Read Island Stage Magazine

January/February 2016
M A G A Z I N E
Tarrus
Riley
Sounds of Reggae
Welcome to JamRock
+
Author- Marlon James
Author- Lenah Mochoele
Jah Mason
PUPPA LËK SÈN
Ras Takura
Cunnie Budd
Table of Contents
TO DO:
PLAN YOUR
Support
Reggae
Music
2016 REGGAE
05. Welcome to Jamrock 2015
FESTIVAL TRIP!
Less computer time.
Read more books! Get
more exercise and
Happy New Year!
drink more water!
18. Author Lena Mochoele
24. Sounds of Reggae
31. Tarrus Riley Cover photo © Lee Abel Photography
REMINDER:
37. Jah Mason
LIVE LIFE TO THE
FULLEST!
13. Author Marlon James
Live in Love
44. Puppa Lëk Sèn
48. Ras Takura
51. Cunnie Budd
Letter From the Editor
Happy New Year~
2015 was a busy year in Reggae! Island Stage Magazine covered many events worldwide
including Rebel Salute, Riot Fest, Reggae on the River and Rototom, just to name a few. We
covered the Catch A Fire Tour and for the second consecutive year, we cruised on the Welcome
to Jamrock Reggae Cruise.
We are excited for a new year, filled with just as much Reggae Music and more! As much as we love Reggae, sales continue to drop. One
way to fix this is to purchase singles and albums rather than streaming them. In addition we can purchase artist merchadise to help
support them. Another way is to be sure and attend LIVE events as much as you can. Reggae deserves our support! Please join us in
committing to purchase more of the music in 2016!!
We are sad that 2015 was also a year of violence around the world. We must do our part and continue to rise as a people to UNITE in
the LIGHT and Divine LOVE. As difficult as it is to stay focused on the positive, with so much negative happening around us, WE
MUST stick together and uplift one another. Let us agree to try harder this year to remember
that “Love is the absence of judgement.”
Giving thanks for your continued support!!
One Love,
Susan & Team
Welcome to JamRock 2015
The Ultimate Reggae Party on the Ocean
© Anita Posada
Summary by : Maliika Walker
Photos © Anita Posada
Imagine partying to reggae music from sun up to sun down
for six days in the middle of the ocean. Those who attended
the 2nd Annual Welcome To Jamrock Reggae Cruise did
just that. The vibe was set from the moment we boarded the
Norwegian Pearl in Miami. The passengers made their way
to the 12th deck entertainment area to see Damian Marley
welcome everyone to the 2nd Annual Welcome to Jamrock
Cruise. Another reggae party with people from all over world.
Last years cruise was an epic odyssey of One Love. The first
annual cruise sold out in a matter of weeks of going on sale.
People were united to hear the beautiful sounds of reggae
music from over 52 countries across the globe. November
30th marked our return to the Norwegian Pearl when we set
sail once again.
© Anita Posada
A big difference from last years’ cruise was the performances
started earlier in the evening, 6PM vs. 8PM on the last cruise.
Protoje was the first performer on this year’s reggae party on
the ocean. He set the stage beautifully for the amazing music
that was sure to come. He even had Ky-Mani Marley join
him on stage for Rasta Love. Morgan Heritage followed,
entering the stage to their hit song Strictly Roots. This
year cruise patrons would be treated to a full set from one
of the royal families of reggae music. Morgan Heritage’s set
was cut short the last cruise, but they were not denied this
cruise. The audience was treated to great vibrations from
the expansive collections, both old and new tunes. Hit tunes
like their classics Don’t Haffi Dread, Down by the River
and Tell Me How Come to new classics like Child of Jah.
Jemere Morgan, representing the next generation, also
joined the party and performed with the group. Maxi Priest
then energized the crowd with selections that cover his career
through three decades. He performed with such vibrant
energy that you couldn’t help but to jump in and sing along
with him. His silky voice is still the gift that keeps on giving
as he treated us to tunes such as Crazy Love and his all-time
classic Close to You. Stephen Marley closed out the first
night of the cruise and patrons couldn’t be happier to see him.
Last year Stephen did not get to perform due to rain. The party had to be brought in doors which set the stage to an epic finale
that will always be remembered. This year, Stephen set the stage for the evening by displaying his musical genius. The ten- time
Grammy winner performed some of his father’s classic hits as well as some of his own. The audience swayed with him through such
tunes as Lively Up Yourself, Buffalo Soldier, as well as No Cigarette Smoking and Rockstone. Veteran DJ Spragga Benz
brought fiery electricity to the stage, “Ragga” on stage for Iron Bars, Traffic Jam, and Jah Army. Our captain, Damian Marley,
joined Ragga for part of his set, performing The Mission, Tight Ship, and Traffic Jam. Kingston 12 kept the party vibes going in
the Atrium until the wee hours of the morning.
Since the next day was a day at sea, cruise patrons took in everything the boat had to offer including the first Meet and Greet,
a chance for fans to get up and personal with some of reggae’s biggest stars. Artists such as Tarrus Riley, Morgan Heritage,
Protoje, Maxi Priest, Tanya Stephens, and Christopher Ellis greeted and took pictures with fans. In addition, the non-stop party
was in full-effect on the 12th and 13th decks from 12 noon. The evening brought another night of electric performances. Ghetto
Youth International artist Christopher Ellis, the son of rock-steady pioneer Alton Ellis, got the night started off perfectly by
performing selections from his debut EP. Beautiful songs such as Better Than Love and Left Unsaid were met with positive vibes
by the audience. The only female artist on the cruise line up, Tanya Stephens followed performing hit tunes from her catalog. Ms.
Stephens performed flawlessly, including the crowd favorite It’s a Pity. Ky-Mani Marley entered the stage next performing songs
primarily from his new hit album, Maestro, with some of his father’s tunes as well. The audience swayed along to his popular tune
All The Way. Ky-Mani returned the favor by bringing Protoje out to perform Rasta Love. Tarrus Riley closed out the second
night, performing a soulful set with his band Blak Soil. From the moment we heard that saxophone, we knew the great Dean
Fraser was going to make our hearts sing. Tarrus breezed thru his set filled with hit after hit tune including Larger Than Life,
Beware, Stay With You, She’s Royal and Gimmie Likkle One Drop. He even treated the audience with a dedication to the great
Buju Banton. Stone Love then kept the party going in the Atrium, playing jams until the wee hours of the moment. Yes, another
night where many people “broke day” once again.
