Andru Branch gets Reggae Legends and Pioneers to "Step into the Light"

Internationally celebrated roots reggae troubadour Andru Branch has made the dreams of many reggae fans a reality. He has gotten some of the most notable legends and musicians who have helped to pioneer the sounds of reggae music to work together on his "Step Into The Light" album.

Officially no Raggamuffin for Sean Paul

After a no-show at the Perth, Sydney leg of the Raggamuffin Festival in Australia, the organizers of the event has now confirmed that Sean Paul will not perform at the upcoming  staging of the festival in Roturua, Australia either. 


Andrew McManus, the promoter of the event said it was with great regret that he announced Paul would not be performing in Rotorua.

Free Reggae Shows and “Save the Music” Campaign as Jamaica Celebrates Reggae Month in February.

Since 2008, Jamaicans have set aside February as Reggae Month in order to celebrate the art form which was born in the island. This is a celebration that is not only acknowledged and celebrated by reggae musicians, radio personalities, djs and fans but is also embraced and promoted by the Jamaican government. During the entire month; multiple campaigns, press conferences and free shows are held across Jamaica to heighten awareness and to pay homage to the greats who have pioneered the art form.

Sean Paul Apologizes to his Australian fans for his No Show at the Raggamuffin Festival

Multi-platinum reggae artist Sean Paul left many of his Australian fans both disappointed and upset at the fact that he did not appear on the Perth Raggamuffin festival on Wednesday (Australia day). Raggamuffin publicist Sandra Roberts has told The Daily Post she didn't know why Paul hadn't performed on the day.

Damian Marley and Nas Brings Distant Relatives to the Kiwis

Fans of reggae royalty Damian "Jr Gong" Marley and hip hop icon Nas who lives in New Zealand (Kiwis) will get the opportunity to see the greats perform live. Damian Marley and Nas are set to rock New Zealand with two New Zealand tour dates in February.


The first date will be Wednesday, February 16th at the TSB Arena, Wellington.

Legendary Reggae Band, Third World to Launch "Patriot" in St. John, USVI

On Saturday, January 29, 2011, Third World will launch their album at Love City Live, a reggae concert on the island of St. John, USVI.  The festival will feature events across the island beginning on January 21, 2011 and conclude on January 30, 2011.  Love City Live will not only host the launch of Third World's 23^rdalbum "Patriots" but will also feature a full concert on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 8 pm at the Winston Wells Ball Field. 

Reggae is so Infectious. See? Even Drake Wants to do it Too

Canadian born Rapper Drake has this week revealed that he may drop a few Reggae records as soon as he finishes his European tour. 


Drake appeared on the Canadian network MuchMusic, where he broke the news during an interview with T. RexXx on the Hip-Hop show Rap City.

Buju Banton’s Destiny now Hangs in the Balance

Days after his splendid performance at his show “Before the Dawn featuring Buju Banton and Friends”, Buju and his lawyer is now back to the drawing board and is faced with the harsh reality that Buju’s destiny is uncertain.

The Marley Family Wins Case Over The Use of Bob Marley's Image

A Las Vegas jury has ruled on Friday that a Reno-based company had intentionally interfered with the business relationships by Bob Marley's heirs and must pay over to the family at least $300,000 in damages.


"The verdict sends a clear message to anyone who would challenge the integrity of our father's legacy," Rohan Marley, son of the late reggae musician, said in a written statement. "Preserving it remains one of our top priorities and we will continue to aggressively pursue legal actions against those who attempt to unfairly profit from his life and legacy."


The case was filed in January 2008 by Fifty-Six Hope Road Music Ltd. and Zion Rootswear.

Juror Heard Closing Arguments as the Marleys Fight to Protect Their Father’s Image

Bob Marley's children don't want to see the reggae legend portrayed as a bobblehead or a plush toy, a lawyer representing the family said Thursday.

"They brought this case to protect the legacy of their father," Los Angeles attorney Jill Pietrini told a federal jury in Las Vegas.

On Thursday (Jan 20^th), the jury listened to closing arguments in the civil case that was filed three years ago by Bob Marley’s widow Rita and their children. The case stems from the sale of T-shirts and other products bearing the Bob Marley’s image in large retail stores across the United States.

I-Octane Brings Promotion of "My Life" Tour to The Big Apple - New York

After scoring hits after hits and winning multiple awards in 2010, I-Octane is now poised to take his message and music worldwide. His "My Life" tour will see him performing live in the United States, Europe and Canada over a two month period, starting February (next month). The Big Apple - New York will be the lucky state that will play host to I-Octane's promotion for his upcoming "My Life" tour. He will kick-off his promotions in The Big Apple on Wednesday January 26th with a press conference and a meet and greet. He'll then conduct interviews, make appearances and even perform live around the Tri-State area.

