Zimbabwe: King Shango Arrived to a Huge Welcome!

Reggae giant, Capleton now refered to as King Shango, landed at the Harare International Airport, Zimbabwe yesterday afternoon and was impressed with the reception he received from Zimbabwean fans.

Fans arrived at the airport in their numbers as early as 11am in buses provided by Red Rose Entertainment, the organisers of the Capleton shows.

The Rastafarian community in Zimbabwe, which had a choir on standby, came in their numbers and chanted reggae tunes while waiting for Capleton to touch down.

"Tribute to the Reggae Legends" Celebrates Milestone and Reggae Greats

In February, Tribute to the Reggae Legends will honor current and deceased reggae legends, including Gregory “Cool Ruler” Isaacs and Sugar Minott, who both died this year. 

The event was formerly known as the Bob Marley Festival; the name change has proven critical to paying recognition to the foundation and new artists. 

An exclusive sneak peek at the lineup that Makeda Dread Cheatom, director of the WorldBeat Center has scheduled, is impressive. In an interview, she spoke about the fans’ preference for certain genres of reggae music: “San Diego is unique in that it likes roots and culture reggae.” 

Dubtonic Kru to Represent Jamaica in the Global Battle of the Bands

Reggae band Dubtonic Kru has proved their worth once more by  outperforming nine other Jamaican bands to win the local leg of the Global Battle of the Bands (GBoB) and booking their space as the official band to represent Jamaica in the competition.


Dubtonic Kru will face off with other bands from across the globe at the Global Battle of the Bands (GBoB) at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on February 26, 2011. The winning band will walk away with a cash prize of $US100,000, worldwide promotion and the bragging rights that comes with it.

House of Marley Introduces Bob Marley Branded Headphones, iPod Docks and Other Accessories

For its 2011 Collection, House of Marley has introduces some very nice audio accessories that will adhere to the Marley family core values: “equality, unity, authenticity, charity and sustainability.” You can expect to see boom boxes, docking stations, earphones and headphones. Currently the collection contains three different lines: Jammin’, Freedom, and Destiny. Each one is geared towards a specific consumer, be it teenagers or audiophiles.

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. The bracelets will be made using eco-friendly materials and will be inspired by artisans, factory and field workers from around the world.

"Diplo Selects Greensleeves": A Re-load and Re-release of Great Reggae Classics

Experimentalist music producer and remix mastermind Diplo teams up with Greensleeves Records to reload and re-release some of Reggae's greatest classics on Riddimentary - Diplo Selects Greensleeves.

Known for his electronic dub musical styling and as one-half of world renowned production team Major Lazer, Thomas Wesley Pentz aka Diplo lends his eclectic ear and considerable talents as a Reggae selector to Riddimentary. The continuous blended mix covers over 20 years of revoluntionary Jamaican and UK hits from the top producers in Dub, Reggae and Dancehall from the 1980s and 1990s. 

Damian Marley and Nas to Tour New Zealand

Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley and hip-hop icon Nas will be bringing the Reggae-Hiphop fused vibes to the Kiwi shores in February 2011 as part of their groundbreaking "Distant Relatives" Tour.

Bringing together two highly influential musicians, the tour celebrates the release of their first co-created album, Distant Relatives.

Unlike all previous collaborations between Jamaican and

Marley Family Launched "The Marley Missions & The Giving Center" from 1Love.org

The Movement Aims to Spread Bob Marley's Message of Peace and Unity While Encouraging the New Generation of "Young Gongs" to Change the World


Consistently, through his music, Bob Marley has always been committed to spreading a positive message, one of peace, hope, love and prosperity. Now, his family has now commit themselves to keep his mission and message alive through the 1love.org project.

Jimmy Cliff's "Many Rivers to Cross" Selected for the 2011 Grammys' Hall of Fame Induction

Hall of Fame is definitely no unfamiliar territory for Jimmy Cliff who was inducted into the 2010 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Now, his memorable single "Many Rivers to Cross" has been selected among other indelible recordings by the The Recording Academy^® for the 2011 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame^®.


