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2019 ZEEN 1 ALL IN THE SAME BOAT ROCKIN’ ON THE SAME ROCK GOT TO GET TOGETHER, LOVIN’ EACH OTHER. DECEMBER — Bob & The Wailers (1971) 9-14, 2019 ANITA POSADA ANITA PHOTO BY BY PHOTO

2 3 TABLE OF

2019 CONTENTS

8. Greetings 36. Pinchers 10. All Hands On Deck! 38.

12. Stephen “” Marley 40. 14. 42. Ding Dong & Ravers Clavers 16. 44. IMAGE 18. 46. Christopher Martin 20. 48. 22. Julian “Juju” Marley 50. 24. 52. 26. 54. Charly Black 30. 56. Ghost 32. 58. Professor Nuts 34. 60. WTJRC Rewind PHOTO BY EVAN WOLLENBERG EVAN BY PHOTO

4 5 TABLE OF

2019 CONTENTS

72. Full Steam Ahead 110. ’s 78. , Forward Ever 112. 84. #Allinthesameboat 114. Rorystonelove 88. King Jammy’s vs Black Scorpio 116. Bass Odyssey 96. Soundclash At Sea 118. Bodyguard 98. Tony Matterhorn 120. Kingston 12 Hi-Fi 100. Warrior Sound 122. Heavy Rotation 102. Dynamq Sound 126. Ports of Call 104. Pink Panther 127. Map/Schedule 106. Soundclash Scorecard 128. Activities 108. Stone Love 142. Crossword

Editorial direction by Rob Kenner & Reshma B for Boomshots Media LLC Designed by Ricardo A Castaneda PHOTO BY EVAN WOLLENBERG EVAN BY PHOTO ©2019 Boomshots Media LLC All Rights Reserved 6 7 GREETINGS All aboard the Cruise 2019! This Zeen is your official guide to who’s who and what’s happening on our 6th annual voyage to , the birthplace of reggae music. The singers and players of instruments are here—rising stars and living legends. The DJs and sound systems are fully loaded with tunes galore. And most of all, the massive and crew—that’s you. If you’re a returning Jamrocker, you know to expect the unexpected. If this is your first voyage, prepare yourself for a celebration of reggae music and culture like no other. And always remember that the Jamrock Cruise is all about positive vibrations. Like the song says, we’re “All in the same boat.” PHOTO BY EVAN WOLLENBERG EVAN BY PHOTO

8 9 ALL HANDS ON DECK! PHOTO BY EVAN WOLLENBERG EVAN BY PHOTO

10 11 STEPHEN “RAGGA” MARLEY “There’s no room for mistakes,” sang Their father instilled in them a strict work Stephen “Ragga” Marley in 2011. “We’re ethic as well as an awareness that “music is sailing a tight ship ashore.” A veteran of way more than just music.” Proceeds from all five Jamrock cruises to date, the eight- the early Melody Makers single “Children time Grammy winner returns for his Playing in the Streets” went to benefit sixth performance at sea this year. Ragga UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s is a multi-talented producer, , Fund. More recently, Ragga donated one singer, and deejay, who also happens to be dollar from each ticket sold on his latest tour a consummate performer with a knack for to the Ghetto Youths Foundation, which he spontaneity. His maiden voyage became the oversees along with his brothers Damian stuff of legend after a sudden rain shower and Julian to support intergenerational forced a cancellation of his set on the main projects to provide opportunity to the deck. Taking up his trusty acoustic , underprivileged. Supporting his free- Ragga vowed that “the show must go on” flowing 2018 , One Take: Acoustic and led an epic all-star jam Jams, the tour was a further session in the ship’s atrium. demonstration of impromptu Embarking upon a lifetime virtuosity in action. Expect journey of musical works nothing less when Ragga starting at the age of 7, Ragga steps on the stage this year. honed his skills alongside Like his song says, “All hands siblings Ziggy, Sharon, and on deck.” —Rob Kenner

Cedella in the Melody Makers. POSADA ANITA BY PHOTO

12 TKK 13 BUJU BANTON “My destination is homeward bound,” sang shirt sold out within minutes and has since Buju Banton at Jamaica’s National Stadium been worn by reggae-loving tastemakers this past March. “Though forces try hold like .) Buju’s also begun releasing I down. Breaking chains has become the new music, including the scathing roots norm. I know I must get through no matter reggae cut “Country For Sale,” the rude what a gwaan.” The words of Buju’s 1997 boy anthem “Steppa,” and “Trust Issues,” single “Destiny” took on added resonance a digital scorcher produced by due to the enormity of the occasion—a mastermind . Everything we’ve triumphant homecoming celebration for heard thus far has heightened anticipation a reggae icon who’d been gone too long. for the Gargamel’s new album, set to be With that historic performance, Buju released in 2020. Now Buju is about to became the first Jamaican artist to headline make history once again with his debut on the prestigious arena since at the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise. the One Love Peace in 1978. “I’m definitely excited,” says Damian On the heels of his worldwide Long “Jr. Gong” Marley. “I’m a big fan of Buju’s Walk to Freedom Tour, music ever since high school named after Nelson Mandela’s days coming up. So you autobiography, Buju has know we’re definitely looking maintained a strong presence forward to this and I’m sure in popular culture, appearing everybody else is too. That’s on a T-shirt collab with the gonna be a special moment.” renowned lifestyle brand —Reshma B

PHOTO BY MARKEEM MYRIE BY PHOTO Supreme. (The coveted Buju 1414 15 POPCAAN “I’m from a place where dog eat dog,” sang of his sophomore album Forever and in Popcaan on “Gangster City,” a 2010 track December of that year, his “linky” Drake that he still performs regularly on his live made a surprise appearance at the first sets. “Mi know ‘bout living hard.” Although annual Unruly Fest to announce that the Unruly Boss has elevated himself Popcaan had officially signed to OVO. greatly during the nine years since he made Despite aligning himself with one of the that tune—appearing in films on Netflix most successful artists in , Papi is and touring the world performing to sold- unlikely to forget the journey that brought out arenas—the youth born Andrae Hugh him to this point. “Although man make it Sutherland hasn’t forgotten his experiences now,” he sings on “Family,” a smash single growing up in Three West, a government- from 2017, “we know how struggle feel.” subsidized housing scheme in Portmore, “Certain songs on Forever is very Jamaica. Popcaan has come a long way personal,” Popcaan explains. “And it is since then, a journey recounted on his coming straight from things weh happen acclaimed 2014 debut album Where We to me in my life.” Even as he declares his Come From. “I’m representing my whole longevity in the game, Popcaan understands community, people who have well that success can come at a been through it with me,” he serious price. He may not be said of the project back then. the carefree artist once known Returning to the Jamrock as the Raving King, but as Cruise for the third time this he progresses through life year, Popcaan is fresh off Popcaan still uses his music to some major achievements. speak his truth. —Reshma B.

July 2018 saw the release TIZZY TOKYO BY PHOTO

16 17 TARRUS RILEY There’s an old saying that you can pay experimentation, writing and singing for school but you can’t buy class, which timeless songs about love, life, and is a quality Tarrus Riley exudes in every reality, set against musical soundscapes aspect. His work ethic is second to none, that incorporate multiple influences his demeanor unassuming, professional, while remaining firmly rooted in reggae. and irrepressibly positive. And the Along the way he’s emerged as one music? First class all the way. Son of of the music’s greatest ambassadors. the esteemed vocalist , a This year Mr. Riley returns for his sixth founding member of seminal harmony consecutive Jamrock Cruise fresh off the groups and The Uniques, release of his seventh project, an E.P. titled Tarrus was born in the Bronx and raised B.L.E.M. that was created in collaboration between Florida and Jamaica, educated with the young Jamaican producer in a musical school like none other. IzyBeats, known for his work with Koffee “Tarrus grew up right in the midst of and . In patois “blem” means things,” his late father once remarked. adding something extra to infuse a special “Most of the veteran singers were friends flavor, aroma, or texture. Tarrus explains of mine, so he knew them all.” As the son that the EP’s title is an acronym for of a reggae icon, he bears the Blending Life’s Experiences mantle of responsibility like Musically. “I’m just giving a gift rather than a burden. you likkle more,” he says of Fifteen years ago he released songs like “G.Y.A.L. (Girl You his debut album, which he Are Loved)” featuring the titled Challenges. A child Ghanaian star . of the dancehall era, Tarrus “Just relax and get used to the

PHOTO COURTESY OF ARTIST COURTESY PHOTO balances tradition with tune dem.” —Vivian Thomas

18 19 BOUNTY KILLER He may be known for being “cross, works in the community, benefitting the angry, miserable,” but Bounty Killer has Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) and been known to crack a smile now and the Victoria Jubilee maternity Hospital then. With a host of different personas through his Bounty Killer Foundation. and aliases to match every mood, Rodney “The Jamrock Cruise is one of the biggest Basil Price aka The Warlord aka The Poor things that’s ever happened for the music,” People’s Governor aka Di General is known says Killer, one of just a handful of artists to to the youngsters on as @ perform on all six cruises to date. It’s only grunggaadzilla. With nearly half a million natural considering his long-standing ties Instagram followers, the dancehall icon with Damian Marley, with whom Killer disseminates messages of roots, reality, toured during the mid 1990s when both and culture across the digital diaspora. artists were part of the Specs-Shang camp The self-styled humanitarian has always along with and . used every available platform to support But most of all Killer has become a fixture the careers of aspiring talents from early of the cruise because of his enormous out, championing future stars like Busy influence within dancehall reggae culture, Signal, , , and standing head and shoulders above the Mavado to name a few. More majority of here-today- recently he’s made headlines gone-tomorrow “trending” for burying the hatchet with artists. “I’m different,” he his longtime rival Beenie explains with a smile. “I Man and sharing a stage don’t follow trends. I’m a for a historic performance trend myself.” —Lizzy Brown together. Killer’s also been highlighting charitable ROBERT COOPER BY PHOTO

20 21 JULIAN “JUJU” MARLEY “He that loveth guidance loveth Jamaica where he learned from some of knowledge,” sings Julian “Juju Royal” the island’s greatest players of instruments, Marley on “Papa,” a standout track from eventually putting together his own band, his latest album. “But he of ignorancy just The Uprising—a name inspired both by his won’t see.” As Julian returns for his fourth father’s 1980 album and his own first song, performance on the Welcome to Jamrock released in 1989. Lion in the Morning, his Reggae Cruise, he’ll be showcasing 1996 debut, was recorded at thought-provoking lyrics from his fourth studios and built upon rock studio album, As I Am. The stylistically reggae foundation established by his father diverse project was produced with JuJu’s Robert Nesta Marley, to whom he pays brothers Damian and Stephen and features tribute on the aforementioned track “Papa.” guest appearances by , Spragga “No matter where we go, the vibration Benz, and . Released earlier this year, that we feel when we’re playing this music As I Am was recently nominated for an is the same,” says Julian, who’s now a Best Reggae Album Grammy father himself. “That lets us Award, the latest highlight of know that this music and JuJu’s lifelong musical journey. the people are one. They’re Born in in 1975, in need of the upliftment Julian taught himself to play music.” When JuJu takes the bass, drums, guitar, and stage, we’ll all be rising to keyboards at an early age. higher heights. —Rob Kenner