The third day marked the ship docking in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Some of the artists that performed the first two days left the ship
and a new slew of artists got on to join the party. Most of the artists from day three would include artists who had no US visa,
meaning they could not perform in the US. Dancehall or No Visa night was a highlight for many fans last year because this would
be their opportunity to lay eyes on Jah Cure, Bounty Killer, and others. This year would be the same as Busy Signal, Jah Cure,
and Bounty Killer returned to perform. They were joined by Popcaan, Elephant Man, and Super Cat. The night got started with
an interesting twist, Busy Signal had to perform before the ship could leave the port in Montego Bay. He literally had to perform and
get off the boat. Busy treated the audience to nothing but up full vibes despite his dilemma of having to depart the boat. Elephant
Man soon followed with a performance that saw him jumping off stage to vibe with the crowd and also jumping on speakers. Nothing
less could be expected from the Energy God. I saw grandmothers and granddaughters dancing right along with him. The Don Dada,
Super Cat, hit the stage next and performed a set filled with nothing but boom tune after boom tune including Dem Don’t Worry
We. Super Cat kept his hat tipped to the side his entire performance, showing he still possesses that sense of cool. Jah Cure, who
was recently nominated for his first Grammy, was the next performer to hit the stage. An artist who released an album in the U.S.
and it went number one on the Billboard Reggae charts, even though he was not able to promote the album in the country. The crowd
greeted Jah Cure with a fire of the belly. He performed such hit songs from his catalog as Never Find, Life We Love, and Love Is.
Audiences were also treated to songs from his recent Grammy nominated release, The Cure. Bounty Killer closed out the third night
with a show that brought the dancehall legend sharing his thoughts about many things affecting the people.
The poor people’s Governor talked about many things including the government as he also performed hit after hit for the crowd. By
the time he exited the stage the audience danced themselves
to a frenzy but there was no time to rest because King
Jammys was ready to hit the main stage and keep them
moving.
On Day four we arrived in Ocho Rios. This was also the day
that Damian Marley was set to hit the stage. Reggae legends,
Third World, got the evening off to a rocking start with their
classic Reggae Ambassadors. They went on to perform
such classics as Sense of Purpose, and 96 Degrees. Of
course their performance would not be complete without
Cat Coore performing Bob Marley’s Redemption Song on
cello and Tony Ruption’s African Drum Solo. The audience
gave a roaring ovation to both. The group capped off their
strong performance with with smash hits Try Jah Love and
Now That We Found Love. Cham attacked the stage next
with a vengeance. Cham danced across the stage to the joy
of thousands of fans. We could not help but to jump and
party along with him and the band. Fans were treated to his
performance of such hits as Stronger and Ghetto Story.
Cham lit the fire on stage last year and did the same thing this
year. He left the stage sizzling hot, ready for the legendary
Barrington Levy. The dancehall legend kept the crowd going
by breezing thru several of his classics. The crowd roared
with applause as he performed hit after hit. Next to the
stage was the captain of our voyage, Damian Marley. Our
captain performed some of his classic hits like Searching,
Love and Inity, Me Name Jr. Gong, and Move. Damian’s
band and back-up singers performed to perfection, much to
the delight of the audience. A Marley performance would be
remiss without some material by the the great patriarch of the
family, Bob Marley. Damian performed Could You Be Loved,
Trenchtown Rock and Get Up Stand Up. Cham joined
Damian on stage for a performance of their hit, Fighter.
Damian ended his superb performance with Welcome to
Jamrock, the perfect song that defined our voyage. This
cruise marked the first time many on the boat had been to
Jamaica.
© Anita Posada
Day five was the 2nd day at sea and marked the last day
we were to be on board. Neville Garrick took some time
to speak to those interested in some of the historic visual
work he did with Bob Marley and the stories behind the
© Anita Posada
works. Neville Garrick captured vivid images of Bob interacting
with people which seemed to be his natural state. Neville also
shared stories behind the album covers he designed included
Survival and Exodus. A second meet & greet was scheduled
for that afternoon, and this time Damian Marley would make an
appearance. The line to get into the meet and greet wrapped
the floor and spread out to the deck. Cruise patrons had the
opportunity to take pictures with Damian & Julian Marley,
Cham, Capleton, TOK, and Third World.
The skies appeared cloudy and I began to wonder if rain was
going to interrupt our show that was to take place that evening.
TOK, Julian Marley, and Capleton were all set to close out
the cruise. Audiences were looking forward to seeing TOK
in particular. The band recently announced that they will be
breaking up and are now only fulfilling prior commitments. Just
when people began to think this year would not be a repeat of
last year, when the last night was rained out, it began to rain
on TOK’s set. The show was forced inside the boat once again.
The crowd packed the Atrium area to capacity as the DJ’s kept
the crowd entertained. Unfortunately, TOK did not get a chance
to finish their performance, and Julian Marley did not perform
at all, but Capleton hit the stage with a DJ for two hours. The
elements may have not have allowed Capleton to perform with
a band but that didn’t stop the Fire Man from performing for
the crowd. The crowd roared, jumped and danced his entire
performance. Damian Marley joined him on stage briefly to
close out the cruise.
This year’s cruise allowed fans of reggae music to once again
party in the the middle of the sea. The Welcome To Jamrock
Cruise is the ulitimate cruise Reggae Festival. Damian Marley
and team managed for the second year to put on an epic event
that will forever be remembered by all who attended. Next
year’s cruise will mark a change in cruise lines. Royal Caribbean
will greet cruise patrons in 2016. So far some of the acts
confirmed, in addition to Damian and Stephen Marley, include
Mavado, Sean Paul, Steel Pulse, Half Pint, J Boog, and
Kabaka Pyramid.
We are already eagerly anticipating the 2016 cruise to join the
ultimate reggae party on the ocean.
Click the pic to reserve your 2016 cabin!
© Anita Posada
Up Close and Personal with
Award Winning Author
Marlon James
© Lee Abel Photography
Island Stage Magazine
Article By Shelah Moody
and your work. I’m glad you are here today to discuss this
incredibly difficult text.”
Photos by Lee Abel
“A History of Seven Killings” is not your typical novel.
James writes about a Jamaica most outsiders do not get to
see, including the poverty, psychological pain, homophobia,
class and color divisions and political wars and drug wars. The
violence described by James in the book is so graphic that
James has been compared with filmmaker Quentin Tarantino.
“From Jamdown to Boogie Down; hope you enjoy the
trip.” –Marlon James
This fall, acclaimed Jamaican author Marlon James
arrived in San Francisco on the heels of winning the 2015 Man
Booker Prize for his third novel, “A Brief History of Seven
Killings” (Riverhead Books). James made history as the first
Jamaican to receive the coveted award.
“Seven Killings” is centered around the assassination attempt
on music icon Bob Marley on Dec. 3, 1976 at his home at
56 Hope Road (now the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston).
Willingly and unwillingly caught up in the frightening plot
are ghetto gunmen, gang leaders, CIA agents, journalists,
politician, musicians and groupies. Bob Marley is referred
to as the “Singer,” a national prophet and hero in the
novel who embodies all of the country’s dreams and also,
its frustrations. “A Brief History of Seven Killings” moves
from Jamaica to New York and Miami and spans 30 years
as Jamaican gang violence and turf wars spread to the U.S.
Reggae artists such as The Mighty Diamonds, Dennis Brown,
and Gregory Isaacs and of course, Bob Marley, are part of the
soundtrack.