In continuing its mission to preserve and celebrate music year-round, The Recording Academy^® announces the newest additions to its legendary GRAMMY Hall Of Fame^® collection. Established by The Academy's National Trustees in 1973, the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame was created to honor recordings of lasting qualitative or historical significance that are at least 25 years old. Recordings are reviewed annually by a special member committee of eminent and knowledgeable professionals from all branches of the recording arts, and final approval is made by The Recording Academy Trustees. With 30 new titles, the list currently totals 881 and is displayed at The GRAMMY Museum^®

Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) gave its Approval to Reggae TV Channel

On Friday (Dec. 3) CRTC approved an application from MTT Communications Inc. to operate a new Category 2 specialty channel called Reggae TV.  


The channel  will be devoted to the music and sounds of the Caribbean such  as reggae, dancehall, Caribbean festival music and performances, musicians and news about them and their art.


CRTC approved MTT Communications Inc's request to

Junior Reid to Entertain Some of California's Best Medical Marijuana Growers at this year's Doesha Cup

California's Proposition 19, the Marijuana Legalization Initiative may have been defeated, however the revelry will continue when reggae giant Junior Reid among other hiphop acts will pay homage to and entertain California's medical marijuana growers at this year's Doesha Cup 2010 on Saturday, December 4, 2010! Presented by Dr. Ingleweed, the proprietor of the South Bay area based medical marijuana cooperative, the All American Health & Healing Cooperative, the Doesha Cup is an annual invitation only, exclusive affair celebrating its fifth year.

The 53rd Grammy Awards: And the Nominees for "Best Reggae Album" are....

The Grammy nominations were announced last night in Los Angeles. And, for the first time, the announcements were accompanied by a concert at the Nokia Center. This year's nominees for "Best Reggae Album" are:


"Before The Dawn" - Buju Banton
"Isaacs Meets Isaac" - Gregory Isaacs & King Isaac
"Revelation" - Lee "Scratch" Perry
"Made In Jamaica" - Bob Sinclair and Sly & Robbie
"One Pop Reggae" - Sly & Robbie And The Family Taxi
"Legacy An Acoustic Tribute To Peter Tosh" - Andrew Tosh.

Buju Banton Gets The Green Light to Perform

Fans of Buju Banton can now breath a sigh of relief as they will get a chance to see the Reggae star perform live. After Porcelli denied Banton's initial request to perform live citing risks that Banton might flee; he was yesterday (December 1st) granted the go ahead by U.S. Judge James Moody after an appeal by his lawyer Markus.

Banton's manager, Tracii McGregor, said, "There has been a lot of talk about benefit concerts" by other musicians to raise money for Banton. But, for now, the focus is on the planned show. The first planned show is schedule for January 16th (We will keep you posted if there are any changes).

Trinidad and Tobago: Damian Marley, Nas and Jah Cure are Coming Your Way

Damian Marley and Nas the distant relatives are ready to bring the reggae-hiphop fused vibe to the people of the beautiful and tiny islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Jah Cure is also expected to join them for the event scheduled for next Saturday, December 4th at the Hasley Crawford Stadium, Port-of-Spain.


Tri-Star Promotions, collaborating with other promoters are producing the concert featuring American rapper Nas and reggae artistes Damien “Junior Gong” Marley and Jah Cure. Marley and Nas have been on tour across the world promoting their album, Distant Relatives, a collaborative effort released in May this year.

Matisyahu Releases New Chanukah Song “Miracle” Ahead of his 5th Annual Staging of Festival of Light

Matisyahu has released a brand new Chanukah song, "Miracle," available on iTunes, one week ahead of the Festival of Light, his fifth annual series of shows celebrating Chanukah. An uplifting pop gem arriving just in time for the holiday, "Miracle," produced by Dr. Luke protégé Kool Kojak (Flo Rida, Katy Perry, Ke$ha), is drenched in a joyful spirit and features chiming synths, bouncing beats and an irresistible chorus. "Miracle" is now streaming on Matisyahu's site www.matisyahuworld.com and is available on iTunes here: http://bit.ly/i0DJbv

The playful and spirited video for "Miracle," featuring Matisyahu's tongue-in-cheek humor and ever-present message of optimism and unity will be aired shortly and will be available for you to view, right here on i-reggae.