PHOTO BY LUKE ROGERS BY PHOTO As a teenager he moved to

22 23 BUSY SIGNAL With a name like Busy Signal, it’s no career. “Bounty Killer showed full support,” wonder that have provided recalls Busy, who never fails to show powerful inspiration for the lyrical master respect to an artist he calls “advocate for known to fans as the Turf President. Busy’s the youth.” Busy would go on to become an catalog includes bangers like “Unknown international star and travelled the world Number” and “Text Message” as well to shell down stages and collaborate with an epic three-part series entitled “The the likes of Damian Marley, , Reasoning” that plays out via smartphone. and , not to mention recent But his biggest telephonic tune to date has tracks like “100%” and “Go Dance,” on to be “Stay So,” whose hard-hitting video which he collabs with Afrobeats act Afro B. has racked up over 35 million views since A year-to-year favorite on the Jamrock its release in late 2017. The song’s opening Cruise, Busy returns for his fourth line—“One phone call it take to make some performance at sea this year. His versatility bwoy wipe offa earth and drop down flat”— has made him one of the top reggae and remains one of the most surefire ways for dancehall acts of his generation, equally any selector to mash up a dance. Featured adept at delivering love ballads, on Busy’s recent Billboard-charting album reality songs, and spitting lyrics of fire. Parts of the Puzzle, “Stay So” “I’m blessed with versatility,” has been added to rotation on says the Turf President. “I try influential urban radio stations to keep it rounded. I don’t like New York’s Hot 97 FM. wanna be in a box. When do The new album also features we change stuff up? What a collab with Bounty Killer, about the evolution?” When who gave Busy a powerful Busy steps out, xpect the

endorsement early in his unexpected. —Reshma B ROBERT COOPER BY PHOTO

24 25 I SHALL SING Reasoning with Marcia Griffiths the Queen of Reggae

Interview By Reshma b PHOTO BY DAVID CORIO DAVID BY PHOTO

26 27 When a teenage Marcia Griffiths first Do you remember when you first met Yes. I invited Judy [Mowatt] and stepped inside Clement Dodd’s Studio Beres? Rita [Marley] to come and do One on Brentford Road in Kingston, she harmony for me for the first time was destined to make history. By 1968 I met him from in the ’70s when he when I was performing at a club. Marcia had recorded her first big hit, started. I heard him performing in a small They came and it was beautiful “Feel Like Jumping,” and never looked club in Kingston and I said a prayer in my for three nights. And on the back. Over half a century later her stellar heart. I said, “Boy, this man is so talented! third night we just did a jam collaborations with master songwriter Bob I pray that he can just break out there to session—some sweet inspiration Andy, soul balladeer , the world.” And I think my prayer was songs and the audience loved it and dancehall icon Buju Banton—not to answered. and said, “Why don’t you girls mention her years as part of I-Three, the form a group?” vocal trio that recorded and toured the It’s always magic when you share the world with Bob Marley—have achieved stage with Beres. And so you did! legendary status. And her light-hearted smash hit “Electric My journey would not Believe it or not that was the Boogie” can still rock any “My journey would not have been complete same exact time when Bob, party. Fresh off the release if I had not met Beres Peter, and Bunny were having a of Timeless, an album have been complete if Hammond, and Bob fallout. So I know that this was of Studio One classics I had not met Beres Marley was ordained ordained by Almighty God. Bob produced by Donovan by God. So those two heard that we had formed the Germaine, Ms. Griffiths Hammond, and Bob brothers are very special group and he just called us in returns to the Jamrock Marley was ordained to me. to do . The rest is Cruise this year for her history. second performance. All by God. So those I get goosebumps hail the Queen. two brothers are very when I’ve seen you You are celebrating more than not be able to see this milestone. So when performing songs like 50 years in the business. After all this I first give thanks to Almighty God for As a woman has it been special to me.” “Buffalo Soldier” and time, what makes a performance special? preserving me I have to give thanks to my tough in this industry? “No Woman No Cry.” fans for their support. How many of these entertainers will When I started, yes. In a male-dominated There are so many beautiful memories. I survive musically to see even 25 years? And that support is still there. Even business it was very, very tough. But feel the presence of Bob every time I listen We don’t know what God has planned for before singing with the I-Three and Bob then as time went by and I managed to to his songs and perform his songs. us. So I have to live this moment. I am so Marley, you were an artist in your own motivate and inspire other women, then it overwhelmed to see all these years in the right. balanced—and I’m happy. I notice that you still do all the moves. business with consistency. I’m thankful I’m assuming you do not practice those? that I manage to cross over the age barrier. I remember when Bob came back from Last time I saw you performing with London for the first time, we were in in New York it looked like you No! We’ve been doing it for so long that it When you’re on stage I’ve heard you ’s studio recording “Smile Jamaica” were both having so much comes automatically, saying “this is my time and I’m going to and he said to me, “Marcia I didn’t know fun. take it.” you are so big in England!” When we went Of course we all know the to London for the first time touring with Yes, we still have a beautiful famous I-Three. Is it true This is my moment, yes. As long as I am Bob, that English group Boney M said to relationship, beautiful. It’s like that it was you who first put sharing with my fans it’s a celebration him, “Bob you know you have a big star a family affair. the girls together? for me. If it hadn’t been for my fans who backing you.” [laughs] It was a joke but he supported and encouraged me I would knew.

28 29 CAPLETON “I’m definitely ready to come on the cruise Stephen and Damian Marley on Grammy- and enlighten all the fans,” says Capleton winning tracks like “” and who returns to the Welcome to Jamrock “Rockstone.” Capleton refers to their Reggae Cruise for a second time to blaze his creative chemistry as a “natural mystic,” fire on the water once more. “It’s gonna be a noting that “from the message is positive lot of energy,” he says without exaggeration. and the music is good then people ah go Making his cruise debut in 2015, the always intrigued. We just give thanks for Prophet did not initially love the idea the music and give thanks for the blessing. of performing at sea. “I even went to And we have to give thanks for the icons my doctor and get my stuff in case I get and the pioneers, the people who pave the seasick,” he recalls, “But it didn’t bother way for I and I within this time, and give us me. It was a joy. I got to meet so many the privilege so we can carry out the work people and the vibe was just good.” and keep the mission going.” After three Christened Clifton George decades Capleton remains Bailey III in the district of one of the most sought-after Islington, St. Mary, Capleton and prolific artistes in the or King Shango as he now genre, showing no signs of prefers to be addressed, cooling down anytime soon. exploded onto the reggae scene More fyah! —Lizzy Brown nearly 30 years ago. Along the way he’s collaborated with ROBERT COOPER BY PHOTO

30 31 MORGAN HERITAGE The Cambridge Dictionary defines the album, Loyalty is a testimony to the word “heritage” as “features belonging to experimental methods of music creation the culture of a particular society, such as that brothers Gramps, Mojo, and Peetah traditions, languages…that were created in are open to exploring. Released on their the past and still have historical importance.” own Cool to Be Conscious imprint, Loyalty This would be an apt description of the fuses diverse influences including pop, Grammy-winning reggae group Morgan rock, country, R&B, and hip-hop into their Heritage, whose quarter-century-deep own unique sound they refer to as Rockaz. discography has cemented their status “The new album showcases the universal as a vital part of Jamaica’s cultural legacy. state of Reggae and Jamaican music Performing live since 1991, the children today,” says lead vocalist Peetah Morgan. of reggae singer Denroy Morgan—who “Our music is not one-dimensional and made his mark with the New York reggae we’re not loyal to one dimension of the band Black Eagles and his solo dance hit music. Rather, we’re loyal to our genre.” “I’ll Do Anything For You”—have impacted No strangers to the WTJRC, the the reggae musical landscape in no small Morgans have performed on board several way since their youthful beginnings. times since nicing up the Jamrock Cruise’s Returning to the land of their father’s maiden voyage in 2014. “Fans can expect birth, the group connected an an in-depth journey into with renowned reggae and our last two : Strictly dancehall producer Bobby Roots & Avrakedabra,” Peetah “Digital” Dixon to record says. “And of course, lots of the Protect Us Jah, the 1997 album classic Morgan Heritage songs that would launch them to the that we have all grown to love top tier of modern reggae acts. over the years.” —Lizzy Brown

PHOTO COURTESY OF ARTIST COURTESY PHOTO The collective’s 12th studio

32 33 MIGHTY DIAMONDS Proving the saying that Diamonds are an introduction to the Chinese Hoo- forever, the legendary vocal trio that Kim Brothers of Channel One Studios on started in the late 1960s will step on the Maxfield Avenue. It was there that they Jamrock Cruise this year for the very first recorded sides like “I Need A Roof,” “Have time. Founded by Donald “Tabby” Shaw Mercy,” and “Go Seek Your Rights.” The and Lloyd “Judge” Ferguson, and Fitzroy group’s penchant for powerful lyrics would “Bunny” Simpson, the group brings continue on smooth yet scathing songs like with them a treasured legacy of classic “Tamarind Farm,” a track originally pressed conscious roots reggae and . on the Hot Rod label way back in ’79. They got their start in , With years of experience and countless Jamaica —the same inner-city albums and singles under their collective community that gave rise to The Wailers. belts, the trio continues to be an “We rehearsed for about three years unstoppable force, selling out before we even tried to get an audition,” and festivals throughout recalls Tabby. “When we really make a and Europe. Although 2015 proved to be hit tune, it was at the point of giving up.” a major turning point for the Diamonds Known for their achingly when health issues forced sweet harmonies, the founding member Bunny Diamonds seamlessly segue Diamond to rest and between soulful ballads and recuperate, Jopseph “Capo powerful social commentary Diamond” Beniah has joined found on their timeless 1976 Tabby and Judge to keep the album . The group’s clarity of their harmonies real breakthrough came from shining bright. —Lizzy Brown OF ARTIST COURTESY PHOTO

34 35 PINCHERS A consensus highlight of last year’s put your lyrics, how you merge them Jamrock Cruise was the late-night session with the track.” Even as he churns out featuring King Jammy’s Super Power fresh releases, he’s pleased to see a new and many of the artists from his roster generation gravitating to classic material of champions. Even amongst such elite like his signature 1990 track “Bandelero,” company, Pinchers stood out—both for another Jammy’s production. “The his lyrical stylings and his sartorial flair. youngsters are more into the dancehall Since the release of his 1987 debut album thing,” Pinchers notes, “so you have to be Agony, the man born Delroy Thompson working in that light. They still going back distinguished himself by virtue of his to the original foundation tracks to learn 100% original dancehall delivery and and enjoy some of that flavor because appeal. By popular demand he they weren’t around in their infancy.” returns to the cruise this year to deliver Although he made his name in his own solo set. “With a band you express and his very first recording, yourself in a different way,” he says. “It’s “Lift It Up Again,” captures the excitement more spicy, more colorful. But it still goes of a selector at work, Pinchers proudly well with tracks, cause that’s what we do.” embraces the totality of Jamaican music. Still active on the road and “Everything to do with the recording studio three reggae, that’s my favorite,” he decades after he first “buss,” states. “Whichever vein and Pinchers’ creative approach whichever vibes I just work emphasizes versatility. “We with it because the people have all kinda supm,” he enjoy reggae music from says. “Gal song, reality song. every angle.” —Rob Kenner

PHOTO BY RUTH ANN PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHOTO It’s all about the way you

36 37 SISTER NANCY Sister Nancy needs no introduction. The Maytals’ timeless 1966 festival song. When you hear her defiant voice over the Perhaps the most sampled record in the mighty Stalag , there can be no doubt history of Jamaican music, it’s appeared who is speaking: “I’m a lady not a man,” in sneaker commercials, motion pictures, she states, “MC is my ambition.” As the and on rap hits by the likes of Pete Rock, first female deejay to earn enough respect , and most recently the Jay-Z to rock the microphone in the dancehalls banger “Bam” featuring Damian Marley. of Jamaica, Sister Nancy is a living “I’m the first female deejay to perform on legend within music history. “My brother , the first woman deejay a big man, you see me?” to leave Jamaica and take it internationally,” Nancy explains. “Them time deh Brigadier says Nancy, who makes her Jamrock Cruise a king inna dancehall. So me as the likkle debut this year. A trailblazer for women in sister now... If a next DJ woman come, they the dancehall, Nancy paved the way for run her. They nah do that to me.” Family generations of artists to come. Not only connections played their part, did she put a mic in the hand but make no mistake, Muma of a young Lady Saw, she also Nancy has the lyrical skills battled many of her female to stand on her own two feet. peers lyrically. “I clash with Her legacy was secured all of the early ones,” Nancy with the 1982 release says. “I never had a bad day. “Bam Bam,” an infectious And I have to give thanks to

interpolation of Toots & God for that.” —Rob Kenner JAN SALZMAN BY PHOTO

38 39 EVERTON BLENDER There must be something special in the 1990’s, a musical era some call the ‘Rasta soil of Clarendon, the southerly parish Renaissance’, that we would see Blender join of Jamaica which has produced some of his contemporaries: , Capleton, the most significant figures in Jamaican Buju Banton, and Luciano to name a few, in music and culture. Poet - Claude McKay earning his rootsman credentials with the OJ, Musician - , Social crosscultural fusions of dancehall, reggae anthropologist and Musicologist - and hip-hop as never experienced before. Dr. The Hon. Olive Lewin, OM, OD, “When di Rastaman train was going Musician - Denroy Morgan. And along, no one was penetrating di Rastaman. singer - Everton Dennis Williams, more But as...we go along and see dat di Rastaman popularly known as ‘Everton Blender’. light a shine, and the Rastaman bus start His formative years however, were spent drive, everyone waan come jump pan it…” in the West Kingston neighbourhood For his debut on the WTJR 2019, fans of Maxfield Avenue, home to the iconic can expect to hear the smooth tenor vocals Channel One Studio. Singing Dennis of Blender, singing classics such as ‘Lift Brown covers and performing under the Up Your Head’ and ‘Ghetto People Song’. moniker ‘Babbaru’, the culturally rooted But don’t think this veteran is stuck in Rasta found some success on a ‘90s rut. His latest single the influential ‘Destiny Sound ‘Bounce Pon Me’ is an Afro- System’ - a that pop collab with young can claim responsibility for the Kenyan singer - Arrif. Solid launch of several successful proof that he still has his musical careers such as the finger firmly on the pulse of late great Garnet Silk. It boundary-crossing and up-