"The Lost Tapes" Album to Accompany First Jamaican Superhero Comic Book

"The Lost Tapes" will be a musical journey of some of Reggae music's past and present stalwarts and will accompany the epic comic book called Dread & Alive. Dread & Alive is the first superhero comic book with a Jamaican as the protagonist.


The Lost Tapes V5 spans reggae, dancehall, electronic, dub and soulful roots to accompany Dread and Alive’s epic fantasy storyline. Unreleased tunes and iconic hits from living legends (current Grammy nominee Buju Banton, past Grammy winner Beenie Man, Mr Vegas, Cocoa Tea) and the hot names of the now generation (Crookers, Jahdan Blakkamoore, Poirier, Courtney John

Collie Buddz is Back With His Playback EP - [Free Download Inside]

The Bermudian Reggae star Collie Buddz is back after his break and he is here to drop off his seven track EP titled "Playback". He is offering this free to his fans. The free download links are below. Download, enjoy and remember to share this link with your friends. Download Link 1   Download Link 2

Hasidic Reggae Artist DeScribe Teamed up With Rohan Marley For "Livin For The Grind - Marley Coffee"

DeScribe a rising  Hasidic Reggae musician (like Matisyahu) met Rohan Marley by mere chance. It was one day when he was walking down Broadway that he saw this man and approached him and said "Excuse me sir, who are you?" to his surprise the answer was Rohan Marley, son of Bob Marley.


The two began to chat and Rohan had the opportunity to listen to DeScribe's

In Response to Devastating Queensland Flood: Brisbane's Raggamuffin Renamed Reggae for Recovery Fundraiser

In response to the devastation caused by the Queensland floods, Andrew McManus Presents announced today that Brisbane’s Raggamuffin has been renamed and is now officially a charity event called Reggae For Recovery – Flood Relief Benefit Concert. 

A proud Queenslander, McManus explained that all profits generated from the Brisbane event will be donated to the Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal.

Is Reggae Music The World's Most Influential Music?

Contributed
by: S. Rowe

While the past years have seen a very sharp decline in the sales figures for Reggae Music; which could be safely attributed to a few unsettling factors. Factors such as; 

*The visa cancellations of some of Reggae Music's main flag bearers.
*Protest at major concerts by gay rights groups.
*Poor marketing and promotion.
*Free and easy access to download Reggae musicians and producers' new productions.
*Or simply, the economic situations across the world.

THE BRISTOL REGGAE EXPLOSION 1978-1983 on CD, DIGITAL DOWNLOAD and VINYL, February 21st, 2011

Reggae lovers worldwide can add "The Bristol Reggae Explosion 1978-1983" to their collection. The album will be released on CD, VINYL and DIGITAL DOWNLOAD through Bristol Archive Records / Shellshock distribution, on 21st February 2011.

From Pop to Punk, the late seventies and early eighties saw a huge explosion in the number of local bands as more and more people thought they’d give it a go, new studios and independent labels weren’t far behind and Reggae wasn’t going to be left out of the musical mix.

Marley Family in Las Vegas Court Seeking Damages Caused by Company Selling Unauthorized Images of Bob Marley

Three years after filing a federal lawsuit in Las Vegas, the widow and children of reggae legend Bob Marley are trying to persuade a jury to award them damages in the case, which stems from the sale of T-shirts bearing Marley's image in retail stores across the United States.

In a trial that began Jan. 4, Marley's heirs have accused the defendants of unfair competition in selling unlicensed merchandise with Marley's identity and persona.

They also claim the defendants have intentionally interfered with their business relationships, causing retailers such as Walmart and Target to drop the Marley family's products in favor of the defendants' cheaper merchandise.

Ghanian Reggae Sensation Rocky Dawuni nominated for NAACP Image Award

Ghanaian reggae star Rocky Dawuni continues to lift his global profile since the release of his critically acclaimed new albumHymns for the Rebel Soul. 

The album has been nominated for the prestigious NAACP Image Awards forOutstanding World Music Album.

The NAACP Image Awards is a multi-cultural awards show celebrating the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in the arts (television, recording, literature, motion picture and writing & directing), as well as those individuals or groups who promote social justice through their creative endeavors. 

Since the release of the album in May 2010,Hymns for the Rebel Soul has received praise and extensive air plays on international radios.

Who is King Isaac, on Gregory Isaacs Grammy Nominated "Isaacs meet Isaac"?

Right to the end, Isaac Kalumbu called Gregory Isaacs “Mr. Isaacs.” Growing up in Zimbabwe, Kalumbu never imagined he would meet his musical idol, dubbed “ruler of reggae” by The New York Times — let alone hang with him in Jamaica, record with him, and help him get a fourth Grammy nomination.