During his visit, the Kingston -born Minnesota resident
had a chance to check out some Burmese food in the city
and found a rare Verve recording at Amoeba record store in
the historic Haight Ashbury district. James, who is openly
gay, joked about the prospects of finding a husband in San
Francisco.
Most importantly, on the evening of Oct. 26, in
conversation with author Marie Mockett, James read passages
from “A Brief History of Seven Killings” to a packed house at
Green Apple Bookstore SF. In a time when bookstores are
closing around the country and readers are downloading their
literature on Kindle, James’ fans lined up for autographs,
some of whom had purchased three books at a time.
“If anything, this novel is about the severing of the link
between the ghosts and the spirits and the living. In the
absence of that link, everything sort of falls apart.”—Marlon
James
At 45, with three novels, including “John Crow’s Devil”
and “The Book of Night Women,” under his belt, James,
graduate of the University of the West Indies, is at the top of
the literary world. “A Brief History of Seven Killings,” along
with the U.K.’s Man Booker Prize, has so far earned the OCM
Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature, The Anisfield-Wolf Book
Award for Fiction and the Green Carnation Prize. “Seven
Killings” has already been optioned for a movie by a major
outlet.
James seamlessly toggles between the world of the
living and the dead, and lines are blurred between dream and
reality. One of “Seven Killings” most important characters, is
Sir Arthur Jennings, a deceased politician.
James described Jennings as an eternal Cassandra that
nobody believes.
“I’ve never been so emotionally invested in someone
winning the Man Booker Prize; I was overjoyed when you
won,” Mockett said to James. “I think the world of you
January/February 2016
“He represents a lot of things,” said James. “He’s slightly
based on a real person in Jamaica. In a lot of ways, he was
our Kennedy. A lot of people pinned a lot of hopes on him.
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© Lee Abel Photography
Island Stage Magazine
One day, at the Sunset Beach hotel, he was found dead at
the bottom of his balcony; his neck was broken. They said
he had sleeping sickness when he’d never had a history of it.
The rumor has always been that he was pushed. Pretty much
everybody believes that, including his family, who will not
talk about it. There is always a sense that a bright hope for
Jamaica died with him. I was fascinated by this man and the
idea that he was taken out by someone in his own party.”
identity against backdrop of the imperial power.
James said that Demus and Bam Bam could be
considered post-post-colonial characters.
“With Bam Bam, the overriding cultural influence is
America,” said James.
James said that he does not feel any spiritual or
emotional caffinity to the U.K.; even though he received a
pre-British colonial education, “Sesame Street” was on TV
every day. Television and radio, he said, changed everything,
even though there was tons of British pop music playing .
“I will probably do this for every book that I write; I
always have a character who functions as a Greek chorus in
my novels, mostly to keep me on track,” said James. “I’m
very discursive when writing and teaching; I go all over the
place.”
“Jamaica is like Sri Lanka, like a lot of people in the
commonwealth, you are raised to be subjects of empire-even now,” said James. “It took me a while to realize that my
standard English sounded Victorian.”
The voices in “A Brief History of Seven Killings” will haunt
you. It will be interesting to see how Hollywood will cast
narrators such as gunmen Bam Bam and Demus (who James
calls a “reflective gangster”) Nina Burgess, a middle class
Jamaican and who allegedly had an affair with “the Singer”
and strives to escape Jamaica either on a plane or in a coffin,
Josey Wales, the don of the fictional Copenhagen City, (who
James described as a psychopath with a refreshing world
view) and Alex Pierce, a white Midwestern journalist on
assignment for “Rolling Stone” magazine. Hmm... I envision
Jonah Hill in this role. In fact, I vote for singer/actress
Cherine Anderson of “Dancehall Queen” fame, in the role of
Nina.
During their discussion, Mockett asked James if he found
himself writing differently since he settled in the U.S. in 2008.
“Oh yes, I do think that I write differently,” said James.
“Even with “A Brief History of Seven Killings,” I feel like the
Jamaican half is very different from the American half. There
are more literary flights of fancy in the American half. I didn’t
realize it until a Jamaican friend pointed it out to me. There is
a bigger sense of freedom; there are things I wouldn’t write in
Jamaica, like I don’t think I’d write a novel with back to back
scenes of hot gay sex. And they are hot!”
According to James, who is also a creative writing
professor at Macalester College in Minnesota, characters sort
show up living rent free in his head and won’t leave until he
gives them a story.
Some of James’ greatest literary influences are Salman
Rushdie, Virginia Wolfe and Marguerite Duras, author of the
“North China Lover.” James said that Duras was the inspiration
for the Weeper, a gang enforcer, gunman and drug trafficker
who masks his homosexuality with bravado.
“In a lot of ways, this is the loosest I’ve ever written a
novel,” said James. “My last novel stuck to a very classic idea
of how a novel should be written.”
During their conversation, Mockett referred to “A Brief History
of Seven Killings” as a post-post colonial novel. In the postcolonial novel, according to Mockett, people are finding their
January/February 2016
“Weeper, being such a dangerous character but also being
such an emotionally vulnerable person, would be the type of
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Island Stage Magazine
guy who would stage manage everything, including his own
sex,” said James.
James, who received his master’s degree in creative writing
from Wilkes University in Pennsylvania in 2006, said that he is
fascinated by language and dialect and writes passages of the
novel in the Jamaican patois specific to each character. James
has been praised for the way he writes his female characters,
and Nina Burgess is a shining example in “A Brief History of
Seven Killings.”
“Nina’s entire life is her reeling from something from
which she’s really isn’t quite sure what happened,” said
James. “It isn’t set in stone that anybody would have been
coming after her—spoiler alert. Nina’s world view is very
much mine, right to the point where education almost seems
like a betrayal, because we were so fully educated and
equipped and given nothing to do with it. There are tons of
Ninas. I in a lot of ways was a Nina.”
Stay tuned for James’ next novel, “Black Leopard, Red
Wolf.”
January/February 2016
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17
www.island-stage.com
WALKING A MILE IN YOUR SHOES:
My Spiritual Journey With Lucky Dube
by Lenah Mochoele
book review by Lee Abel
Lucky Dube’s music touched millions of hearts worldwide,
but very few souls had the opportunity to work with him
professionally. For those who did, their lives were forever
altered, elevated, and enriched. Fate smiled on Lenah
Mochoele. She began working at Gallo Record Company,
Lucky’s label, in 1995. She quickly worked her way from
secretary to artist development/liaison, and finally to
organizing tours and accompanying artists.
Her recently published book, “Walking A Mile In Your
Shoes: My Spiritual Journey With Lucky Dube” provides
a riveting view in to both her spiritual connection with Lucky
as well as insights and stories about Lucky himself, from his
struggles and joys to his convictions and logic.
Well written, personal, and deeply insightful, this book will be
a welcome read for the fans who still bemoan the tragic loss
of their beloved icon, as well as to those who had the privilege
of knowing the man behind the legend. This is a deep book
that will leave the reader feeling he/she has just had an
enlightening encounter with the man who was Africa’s King of
Reggae.