PHOTO BY SHAMAR ANTHONY BY PHOTO wouldn’t be until the mid tempo music. —Lizzy Brown

40 41 DING DONG & RAVERS CLAVERS

“Jamaica build dance moves like every the transition to recording artist with the single second,” says Ding Dong, the 2006 smash “Badman Forward Badman street dance innovator turned dancehall Pull Up” with its own dance to match. hitmaker. “We build dances off everything, His 2009 hit “Holiday” featuring and we got like a million dancers in Jamaica. Chevaughn singing the melodious hook That’s a million minds and a million made Ding Dong a force to be reckoned different ways of thinking of a dance.” with, helping to make the dancehall fun Raised in the Nannyville community of again. Since then he’s blazed a trail of Kingston, Ding was a soccer player who undeniable hits from “Shampoo” and went to dances just for fun until 2002 “Syvah” to “Flairy” and “Cha Cha,” helping when he hung his cleats because friends to fill the void in Jamaican street dance told him “you’re better than nuff of the culture that was left after the death of the dancers out there.” He soon picked up a legendary Bogle. Now part of the Romeich crucial endorsement from selector Tony Entertainment camp alongside Matterhorn and began touring the world and Teejay the Uptop Boss, Ding Dong showcasing the numerous dances he’d continues to elevate his game, recently created, such as the “Chakka Chakka,” collaborating with R&B star Mya on the the “Santa Bounce,” and the “Sunlight.” single “Handsfree.” Marrying his longtime Recruiting friends from girlfriend Tashauna in a lavish Nannyville to form the Ravers wedding ceremony in Jamaica Clavers dance syndicate, this past June, Ding Dong and Ding Dong and company his family can look forward made a major mark on the to a future full of “Di Good culture. After seeing his Ting Dem.” —Rob Kenner moves imitated in big-budget music videos and soon made OF ROMEICH ENTERTAINMENT COURTSEY PHOTO

42 43 KOFFEE Back in 1962, a 17-year-old Jamaican school dancehall star Alkaline attended, singer/songwriter named Robert Marley Koffee turned her focus to music. She recorded a song called “One Cup of shot a live video with new roots superstar Coffee” and went on to take reggae music at Marley’s Tuff Gong Studios, around the world. Fast forward 55 years then dropped her breakout single “Toast,” to 2017, when a 17-year-old Jamaican produced by IzyBeats and Walshy Fire. singer/songwriter named Koffee dropped That video has racked up 10 million+ her first record, “Burning,” setting her views and made the artist, who stands at on a path to become the most talked- five feet tall, a very big name on the island. about new artist in reggae right now. This year Koffee released her debut Koffee got her big break when veteran EP “Rapture”. “I really put a lot of singer invited her onstage at thought into the EP, the way I structured the January 2018 edition of , it, and the content, the lyrics. It really Jamaica’s biggest roots reggae festival. means a lot to me” Says Koffee of the “She name Koffee and me name Tea,” 5-track project, which was recently he quipped, calling her the “next female nominated for a Grammy Award. sensation out of Jamaica.” The artist born “Mi only spit lyrics, don’t really talk a Mikayla Simpson doesn’t actually like lot,” she states on the track “Raggamuffin.” coffee though—she prefers hot chocolate. At just 19 years old Koffee has seen a In the world of social media anything can meteoric rise in the , happen in Koffee’s case she got another reaching both the Jamaican roots little nice wave “I did a tribute audience, as well as reaching to before that. I international listeners. Along wrote a song with my guitar the way making sure to always titled “Legend” and posted be emphasizing gratitude and a video of me performing it giving thanks rather than with my guitar on Instagram”. being boastful. -Reshma B After graduating from

PHOTO BY NICKII KANE BY PHOTO Ardenne High, the same

44 45 CHRISTOPHER MARTIN

“It’s not like I’m dancehall or roots reggae,” debut single “Love Is All We Need” formed says Christopher Martin, “My thing is sweet part of the promotional campaign and reggae, so I call it Sugar Reggae.” Chris became the first Digicel Rising Stars Martin has carved out a lane for himself Alumni to have a hit single on the charts amongst a handful of artist who have in Jamaica. Since then he has gone on to successful careers making love songs. Born release a successful body of work with in Back Pasture, St. Catherine, 14 February hits such as “Nah Go Change”, “Take My 1987, to Cleveland and Maxine Martin. Wings”, “Tonight”, “Giving It”, and “Gallis” Martin’s parents have been the source of featuring Busy Signal. “I want every his motivation in pursuing his musical household across the world to know and ambitions: “My parents and my peers at love my music and where I come from” School really motivated me. They always says Chris who has worked with many of said that I would be a star”, Chris recalls. Jamaica’s top producers over the course During high school years, he developed of his career such as Robert Livingston, a love for dramatic arts and Arif Cooper, Shane Brown sports. In 2003, Martin (Jukeboxx) and Christopher graduated with various awards Birch. “It has been a wonderful and accolades. In 2005 After journey so far, filled with new winning the Digicel Rising and promising encounters. It Stars competition, Martin is also challenging but I love participated in Digicel’s what I am doing, so it makes

Christmas promotion. His it that much easier. -Reshma B MATTHEWS TRAVIS BY PHOTO

46 47 SKIP MARLEY “It is my desire, break down the walls family is special,” says Skip, who makes to connect, inspire,” states Skip Marley his Jamrock Cruise debut this year. “At in his guest verse on ’s 2017 a certain age you realize the impact that smash “.” Stepping my grandfather had on the world, and through the TV screen in the song’s music my family continues to carry the torch.” video, and performing with Perry on that “Cry to Me,” released on the Tuff Gong year’s Grammy Awards, the dreadlocked label in 2015, was written by Skip and youth made quite an entrance into popular while it shares a title with a track from Bob culture, connecting and inspiring millions Marley’s album, the on the strength of eight powerful bars. song ventures into new musical territory. As the son of Cedella Since signing with he’s Marley and the grand nephew of original continued to explore, collaborating with I-Three Marcia Griffiths, music has been the likes of H.E.R. and Major Lazer, without a part of Skip’s life for as long as he can losing touch with his musical birthright. remember. It was his uncle “Don’t you fall from grace,” Stephen who first extended an Skip sings on “That’s Not True,” invitation to come onstage and a dancehall-tested duet with sing “One Love,” and the young his uncle Damian. Blessed man who was christened with with a free spirit and wisdom his grandfather’s nickname beyond his 23 years, Skip’s on rose to the occasion. the way up. —Rob Kenner

PHOTO BY JACK MCCAIN JACK BY PHOTO “Performing with my

48 49 JOHNNY OSBOURNE Whether it’s cool and deadly, rock steady, of hits like “Yo Yo,” “Water Pumping,” or good-old uncut dancehall, Johnny “Take It Easy,” “Rude Bwoy Skank.” Osbourne has what it takes to satisfy As the great King Jammy once said, most every musical appetite. One of those “there is only one Johnny Osbourne.” The rare singers blessed with the ability to singer, who made his Jamrock Cruise debut give listeners that full three-dimensional last year alongside the Jammy’s posse, holds feel, Mr. Osbourne has earned the title of a special place in the legendary producer’s Reggae & Dancehall Godfather. With a heart and soul. (The all-star lineup of catalog that stretches all the way back to his producers in his discography, ranging 1969 debut hit single “All I Have Is Love,” from Sir to Bobby Digital, Johnny has never slowed down, laying speaks to his longevity and creative power.) down tracks that resonate with greatness. “In the new millennium, we’re kickin’ it His dubs have been killing sounds strong,” states the veteran singer with a for over four decades. His youthful spirit and powerful songbook of mega hits includes voice. “As me say we still deh classics such classics as “Truth ya, seen? I love the music and & Rights,” “Folly Ranking,” the music loves me back so and “Ice Cream Love.” I’m here for the long haul.” Throughout the 70s Real talk. —Vivian Thomas and 80s he continued

blessing fans with a slew DUTTY BY VANNIER PHOTO

50 51 WAYNE MARSHALL “Many are called but the chosen few,” sings with Killer and “New Millennium” with Wayne Marshall on “Overcome,” one of Vybz Kartel. Five years ago Marshall his signature dancehall hits. From an early aligned himself with the Ghetto Youths age, Marshall seemed chosen for a life in International movement, dropping the music. Born Wayne Mitchell in Kingston, album Tru Colors—which featured the Jamaica, he taught himself to play piano rub-a-dub banger “I Know”—and making and guitar and grew up a few doors down his debut on the first ever Welcome from the legendary King Jammy’s. Striking to Jamrock Reggae Cruise in 2014. up a friendship with Jammy’s son Trevor, More recently Marshall experienced a he began spending time at the studio in “spiritual awakening” and was inspired to Waterhouse by the age of 12. “We deh write “Glory to God,” featuring vocals from deep inna di ghetto a day time,” Marshall gospel artist Ryan Mark and his sister-in- recalls, “so we get to realize the livity and law . A departure from his soak in wid the ghetto people and ketch dancehall tracks, the song struck a chord dem mentality to a level.” and rocketed to the top of It was only a matter of time the Jamaican charts. “We before he joined , all have stories deeper than a dancehall collective headed what people perceive on the by Bounty Killer, launching surface,” says the artist. “We his career on the strength of can’t really judge people. We crucial collaborations like have to leave all judgment

PHOTO BY ONEIL GRANT PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHOTO “When the Smoke Clears” to the creator.” —Reshma B

52 53 CHARLY BLACK “Are you familiar with the Flipagram myself as an entertainer,” says the artist who app?” Charly Black inquires innocently. makes his Jamrock Cruise debut this year. “Flipagram has many pictures and then “Dancehall don’t live just in New York or UK you put music behind them and they move or . It’s all over the world, motivated here, there—they jump jump jump.” The by many people, just like reggae music.” digital application features prominently A former selector for Bass Odyssey in the hook to Charly Black’s worldwide sound system, Charly remains loyal to smash “Party Animal,” on which the the soil when pressed on the question of deejay encourages ladies to “flip it like a which country has the best “Flipagram” Flipagram.” Released in 2014, the song was skills. “Jamaican girls ah go always lead, a slow burner, breaking internationally it’s no bias,” he says with a grin. “Big up three years later. It has since been Trinidad girls them cause they’re very certified gold in the U.S. and diamond talented. And some of the ladies inna in Latin America, making it one of the Europe they’re watching the dancehall biggest Jamaican hits of the past decade. diva videos and they’re paying attention.” “When I was recording the song for All fun and jokes aside, Charly Black feels producer Kurt Riley I find myself singing duty-bound to fulfill his musical mission. most it,” Charly Black “I’m happy that I’m a part recalls. “Me practice inna the of this historical moment,” bathroom nuff time, years pon he says. “Big up man like Jr. years, to do those melodies.” Gong, , even OMI. Proudly representing the It’s all about representing parish of Trelawny, Charly our culture around the Black approaches music from world.” —Reshma B a global perspective. “I see MUSIC OF POP STYLE COURTESY PHOTO