Legendary Reggae Group/Band the Heptones to Reunite In Toronto

Leroy Sibbles, Earl Morgan and Barry Llewellyn first came together as "The Hep Ones" in 1965 in Kingston but they soon changed their name to "The Heptones". The group that later split over 35 years has now announced a reunion for "The Heptones Reunion, Rockas Part 2" scheduled for this Saturday, January 15th at The Jamaican Canadian Centre, 995 Arrow Road, Hwy 400 and Finch, Toronto.

Live Concert to Celebrate Reggae's Influence on The UK's Music and Culture

An all star cast will celebrate the influence of Reggae on the UK’s music and culture in a live concert coinciding with BBC Four’s Reggae Britannia documentary season.


Patrons will enjoy hits from the 1960s to the present day, as the musicians explore Reggae's musical evolution from Ska, through to Rocksteady, Roots, Dub, Lovers Rock and beyond.

CELEBRATING REGGAE LEGENDS WEEK ATLANTA :: February 5th - 12th

Atlanta celebrates Reggae Legends Week February 5th – 12th to honor the musical contributions of Bob Marley, Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown and Sugar Minott ~ four legends instrumental in spreading the social, political and ghetto roots of Reggae worldwide. 


The week includes radio specials, hip hop, rock, and r’n’b artists paying tribute, a special lecture presentation on the history and impact of reggae music and live shows. Brought to you by Jamaican Mango and Lime, Red Clay, Clarks, Vitamalt and Fusicology. 


www.reggaelegendsweek.com

February 5th 
Automatic Classic Hip Hop Night celebrates Reggae Legends 

Pal’s Lounge 854 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta with the best of Atlanta’s hip hop artists

Star Studded Line-Up for “Buju Banton and Friends: Before the Dawn Concert” on Sunday, January 16th

Fans of Buju Banton, and the Reggae Community breathed a sigh of relief when he was granted bail in November. Banton was arrested in December 2009 on suspicion of conspiracy to possess and distribute five kilograms of cocaine, Buju (real name Mark Anthony Myrie) was locked up in Tampa's Pinellas County Jail for eleven months with multiple delays on his trial.

Following his release on $250,000 bail (made possible with the help of Stephen Marley, son of Reggae Legend Bob Marley), Banton is focused on creating a show to perform live for his anxious fans, friends and supporters. His latest release, Before the Dawn, has been nominated for 2010 Grammy’s Best Reggae Album, and Banton plans to celebrate his freedom on Martin Luther King Jr. weekend at his star-studded reggae festival in downtown Miami . The show, appropriately titled Buju Banton and Friends: Before the Dawn Concert, will feature some of reggae's biggest living icons, including Sly & Robbie, Freddie McGregor, Gramps Morgan, and Shaggy, as well as close friends Wayne Wonder, DJ Khaled, and the Marley family.

BBC4 Launches Four New Programmes to Celebrate Reggae's Impact on British Music

BBC Four today announced that it will celebrate reggae’s impact on British music, culture and society with four exciting new programmes on Friday 11 and Friday 18 February.

The channel will spotlight some of the genre’s most influential and greatest artists with two new documentaries, Reggae Britannia and Toots And The Maytals – Reggae Got Soul, a specially filmed Reggae Britannia At The Barbican concert and Reggae At The BBC, a choice compilation showcasing a range of archive content.

Bob Marley Headphones and iPod dock launching at CES 2011 [January 6-9]

With more than four decades of success, the International Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) reaches across global markets, connects the industry and enables CE innovations to grow and thrive. At this years staging of their trade show, Reggae enthusiast and Bob Marley fans (in particular) will have the privilege of witnessing the official launch of the Bob Marley branded headphones, iPod docks plus other wonderful audio accessories.


The Marley branded accessories will be available in three different categories;Jammin, Freedom and Destiny. Each product will be packaged with a unique ‘one love” bracelet as a symbol showing support of “one love,” unity and peace. [READ MORE ON THE PRODUCTS].

ZIMBABWE: Capleton - "I Feel at Home"

Visiting Jamaican Reggae Dancehall icon, Capleton, has said that he feels at home in Zimbabwe. The artist who arrived in the country on December 22 ahead of two performances set for the end of this week said this in an interview with Zimbo Jam.

King Shango or ‘The King of Fire’, as he is affectionately known to his fans, revealed that he has liked what he has seen in the country so far.

“Zimbabwe is great and I am not ashamed to call it home. I have been to Great Zimbabwe, and they took me to a zoo (Lion and Cheetah Park) which I have loved so much. I also was taken to the venues and they are good the stages were all good.” said Capleton after a tour of the town of Chitungwiza.