Judge has Denied Buju Banton's Request to Perform Live

Banton, 37, whose real name is Mark Myrie, wanted to perform a live concert in Miami on Dec. 26. However, U.S. Magistrate Judge Anthony Porcelli denied his request on Tuesday, saying "whatever financial pressures Banton faces do not outweigh the risk that he might flee".




Banton's attorney Wednesday asked the judge to reconsider, saying the 24-hour security detail ordered to monitor Banton as a condition of his release costs $20,000 a month. Plus, there's the cost of preparing for his upcoming drug trafficking retrial. Banton's security detail does not object to him doing the concert and would be present for the show, his lawyer says. The prosecutor does object. No word on whether he would attend.

Amazura Reggae Extravaganza Will Honor Sugar Minott

This Friday, November 26, Amazura nightclub, at 91-12 144 Place, in Queens, will  host a Reggae Thanksgiving extravaganza featuring: Mykal Rose, Coco Tea, Frankie Paul, Everton Blender, Brigadier Jerry, Pinchers, General Trees, Chrisinti, Di Ras, Ragga Lox and Twitch.

The show will honor the great singer “Sugar” Minott, who died on July, 10, 2010. He was only 54. 

Known as the “Godfather of the Dancehall,” Minott had been diagnosed, in 2009, with heart problems. He  died of a heart disease named Angina pectoris, which causes chest pains due to blocked or clogged arteries.

Zimbabweans are Already Prepping the Stage for Capleton's Arrival

CAPLETON (popularly known as ‘King Shango’), will bring his latest album Iternal Fire when he performs here and Harare is already feeling the heat.

The Jamaican reggae star is expected to perform at Andy Millar Hall on December 31 and Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex on January 1, 2011. 

Most ghettos in the capital have been shaking to exciting open air gigs that are being staged in preparation of King Shango’s arrival.

He is expected to jet into the country on December 24, a week before the show and spend his Christmas holiday in Zimbabwe.

“Sierra Leone is my Motherland" says Jimmy Cliff

Jamaican reggae legend and film actor; Jimmy Cliff has disclosed that Sierra Leone is his mother land considering the fact that his ancestors came from Africa where they were taken by slave masters and were later resettled in Caribbean after the abolition of slave trade.

Jimmy Cliff came to Sierra Leone as a guest of honour for the 2010 ECOWAS Peace Pageant that was held on the 13th November, 2010. This is his second visit to the West African state that was once referred to as the “Province of Freedom” after his first visit in 1977.

Speaking to the media at a brief meeting the Reggae legend said: “I am happy to be home and I want to liberate the minds of my brothers and sisters through music and it is my hope that my presence here in Sierra Leone will inspire the youths” He added.

Great Article by TIME: "The Death of Gregory Isaacs: Jamaica Mourns a Reggae Legend"

Unless you're a reggae devotee, you might have assumed that the heyday of Jamaica's most famous music ended with the death of the legendary Bob Marley in 1981. After that, Marley's elegance seemed to have been overtaken by the louder and often lewder strains of dancehall reggae. But the thousands gathering to bid farewell to Gregory Isaacs this weekend know better: thanks to Isaacs' silky vocals and stage mastery — he was called the "Cool Ruler" — the reggae born at the time of the Beatles still pulses strong. Isaacs "kept the tradition of pure singing alive," says Jamaican musicologist Vaughn "Bunny" Goodison. "He remained endeared to the people."

Read more : http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2032282,00.html#ixzz15mgTzQ8P

Jimmy Cliff Cautions Africans Against Adopting Foreign Cultures

The Honourable Jimmy Cliff, OM renowned Jamaican Reggae singer and actor has advised Africans that adopting foreign cultures may have a bad effect on the continent's development.