54 55 GHOST The first time you hear Ghost’s trembling calls it—was released with an instrumental falsetto, you’ll know he’s a sensitive soul. “I version on the vinyl single, and a door don’t listen to music,” says the man born was opened. Starting at the age of six, he Carlton Hylton. “I feel it.” And he can pack began mashing up barbeques and school as much feeling into a vocal performance talent shows with his MJ song and dance as any singer alive. A long-time resident routine. “The place bust,” he recalls. of Mathews Lane—aka “Matches Lane”— In high school years he formed a duo one of downtown Kingston’s meanest with his classmate Culture, and earned streets, Ghost is a hardcore dancehall the chance to tour with Shabba Ranks in star whose catalog includes covers of hit the early 1990s. The mid 90s he linked songs by the likes of Cher and Air Supply. with General B and Roundhead to form But once he reimagines them—a process the Monster Shock Crew. With seven he calls “putting my Ghost inna it”— albums under his belt, Ghost is now a solo these Top 40 standards are transformed, star. He makes he Jamrock Cruise debut surpassing the originals in terms of sheer fresh off an electrifying performance at intensity, drama, and passion. Buju Banton’s Long Walk Ghost was inspired to sing To Freedom concert at by the King of Pop. “Michael Jamaica’s National Stadium. Jackson come out with an To watch him in action is to album Thriller,” he recalls. witness a natural born artist. “Me normally listen it top “Performing to me is like life to bottom.” The album’s title itself,” says Ghost. “It’s like

PHOTO CREDIT WILLIAM RICHARDS PHOTO track—“the scary one,” he breathing.” —Rob Kenner

56 57 PROFESSOR NUTS Although he’s renowned as one of those days when some guys are talking dancehall’s most prodigious lyricists, about guns and this and that, I was giving Professor Nuts actually started out as a joke. I was like the icing on the cake.” dancer. While living in the Rockfort area His 1987 release “Ina De Bus” topped of Kingston, the man born Carl Wellington the Jamaican charts with its vivid earned the name “Disco Nuts” because of description of the way passengers “kick his creative dance moves. After relocating up rumpus” on public transportation. to Portmore he shifted his focus to the “Whenever you go on the bus there’s microphone and earned an advanced always drama,” Nuts notes. “Somebody degree from the streetside university. “The cursing, somebody finding some faults, guys on the corner realized the type of something. The majority of that song is lyrics I was portraying,” he recalls. “They reality.” Nuts continued his lyrical legacy said ‘Wow, these lyrics are so humorous by collaborating with producer Dave Kelly we’re gonna call you Professor Nuts!’” in the late 1990s on songs like “Mama Have Inspired by the comedic style of Her Own.” Making his Jamrock Cruise King , Nuts made his name debut this year, Nuts promises to bring chatting on sounds like Love “a lot of fun and laughter” to Child, Creation, and Arrows the stage. “Expect a splendid International, developing performance from Professor his intricately written yet Nuts,” he advises with a smile. light-hearted style. “And “And no room for error—zero that change the whole tolerance.” —Rob Kenner complexity of the music fraternity,” he observes. “In OF ARTIST COURTESY PHOTO

58 59 2018 rewind PHOTO BY TIZZY TOKYO BY PHOTO

60 61 2018 rewind PHOTO BY TIZZY TOKYO BY PHOTO

62 63 2018

rewind WOLLENBERG EVAN BY PHOTO PHOTO BY EVAN WOLLENBERG EVAN BY PHOTO

64 65 2018 rewind PHOTO BY EVAN WOLLENBERG EVAN BY PHOTO

66 67 2018 rewind PHOTO BY TIZZY TOKYO BY PHOTO

68 69 2018 rewind PHOTO BY EVAN WOLLENBERG EVAN BY PHOTO

70 71 FULL STEAM AHEAD As the Jamrock Cruise embarks on its sixth voyage, Damian Marley & Dan Dalton chart a course into the future... Words By rob kenner PHOTO BY EVAN WOLLENBERG EVAN BY PHOTO

72 73 When the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae billed to perform. “I’m looking forward to Cruise embarked upon its maiden voyage enjoying this year’s cruise as a fan,” says in October 21, 2014, it was clearly a Gongzilla, who’s been known to pop up game-changer—and not just because it for the occasional impromptu guest spot transformed the Reggae festival landscape on a fellow artist’s set or one of the many into a seascape. The unique vibe of this sound system dances on board. “After five five-day immersive experience has been years doing another full set just seemed described by Billboard magazine as a “the redundant.” genre’s premiere event” and by Shinehead as a “rub-a-dub Disneyland.” “The Jamrock Cruise is bigger than any one act at this point,” says Dalton. “It’s an This year marks another milestone in experience, actually multiple experiences. the Jamrock Cruise’s storied history: It’s this whole thing that you have to live every single cabin on board the 6th to understand.” annual cruise was reserved in record time—before the artist lineup was even Looking back from this vantage point, the announced. “That’s co-creators pinpoint a testament to all “I’m looking forward the exact moment the hard work that when the cruise was our team has put in to enjoying this year’s first conceived. Their over the years,” says cruise as a fan,” says driving impulse was to rock steady lounge and a dub lounge and from Miami to Jamaica (and back) with all Damian “Jr. Gong” do something positive an 80s dancehall thing.” The inspiration the top reggae artists and DJs performing Marley. “The cruise Gongzilla, who’s been for reggae music and began flowing like a river. on the ship. Would you go? If so, what has become a brand known to pop up for the for Jamaican culture artist would you want to see on the ship?” unto itself.” at a time when the With no shortage of creative ideas, the occasional impromptu music industry was next challenge was to find a partner. “Boom, we put it out there,” Dalton recalls. “People were undergoing a full- “We could see this thing,” Dalton recalls. “I hit refresh on the page two minutes surprised that we guest spot. scale transformation “We went through four different groups later and the comments just started flying sold out so fast with and many believed the that seemed interested. We explained in! The excitement was crazy.” The post no marketing,” says Dan Dalton, Marley’s scene was becoming stagnant. It was time the vision to them, but they all pulled was shared 993 times and racked up over longtime manager, who had never worked to think outside of the box. out.” In retrospect, Dalton felt that their 3000 comments. Ten days later another as a promoter, or even been on a cruise, reluctance stemmed from the perception post informed Marley’s social media before he and Damian came up with “Really the whole brainstorm went down that people of color or reggae fans did not followers “we heard you loud and clear… the WTJRC concept. “We didn’t have to with me sitting in my backyard burning have enough economic power to support stay tuned for a major announcement.” stack the lineup in that situation, but our a spliff after a long day,” Dalton recalls such an ambitious venture. “That kind of priority is always to represent the best with a laugh. At the time there were other thinking made us even more determined “When we finally announced the lineup that reggae music has to offer.” As soon as cruises focusing on and Rock. to make Jamrock a reality,” he says. “We that first year we literally crashed the the 2019 lineup was revealed, Marley and Dalton thought to dug in harder in search for a partner website,” Dalton recalls. “And it didn’t Dalton says his phone themselves, Why can’t we do and Brian Edelman at William Morris stop. It just kept going. Our partners had started ringing off the hook. that? “What if we brought all Endeavor was instrumental in finding to staff up and bring in more people to “Everybody was like, ‘This is the top-tier reggae artists and one.” By Spring of 2013 it was game on. answer the phones. We didn’t have to your illest lineup yet!’” sound systems on board and spend any marketing money. The concept we had everything Jamaican On May 23, 2013, a post went up on was so powerful, and Damian’s social For the first time in WTJRC and we went all night till Damian Marley page: “What if media engagement was so strong, that this

history, Damian Marley is not morning? We could have a CESAR ALVAREZ BY PHOTO there was a 5-night reggae cruise that went thing just exploded.”

74 75 for another two hours. It went on right “The artists, the selectors, the MCs, the up until the time that the ship pulled cruisers with their home-made Jamrock into port. Suddenly it was light out and T-shirts—they’re all having fun and everybody was like ‘We’ve got to go! Are laughing and enjoying this experience as you packed?’ We literally walked off the one,” says Dalton. From that first cruise ship off of like a six-hour freestyle or until now, and for every year to come, the whatever it was. It was bananas.” Jamrock Cruise team is determined to keep that same energy. That moment captures “Really the whole two things that “From day one, our make WTJRC such a brainstorm went down foundation has been singular experience: with me sitting in my Jamaican music and The passengers on the culture,” Dalton adds. cruise, who represent backyard burning a “We just stay focused Another game-changing moment was the The crowd had a special kind of vibe. many different spliff after a long day,” on that. Our goal is decision to make two stops in Jamaica. “Damian had just wrapped up rehearsal,” cultures and over 40 to make sure that “Our vision was to bring economic Dalton remembers. “He called me to ask different nations, all Dalton recalls with a everybody is safe, strength to Jamaica,” says Marley. what it was like and I told him something know they’re taking number one, and “We were following Damian’s lead on different was happening. I had never part in something laugh. then number two that,” Dalton adds. “He always says it’s been to a club or a reggae party where very special. And the enjoying themselves important to ‘spend money with the little nobody had to go to work the next day.” artists are in a totally different mode— to the fullest. Where when they walk off man.’ So instead of doing just one stop The feeling in the air was something like: it’s not just about going to a show and the ship, they say ‘That was the best thing in Jamaica we decided to make two.” “We’re about to do something incredible. performing and leaving. This is something that I’ve done in my life. I can’t wait to do Discussing the idea further, it occurred And we don’t even know what it is yet. But everyone on the cruise looks forward to that again.’ If we can accomplish that every to them that stopping twice would also we know it’s going to be amazing.” all year long, coming together to celebrate time then we’re winning.” make it possible to pick up an artist at one the music they love. Jamaican port, go out to sea, and then That energy continued right through the bring them back to another Jamaican port final set of the cruise, Stephen Marley set, without needing a visa. Dalton raised the interrupted by a rain shower, turned into a idea during their next conference call. “I’m marathon jam session with a whole bunch pretty sure we can do that,” said the cruise of different singers and deejays joining partner. “We need to know we can do together on stage. “What was special that,” Dalton replied, and the confirmation about that moment was the joy you could came soon after. At that moment the feel amongst the artists,” Marley recalls. “I Jamrock Cruise became one of reggae’s told the people in the audience ‘This may most important platforms, allowing artists mean a lot to you, but it means even more with visa issues to reach an international to us. Thanks for making this moment audience. That night of performances off that we dreamed of come true.” the Jamaican coast has become a highlight of every cruise. “It wouldn’t have mattered if there were ten people in the audience or if the place When the time came for the first pre- was rammed,” says Dalton. “The artists launch party on the evening of October were having so much fun they were just 19, 2014, Marley and Dalton realized gonna do that. In fact that freestyle ended that their vision was becoming a reality. up continuing up into Stephen’s cabin WOLLENBERG EVAN BY PHOTO

76 77 Damian MArley FORWARD EVER The youngest veteran reflects on a year of progressive movements.

Interview By Rob Kenner PHOTO BY TIZZY TOKYO BY PHOTO

78 79 As we look forward to this sixth the dancehall format. You also made some nice year of the Jamrock Cruise, I’m records with Jo Mersa (“Point curious if you can share some of your It feels like reggae on a whole is in a of View”) and Skip (“That’s Not favorite moments from last year’s 5th strong position right now. And it’s great True”). anniversary cruise. From my perspective to see all of that coming together on one it seemed like you were having a ball. ship. Thank you.