I travelled the continent with Lucky. Apart from the amazing
crowds that he would move, his music would make you want
to search your soul and correct any issues you might find
hidden there. I cried a lot when he got on stage; I looked
at his audience, made up mostly of the poorest of the poor.
Lucky represented the masses. He had told me his story as a
youth growing up in poverty, but nothing prepared me for his
impact.-Lenah Mochoele
I recently caught up with Lenah, and we had a wonderful,
engaging conversation, including this background on one of
her poems.
Island Stage Magazine
Lee: Lenah, in chapter 9 you shared how you wrestled with
your emotions when you heard about the murder on the
morning of October 19th.
Lenah: I did not realize the whole world was also in a wrestle
that morning, I was not alone. We all shared bullets for
breakfast with Lucky’s family in the little corners of our hearts
and minds.
Lee: And you wrote a poem?
Lenah: The Bullets For Breakfast poem carries a message
still fresh to this day. The world was served grief in the form
of bullets for breakfast that morning. For Lucky’s family,
relatives, friends and his fans the world over, this poem
figuratively captures a breakfast meal in the form of grief. You
cannot eat bullets, but when bullets take life, the affected are
served a free meal. Instead of enjoying a good breakfast, the
world was forced to accept this untimely, unnecessary act of
barbarism. A good life wasted by bullets.
Lee: Sounds like “Running Falling”.
Lenah: Yes, the poem relates to “Running Falling” from
Lucky’s “House of Exile” album, where Lucky narrates
in song form how the people of South Africa embrace the
triumph of the power of good over evil. Figuratively, Lucky
mentions that at hearing news that Apartheid was going, the
oppressor man was running and falling, thinking that people
would do to him what he did to them 400 years ago, he will
look for his gun and to his surprise he found it empty because
we, the people, ate the bullets for breakfast to rid the country
of the evil system of Apartheid. Without the bullets, the
people would enjoy peace. In Lucky’s philosophy of peace and
love, for peace’s sake, we will do everything, even if it means
eating bullets for breakfast.
January/February 2016
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www.island-stage.com
BULLETS FOR BREAKFAST
Now that the girls have sucked
by Lenah Mochoele
Each one of them, their last drop
I had breakfast one unforgettable morning
Of the natural juices mother earth offered Pure in its form, it’s always been
Served to me forcefully
Its reliability is unbelievable as
A breakfast I had to have no matter what
It always assures me, of how strong I am That no matter how strong the
stain
A breakfast different from any other
Special in its nature I had to eat it,
Forcefully as my throat suffered greatly to swallow This breakfast so special
and yet so difficult Different presentation , but not new to me
From the breakfast, the beat goes on
As I approached my serving that morning I wasn’t sure what to expect
My last special breakfast
I had had different breakfasts before
Looked cold, and unappetizing Complicated in its presentation
Served to me in the morning and I got acquainted To the different breakfasts
life serves me
To this day I am still baffled
When the room service knock came
I tried to brush my teeth before the breakfast But then again I decided there
was no need No need at all to brush your teeth
I had to approach the special serving anyway
Accepting an offering life served me, I could not refuse Accepting that life
always serves me what I do not order I approached the breakfast anyway
When my special breakfast was served,
For this special breakfast I only am acquainted All I needed was to put my
brace napkin
There was no one to whisper to, no one to scream to
To make sure my breast and all that is in it
To ask if indeed this was my breakfast
Is protected, covered in a napkin Like the soldiers cover themselves in
Landing straight, into my heart
breast plate in a war
No tea cold or warm
So do I cover my breast in a special napkin
No dashing of a drink of sorts or straight, or on the rocks No buttered
bread
A napkin trusted enough to protect the
Steel turned heart of this strong black woman For I only am acquainted to the
special Breakfast, not so many people are invited to This napkin stays on my
breast
No fried nor scrumbled eggs
Straight from my sleep
Island Stage Magazine
I had to eat my breakfast
Bullets for breakfast
Three bullets
I hate you with a hate
Served on a platter, hard and cold, in a hotel room Room service it had to be,
no starter no dersert Special I’ve always known that I was
I hate you with a hate from my heart,
liver, lungs, oesophagus, large intestines, small intestines, my blood, brain,
hair, eyes, nose, mouth, cheeks , ears, neck, my feet, legs, my toes, nails and
everything I am made of.
The breakfast was over special
For I could not handle the honour
Of this particular special breakfast
Bullets for breakfast I wish I could pee on you. Bullets for breakfast I wish
I could fart on you, Bullets for breakfast I wish I could send you
Three bullets
To where you came from in the first place
On who
For we don’t need you in Africa
Lucky what
Click to Purchase “Walking a Mile in Yours Shoes”
What did you say again
Which Lucky are you talking about
As my special breakfast was getting into my system I got drunk from just
the three bullets
So drunk my world was spinning
Spinning with confusion
Spinning with hate Spinning with fear Spinning with hurt Spinning with
grief Spinning with pain Spinning with resentment
Bullets for breakfast
The bullets that still make my world spin
Bullets that kept me drunk for many years
Bullets that kept me addicted for many years Bullets that kept me obsessed
for many years Bullets that kept me cold for many years
January/February 2016
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www.island-stage.com
rglent@blackherbals.com
Sounds of Reggae
December 13, 2015
© 2015 Reggae Reflection
Island Stage Magazine
Sounds of Reggae Concert ~
By: Maliika Walker
Photos © Reggae Reflection
The anticipation for the Sounds of Reggae Concert were
high from the moment it was announced this fall. A show
featuring Shaggy, Third World and Ky-Mani Marley, all on
one bill was surely not to be missed. The recently refurbished
Kings Theatre was the chosen venue for the event. The
venue reopened February of 2015, after being closed since
1977. This beautiful theatre was originally established in
1929 and served as a theatre and vaudeville location. The
venue has hosted such celebrated artists as Diana Ross and
Jill Scott but now reggae was going tear the roof off.
The first artist to grace the
stage, that evening, was a
fresh new voice in reggae music
named Amber Lee. Ms. Lee
perfectly displayed her beautiful
voice for the audience. Not
only does this young lady have
a beautiful voice but she also
showed she had great energy by
dancing during the show. She
closed out her performance by
performing her single titled, I
Wonder, currently available on
iTunes. I am looking forward
to hearing her and seeing her
perform more in the future. Her
light is shining bright.
© 2015 Reggae Reflection
January/February 2016
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Island Stage Magazine
I felt the floor shake as everyone danced with joy while the
group performed the classic song.
Next to hit the stage was Antiguan
reggae artist, Causion who was
introduced to the audience by Third
World’s Stephen “Cat” Coore.
The artist kept the crowd growing
with his roots sound.