He used China and Japan's development as examples. He pointed out that both nations were able to forge ahead because they remained true to their own cultural identity and lifestyle.


Mr. Cliff, who is also an ECOWAS Peace Pageant made this observation at the Kotoka International Airport yesterday when he made a stop-over on his way to Sierra Leone to attend the ECOWAS Peace Pageant. 


He has called on the leaders of the continent to start resisting all forms of foreign influences saying "we do not want foreigners to rule us anymore" . He asked them to redirect their resources towards providing quality education for the people, particularly children.

Jimmy Cliff Arrives in Ghana en route to Freetown, Sierra Leone

International reggae music star, Jimmy Cliff has arrived in Accra en route to Freetown, Sierra Leone to participate in Miss ECOWAS Peace Pageant on Saturday. 

While in Ghana for a day, he would be holding discussions with a cross section of interest groups. 

Mr. Cliff was met on arrival by the Deputy Minister of Information, Samul Okudzeto-Ablakwah. 

The reggae star said he cannot be in Africa without stepping foot on the soil of Ghana. He said Ghana played a major role in the liberation of the continent from colonialism to independence. 

30 Cities, 32 Concerts: Dubtonic Kru's FOUNDATION MEDICINE TOUR a success

America continues to embrace the fresh organic sound of DUBTONIC KRU

Their songs and spoken words are consciously thought provoking, while their rhythm/dub section walks through the passage of time with a gritty sound that rolls stones and break fences.

After what was considered to be a sold out pairing of Mykal Rose and Dubtonic Kru for a spring 2010 U.S.A tour, it was evident that this new sound, brought to the scene by this unique band, was going to be a rocker for audiences.

It was with this understanding, that they had the drive to independently take their music to the West and mid west regions of the U.S.A… and they did so for summer, with performances at several Reggae and world music festivals as well as club appearances.

There is a  saying "third time a charm"  and  "Foundation medicine" autumn 2010 tour was just that with 32 concerts in 30 cities.

The impact of Dubtonic kru's  music on audiences throughout this tour was very intense and the overwhelming response brought numerous requests yet again for another speedy return.

Marley Unseen: Rare Photographs of Bob Marley the Reggae Legend

SPIN Magazine has since week published a few intimate and never before seen photo of Bob Marley the Jamaican Reggae star.


Bob Marley wasn't well-known beyond college campuses when Kim Gottlieb was dispatched to Jamaica in the early '70s to photograph him in his homeland. Gottlieb was hired by Marley's label, Island Records, but she ended up shooting more than just album covers and publicity stills: She walked away with hundreds of intimate photos of Marley at home and on the road.

Those pics are compiled in the new book Bob Marley and the Golden Age of Reggae, which features rare and never-before-published images of Marley, whose smash album Legend has sold a whopping 25 million copies worldwide. (Marley didn't live to enjoy his global fame: he died of melanoma in 1981 at the age of 36.) Also featured are photos of other reggae greats like Peter Tosh, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Bunny Wailer, Jimmy Cliff, and more.

Memorial Service for the 'Cool Ruler', Gregory Isaacs in London

Reggae`s `Cool Ruler` Gregory Isaacs is set to be remembered next week in a memorial service in London.

The UK service, according to his wife Linda, is scheduled to be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday 10th November at the All Saints` Church in Harrow Weald where Isaacs lived with his family.

Following the service, Isaacs` body will be flown to his homeland, Jamaica on Thursday 11th November for a state funeral and burial. He will be escorted by a cortege comprising his children and grand-children who reside in Britain.

Jamaica`s Culture Minister, Babsy Grange, has organized a state funeral to be held at the National Arena on the island. Isaacs died in London on Monday, October 25, after a battle with lung cancer. He was 59.

Buju Banton's Retrial Delayed until February

TAMPA - The retrial of Jamaican reggae singer Buju Banton is being delayed until February at the request of the defense.

Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, is trying to secure his release from jail pending the federal trial, which follows a trial that ended in a hung jury in September. He is charged with trying to traffick in cocaine.