Yeah, I had a good time. One of my Yeah, word. You’re coming off this major highlights was the set with King Jammy’s project, the Grammy-winning and Pinchers and Johnny Osbourne and Koffee has had such an amazing run, so Stony Hill album. It must be all them man deh. Unfortunately it didn’t quickly out of the gate. In the space of a fun to just get in there and rip a I enjoyed your latest solo cut, “Reach have a very big audience being so late at year she seems to be everywhere. guest verse. Does it feel different doing Home Safe.” That sounds like the kind night, but to me that was legendary— those one-offs? of record where there must be a story especially because I know all those songs Well, I was aware of her from the time she behind it. so well from when I was a kid. did the first Rebel Salute, when Cocoa Tea Well first of all it’s definitely not the call her up. workload of putting together a full album. Honestly, no. I wanna tell you. We were When we all rushed Tarrus’s stage to sing You’re only putting together a verse, so just in the studio one night and that “One Drop,” that was a nice memory of isn’t it exciting to see a new artist it’s not necessarily all on your shoulders. song wasn’t even for me. We were just last year’s cruise. Nuff nice little memories making so much progress so quickly? Features help to keep your name in the building a beat and in the process we just along the way. spotlight and Introduce you to their fans hum some melodies and it just ended up Yeah, and she deserve it. Me really like and introduce them to my fans also. I coming out. When we said “Reach home You deal with Seani B wicked in that her music, y’know? Plus I really love the guess some of them ting yah, you don’t safe” I wasn’t thinking about an incident clash. standpoint she’s taking where it’s really really think about it too much until or a particular person. My mind just just about the music. It’s not so much someone asks you. You just give a tune to started to run and I said this would be a [Laughs] A word of advice to all selectors: about everything else that can go along your bredren, or In the case of Skip and Jo great idea to do a song for road safety and just remember it’s the Welcome to with being a young woman right now. Mersa they’re my nephews. not drinking and driving, but to do it in a Jamrock Reggae Cruise. way where it’s fun. She’s bringing another sound, another When you do one of those family Performing on this cruise has become image, another energy. collabs, I would imagine there’s a It’s definitely an idea most people can a rite of passage for artists who attain a conversation that goes with it. Like relate to their own lives. Just check the certain level in the reggae industry. That’s a fact. You can’t go around it. Uncle Zilla sharing some wisdom and comments on social media. That’s a Whether man or woman, I think that’s a experience. message that can never be wrong. Yeah, I feel so. A lot of the younger acts great example to show that it’s really about we’ve had on board have grown and good music. You don’t have to do all these [Laughs] Yeah, kinda. I know both of Yeah, that’s kinda what me like about that evolved now, and matured. shock value things to be successful. If you them look up to me, especially with song. It’s not like a preachy thing where have good music, that’s enough. You don’t them trying to get into a more modern it’s like “Oh, don’t drink and drive.” Go Popcaan, for example, has been on the have to overexpose yourself. approach. Kinda like how my music out and have a great time. Just make cruise a couple of times before, but he’s would be as opposed to some sure somebody is there to at a different place in his journey now. You’ve been keeping busy with the of them other uncles or them be taking you home. You features. I enjoyed the record you did father music woulda be more understand? We’ve had him twice before, but the first with , “Marijuana.” I’d say traditional. Especially in the couple times that we’ve had him, he was that’s one of your more creative flows. case of Jo, him a DJ. So like I And if you can’t drive then more on the upcoming side of it. Whereas Sounded like a labor of love. say they look up to me, and you might as well cruise. now he’s definitely one of the stronger I’m proud of them. I’m glad I ambassadors for the genre—especially on [Laughs] Seen. can give them a strength. [Laughs] Word.

80 81 OFFICIAL WTJRC STORE

Visit us for all your merchandise needs located in The Library, Deck 5 *Select items in gift shop on Promenade, Deck 5 82 83 #ALLINTHESAMEBOAT

84 85 #ALLINTHESAMEBOAT 86 87 KING JAMMY’S VS BLACK SCORPIO THE REMATCH: Two of Jamaica’s legendary sound systems rekindle a friendly rivalry in a historic clash for the ages.

Words & Photos88 by Beth Lesser 89 This year’s Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise will make history when two champion sounds go head to head in a rematch of their epic 1985 clash. Read on as reggae historian Beth Lesser recalls their originala confrontation in Kingston, Jamaica.

In the opening days of February 1985, everyone’s feet, and getting spoiled awfully for Jammy’s yard was busy. After the King’s it. On February 16 a brand new, unheard-of- return from England, Bravo and the crew singer was inside the studio voicing his first were hammering in the last nails and drilling cut. He was so fresh he couldn’t get used to holes for the final screws to complete the new wearing the headphones and kept going right equipment. Stacks of boxes and amps had off key and staying there. As he sang his own been carefully constructed in the yard and nursery rhyme lyrics. he moved his hands and painted black with the orange and yellow twisted his face into such contortions that the logo. These were kept under a zinc roof at song became surreal. He meant, obviously, the back of the house to be carried out to the every word of it: “How water walk go a truck when required. But mostly Jammy had pumpkin belly?” been playing at his own gates while building up to his official comeback clash against Black It was the nineteen-year-old , Scorpio, the ruling sound of Drewsland, the kid who had once been considered the the strip just across the gully to the north of “black sheep” of his family in Payneland. He Waterhouse. It was scheduled to take place was beginning his career in music and his on February 23 on Waltham Park Road in distinctive vocal style—flat, off-key, nasal, but Kingston. heavily spiritual—became the most imitated weapon, the “” rhythm he had just evening, the sound is prepared for a crew style in dancehall. It fit the current state of recorded and planned to unleash at the big workout. Selector Papa Screw pulls out the All the time, little Jam II, not yet able to music, the drone of the new Casio keyboard showdown. trunk with the specially built compartments walk, was dancing about, getting underneath creations. It certainly fit Jammy’s new secret to hold 45s discos, and dubplates. Someone Over on Hedley Avenue, in Drewsland, runs down the road to call Jack Scorpio was also from the house he just preparing. An absolute Jack had a few tricks up his built himself and his giant of a man, Scorpio wife with its back to the sleeve for . He was started life as a Gleaner gully. Culture Lee comes boy down on Maxfield going to fight hard to not let with Colour Chin, selling daily newspapers , and the rest. If Jammy come out on top. in the street. With Sassafrass is in Jamaica, ambition alone, he he will be found here rose to become a racehorse owner, producer, too. Before Sassafrass came to Scorpio, it was sound system boss, and have a neat house just a local affair. The sound started getting with his own store in front stocked with popular around 1982 with the new deejay and soft drinks and snacks. Photos of his horses a pile of Don Carlos dub plates. It was Sassa and trophies he’s won adorn the walls. The who cemented the “Horseman” tradition of sound is packed up in the shed in back, but the sound that came naturally from Jack’s it can be brought out and strung up at any experience at the racetrack; Sassa too had time to play, for Jack’s yard is a two-tiered worked there. affair that also serves a dance venue. Often on Sunday afternoons, going on towards Jack had a few tricks up his sleeve for the

90 91 productions) like “,” as well as ’s “Sweet Soul Rockin,” and “Making Tracks,” Bobby Melody, , and Johnny Osbourne. On Jammy’s side were John Wayne, Echo Minott, General Leon, Screecha Nice, Tullo T, , Tonto lrie, and Pompidou. Tupps was selecting with confidence knowing that he had a bag full of “Sleng Teng” to thrown down. Every name entertainer was there, from U-Roy to , to witness the confrontation.

By nine o’clock the yard one, for weapons. John Wayne was heard to Four was planned for the spring, was full and more people say something unacceptable about the police to be held at the drive-in theatre Cinema were coming through the over the mike and was hauled off (he later Two. The promoter was Laing, a policeman door. Scorpio was getting returned intact). and (his label was Supreme, hot with Johnny Osbourne’s shared with MC ). “Reasons” and “Show Me Finally, after a luckily fruitless search, the Your Sign.” After an hour, the officers retreated (with a few timid patrons) The line up was to be Jammy, Black Scorpio, current went over to Jammy. and the clash proceeded, but the verdict was Youth Promotion, and Arrows. Tension Wise Tupps opened right already in—“Sleng Teng” had won the day. had been building all year between Jammy clash and would listen to his music over and away with “Sleng Teng” and What was it about a chance combination on a and Youth Promotion with charges and over on a little tape deck playing softly so the crowd went wild! People were cheering tiny Casio keyboard that could mesmerise an countercharges of borrowing, stealing, and no unauthorised personnel could hear. He and throwing their hands in the air, blowing entire nation and change forever the course of copying various rhythms and lyrics passing laughed to himself as he heard the dub special noise-makers and whistles. The bass sound reggae music? Once this “computer” rhythm back and forth. It was easy for things to by Bobby Melody that opens with the line that was coming out of those boxes was appeared, there was no turning back. Even get mixed up in a small city with an even “Jammy get flat.” He was going to fight hard like nothing that had ever been heard Jammy had to reluctantly shelve over fifty smaller musical elite in which many singers not to let Jammy come out on top. before. It was absolutely clean—powerful “human rhythms” he had made with the High and deejays travelled easily between the two and pounding. It just stopped your heart. Times band—and not used yet—because no sounds and labels. But in the sound business, The night of February 23, people began to And it had all come out of a “music box,” as one wanted to hear them. All they wanted was competition is serious, and small things can gather on the Waltham early. The sounds were the unfamiliar electronic keyboards were “Sleng Teng” —literally: Album after album of turn into large things by way of rumour and warming up with the apprentices while the big referred to then. Tupps was putting on Sugar pure “SlengTeng” versions. It was Jammy’s first tale, growing more extreme with each telling artists were arriving. Black Scorpio opened Minott’s “War and Crime” when suddenly #1 record in Jamaica (although he had several the showdown with the full complement of the melody was interrupted by the entrance abroad). “Yes,” as Tupps recalls, “the Sleng The four-sound clash, dubbed the “Shock of Sassafras and Trees and regulars Shukahine, of armed police officers, rifles on their Teng dominate bad, bad.” the Century,” took place on June 2 at Cinema Culture Lee, Wayne Palmer, and Michael shoulders. For over an hour the dance had Two. Inside the huge cement-floored area, Jahsone. Jau Screw, the selector, was armed to stop while police ordered everyone to the Since the return of the King had made four miserably small stages were set up in a with dubplates by (the Scorpio side as they searched each person, one by competition heat up between sounds, a giant row against the back wall. The first belonged

92 93 to Arrows, with Peter Metro and Joe Mannix. Next came the King. Purpleman, another No one really knew why Arrows was there, Waterhouse man, was one of the first to as it didn’t have the name at that time. It was appear along with the horsemen. Soon Tullo still best known as the sound from St. Thomas T, Nitty Gritty, and Pompidou were up there that Yellowman had come up with. Rumours rocking. Then came Chakademus, Tonto told that several other sounds had backed lrie, and John Wayne. The place was going down for various reasons so Arrows had to crazy and gunshots were flying through fill in. Metro salvaged the night though, as the air overhead. The Johnny Osbourne he is always an immensely popular deejay in dubplates were mashing down the place. The Kingston and has a tremendous following of only problem was that some of Jammy’s best his own through his Metromedia sound work. singers never appeared; luckily, the deejays Second in the line came BIack Scorpio with, carried the night with ease. of course, General Trees and company. His act was programmed like a slick stage show. Youth Promotion had the most crowded Trees came right out early dressed head-to-toe stage of all. All together, packed in tight, were in gray leather with his two sidekicks in full , Sugar, Thriller, Dickie Ranking, jockey regalia. They did the horseman move Colourman (the bible preacher), Jackie all night long, one on either side, while Trees Knockshot, BlackaT, Dad Ants, Tenor Saw, went straight through every lyric he knew and even a few more. Sugar was moving with incredible energy and drive. Lady G, through his classic tunes, throwing out a line who had turned into one of the better female or two and letting the youth fill in the rest. deejays, took a few turns at the mike too. It Jackie Knockshot was licking his World War standing behind Sugar firing his gun into the and beg the crowd to ease off the stage, as was the only appearance of a woman at any II sound effects while Major Stitch was pulling air and nearly blastin Sugar’s eardrums. Then every minute more and more fans were stage that night. up Sugar’s new computer tracks. A man was the whole process started again from the climbing up to participate. “watch them a beginning. But when it came time for Scorpio run Papa Jammy a come... one a penny hot to play, the sound was chipping out. After cross buns.” A Tenor Saw plate introduced several attempts, the sound just wouldn’t start each member of the crew in song, and up, so Jammy just turned on the current and Chakademus responded with hi “Two Foot threw down a new special with Tenor Saw Walk” lyrics. After that he chanted: “What a that said, “Ring the alarm, another sound is thing when you can’t ride a rhythm’ over “Roll dying.” That made the crowd go mad. Jammy Call,” and Nitty Gritty started improvising was immediately into the lead, way ahead. “Jammy inna your minty,” he sang over the From that moment, the sound man never let “Ain’t No Meaning” rhythm, “and him a root up. Tupps went through the Johnny Osbourne out your dubplate.” The performances all specials “ln the Area” and “Budy Bye,” and around were so fine that public opinion, the then on to the Nitty Gritty songs “Trial and following day, had called a tie between Jammy Crosses” (the Jammy version), and “Jammy and Promotion and leave it at that. And life in Your Minty.” The crew was returned to normal—for a while. inspired. Chakademus was his silliest, Pompidou his most Adapted with permission from gravelly-voiced—although he the book King Jammy’s by Beth called it a “computer voice.” A Lesser (1989 / 2002) Junior Reid plate was saying “Jammy no borrow dub” when Tonto lrie had to stop the music