The final artist of the night was a reggae veteran of over
twenty years, Shaggy. The crowd let Shaggy know his
presence was appreciated with their roaring applause once
he entered the stage. Shaggy, also a Gulf War veteran
with the U.S. Marine Corps, performed hit after hit. The
audience danced and shouted during Boombastic. Rayvon
joined Shaggy for several songs including My Angel. Many
women swayed with him when he performed his hit tunes
Strength of a Woman and Summertime. The show was
Shaggy’s return to his Brooklyn roots. He reminisced about
his time working hard to be noticed in Brooklyn back in the
day. Shaggy took time to thank the first man to record him,
Don Juan, who was in the audience. A hysterical moment
came when Shaggy had women making sure he knew he
could still “get it” after he took some time to whine for the
ladies. It was also great hearing Shaggy perform Love Mi
Jamaica and I Need Your Love. Pitbull may not have been
present to perform their tune, Only Love, but Shaggy did
just fine without him. The crowd erupted once Rayvon joined
him onstage once again for It Wasn’t Me. The response
from the audience was nothing by positive vibes song after
song. Shaggy performed an encore that included his classic
dancehall tunes from the 90’s. The show turned into a
bashment party with people whining and partying in the
aisles. He closed out his show to Mr. Lover. Shaggy kept
us on our feet his entire performance. Definitely one of my
favorite performances I witnessed in 2015.
The crowd responded positively
to his performance and left the
audience wanting to hear more.
Third World immediately followed,
entering the stage to their classic
hit Reggae Ambassadors. One
thing I immediately noticed was AJ
Brown was back as lead singer. I
had the opportunity to see Third World on the Welcome to
Jamrock Reggae Cruise, where AJ Brown was not present,
so it was refreshing to see him performing with the band.
Hearing AJ’s voice over the band’s instrumentation was
something I was glad to experience. The band performed
such hits as Sense of Purpose, 96 Degrees and Forbidden
Love. Drummer Tony Ruption brought Africa to the stage
by way of the drum to a rousing applause from the crowd.
You really felt the presence of the motherland in the venue
with us. Cat Coore performed Redemption Song on Cello.
It is a moment I always look forward to during Third World’s
performances. Ky-Mani Marley joined Third World on stage to
perform Could You Be Loved to a standing ovation from the
audience. Ky-Mani, who released his latest album Maestro
this summer, also treated the audience to his single Love
Over All, which is featured on the album. Ky-Mani’s brief
time with Third World was closed out with his father’s song,
Jammin. The audience stayed on their feet while Ky-Mani
and Third World performed the classic tune. Ky-Mani’s voice
can be reminiscent of his father’s and that night was one of
those occasions. He definitely left the crowd wanting more
once he exited the stage. Third World kept the crowd on their
feet by performing Try Jah Love. Everyone then danced in
the aisles to their hit tune, Now That We Found Love.
January/February 2016
Sounds of Reggae was filled with great performances from
new artist Amber Lee, to the sounds of Antiguan reggae in
Causion, to over forty year veterans Third World w/guest KyMani Marley, and finally the Mr. Loverman himself Shaggy. Be
sure to check out all the performers when they come to your
city. You won’t be disappointed.
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© 2015 Reggae Reflection
© 2015 Reggae Reflection
© 2015 Reggae Reflection
www.reggaereflection.com
Tarrus Riley
© 2015 Reggae Reflection
Island Stage Magazine
Tarrus Riley aka “Singy Singy”
a special experience the moment we heard Tarrus’s voice.
Singy Singy and band were flawless through performances
of Beware, Larger Than Life, She’s Royal, and Gimmie Likkle
One Drop. Tarrus’s dedication to reggae/dancehall great,
Buju Banton, was met with a thunderous applause from the
audience. Tarrus’s chemistry with his band can be felt by the
entire crowd during their performance. You could hear the
synergy in every note sung and instrument played. Dean
Fraser’s mastery level play of the saxophone is an experience
I encourage all too witness. We all were very thankful for the
performance of Tarrus Riley and the Blak Soil Band.
Interview: Maliika Walker
“No I never been someone shy
Until I seen your eyes
Still I had to try, yeah
Tarrus and I got a chance to speak the day of his performance
on the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise where we
discussed his cover of Ed Sheeran’s Lay It All On Me, the first
time he performed in Africa, and his thoughts on interacting
with fans today in the wake of social media. Here is our
conversation.
Oh yes, let me get my words right and then approach you
Woman I’ll treat you like a man is suppose to”
Tarrus Riley has a gift that he shares with his fans. That gift
is his silky voice that spreads nothing but positive messages
to whomever hears it. They don’t call him Singy Singy for
no reason. I felt uplifting energy from the first time I heard
Tarrus Riley’s voice. The song She’s Royal told me and
women everywhere that we were beautiful and deserved to be
loved.
Maliika: I discovered your music after purchasing the
Parables album. I then went back and purchased Challenges.
What are your thoughts as you look back at that time?
Tarrus: I was actually going through challenges at the time.
It was my first time singing so that was a challenge. My
father is a singer so people had expectations. It was very
challenging. I continued the concept approach with my next
release. My next album was Parables which included a lot
of hidden messages. Contagious, my career was catching
on. MeCoustic, speaks for itself. Love Situation which is my
tribute to rock-steady. I appreciate everyone’s support. I
just want to be here for the long run, that’s all. I want to
ensure the music that we’re doing stands the test of time.
I was reminded of his gift when I attended Tarrus perform
with his Blak Soil Band in Central Park this summer. Tarrus
and his band performed an enchanting set from the moment
he hit the stage. He performed several hit songs from his
catalog as well as his version of Michael Jackson’s classic,
Human Nature. One of the highlights for me was when Tarrus
was joined onstage by his father, rock-steady legend and
pioneer Jimmy Riley. Seeing Jimmy and Tarrus Riley perform
together was magical for the entire audience. You truly
saw two generations of reggae music performing, sending
messages of love and upliftment in the process.
Maliika: MeCoustic remains my favorite release from you.
Tarrus: The interesting thing about that album is it’s really
popular in Europe. The name of the project was MeCoustic
because it’s me acoustic or Mec Coustic making the music
acoustic, a play on words.
I got a chance to see Tarrus perform during the Welcome to
Jamrock Reggae Cruise that took place in early December.
Tarrus and the Blak Soil Band put on the show the cruise
patrons will forever remember. We knew we were in for
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Maliika: I love the snippet you shared for your cover of Ed
Sheeran’s Lay It All On Me? Your voice is a great compliment
to the song. What stuck out about that song for you to cover
it? Can you discuss the direction of your next release?
Tarrus: I hate boxes. You can’t put me in a box (category).
The only box you can put me in is my music has substance,
says something, and is positive. I sing one drop reggae,
dancehall, love songs, you name it, because I am trying
to give you emotion in my music. Sometimes you need to
exercise so you need upbeat music as well. A lot of other
artists are the same way, including Damian Marley. We give
you variety in the music. You can’t fit us in one box.
