Reggae Magazine | the Best of Roots Rock Reggae Music - APR 2014 · 2018. 8. 20. · In 2011, they...
Transcript of Reggae Magazine | the Best of Roots Rock Reggae Music - APR 2014 · 2018. 8. 20. · In 2011, they...
ROOTS / ROCK / REGGAE / RESPECTT R A X
APR 2014
ISSUE #4
bonus TRAX
PROF-IPledge Allegiance
MUSIC
FOR THE REBELS
RAGING FYAHHEMPRESS SATIVAPENTATEUCHKELISSAKAZAMSHUGAMICAH SHEMAIAHMIRIAM SIMONERASS MOTIVATEDALIKANESBETH
JAH9featuring
IRIEMAG.COM
IRIEMAG.COMIRIEMAG.COM
Nicholas “Nico” Da SilvaFounder/Publisher
ISSUE #4 / APRIL 2014
“Dere is no truth but de one truth, an’ that is the truth of Jah Rastafari.”
- Bob Marley
© Bart Henseler Photography
WILLIAM “BUNNY RUGS” CLARKE
REST IN PEACE, DEAR BROTHER!
FEBRUARY 6, 1948 FEBRUARY 2, 2014
Jah9JAMAICA
KelissaJAMAICA
Miriam SimoneSURINAME
Hempress SativaJAMAICA
ShugaJAMAICA
AlikaARGENTINA
Raging FyahJAMAICA
KazamJAMAICA
Rass MotivatedHOLLAND
PentateuchJAMAICA
Micah ShemaiahJAMAICA
NesbethJAMAICA
JAH9
Old school blues improvisation, meets hard
hitting lyrical prowess, in a rich imaginative
blend of vocal clarity and complexity. She sings
with a voice that belies the dimensions of her
physical body, from a soul much older than its
current vessel. Her philosophy is profoundly
spiritual, and her style is Jazz on Dub.
Her style is Jazz on Dub.
She is Janine ‘Jah9’ Cunningham, the third
and final addition to the ministry of Reverend
and Mrs. Cunningham. Her mission and music
are inspired by a resolute reverence, and a
determination to inspire and uplift mind and
soul. She spent her childhood in Trelawny, a
rural parish on Jamaica’s west coast, rooted in
traditional values and a rich cultural heritage.
Upon moving with the family to the dog eat dog
world of Kingston city life, the innocent writing
Biography
STEAMERSA BUBBLE
FEATURED TRACK Jamaica
WEBSITE
jah9.net
IRIEMAG.COM
of a curious youngster transformed into the
indignant battle cries of a defiant revolutionary.
Growing up, Jah9 was taught, by example,
about Christ as a consciousness, more so than
a fearsome man on high who would one day
render judgment. Then in University, she
not only began her love affair with the heavy
basslines and steady drum beats of Dub
and Roots music, but also with the teachings
of His Majesty. Her evolution was gradual
but intensified consistently, resulting in the
inevitable surrender of financial security and
a “prized” place among Jamaica’s corporate
community to the guiding principle of her
calling, toward the Kingdom. Now, as a woman,
instead of the slaughtered Lamb, the preacher’s
daughter hails the Conquering Lion, the Christ
with a new name, Haile Selassie I.
Jah9 has refined her craft over decades of
singing on every choir available to her. She has
also been a staple on Jamaica’s underground
poetry and live music scenes. Her vocals
resonate with a blend of textures – the emotion
of Billie Holiday and Nina Simone, with the
sharp cutting edge of Sizzla Kalonji, on top of
heavy Dub rhythms akin to Augustus Pablo
and King Tubby. The resulting signature sound
has led to collaborations with platinum selling
producer Donovan Bennett of Don Corleon
Records, Sheldon Bernard, and living legend
Beres Hammond of Harmony House Music.
Jah9’s debut album - New Name - is her labour
of love, a declaration of truth and her testimony
of the journey toward self-actualization. The
product of a great synergy with renowned
Producer and now faithful friend, Rory ‘Stone
Love’ Gilligan, New Name is proof that another
servant of truth & light has discovered and
accepted her mission.
Jah 9, Steamers A Bubble, is produced by
Franklyn ‘Ben Up’ Irving. The riddim originally
called ‘Apartment’ was laid in 1982 at The
Channel One Recording Studio by the
original Roots Radics Band.
FOLLOWJah9
Featured Single
Steamers A Bubble
2013
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and gained popularity and presence locally and
internationally, with a few of the songs - such as
the title track ‘Judgement Day’ and hit single ‘Far Away’ - receiving rotation on the air waves and
even found their way onto a few charts.