U.S. District Judge James Moody, who had said the new trial would be in December, granted a defense motion to postpone, and set the case for his February trial calendar. But the judge did not set a specific date.

Rita Marley to be honoured

Legendary reggae matriarch Rita Marley will be the recipient of the Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Award at the 17th Annual Caribbean American Heritage Awards Gala hosted by the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) next month. 

‘Nana Rita’, an endearment she acquired when she was enstooled in Ghana, will accept the award on November 12th, during the gala dinner to be held at the JW Marriott in Washington, DC. 

The widow of reggae icon Robert 'Bob' Nesta Marley and an artist in her own right, she has an extensive career of advocacy and talent that spans the globe.

"Nana Rita was a perfect recipient for our Marcus Garvey award. This award recognizes those who unselfishly advocate to empower and to uplift the people of the Caribbean and Africa," said ICS president and founder Dr Claire Nelson. "Throughout her life, through her music and her numerous actions, Nana Rita has demonstrated an unconditional to helping youth, lifting the image of Africa on the global stage, and to assist her Jamaican people. We are honored that she has accepted this award."

Judge gave OK to Buju Banton's bail but Release Delayed

Even though the presiding judge in Buju Banton's bail hearing ruled today that the reggae artist may be released from jail under the strict conditions highlighted, an expected prosecution appeal may keep Banton behind bars until his retrial.

U.S. Magistrate Anthony E. Porcelli overruled government objections to proposals by Banton's defense team, including using the home of Stephen Marley, son of reggae icon Bob Marley, to help secure Banton's pretrial release.

Porcelli also approved a security agency's plan to guard Banton around-the-clock if he is released and allowed to stay in his South Florida home. Under the plan, the agency's employees could arrest Banton if he appeared ready to flee or violate the bail conditions.

Stephen Marley Trying to Help Buju Banton get Released

Stephen Marley, son of the legendary Bob Marley has offered to post his South Florida home to help bond Buju Banton out of jail. On October 14th, Buju Banton was offered bail in the sum of $250,000 with security and other strict terms.


The Tampa Tribune reported that Banton's attorney notified the court Tuesday of Marley's offer. The property is said to value $350,000. Stephen Marley is a Grammy winner who beat Banton to win for best reggae album this year.


If released Buju's lawyer still has the daunting task of asking an immigrations judge to issue a similar order.

A Sad day for Reggae Music: Gregory Isaacs dies in London

Reggae legend Gregory Isaacs has died after a battle with cancer.

Isaacs, who was 59 years old, died on Monday morning at his home in London where he spent part of his time.

He leaves behind a wife and children.

Close friends told BBC Caribbean that he had originally been diagnosed with cancer of the liver which had then spread.

The Jamaican reggae singer, who was nicknamed the Cool Ruler, was best known for the song 'Night Nurse'.

Share your thoughts on Gregory Isaacs by leaving a comment below.

Gregory Isaacs' wife admits he is not doing well

REPORTS coming out of England indicate that the celebrated reggae crooner, the 'cool ruler' Gregory Isaacs is 'not doing well'.

Yesterday, the rumour mill began turning that Isaacs was in a coma and just barely hanging on.

However, in a conversation with the Splash, wife, Linda Isaacs said her husband was not in a coma, but was in fact sleeping.

She did admit however, that "he is not good."

Gyptian Wins 2010 Mobo Award For 'Best Reggae Artist

Gyptian received his trophy for the 2010 MOBO Award live during the ceremony at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England on Tuesday, October 20, 2010. Awarded the 'Best Reggae Artist of the Year,' Gyptian took the stage to accept his prestigious statue infront of a packed house and millions viewing around the world.

"It's an overwhelming feeling winning my first international award," reveals an elated Gyptian. "Give thanks to VP Records, miles ahead in reggae, give thanks to my fans, my management and everyone who has been supporting me on this incredible journey." 

Riley wants his music to be contagious

OMAR Riley is no stranger to reggae music. He is the son of the legendary reggae singer Jimmy Riley. Omar, more popularly known as Tarrus, was born in the Bronx, New York in 1979. During his career, Tarrus has released three albums, Challenges (2004), Parables (2006), and Contagious (2009). Contagious features guest appearances from Damian Marley, Vybz Kartel, Etana, Konshens, Demarco and Duane Stephenson.