Tarrus: The Ed Sheeran song was great because we got
contacted by Atlantic to record the song. The single was
produced by Jukeboxx/Cannon Productions. I will be recording
a video for the song soon. Album time is drawing near. I
have a lot of ideas and with albums I like to deal with
concepts. The last album project was Love Situation, where
we paid tribute to the rock-steady era. Maybe this time I will
gear toward a more militant album but who knows. I don’t
like to talk about it too much. I like to be just be creative, let
the vibes flow.
Maliika: I was able to attend the historic Catch a Fire tour
a few times and loved seeing a reggae tour like this in the
U.S. I also attended the Welcome to Jamrock Cruise. How
important do feel these events are to reggae music?
Tarrus: These events present reggae to both a U.S. and
International audience in a classy way. I have not been
hesitant in stating that Junior Gong is a genius and his team
is just great. Stephen Marley is a genius as well. It feels
good as a young person in reggae music to see and perform
at events like this. Sometimes Damian and Stephen may
feel like they are fighting the battle alone, of exposing reggae
music to the world, and I may feel like that at times as well.
However, when we link up and present the music like this, we
realize that reggae music can contend with any music genre
out there. We just have to give thanks and appreciate the
times we are living in, our present.
Maliika: Your label mate also recorded a cover. I love
Alaine’s cover of Adele’s Hello.
Tarrus: Yes Alaine’s version is crazy good. I recently read
Hello has the most covers of any song.
Maliika: You worked with Ellie Goulding on the single Major
Lazer single, Powerful. The song has charted in countries like
Australia, Austria, Poland, and UK to name a few.
Tarrus: Yes it charted on Billboard in various countries. This
is the first time I was involved in a project that charted like
this. I’m an independent artist so for me the success of the
single is a big deal. Major Lazer and Ellie Goulding are big
artists so yes this was a good project to get involved with.
She is a very sweet person as well.
Maliika: A trend that remains consistent is American reggae
bands have been dominating the Billboard charts and selling
records. Do you have an opinion of this as a Jamaican reggae
musician?
Tarrus: Of course reggae music is indigenous to Jamaica so
we want to see our people doing it but reggae music is great
and people are drawn to great things. It’s like when everyone
wants the jeans that are perceived to be the best.
Maliika: Any other new singles on the horizon?
Tarrus: I have a single out now with Rock City, an artist
from the Virgin Islands, called Crazy Love. Everyone should
check it out.
What is it they say, mimicking is the highest form of flattery?
I know they love the music. What I would like to see is if
they can contribute to Jamaica and the people but I can’t tell
them what to do.
Maliika: One of the reasons you are so loved by the people is
you can’t put your music in just one category.
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Maliika: One of my favorite songs from you is Start Anew.
I love the video as well. Why was it important to you to write
a song speaking about domestic violence?
Maliika: Social Media and camera phones have changed
fans expectations of interacting with artists. What is your
view on managing fans expectations in today’s market?
Tarrus: It’s a topic I feel strongly about. I am against
domestic violence 100%. That’s the kind of thing I want to do
in music, speak about things I feel strongly about. That song
was written by me and produced by Jukeboxx before we even
had a management agreement.
Tarrus: It’s bitter and it’s sweet. If no one knew you and
didn’t want a picture, then you would probably feel bad.
The mere fact that someone wants to take your picture is a
compliment. But you do have people that are kind of mean
and want to look at you in a compromising position and take
a picture. You have to take the bitter with the sweet. At
the same time, we are musicians and if your music is popular
then you are popular also so you have to give a little of
yourself. Sometimes it is not ideal but it is what it is. If you
do not want to interact with your public, then you can just
stick to singing in your bathroom. Artists are human and we
hope the public with work with us. We live our lives in public
while you get to live your life private.
Maliika: One of the things I loved about the NYC Catch a Fire
tour was when your father joined you onstage and performed
the duet you guys have on the MeCoustic album.
Tarrus: I loved that moment also. He actually wrote that
song, Black Mother Pray. The people who love his music
know and love that song. He wrote that song all by himself.
He’s a great singer and songwriter.
Maliika: Herb is decriminalized in Jamaica but becoming
legal areas around the globe. How do you feel about the
legalization movement in Jamaica?
Maliika: I spoke to some fans at the Catch a Fire in NYC who
didn’t know you had a father who sang.
Tarrus: The cycle continues. For them he is a new artist.
We have done a lot of work together, my father and I. I am
still very young and spreading my wings. Hopefully in another
five years we have another conversation. These are the glory
days, the years we are making a name for ourselves, then we
can look back at that time.
Tarrus: The fact that herb isn’t legal is bullshit. Like Bob
Marley said, Herb is a plant. I don’t see why a plant should
be illegal. Why is alcohol legal but herb illegal? Every man
comes on earth and sees plants. Plants were here before
man. Now people are recognizing the good things about
herb and what it can do, like fighting cancer with the oil.
Some people realize they made a mistake so they are making
it legal. The Rastaman has been telling the government
about herb. Herb is medicine. Sometimes things take time
and until they get the experience they simply do not know.
You can say don’t walk over there and the person will do it
anyway and trip. It’s the same thing with herb, you can’t
really fight it.
Maliika: You have performed countless shows around the
globe. Can you reflect on the first time you performed in
Africa?
Tarrus: I do remember. It was in Kenya and it was a great
concert. Just to be in Africa was an experience. The people
were happy to see me perform there. It was the first time I
was nervous, not nervous to sing, just overwhelmed about
performing in front of an African audience. Just being on
African soil was and amazing experience.
January/February 2016
Maliika: Sometimes I feel if Jamaica would have been
leading the legalization movement, then the government
could have really helped the people.
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Tarrus: Well hopefully the poor people
will benefit. The Rastaman was beaten
down for decades for advocating the herb.
Hopefully the little farmer in the ghetto can
make a living off of it.
Maliika: Any closing thoughts you would
like to share?
Tarrus: I love all my fans. Keep listening
and I won’t disappoint you.
© 2015 Reggae Reflection
Tarrus Riley.com
©
Mason Rose
‘WAA GWAAN’
Jah Mason
© 2015 Reggae Reflection
J
ah Mason has created an extensive catalog of music over
the course of his nearly 25 year career. His latest album,
aptly-titled, Love and Wisdom is his 20th official studio
album and the first project with New Creation Records,
his new management team based in Atlanta, GA. In high
spirits after a wonderful rehearsal session with his new
band, Kasha Macca, I had a chance to chat with Jah Mason
the day before his album launch at the Redbones Jazz and
Blues Club in New Kingston, Jamaica. Love & Wisdom tells
the story of everyday life with several songs speaking to the
trials and tribulations of love relationships as well as themes
pertaining to the benefits of a natural way of life. Jah
Mason shared his vision of the album stating, “It’s all about
Love & Wisdom and the concept is about everyday living
environmentally, and we just put it into words, to deliver
the message through music as a transportation to send
it across the world.” While Jah Mason popularly known as
Fire Mason may be well known for his fiery lyrics and high
energy performances, he displays a diverse range on the
new album including a softer side with a large mixture of
love songs to appeal to a wide audience. Jah Mason shared
with me that the love songs are natural, he is a real person
and falls in love just like anyone else, explaining “ I express
myself through music. The world have to see it, Jah Mason
represents for love.”