With conscious roots reggae on the rise, the
“Fyah” continued to spread into 2012, and there
was a heavy demand for the band’s thrilling live
performances at various shows. Their talent
and versatility enables them to aptly adjust
the intensity of their flame. So whether at an
intimate acoustics set or a large stage shows
such as Rebel Salute and Jamaica Jazz and Blues
Festival, they steadily captured the hearts of the
Jamaican listeners. In that same year the band
hit the road to perform on the international
stages of South America as well as to headline
several major reggae festivals in Europe such as
Summerjam, Rototom Sunsplash and Garance.
Since then the band has been doing shows
locally and returned for another tour in in
Europe in Spring of 2013. They have also
released three new singles ‘Dread’ , ‘Naah Look Back’ and ‘First Love’; they are currently in
studio working on their second album.
Raging Fyah is an authentic, soul-filled, roots
rock reggae band, with a fresh contemporary
flare, that will literally set your soul on fire!
That’s what makes Raging Fyah one of hottest
spreading, most captivating and powerful
entertainment packages in a long awaited
Jamaican Reggae Renaissance! The ‘Fyah’
was ignited in 2006 by Anthony Watson
(drummer), Demar Gayle (keyboardist) and
Delroy Hamilton (bassist); then they were later
joined by Courtland White (guitarist) and Kumar
Bent (lead singer) as they set out to rekindle a
flame of positivity in the music industry.
Fueled by passion, purpose and life experiences,
their lyrics touch the soul of the listener, uplifting
and motivating people from all socio-economic
and cultural backgrounds. Whether the message
is love, peace or empowerment, Raging Fyah
burns through barriers of time age, race or class
and has songs for everyone to love. In 2011, they
released their debut album, ‘Judgement Day’,
Biography
JUDGEMENT DAYFEATURED TRACK
FOLLOWRaging Fyah
Featured Single
Judgement Day
2011
WEBSITE
ragingfyah.com
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HEMPRESS
SATIVA
“OH LALALA-THE WEED THING” is
Hempress Sativa’s call to legalize and
decriminalize marijuana, a social issue that
deeply touches her heart and consciousness.
Her moral fiber is strongly influenced and
deeply rooted in the Rastafarian livity, with
marijuana as an important part of the social
fabric of Hempress Sativa’s culture. The
incarceration of people worldwide has inspired
Hempress Saliva’s mission to educate people
about the healthy uses of marijuana. With
music as her platform to deliver a global
message, ‘The Weed Thing’ was recorded.
Kerida Johnson known as Hempress Sativa
was born to Rastafarian parents Doris-Ray
Johnson and legendary Jamaican Selector/
Musician Albert ‘Ilawi Malawi’ Johnson of the
Jah Love Sound System. It was her exposure to
music at home that sharpened her skills and
has manifested today in her expressive writing
and delivery.
Biography
KUSHITE LOVEFEATURED TRACK Jamaica
WEBSITE
http://uthmusicja.com/hempress-sativa.htm
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Hempress Sativa commands the attention
and respect of her audience based on her fiery
performances, with an uncanny ability to keep
all listening as they absorb her every word,
every rhyme.
Hempress Sativa, who has been performing
since the age of 13, with lyrics spiritedly
influenced by her Rastafarian culture, as
conveyed in her song ‘Judgement’ in which she
begins by chanting ‘No More Illusion, Rastafari is real’ …. Her music although generally rooted in
traditional reggae rhythms, also at times,
crosses genres and may reflect traces of
Rhythm and Blues, African and even Hip-Hop
influences as evident in the Anthem ‘Jah Have Mi Back’. Singles such as ‘Get High’ and ‘Children of the Emperor’ have been creating a buzz
both locally and internationally, exemplifying
her musical agility as a melodic singer and a
lyrically skilled Chantress. Hempress Sativa
lists her musical favourites as Sade, Sister
Carol and Ijahman Levi, to name a few.
Dubbed ‘Hempress Sativa: Your Highness’, she
intends on premiering her album to be titled
‘UnconqueRebel Lioness’ which is slated for the
first quarter of 2014. With the success of her
single and video for ‘Ooh La La - The Weed Thing’ she is in high gears as preparation is
being made to kick off her West Coast tour
in March 2014.
An artiste to definitely watch, after electrifying
performances at Rebel Salute 2013, Reggae
Sumfest 2013, Bob Marley Week celebrations
2013 at Emancipation Park, The Independence
Day Street Dance 2013, Wickie Wackie Live,
Rebel Salute 2014 and Live From Kingston to
name a few.
Listen out for her latest single ‘Kushite Love’
produced by UTH Music JA. Hempress Sativa
is an extraordinary young talent, propelling
Jamaican music into the future while strongly
remaining rooted in a traditional foundation
that makes her music timeless.