94 95 “Don’t feel no way,” said Tony “Mentally the job weh we come fi do and done.” Ill” Matterhorn, the legendary selector Sound systems are the heartbeat of who was defeated twice in a row before Jamaican music. Since the mid 1940s, a winning his first Soundclash at Sea musical arms race has escalated in the trophy aboard last year’s 5th anniversary streets of Kingston, bringing enjoyment Jamrock Cruise. “I really teach these to the community and inspiring musical youths,” he said of three-time champions innovations around the world. “Equipped Mighty Crown aka the Far East Rulers, with what I presumed to be the best who beat him in 2016 and 2017. “Them recorded sound reproducer anywhere, know. And we proud of them.” But I set out on a Saturday night near mid with the Far East Rulers sitting out 1947 to demonstrate my thunder,” last year’s clash, Matterhorn wasn’t recalled sound pioneer Hedley Jones Sr, about to let history repeat a third time. who noticed a rival system set up across After eliminating Bass Odyssey the road. “Tom Wong’s puny steel-horn and Renaissance Disco, Matterhorn sound was no competition for my bass fell behind to Italian sound Heavy reflex baffles, mid-range and tweeters. His Hammerin the dub fi dub segment of dance, in Jamaican parlance, flopped.” the competition. Facing a 4-1 deficit, The Jamrock Cruise is proud Tony rallied back with big tunes by King to continue this great tradition of Kong, John Holt, Beres Hammond, competition with the fourth annual Jimmy Riley, and to claim Soundclash at Sea. Tony Matterhorn and the coveted Soundclash At Sea title. Bass Odyssey have clashed here before, This year Matterhorn returns as the and Renaissance Disco has juggled on reigning champion facing a strong field the cruise, while Heavy Hammer are of challengers, from… “Yuh dead now.” making their maiden voyage. As an ”I think is one of the most fun time in my audience member, your response will life. That’s why we come back to Jamrock determine the winner, so listen keenly every year. Because people book them and note your favorites on our official ticket doh? We enjoy weself.” “Just do scorecard. May the best sound win! TIZZY TOKYO BY PHOTO

96 97 TONY MATTERHORN

For the past 25 years there has been no several international clashes including other selector more influential to sound the UK Cup Clash and World Clash, system culture than Tony “Mentally Ill to not to mention the Jamrock Cruise’s Kill” Matterhorn. Need proof? Check the Soundclash at Sea. To top all of that resume. From his time with the legendary off he is also an artist with the monster King Addies sound from Brooklyn, hit song “Dutty Wine” accompanied Matterhorn and selector Babyface helped by the dance with the same name. establish Addies as the #1 sound in the A clash with Matterhorn involved world during the mid ‘90s, he was the first is full of pure vibes as he is truly “fully to put Hip Hop and R&B artists on dub, and loaded” with innovative and hype dub participated in one of the biggest clashes plates, a comedic timing for the perfect in history when Addies and rebuttal to anything thrown his way, and a squared off in Portmore, Jamaica in 1995. boasy persona that has the crowd raining At the height of Addies’ popularity he forward after forward in any clash venue. went solo in 1998, a move that would have After winning his first Jamrock title. the DEFENDING ended many a soundman’s self-proclaimed serial killer career, however this is Ms. faces some strong competition Maggie’s bwoy we are talking ranging from longtime rival about. Matterhorn took Pink Panther to two rising his solo venture to even selectors from Europe and greater heights by becoming . May the best sound the most popular selector win! —Robert Cooper

PHOTO BY TIZZY TOKYO BY PHOTO in the world, he has won TKK CHAMPION98 99 99 CHAllenger #1 WARRIOR SOUND

Mattia aka the One Man Army aka the where he defeated Dialtone, and in Italy German Luger wants each sound in the they killed Magash from Switzerland. Jamrock clash to be ready for Warrior Sound. “Soundclash is a raw art form in “Because I’ve killed every one of them which you have to be spontaneous, already and I will kill every one of them emphatic and smart to outplay your again,” he says. “It has always been a opponents,” says Mattia about his love dream to play in the clash at sea and I for clash. “In my opinion it’s the most have prepared as good as I can and I will intense competition and for the patrons make sure to work hard in the clash.” the highest possible entertainment.” Hailing from Wuppertal, Germany was Being that Warrior sound travels the founded by selector Ditch and Mattia in world, plays for a variety of audiences, the summer of 2002. Warrior sound held juggles and clashes Mattia believes that a dance every third Thursday in their he has the formula to win the clash at sea. native Wuppertal at the U Club, Germany’s “The key will be entertainment and premier club for reggae and dancehall. not the amount of money a selector has Selecta Ditch left the sound in 2008 leaving spent on dubs,” Mattia believes. “So I will Mattia to be known as the One Man Army. be on the cruise to entertain the people In 2009 Mattia began and make sure, no matter if killing sounds first in Europe I win or lose, that everyone beginning with a victory over remembers Warrior sound three other sounds in the as a sound that is there to French Crown Soundclash, stay and is full of vibes and he then beat Irie Crew in a big songs.” —Robert Cooper clash at the U Club, from there it was on to Jamaica SOUND OF WARRIOR COURTESY PHOTO

100 101 100 CHAllenger #2 DYNAMQ SOUND

In today’s soundclash arena it is not not having the big dubs that some other surprising to hear sounds from European sounds have, and my laptop not working” countries such as Germany, Italy, says Sudanese Child who was introduced Switzerland, and there are also numerous to reggae while in a refugee camp. “So I sounds from Japan. But African sounds had to borrow someone else’s laptop and continue to be a rarity despite dancehall play like how sounds used to play back being popular throughout the continent. in the days and just entertain the people.” That has changed in recent years as It worked. Once he put on the Dashiki Dynamq sound out of South Sudan, Africa’s every sound dead in the Bronx. After that newest country, has put everyone on notice big win it was on to Toronto, Ca. for World that the motherland has a true sound killer. Clash where they came in 2nd. From there Owned and operated by Sudanese Child they participated in the BOOM sound (who played on the other clash in Jamaica where they were the first big African sound), Dynamq started in African sound to play in the clash series. 2000, but officially kicked off in 2006. Now Dynamq is ready to bring their They have won clashes in Nigeria, Belize, unique style to the Jamrock cruise and as well as in the in San give the other sounds an African chop. Diego, Houston, Phoenix and Seattle. “I’m really looking forward to this clash Dynamq’s biggest win came in 2018 because the people on the Jamrock cruise when they were crowned U.S. want to be entertained and Rumble champion, surprising that’s what I plan on doing,” everyone in the venue as says Sudanese Child. “I respect they were relatively unknown all of the other sounds and this and after Sudanese Child going to be a test but I’ve been had a laptop malfunction preparing for this clash and I in the very first round. can’t wait.” —Robert Cooper

PHOTO COURTESY OF DYNAMQ SOUND OF DYNAMQ COURTESY PHOTO “I won that clash despite

102 103 103 CHAllenger #3 PINK PANTHER

Out of everyone participating in the Being that Panther and Matterhorn are clash this year, none of them are more the most experienced in the clash and have decorated than the five star general Pink the most victories, it is his fellow “Dinosaur,” Panther the War Tanka. With a total of that he feels is his only competition. nine world clash victories Panther not “We’ve clashed a lot, him win only has more world titles than anyone some, me win some,” says Panther. else in the clash he has more than “So he’s the only one I’m mindful of.” anyone in the history of sound clash. Pink Panther is a wily veteran in the Panther began his career on Black clash game who is full of nuff vibes and Kat in 1989 and had some of the most comedy that can snatch victory right when memorial clashes in history against sounds you least expect it and think he’s used up his like Bass Odyssey, Bodyguard, Mighty nine lives. Jamrock cruise be ready because Crown, King Addies (with and without Pink Panther coming for the trophy and Matterhorn), and their biggest to entertain the masses. rival Killamanjaro with Ricky “People can expect total Trooper. The War Tanka left niceness from me,” says the Black Kat to form his own Tanka. “I’m coming with my sound eight years ago but A game, I’m at the top of my that didn’t stop his killing game and I’m prepared and spree as he has continues ready to kill.” —Robert Cooper

TKK to clash all over the world. “AJAMU” MYRIE MARLO BY PHOTO

104 105 104 SCORECARD Mark the winner of each round below.

DUB ROUND ROUND ROUND FI 1 2 3 DUB

TONY MATTER- HORN

WARRIOR SOUND

DYNAMQ SOUND

PINK PANTHER PHOTO BY TIZZY TOKYO BY PHOTO

106 107 STONE LOVE “Stone Love has a code about how you with his own unique style. “We change present yourself,” says Garfield Parkinson the speaker boxes, change the equipment, aka Geefus, veteran selector for the change the style and the pattern of playing immortal sound system, which returns the music. We come with sound effects.” for a sixth consecutive year aboard Stone Love also changed the dubplate the Jamrock Cruise. “Father Pow is a game by producing their specials like disciplined person,” he says, referring to records at a time when most other sounds Stone Love founder Winston “Wee Pow” were content with cutting “raw footage.” Powell. “You can’t cuss no bad word. Indeed, Stone Love went on to become You have to play certain songs and you a label in its own right, responsible have to dress properly. When you go to a for classic like the Cordy Roy Stone Love dance it’s like an awards show.” and Stone Love’s exclusive After playing continuously for the segment featuring the likes of Tony past 47 years, Stone Love remains the Curtis, , and Buju Banton. most recognized Jamaican sound system “When we started to clean up the music, brand around the world, a testament to we lost fans,” says Father Pow, whose their professionalism and Weddy Weddy Wednesday innovative approach to the has become a fixture within business. “We change things,” Jamaica’s dancehall circuit. says Geefus, who joined the “People said we were getting sound 27 years ago as part soft, but now we have won of a new wave of selectors them all back. Somebody has including Billy Slaughter, to be the leader.” —Rob Kenner

Malcolm X, and Chico—each “AJAMU” MYRIE MARLON BY PHOTO

108 108 109 KING JAMMY’S In 1985 Lloyd James better known began producing for , Black as King Jammy created a riddim that Uhuru, , , forever changed the course of dancehall Barrington Levy, and Gregory Isaac among music. That riddim, which was created others. At this time he was also working by slowing down an in keyboard pattern for ’s where he brought a clear on a Casio MT-40, was named “Sleng sound and sound effects to . Teng” and it was the first computerized When he created the Sleng Teng riddim riddim in dancehall ushering in the digital there was nothing like it in dancehall era. It was that creation, along with his music and it was a massive hit. It was work on King Tubby’s, innovations with first introduced to the world during a dub music in the late 70s, digitalizng old clash between King Jammy’s and another riddims in the late 80s, being a sound iconic sound Black Scorpio in February system operator, and producing some of of 1985. The riddim featured many of the the top artists in Jamaica that has made big artists of the time including the title King Jammy one of the most important song by , Tenor Saw, Johnny figures in the history of dancehall. Osbourne, and . Despite the James created King Jammy’s sound in popularity of the riddim, it was also met the late 1960s in the Waterhouse section with controversy as many felt it was going of Kingston after saving to ruin Jamaican music by money he made building computerizing it. But that amplifiers and fixing electrical criticism quickly faded and equipment. After a short the riddim is still used today stint working in Canada in in sound clashes as if it were the early 70s he returned to brand new. —Robert Cooper Jamaica in 1976 where he