Giving back to his local community is also something that Jah
Mason also well known as Farmer Man is passionate about.
Planting crops in his home parish of Manchester to help
support the local community is just one of the areas of his
involvement. He recently provided his strength and support
for a benefit concert in St. Vincent to raise funds for relief
efforts in Dominica. Closer to home, he is establishing a
charity to assist children with learning disabilities and another
as well to enable fans with special needs to attend concerts.
Hear more about Jah Mason’s work on the new album, his
upcoming plans, his advice to artists to acquire proper
business knowledge, and last but not least, his thanks and
message to fans in the full interview here.
© 2015 Reggae Reflection
The Love & Wisdom Album Launch took place at Redbones
Jazz and Blues Club, 11/24/15
Setting the overall tone for the evening Jah Mason
accompanied by the uplifting sounds of Kasha Macca,
kicked off the up-close and intimate performance with
Life so Joyful from his 2004 album Never Give Up. The
entertaining set was a versatile mixture of popular songs
from his extensive catalog such as Rise & Shine, Chalwah,
and Farmer Man, mixed in with selections from Love &
Wisdom including Can You Feel My Pain, From Wah
Day, Trouble on Your Shoulder, and When You Love
Someone.
© 2015 Reggae Reflection
The farm in Manchester Parish, JA
© 2015 Reggae Reflection
© 2015 Reggae Reflection
© 2015 Reggae Reflection
Island Stage
Artist
Spotlight
PUPPA LËK SÈN
Island Stage Magazine
PUPPA LËK SÈN
Always surrounded at production by Yvo and Miguel from
Louxor Station, as well as FX, sound engineer. Will be present
the musicians from his first album, with some nice guests
such as the guitarist Amadou Bagayogo, the singer Julila
Sarr or the legendary Jamaican singer Clinton Fearon, to
name a few, but also featuring Blitz The Ambassador or
Harrisson Stafford (Groundation).
Lëk Sèn grew up in Ngor, a fishing village close to Dakar,
in Senegal. Haunted by singing from early childhood he
expresses himself by rapping within the SSK music band.
Their style develops as they grow up and they start in
February 2006 a collaboration with the Louxor Station
musicians from Paris.
Without never disregarding this so particular afro-folk-blues
style that characterizes him, reggae – another of Lek Sen’s
facets – will have an important part in this new album. An
album that should establish the singer among the essential
names of the World Music.
This common work was rewarded with the album release «
Jog Bala Nacc » in Senegal in 2007 in partnership with the
association Video KIDAM (Paris) and Radio Nostalgie Dakar, as
well as with their selection to participate to the finale of RFI
2007 Prix Découvertes.
Few months after the release of « Tomorrow » in 2013, album
greeted with rave reviews from the World Music critics, LËK
SÈN, restless creator, is already presenting his new album «
Hope Inna Afreeka ». Produced in collaboration with the
association JAHSEN CREATION he created to develop his
artistic career. To realize his project LËK SÈN (Lead vocals,
Guitar, Bass, Drums Calebasse, also Author, Composer,
Arranger, Adapter) gathers MAGOU SAMB (Guitar), MAKEDA
(Vocals), BLONDIN (Guitar Bass), YOUNG REG (Vocals),
OUSMANE KALIL KOUYATE (Kora), LAMINE N’DIAYE
(Djembe, Vocals), AVELINO QUILEZ (Guitar, Vocals),
ADRIEN BIELHER (Guitar) & YVO ABADI (Drums), to
present a new Album: « Urban Blues »... 100% of the
benefits will be donated to a music school, in favor of the
children in his native village Ngor (Senegal).
Based since then in Paris, Lëk Sèn works on his own guitar
compositions, in a more acoustic style with afro-folk-blues
sounds and tinted with his sound and touching voice.
His first album « Burn » is released in October 2010 on
Makasound label. Written jointly with Leksen, Yvo Abadi,
Miguel Saboga and Adrien Behler, the album gathers also
some prestigious and inspired musicians, such as Julia Sarr
(Lokua Kanza, Youssou N’dour, Femi Kuti...), Mehdi
Haddad (Ekova, Speed Caravan), Jeff Kellner (Souad
Massi, Tony Allen...), Boubacar Dembélé (Amadou et
Mariam), or Kiddus I (Jamaican reggae legend from the
70’s).
On 9 June 2014, Puppa Lëk Sèn released « Jaam Dong »
(Only peace), a new album where he clearly defines his style
and discourse.
Spotted by and selected by France INTER the album will
benefit from very good reviews from the BBC to Mondomix,
RFI and Vibrations, placing immediately the young singer as
an original and essential artist for the current productions.
Often identified among the artists who cannot be categorized
that we happy to class everywhere (African Blues, World,
Reggae, Afrobeat, Rap, ...), Lëk Sèn moves in his album
towards the source of his inspirations, « Reggae » music. His
identity and inspirations remain intact and Lëk Sèn remains
as active and a source of renewal as before. He is musically
inspired by Burning Spear, Groundation and the legendary
In 2012 the young Senegalese continues his musical venture
with a new album « Tomorrow » foreseen for 28 January
2013 on Chapter Two / Wagram label.
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Joseph HILL, his lyrics advocate the discourse of Marcus
Mosiah Garvey, Emperor Hailé Sélassie Jah Rastafari for the
African union and peace in the world.
been sailing between reggae, world music African blues and
urban music. Eight years after his departure from Senegal, he
proposes a 100% hip hop song, written in Jamaican language
to pay tribute to Marcus Garvey and to Jamaican people,
respectful of their African origins.
For the album “Jaam Dong” Lëk Sèn reunited Vi-AVELINO
(Guitar), Laurent PENA VIEIRA (Drums), Christophe
LAXENAIRE (Keyboard), Ousmane KALIL KOUYATE
(Kora), William HOUNTONDJI (Copper), Coco Roots
(Sample, Guitar, Bass guitar) and invited LEXON (Vocals),
Julia SARR (Chorus) and Méta DIA (Vocals) for featuring. A
production by JAHSEN CREATION
COMING SOON!! As always on the reggae road, the release of
Puppa Lëk Sèn’s 5th album « Sweet & Tuff » is planned for
distribution February 5, 2016. Digital EP digital will be already
available from 8 October 2015.
The album « Sweet & Tuff » evokes the turbulences of life,
sometimes harsh sometimes softer. Human conditions in
African make Puppa Lëk Sèn sing, his music is engaged and
genuine. Like a missionary, he continues to transmit Rasta
culture to new generations.
On January 29, 2015 Puppa Lëk Sèn released “Silmakha”
his first single.
“Silmakha” means the Blind in Wolof. This single, written
by Puppa Lëk Sèn, pays tribute to the bravery of children of
blind people in Africa. Their entire life is dedicated to their
parents « They are their eyes, their guides, their arms... ».