FOLLOWHempress Sativa
Featured Single
Kushite Love
2013
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PENTATEUCH
Jamaica
inspiration of every artist who helped lay
the foundations of this enduring music
with particular reverence to Jimmy Cliff,
Bob Marley and Burning Spear. Pentateuch
singles out these stalwarts not only for
their musical contribution but also for their
uncompromising and relentless commitment
to empowering the
voiceless. The band’s
debut full length effort
“The Genesis” is a
testament to that
influence. It showcase
songs such as “Black-
face”, a gritty chant for
the appreciation of the
African self and “Kingston”, a lamentation of
Jamaica’s capital city demonstrate the band’s
thoughtful approach to complex issues of
identity. ‘Going Home’, and exploration on
belonging and ‘Cancer Survivor’, a song that
celebrates the indomitable human spirit in the
face of adversity, make for a singularly strong
debut offering. Pentateuch is a band you won’t
soon forget.
Nestled within the hustle and bustle of
Kingston, Jamaica, sits the relative oasis of
the Edna Manley School for the Visual and
Performing Arts, the mecca for many young
Jamaican artistes looking to hone their skills
in the rich indigenous art forms Jamaica has to
offer. Among this group of eclectic and talented
young people, the refreshing and spiritual band,
Pentateuch, rises to the top.
Pentateuch (pronounced penta-toosh), is
said to represent the first 5 books of the
bible. A fitting name for a group of 5 young
men schooled in the disciplines of harmony,
humility and compassion. Their combined
positive energy has culminated into a fragrant
potpourri of creative ideas disseminated
through Jamaic’s most authentic art form:
Jamaican Roots Reggae music.
The band credits its sound to the influence and
Biography
PRESSUREFEATURED TRACK
FOLLOWPentateuch
Featured SingleThe Genesis2013
Pressure
2013
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KELISSA
Raised in the inspirational hills of St. Andrew, Jamaica, Kelissa developed
a natural inclination for music largely influenced by a Rastafari and
reggae upbringing. With parents as lead vocalists in the original reggae
band ‘Chakula,’ creation and appreciation of music were constant features
in her home. At an early age Kelissa participated in a children’s music group
where she learned to play different instruments and was introduced to the
world of performing through vocal, instrumental and drumming ensem-
bles. Her interest in music was reinforced at home where she absorbed her
parents’ rehearsals and created productions with her siblings.
In 2006, Kelissa sojourned with her music to Africa where, during
extended periods in Tanzania, Ethiopia and Ghana, she had multiple
opportunities to broaden her musical scope. While attending the
University of Ghana she studied traditional drumming, xylophone and
dance. During her time in Africa, she expanded her musical abilities by
teaching herself the guitar and collaborating with several musicians and
producers, and performing on multiple occasions.
Kelissa also spent extended periods in California, USA where her college
Biography
BABYLONIS BURNING
FEATURED TRACK Jamaica
IRIEMAG.COM
curriculum was heavily involved with music.
She was an avid member of the ‘world percussion’
and ‘Brasilian’ ensembles, participated in the
college choir and gained exposure on music
production and studio recording. As co-founder
of Black Arts and Cultural Dance (BACD) group
on campus, Kelissa created a platform that
facilitated her on-going interaction with
different audiences and talented young
performers from across the world. Kelissa’s
unique background and rich international
experiences have influenced her music by
coloring it with diverse sounds, insightful
messages and captivating performances.
Kelissa currently resides in Jamaica and
continues to make music her central purpose.
Since returning to Jamaica, ‘Anbessa Productions’
teamed up with ‘Zinc Fence Records’ to produce
her first Extended Play (EP) project ‘Rebel In Disguise,’ which was first released during her first
tour of Africa. In August 2012, Kelissa returned
to Africa with two filmmakers as part of the ‘50 Days in Afrika’ initiative. The Trio travelled to
6 countries (Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa,
Tanzania, Ethiopia & Kenya) to document the
thriving arts industries on the continent. The
tour featured multiple performances by Kelissa
in each country, reinforcing her musical founda-
tion in Africa and harnessing cultural exchange.
Kelissa was the first Jamaican to perform at the
annual ‘Felabration’ festival in Nigeria and shot
her first music video for the tour’s theme song
‘Afrika.’ This experience provided her
with many performance and production
opportunities that enhanced her exposure
in Africa and added to her musical inventory.
Since then, Kelissa has made significant
headway in her musical career, keeping true
to her mission. She has been featured on
several major concerts in Jamaica such
as Rebel Salute and Reggae Sumfest. Her
collaboration with ‘ZincFence Records’
extended to the international stage where
she served as the opening act for Chronixx in
Tobago as well as his tours in England and the
East Coast of USA. She has also collaborated
with several producers to release singles such
as ‘Natural’ and ‘Slow Down’ enhancing her
interaction with the masses. Kelissa’s soulful,
rootsy and world beat music continues to
provide a reservoir of her life experiences
that is driven by her passion to uplift and
inspire others.
