with his fans be- other media person, whom as I approached the gates, hance his career, for interna- fore going on stage. Apparently continued to complain of the familiar faces that I have not tional stardom. his band was not at it’s best and nonsense action of the secu- seen for man years, musician / the quality sound was lacking. rity personnel. All was well, Next on stage was Mr. Moses Musician mogul Dean Fraser, artiste the atmosphere was to- “Beenie Man” Davis, who was except for the unprofessional- tally captivated by magnetism beckon to the engineers to find ism of the security, who had no honored by Irie Jam Media that quality, but to no avail. of brotherly love, all around. Group (promoters of the event) respect or regards for the press Tarrus performed, but it was media. I must applaud the Irie Jam Me- for his 3 decades of outstand- evident that he was disturbed dia Group, for it’s superb secu- ing contribution to Reggae / by the technical problems, but Report by Randolph Fisher rity measures, patrons moving Dancehall music. The audience delivered as usual. Photos by Zion Kendell in and around the event, were rise to the occasion of Beenie doing so orderly. I did not see man, as he entered the stage. David “Movado / Gully Gad” or learn of any dispute, that He was presented the award Brooks, was the anchor per- warrant the security officers by US Congresswoman Yvette former, and the audience was intervention. Clarke. hungry for him. Similar to feed- ing chickens, all was eating the As the night drew near, Kenny Beenie Man, accepted his musical food from Gully Gad! “Baby Face” Edmonds, gave award, and made it clear, that He paid respect to Bounty Kill- a stalwart performance, and he was unable to perform, and er, and assured the audience could do nothing wrong, but immediately gave them a sur- that there wasn’t any feud be- sustain his melodious momen- prise of Khago. The electrify- tween him and Bounty Killer, tum, in pleasing the hungry ing energy could be felt in all he also made it know that, the souls of the audience. Profes- corners of the park, as Khago dancehall was run by Vybz Kar- sional / diverse and entertain- burst on stage with his hit sin- tel and himself. ing are the only words, that gle, Na Sell Out. Beenie Man can describe his performance, was unable to sing, but this did Movado had it all to himself, that will remain in the hearts of not confined him from danc- and did not waste no time to Rototom Sunsplash 2011 Diana Rutherford in Paris

The festival took thing went as it should, so the tain to be present at the next. Diana Rutherford did a showcase at Virgin Megastore in Barbes, Paris on September 16th place in Spain from space was packed each night, to present her debut album ‘Ghetto Princess’, before returning to Jamaica. She performed August 18th to 27th. and the vibe always right. In Report by David Katz songs from this album such as Pon Facebook, Rebel and also Hot Gyal and Killing Me Softly. the dancehall arena, there Photos by Rototom 2011 Rototom Sunsplash is simply were also nice sets from Youth Report and photos by Jennyfer Papin one of those festivals that re- Promotion, a truncated Saxon ally must be experienced in Sound, and Brigadier Jerry person, in order to fully un- (with Lampa Dread of One Love derstand the magnitude of the selecting), while the ska stage event. Europe’s largest reggae had plenty of rousing vintage festival takes place over the dance music from Natty Bo and course of ten days, at a mas- Earl Gateshead, as well as Lon- sive site with several stages don’s Rootikal crew. and all kinds of peripheral activity; the range of sights, Rico Rodriguez made a guest sounds and activities on offer appearance on the small lion is staggering, rendering it sev- stage, but did not always gel eral cuts above the rest. The with his backing band, while festival has been going for 18 on the main stage, the anniver- years now, and for most of its sary of Bob Marley’s passing existence, was based in north- was heralded by Ziggy, Kyma- east Italy, in a beautiful park at ni and Rita Marley, and Linton the foot of the Alps, but follow- Kwesi Johnson kept reggae’s ing conflict with short-sighted political content in focus. There politicians, moved last year was also the usual antics from to Benicassim, Spain, a gritty Shaggy, Mr Vegas, Tony Rebel, seaside town located between Queen Ifrica and Capleton, but Valencia and Barcelona. the icing on the cake came on the last night, when Michael Though the new site is not Prophet, Johnny Clarke and quite as evocative as the old, Horace Andy delivered blis- it is far larger, allowing for the tering sets that were entirely addition of a number of new spot-on, backed by the ever- venues, the most favoureds dependable Dub Asante band, of which is the Dub Station, with producer Bunny ‘Striker’ a wonderful dome-like space Lee at the side of the stage as towards the rear of the place, guest of honour. with a top-notch, high-pow- ered sound system that played If you’re already a Rototom dev- host to Jah Observer, Channel otee, I look forward to seeing One, Adrian Sherwood, Iration you there in 2012; conversely, Steppers, and many more, with if you have not yet discovered residents Blackboard Jungle on this magnanimous festival, you hand to make certain every- owe it to yourself to make cer- MAGAZINE

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