PHOTO BY ANITA POSADA ANITA BY PHOTO created his own studio and

11 0 111 BLACK SCORPIO There are not too many people that have mi nuh know the whole works. Mi ah di had a greater impact in the history of sound first man to do a solo album with Bunny culture and sound clash than Jack Scorpio. Rugs, my history is too long to talk.” Not only is he the owner and selector of As a clash selector Jack Scorpio can the venerable Black Scorpio sound since play just about any artist who has stepped 1972, but he is also a record producer in front of a microphone the past 40 plus who has produced records for many big years from those that are dearly departed name artists (Dennis Brown, Bounty Killa, to those who are the current generation Buju Banton, Beanie Man, Shabba Ranks, of dancehall artists. Although soundclash General Trees, Sassafrass to name a few), today is mostly associated with violent he has his own Black Scorpio and slack lyrics, Jack Scorpio plays music (along with two sub-labels Headly Avenue that he feels will make Jamaicans proud. and Junior Scorpio), and in 2010 he was “You have to know that when you make inducted into the International Reggae and music and the world hears it, it means World Music Hall of Fame (IRAWMA). a lot to our people,” he says. “So mi can “Mi a soundman me buss nuff more say any producer any artist, when you artist, nuff more tune,” says go into the studio just think Jack Scorpio. “My place the what wi ah go do to help our place, Headley Avenue was people. It’s not good to do a the place, mi nah joke wid song to make money for now dat everybody know that. Mi because if you can make songs work with Dennis Brown, that can serve for 100 years Gregory Isaac, Bob Andy, you never gonna stop make

Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe, money.” —Robert Cooper CORIO DAVID BY PHOTO

112 113 RORYSTONELOVE

There are few selectors who have had the of music it was only natural that Rory longevity, accomplishments, international would gravitate towards producing music acclaim and influence that Rory Gilligan as he has done recently. He has produced aka Rory has had during his 37 years as songs for Rootz Underground, Nadine a selector. For many years Rory was the Sutherland, Keida, Samory-I, and he backbone of the legendary sound Stone produced ’s first album “New Name.” Love after joining the sound in the early Although he is busy with producing 80s. While on Stone Love Rory travelled the Rory still finds time to juggle chunes every world as their ace selector, cut some of the so often and he is no stranger to playing sounds most popular dubs and anthems, on the Jamrock cruise. Party goers can and created a new style of look forward to hearing one playing music by playing the of the greatest selectors of all verse and chorus of a song time when Rory is on the ones then cutting to the next tune and twos playing everything and doing the same thing, a from , , roots style that he called “juggling.” and culture all the way up to With more than 30 years as a dancehall. —Robert Cooper

PHOTO BY RADIANT SUN BY PHOTO selector and a vast knowledge

114 115 115 BASS ODYSSEY 2019 will be a special year for Bass of the most recognizable anthems in Odyssey, as the “World Sound From Way soundclash—their Buju Banton special Out in the Country” celebrates its 30th on Bob Marley’s “War” riddim has anniversary with an encore performance dusted out many a soundbwoy over the on the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise. years—Bass Odyssey has continued to Before officially launching Bass Odyssey in groom a stable of aceselectors and MC’s, 1989, Keith Walford used to spin music at including Worm, Country Speng, Keithy private fetes around Alexandria, St. Ann Keith, Lexxy, Dwayne, and Damion when he wasn’t busy stocking jukeboxes Delingy. Whether a juggling event around Jamaica. Fellow selector Tinna- or musical war, Bass Odyssey always One was later joined by Glamma G and the comes prepared to handle their business. late Kevin “Squingy” Bennet, who often “Our sound is a sound that deals with referred to himself as “the Michael Jordan of teamwork, good management, and good clash.” Squingy helped make Bass Odyssey delivery,” says Damion Dilengy of Bass a top flight contender within sound system Odyssey’s longevity. “We have good culture, a legacy maintained in the decade chemistry, every mixer can play with since his passing by strong stable of every talker and every talker can play with selectors including Dwayne, every mixer. Once the date Worm, Skinny, and Charly is booked Bass Odyssey will Black who went on to become come to deliver and make sure a successful recording artist. we stamp our name so people Sticking to a winning want us to come back over and formula of innovative over again.” —Robert Cooper dubplates, wickedly unique combinations, and some WALFORD YANIQ BY PHOTO

116 117 116 BODYGUARD “Clarendon a deh so Bodyguard come Buju Banton dubs, and dubs from legendary from!!!” That proclamation from American soul groups the Drifters is just one of many anthems (“Up On The Roof” and “This Magic in the dub box of Bodyguard, one of the Moment”) and the Coasters (“Yakity Yak”). greatest country sounds of all time. From “We’ve always tried to bring the the parish of Clarendon, Bodyguard people something different and original,” began in 1989 but it wasn’t until the next says Johnny of their dub collection. year that its most important and longest Currently Johnny can be heard selecting tenured selector Johnny joined the sound. Bodyguard tunes, classic dancehall and From there Bodyguard would become reggae, classic soul and others on Irish one of the best and most dangerous and Chin’s soundchat radio every Sunday. sounds from Jamaica. In 1993 Bodyguard This year will be the first time that became the first ever world sound Bodyguard will be playing on the Jamrock champion by defeating Coxsone (UK), cruise and Johnny is excited about that. Saxon (UK), and Afrique (US) in the first Johnny is planning on keeping the masses World Clash held in London, England. entertained the only way he knows how. Since their inception, “The people on the Jamrock Bodyguard has voiced some cruise will get the full of the most iconic and Bodyguard experience,” he original dub plate anthems says. “That means everything included the aforementioned from back in the days all the Nicodemus dub, Lt. Stitchie way up to nowadays music “Bad Like Yaws,” countless because you have to stay up

PHOTO BY MARLON “AJAMU” MYRIE MARLON BY PHOTO Bounty Killer dubs, exclusive to date.” —Robert Cooper

118 119 119 KINGSTON 12 HI-FI Taking their name from the refrain of as Kiddy Ranks of NYC’s Firgo Digital. the Wailers’ seminal “Trenchtown Rock,” The L.A.–based sound caters to the reggae Kingston 12 Hi-Fi have become a fixture aficionado, dropping rare gems that disrupt on the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae the paint-by-numbers approach employed Cruise, groovin’ in fine style since the by so many same-old-same-old selectors. ship’s very first excursion on the version. “One reason I’m doing this is because Suffice it to say that when DJ Papa Lotl they ain’t doing it right,” Shinehead reveals and selector Shinehead hit, you feel no with righteous indignation fueled by his pain. Returning for their sixth consecutive love and reverence for the traditions of year of 100% vinyl juggling, the veteran sound system culture. “They’re either sound comes fully prepared to make any boring as hell or they can’t mix, or they just dibby dibby soundbwoy walk the plank. talk too damn much. Especially them war “When we touch them waters,” says the sounds! They are desecrating the birthright, original Mr. Rough & Rugged, “we’re and then they complain that the Japanese not playing no watered-down nothing.” and the Europeans is taking our culture. Due to the fact that “you Nah, you just laid it careless! can’t chop a sound boy with an One man’s junk is another mp3,” Kingston 12 boards this man’s treasure. So I’ma build year’s cruise with extremely me a little tabernacle and deep crates entrusted to praise the Most High on them by two legendary sound these joints right here.” Any system owners, California’s questions? —Rob Kenner late great King Richard as well ROB KENNER BY PHOTO

120 121 Heavy rotation Check these sounds from artists on this year’s Jamrock Cruise

122 123 Heavy rotation Check these sounds from artists on this year’s Jamrock Cruise

124 125 PORT OF CALL: MAP/SCHEDULE

1 OCHO RIOS 8 12 PORT TIME: 8AM ARRIVAL / 6PM DEPARTURE 9 3 4 6 7 5

INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS Jamaica’s second city is the epicenter of the island’s tourist industry, offering a wide variety of bars, clubs and grand hotels. In 1831 MoBay was the site of the island’s last slave rebellion, led by national hero Samuel Sharpe. Brave souls may book a tour of Rose Hall, a historic plantation 1 Courts (Deck 13) home said to be haunted by the ghost of a “white witch.” Popular clubs include Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, with its famous water slide. For true Jamaican food, try Scotchie’s jerk center or the Pelican Grill. If you’re craving authentic Ital fare, head straight to Millennium Victory Main Stage (Deck 11) on Barnett Street. Or you can spend the day on Doctor’s Cave Beach sipping fresh coconut 2 water in the sun. And always remember to support local businesses and vendors. 3 Promenade (Deck 5) PORT OF CALL: 4 Star Lounge (Deck 5) 5 Studio B (Deck 3)

FALMOUTH 6 Royal Theater (Deck 3,4) PORT TIME: 7AM ARRIVAL / 4PM DEPARTURE 7 Library (Merch Store) (Deck 5) This former fishing village on Jamaica’s north coast is now a bustling city filled with resorts. Located in the parish of St. Ann—the birthplace of Jamaican national hero as Windjammer Café (Deck 11) well as Bob Marley, , Shabba Ranks, and Busy Signal—Ocho Rios is surrounded 8 by rainforests and rivers. The famous Dunn’s River Falls, a terraced mountain waterfall with lagoon pools, attracts visitors by the busload. To beat the crowds, take a drive to swim in the Blue Hole in Falmouth. You can shop, eat, or chill at Island Village or visit Harmony Hall art 9 Next Cruise Services (Deck 5) gallery. The more adventurous can go white water rafting or book an ATV tour. It’s a long drive to Bob Marley’s childhood home in the village of Nine Mile, so make sure to leave early if you are making the journey. For more information visit the Shore Excursions Desk on Deck 5 by Guest Relations. 126 127 ALL WHITE REP YOUR SOUND CLASH POST-PARTY NIGHT COUNTRY AT SEA SAT DEC. 14 Keep the party going with our annual TUES DEC. 10 (NIGHT 2) THU DEC. 12 (NIGHT 4) WTJRC POST PARTY Sat December, 14!! NIGHT Be sure to plan your travel accordingly Bring your bright whites for a beautiful SOUND CLASH AT SEA and stay one more night to celebrate with Sunday evening and night to remember! THU DEC. 12 (NIGHT 4) ANNOUNCED!! This year, Tony us! Rock on with your fellow Jamrock Matterhorn, Warrior Sound, Dynamq cruisers and favorite DJs at Rock Bar in Ft. “Rep Your Country” night is back on the Sound and Pink Panther all compete Lauderdale. This is a FREE event!! 21+ #WTJRC on Thursday, Dec 12 and we for the championship title of our 6th to attend. want everyone to go big for our 6th annual Annual WTJRC!! The clash will take place cruise!! The decks will be packed with immediately following the Main Stage Tickets: FREE (21+) cruisers from over 25 different countries performances on Thursday, Dec 12 in Time: 8pm and this night will be all about expressing Studio B. Don’t miss this epic battle Location: Rock Bar, 219 S Fort the country that best represents you! of beats! Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

128 129 GUEST GUEST ARTIST MEET JAMROCK SPEAKER SPEAKER & GREETS RADIO JAMROCK RADIO, produced by the DAMIAN MARLEY MARCIA GRIFFITHS Meet some of your favorite artists in award-winning Playmaker Group, an person at the meet & greet on our instrumental part of black music radio Jr. Gong is a four-time Grammy Award The undisputed Queen of Reggae, Marcia days at sea! Bring a poster, a CD for an across the world for over 25 years, will winner whose latest nomination comes for Griffiths began her career over 50 years autograph or snap a photo with some host the exclusive WTJRC onboard radio producing the Third World album More ago at the legendary Studio One. She of your favorite artists with your cell station. Select DJ’s from Jamaica, New Work To Be Done. A lyrical beast on the has toured the world with Bob Marley phone. Our meet & greets have a capacity York, LA and the UK amongst others will microphone, Gongzilla has collaborated as a founding member of I Three and hit limit due to performance schedules and come together to entertain cruisers on with icons of reggae and hip hop. He the worldwide pop charts as a solo artist time sensitivity to the artists. Please be the high seas! The station will host live proudly maintains his family legacy by with her danceable hit “Electric Boogie.” respectful...and remember - you never broadcasts and highlights from the main raising awareness of social and cultural You’ve heard her voice on countless classic know who you will run in to after the stage performances, in addition to an issues through his work with the Ghetto records, but this is your chance to hear show or on your way to dinner! “Up Close & Personal” series with some Youths Foundation. Don’t miss this rare Marcia Griffiths speak her mind. of the star artists performing on the ship. opportunity to reason with the founder of Date: Tuesday, Dec 10 Cruisers can tune in directly from the the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise. Date: Tuesday, Dec 10 Location: Star Lounge. Deck 5 privacy of their own room, around the Location: Royal Theater, Deck 3 & 4 Time: 3pm ship or live at the station. Date: Tuesday, Dec 10 Time: 3pm - 4pm Artists: Location: Royal Theater, Deck 3 & 4 JAMROCK RADIO is located on the Time: 6:30pm - 7:30pm Date: Friday, Dec 13 Promenade, Deck 5 and live from 12pm- Location: Star Lounge. Deck 5 8pm every night. Time: 3pm Tues, 12/10 | 10am – 9pm Wed, 12/11 | 4pm – 9pm Thurs, 12/12 | 4pm – 9pm Fri, 12/13 | 10am – 9pm