The ambiance created contrasts naturally with the lyrics, like
a hymn to encourage these children.
Inspired by Burning Spear, Groundation and by Joseph Hill,
Puppa Lëk Sèn’s lyrics advocate the discourse of Marcus
Mosiah Garvey, of Emperor Haïlé Sélassié, ... for the African
union and peace in the world.
Puppa Lëk Sèn signs this single, a subtle mix of African
Blues, Reggae, of Senegalese Rythms, supported by a
calabash and of dance, which he calls the « Kannassu music
» (Crazy music).
His previous albums, Puppa Lëk Sèn has in store two new
featurings! The first with Ilements, this Reggaeman from SintMarteen, and the second with the legendary Cédric MYTON
des Congos.
This song was written and composed by Puppa Lëk Sèn
(Singing, guitar, calabash , drums) and Christophe Laxenaire
(keyboard, bass guitar). Production, Realization by JAHSEN
CREATION.
Puppa Lëk Sèn has enjoyed making this album, let’s hope the
feeling will spread!
Album in collaboration with Coco Roots (Beatmaker),
Christophe LAXENAIRE (Keyboard), Laurent PENA VIEIRA
(Drums), Vi-Avelino (Guitar), Skunky Skanky (Guitar), Valess
(Bass guitar), Makéda (Chorus), Ilements and Cédric MYTON
of the Congos.
On May 5, 2015, Puppa Lëk Sèn released “Lift up your
head” his second single.
This single marks the return to roots, enriched by the
Jamaican Sound System culture, to which he is very close.
Puppa LËK SÈN comes from hip hop, he was revealed by RFI
in 2007 with his band “SSK”; since then his inspirations have
January/February 2016
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Ras Takura
Founder of the annual
‘Dis Poem’ Wordz & Agro
Festival’
© Sweetland Photos
RasTakura
RasTakura, was nominated for the International Reggae and
World Music (IRAWMA) award in 2011 - Dub Poet of The Year.
Founder of the annual ‘Dis Poem ‘Wordz & Agro Festival’
As the tides change in the Reggae landscape that maintain
the Rootical vibration from the days of the founding fathers
to the Today era of the Reggae Revival, Dub Poetry as always
been playing a great role in the brand of Jamaican Reggae .
RasTakura is one such Poet who carries on in the tradition
of people like Oku Onora, Linton Kwesi Jonson and
Mutabaruka who is like a Mentor and a Father Figure and
has been featured on his recent release ‘Food War’ album in
the track titled ‘The Science of Agriculture’
He has performed on some of Jamaica’s major shows
including Reggae Sumfest, Rebel Salute, Heineken
Startime, plus numerous appearances in schools, Colleges
and Universities across the Island. He has also Toured and
performed across the Caribbean and in the USA. In 2015, he
toured and performed across the East & West Coast of USA
at some of the major Poetry and Reggae Festivals, including
Virginia Reggae Festival, Bridge Water College Intl
Poetry Festival, Charlamont Reggae Fest, Vermont Jerk
& Reggae Fest, NYC Poetry Fest, World Beat Center
and The University of Colorado. He is the founder of
the annual Dis Poem Wordz & Agro Festival, an all day
Poetry festival and expo of Agricultural Products/the hosting
of Jamaica’s Ital Organic Seeds exchange(Seed fi Seeds
exchange) which was started on the campus of the College
of Agriculture Science and Education in Portland Jamaica
in 2011.
His style of Reggae covers not only modern issues but critical
ones that need to be brought to the forefront. He performed
on Word Sound Power that was featured on BETJ. He
classified Himself as a Jamaican Reggae Dub Poet, recording
and performing artist, Farmer and conscious Rastaman.
RasTakura gains his inspiration from H.I.M. Haile Selassie
© Sweetland Photos
I, Marcus Garvey, Mutabaruka,Tehut9 Capleton Peter Tosh,
Bob Marley. His agricultural and environmental roots were
deepened at the Knockalva Agricultural School, and the
College of Agriculture, Science & Education (CASE).
He has been featured on IRIE FM’s programs - Running
African, the Entertainment Buzz and Elise Kelly’s Easy
Skanking show. plus numerous international interviews. He
has also been featured on T.V.J, CVM TV, as well as in several
local and international print media .
“A Potent, Afrocentric Political Poet with a cause” –The
Royal African Soldier (RAS)Takura was born in the beautiful
parish of St. Ann, in a small community neighbouring Nine
Miles, the home of Reggae Legend Bob Marley. He spent his
earlier years growing up on a farm with his Grandparents
then later lived with his single mother in the nearby District.
He recognized his talent while attending Bensonton All Age
School where he gladly used the opportunities given to
perform on every school and community concert.
Look forward to the voice of the future, living in the present.
Look forward to the ‘Food War’ album. Look for RasTakura.
© Sweetland Photos
Cunnie Budd
Cunnie Budd
Growing up in the Northern Parishes on the beautiful island
of Jamaica Oneal Lance Bullah aka Cunnie Budd was born in
Trelawny in 1981. He is the youngest of five children, raised
by his mom for a short time before moving to St Marys to live
with his father.
From a very young age he dreamed of becoming an artist and
one day people around the world would share in his love for
reggae music and sing his songs. He left his fathers house
at the age of 14 to live a street life. He never gave up on
his dream and taught himself everything to do with music.
He writes his own lyrics and musically truly is an ‘all round’
talented singer/songwriter.
Life has not always been easy for Cunnie Budd. Growing up on
the streets of his hometown and, still at a young age, he could
often be found at a sound clash taking in the atmosphere and
beginning to find his energy in an industry he was interested
in.
Times were hard but he did what he could to survive. He would
‘spit’ lyrics on a mic, sing and generally entertain the audience
in every opportunity that presented itself, gaining a reputation
amongst those around him. His status started growing, and
people started becoming aware of his raw talent. Cunnie Budd
like one of his role models Beres Hammond has taken his
music beyond the Caribbean and across Europe.
Known throughout Jamaica for his energy and passion on stage
Cunnie Budd gives 100% of himself at every show no matter
how big or small the venue is. He is relentless in his pursuit
of perfection and spends many hours in the studio sizing up
his next work for recordings or scouting locations for videos.
Supporting local people, Cunnie Budd is frequently involved
with charity projects and keeping his own events which allows
production to stay true to its roots.
This reflects the rawness that is deeply seated in every lyric he
writes. Many would have given up years ago - but not Cunnie
Budd. There is nothing to stop his love and his talent for good,
clean, culturally sensitive Reggae Music.
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Island Stage would like to thank
the following people. Without their
contributions, this issue would not have
been possible.
Empress K - Reggae Reflection
Maliika Walker
Lee Abel
Shelah Moody
David Wendlinger
Hal Wendlinger
Lloyd Stanbury
Sista Irie
Roy Sweetland
Kizzy Riske
Anita Posada
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