Riley’s commercial breakthrough came in 2006 with the Parables album which produced the Jamaican number one single She's Royal. The Far Away singer, who is set to perform on November 8 at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire with David Rodigan, spoke to Juliana Lucas about his success in the music industry.

Have you changed the way you see music since you started recording at the age of 13?

I can’t really see music any other way now. I just really like music. My father is a singer so I used to hang in the studio and thing. At 13 I just loved my music and I just want to be like

people we look up to, people like Shabba Ranks, and that kind of stuff.The older you get the more you get to understand what music is. You start to see music as a treasure. You start seeing the craft of the music and start getting more into it because as a youth you see it as a hobby.

Matisyahu Expands Annual 'Festival of Light' Hanukkah Party

Everyone wants to go home for the holidays but everybody's favorite Hasidic reggae superstar, Matisyahu, is taking his annual holiday celebration on the road this year. After five years of setting up camp in New York for his eight-show Hanukkah residency, known as 'Festival of Light,' Matisyahu announced plans this week to expand the series to include additional nights and cities. 

This year's 'Festival of Light' will kick-off on November 29 at Brooklyn Bowl and will include three additional Brooklyn shows (at the Music Hall of Williamsburg). But the series will then hit additional hot spots including Boston, Baltimore and Philadelphia -- nine shows in all, leading up to the last night of Hanukkah, December 9, in Portland, Maine.

While Matisyahu is one of those true performers who makes sure that no two shows are ever the same, the 'Festival of Light' concerts will be especially unique as the MC welcomes a rotating cast of special guests and support acts to join the fanfare. Tickets go on sale this Friday with a special pre-sale for people who "like" Matisyahu onFacebook and who follow him on Twitter before then.

Gyptian Nominated for Soul Train Award

VP Records recording artist Gyptian is piling up on nominations this awards' season with his latest nomination for 'Best Reggae Artist' at this year's Soul Train Awards.


Gyptian is also slated to perform live at the awards ceremony, taking place on Wednesday, November 10 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia. This year's awards will be hosted by actors Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, the Soul Train Awards will premiere on both CENTRIC and BET on Sunday, November 28 at 9pm.


Gyptian joins a hotlist of the top entertainers in music today at CENTRIC's second undertaking of the annual awards, including Alicia Keys and Usher who both lead the pack with four nominations, Drake with three nods, and Monica, Nicki Minaj, Janelle Monae, Erykah Badu and Sade with two each. Also joining Gyptian on stage for live performances are Ne-Yo, Rick Ross, Keyshia Cole, R. Kelly, Badu, Cee-Lo and more, proving to be an exciting night for music and for reggae's reigning star.


This is the second major award nomination for Gyptian, as he's also nominated for the 2010 MOBO Award in the UK, also for 'Best Reggae Artist.' He will be attending the MOBO Awards on Wednesday, October 20 in Liverpool, England.

Capleton is Keen on Exposing Local Talents While in Zimbabwe

Organisers of the Dancehall Festival have started scouting for microphone chanters from the ghettos in Harare and Chitungwiza who will have a rare chance to share the stage with Jamaican reggae/dancehall star Capleton.

Capleton, or simply the Prophet, is scheduled to come for two shows one on December 31, and another one on New Year’s Day and he insisted that he was keen on exposing local talent.

According to Godfather Templeman in conjunction with Red Rose Entertainment, King Shango will go on a tour of the ghettos in Harare and Chitungwiza where he is expected to inspire and impart to the youths true values of the Rastafari movement.

"We are scouting for raw ghetto talent and those who qualify will be able to meet and receive mentorship from the Prophet. 

"We are trying our best to cover as much ground to identify the ghetto emcees with the potential so that by the time King Shango arrives on December 29 everything would be in place," he said.

Templeman said besides the main act there is going to be the battle of emcees as part of the festival.