130 131 FOOTBALL 3 ON 3 DOMINO DOOR TOURNAMENT BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT DECORATING Come cheer on your fellow cruisers and Get ready for our second annual WTJRC some of your favorite artists to see who TOURNAMENT Domino Tournament! Games will be CONTEST takes the W for our Third Annual WTJRC played in Jamaican cut throat style with 2019 Football Tournament held on our Join your fellow shipmates for WTJRC’s games of 4 players each. Scoring will be For all you creative cruisers, the Door days at sea. First round games will take 3x3 Basketball Tournament!! Test your based on first player to 6. Each day at sea, Decorating Contest will commence Night place on Tuesday, Dec 10 with Round 1 at skills on the Court, Deck 13 for Round 1 we will host one tournament round in 1, and we expect nothing but the best! 3pm and Round 2 beginning at 4pm. The on Tuesday, Dec 10 at 6:30pm and then the Playmaker’s Bar & Arcade on Deck 4. WTJRC judges will select 2 winners, winning teams will face off in the FINAL claim your victory during the final round Don’t get blocked, this is your chance to announced on our days at sea. The prize? game on Friday, Dec 13 at 3pm. All games held Friday, Dec 13 at 5pm. Who’s got WIN! A special WTJRC Merch Pack and your will take place on the Deck 13 Court. what it takes to WIN?? door featured on our Facebook page! Date: Tuesday, Dec 10 Ready, set….decorate!! ROUND 1 + 2 Date: Tuesday, Dec 10 Location: Playmakers Bar & Arcade, Date: Tuesday, December 10 (Day 2) Location: Court, Deck 13 Deck 4 Location: Deck 13, Court Time: Round 1: 6:30pm Time: 11am Time: 3pm + 4pm Date: Friday, Dec 13 FINAL GAME: Date: Friday, Dec 13 Location: Playmakers Bar & Arcade, Date: Friday, December 13 Location: Court, Deck 13 Deck 4 Location: Deck 13, Court Time: Round 2: 5pm Time: 11am Time: 3pm (Winners Round)

CONSOLATION ROUND: Date: Friday, December 13 Location: Deck 13, Court Time: 4pm

132 133 KAMP KAMILA YOGA MEDITATION BOOK DRIVE WITH KAMILA MACDONALD WITH NADINE MCNEIL WITH AIDA CAMPBELL WTJRC is asking for your new or used children’s book donations to benefit The Don’t miss Kamp Kamila onboard this Join Universal Empress, Nadine McNeil, Take it easy & find peace of mind with Jamaica Library Service (JLS) in Ocho year’s cruise! Get ready to sweat on the for an inspiring yoga experience on board a traditional meditation lead by Aida Rios. If all cruisers bring 1 book, we decks with this fitness favorite as she leads this year’s cruise. Classes will be held in Campbell on board #Jamrock2019!! would have over 3,000 books to donate! guests through a custom workout curated the mornings daily and afternoons during This session is healing & restorative, Let’s make an impact. How To Donate: to your favorite reggae, dancehall and soca our days at sea. No sign-up is required. focusing on geometrically progressive Drop off your donations anytime Monday beats. No sign-up necessary! Schedule listed below. movements & deep controlled breathing. Accompanied by light trance reggae dub or Tuesday on board at the official WTJRC merch store (The Library, Deck To learn more about Kamila, visit: www. To learn more about Nadine, visit: www. to encourage relaxation & reflection. 5) or the kiosk in front of the gift shop, kampkamilafitness.com/ universalempress.com Head over after the Nyabinghi session each morning Tues - Fri on the basketball or information desk, located on the Promenade, Deck 5 Date: Tuesday, Dec 10 Date: Daily (Tues - Fri) court, deck 13, beginning at approximately Location: Studio B, Deck 3 Location: Deck 13, Court 7am. No sign-up necessary & all cruisers Time: 10am - 11am and 3:30pm - 4:30pm Time: 9am - 10am are welcome to join!

Date: Friday, Dec 13 Date: Days at Sea (Tues & Fri) Date: Tuesday - Friday Loation: Studio B, Deck 3 Location: Star Lounge, Deck 5 Location: Deck 13, Court Time: 10am - 11am and 3:30pm - 4:30pm Time: 11am - 12pm Time: 7am - 8am

134 135 NYABINGHI FLOWRIDER ALBUM SUNRISE CONTEST With a pledge of “love to all human Get ready to test your skills and try your SIGNING beings” the Nyabinghi are a very luck during our first WTJRC FlowRider special part of WTJRC!! Gathering on Contest!! Scoring will be based on A devout Rastafarian whose work is the top deck each morning at dawn, they duration of ride and style points. No sign inspired by life and spirituality, Julian welcome the new day with a powerful up is required, first come-first serve to the Marley is a singer, songwriter, and multi- performance of sacred drumming and first 10 surfers ready to compete!! instrumentalist who adopted a musical chanting. We highly encourage you to see lifestyle at a young age. Born in England this especially uplifting experience!! Date: Friday ,Dec 13 he spent his formative years in Jamaica Location: Deck 13 studying with such veteran musicians Date: Daily (Tues - Fri) Time: 4:30pm as Aston “Family Man” Barrett, Carlton Location: Top Deck Barrett, Earl “Wire” Lindo, Tyrone Time: 5am Downie, and Earl “Chinna” Smith. Join “Juju Royal” as he signs his Grammy- nominated album As I Am. If you don’t have your copy of As I Am yet there will be some available for purchase. Please note there is a capacity limit so plan to arrive early!

Date: Friday, Dec 13 Loation: Playmakers, Deck 4 Time: 5pm

136 137 MOVIES ON WTJRC

Don’t miss watching classic Jamaican films nightly during the cruise. Check the daily compass delivered to your cabin for movie showtimes and details. This year, relax in the Royal Theater and enjoy movies like Dancehall Queen, Third World Cop, Marley, Reggae Fever, Studio 17: Lost Reggae Tapes, and Africa Unite.

Location: Royal Theater, Decks 3 & 4

Date: Monday 12:00am - Dancehall Queen

Date: Tuesday 12:00pm - Marley 1:00am - Third World Cup

Date: Wednesday 4pm - Marley

Date: Thursday 4pm - Reggae Fever 12:30am - Africa Unite

Date: Friday 12:30pm - Reggae Fever 3pm - Studio 17: The Lost Reggae Tapes Q&A with producer Reshma B 11:30pm - Dancehall Queen

138 139 WTJRC HALL OF FAME ARTISTS: DEXTA DAPS SHAGGY AGENT SASCO DING DONG KY-MANI MARLEY SHENSEEA AIDONIA ELEPHANT MAN SHINEHEAD BARRINGTON LEVY LUCIANO SISTER NANCY BEENIE MAN EVERTON BLENDER MARCIA GRIFFITHS FAYANN LYONS MAVADO BLACK AM I FREDDIE MCGREGOR SKIP MARLEY BOUNTY KILLER GENERAL DEGREE MIGHTY DIAMONDS SLY & ROBBIE BUCCANEER GHOST MORGAN HERITAGE BUJU BANTON MR VEGAS MYKAL ROSE BUNNY GENERAL IBA MAHR PAD ANTHONY STEPHEN MARLEY BUSY SIGNAL INNER CIRCLE PINCHERS STEPHEN MCGREGOR CAPLETON J BOOG POPCAAN SUPER CAT & PLIERS JAH CURE PRESSURE T.O.K CHAM JAH9 TANTO METRO & DEVONTE CHARLY BLACK PROFESSOR NUTS CHINO MCGREGOR JO MERSA MARLEY QUEEN IFRICA TARRUS RILEY CHRISTOPHER ELLIS JOHNNY OSBOURNE RAGING FYAH THIRD WORLD CHRISTOPHER MARTIN JULIAN MARLEY RED RAT TOOTS & THE MAYTALS CHRONIXX JUNIOR REID WAILING SOULS COCOA TEA KABAKA PYRAMID ROMAIN VIRGO WAYNE MARSHALL KEN BOOTHE SANCHEZ DAMIAN MARLEY KOFFEE ZINCFENCE REDEMPTION DJS: BAMBINO JAZZY T SHACIA PAYNE MARLEY DOWNBEAT THE RULER BIG A J ROCC SHORTKUT DYNAMQ SOUND BOSS HARMONY KING COKNL SPEX DA BOSS HEAVY HAMMER COLLIN HINES KURT RILEY STEELIE BASHMENT JACK SCORPIO DANNY HOLLOWAY MAD OUT SUPA HYPE KING JAMMY’$ MAX GLAZER SUPA TWITCH KING TURBO DJ BUCK TONY MATTERHORN KINGSTON 12 DJ GRINGO NIKKI Z WESTAFA METRO MEDIA DJ MADOUT NOTORIOUS V.O.G & YAADCORE MIGHTY CROWN DJ NORIE JKOOL ZJ LIQUID PINK PANTHER DJ ROY RAS KWAME RENAISSANCE DISCO DJ TRINI RASARELLA SOUNDS: SAXON SOUND (FEAT. TIPPA IRIE, PAPA LEVI, DJ WAYNE RON MUSCHETTE BASS ODYSSEY MUSCLEHEAD & MIKEY BOOPS) FOOTA HYPE RORYSTONELOVE BLACK SCORPIO STONE LOVE MOVEMENTS HOTTA RICE SEANI B BODYGUARD WARRIOR SOUND 14 0 141 GIVE THANKS ACROSS DOWN

4 PROFESSOR NUTS: Inna di bus, dem a 1 BUJU BANTON: No make no mistake CROSSWORD kick up ____ confuse ____ with shotta 5 MIGHTY DIAMONDS: Marcus Garvey 2 KOFFEE: Kill dem wid verbs and wid ____ say man ah go find him back di ____ against the wall 3 GHOST: No matter how hard I try you PUZZLE 7 SISTER NANCY: Me born an me grow keep ____ me aside inna Kingston ____ 6 JOHNNY OSBOURNE: Hold up your 8 DING DONG: I am from ____ where we hand if you love dem yah ____ and nuh like no hater stylee

10 WAYNE MARSHALL: I know I’m not 7 CAPLETON: Careful how you enter- worthy to see Your face I try hard, but I tain ____ Selassie never born inna no make ____ manger

12 TARRUS RILEY: Dem big inna ____ and 9 STEPHEN MARLEY: There’s no room for will tell yuh dem ready ____, we’re sailing a tight ship ashore

14 CHARLY BLACK: Gyal wine up pon my 11 BOUNTY KILLER: Roots reality and body gyal wine like it’s a ______long time we have it but the people just ah ask for 15 SKIP MARLEY: Working so hard to unite ____ , we tired of lies 12 EVERTON BLENDER: Time gettin hard- er, still we strivin for better & we’re not 16 CHRISTOPHER MARTIN: She woulda gonna stop till the ____ is won lef me if she knew what’s in my ____ I hope I never pay that cost 13 MORGAN HERITAGE: Now all this time, I thought everything was ____ only to 17 BUSY SIGNAL: you know your body’s find out so much was hidden inside so attractive and you make my body ____ 18 JULIAN MARLEY: I don’t wanna get ____ overboard 20 PINCHERS: Pick a likkle tune pon mi ____ Make a little walk in El Paso 19 MARCIA GRIFFITHS: I’ve got to move I’m going on a ____ ride 21 POPCAAN: Chat me everyday with dem funny tongue, Dem a watch we pon the ____ now

Test your musical knowledge as you fill in the missing lyrics from songs by artists on this cruise.

142 143 14 2 14 3 SEE YOU NEXT YEAR

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