FOLLOWKelissa
Featured Single
Babylon is Burning
2012
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KAZAM
Born Girma ‘Kazam’ Davis, he is musically known
as KAZAM DAVIS. A humble Rastafarian hailing
from the Twelve Tribes of Israel, KAZAM has
a promising music career which was nurtured
throughout his youthful years. He often recalls
singing for family and friends and later taught
himself to play the guitar.
Kazam’s inspiration comes from JAH and the
great Bob Marley. “JAH and music itself are my
inspirations. No one understood what I was
going through while growing up, so I wrote to
express my feelings and what I believed in” said
the rising reggae artiste.
His mission is about spreading peace and love
through conscious lyrics. His message resonates
with people from all facets of life, as he believes
his music isn’t molded to meet a certain crowd
or audience; it is a motivation within him.
Biography
ANCIENT WARRIORS
FEATURED TRACK Jamaica
IRIEMAG.COM
justice and truth. He further completed his EP
titled Ancient Warriors which will be released
in 2014. This dynamic and versatile reggae
artist is rebelling for a righteous cause as he
endeavors to promote positive music and
the message of JAH to the four corners of
the world.
Kazam released his first single off his EP titled
“Be Humble, Be Calm” featuring Exile Di Brave
which was launched at his Listening Session
held at Nanook on November 23, 2013.
Kazam’s “Ancient Warriors EP” debuted on
Sunday, January 5, 2014. This Ancient Warrior
is more than ready; he is on the go, gearing to
make his mark in the global positive vibration
of Acoustic message music - Reggae Music.
A talented acoustic guitar player, mentored
by Earl ‘Bagga’ Walker, Kazam was also a
former member of the ‘Jah Children’ band that
performed at venues such as ‘Weekends’ and
‘Livity’ in Kingston, Jamaica.
He has made outstanding performances on a
number of shows and entertainment events
such as: ‘Conscious Reggae Party’, ‘Jamnesia
Live’, ‘Junior Chamber International Kingston
Chapter of Young Professionals’, Alahambra
Inn, ‘TALK at UWI’, Mona Campus, ‘Liv It Up
Festivals’, ‘Kulcha Fest’, ‘Living Live’ and Inna
Di Yaad, Trench Town. In addition, to commem-
orate Jamaica’s 50th Independence Celebra-
tion, Kazam performed his song entitled “50”, a
catchy, thoughtful tune written for the histori-
cal occasion at the National Commercial Bank.
He has also performed at South Beach Café in
Kingston, featuring “Jah Ova Evil Movement
Live”, Veggie Meals on Wheels and Club Eras
throughout the years 2012 and 2013.
In March 2013, Kazam released his latest
single and video titled “Ancient Warriors”.
Ancient Warriors speaks to the warriors in
this time, evoking the warrior spirit inside,
chanting the never-ending joy of upholding
FOLLOWKazam
Featured Single
Ancient Warriors
2014
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SHUGA
Mitzie Campbell has music running through
her veins from a young age. Her dreams of
becoming a singer began in 2003 after
graduating from the Herbert Morrison
Technical High School.
Working hard to balance the duties of a
mother and a growing career as an artiste,
she started out doing regular gigs in her
hometown, Montego Bay, until later settling
down to a full-time job as a cabaret singer at
the Coral Cliff on the Hip Strip. Mitzie won
the hearts of tourists and Montegonians while
building her name as a reputable backup singer,
working for Daville in 2005 then shortly after
working with her mentor, Tanya Stephens.
Travelling with Tanya gave Mitzie the
opportunity to hone her craft while touring
Europe in 2007 and 2008 and performing in
places such as Gambia and Tanzania in Africa.
Biography
MY SOUL TO JAHFEATURED TRACK Jamaica
WEBSITE
penthouserecords.free.fr
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In 2009, Mitzie became Brown Shuga, the
Digicel’s Rising Star winner, making local
appearances as a female solo artist, holding
her own in a male dominated industry. Boasting
a strong voice and a sultry smooth character,
she represents the next generation of Reggae
and Dancehall stars.
In 2011, Brown Shuga changed her stage
moniker to ‘Shuga’ and signed with one of
Jamaica’s top hit making producer, Donovan
Germain, from Penthouse Records. Since
then, Shuga has worked with producers
Donovan Germain (Penthouse), Computer
Paul Henton of Boot camp Records and
Sly and Robbie to churn out hits such as
‘Complicated Love’, ‘9.58’, ‘Give my soul to Jah’,
‘Bun den down’ and her 2014 Black history
month tribute, ‘Ebony’.
Constantly growing, stretching and exploring
her abilities, this sultry soulstress is a gap in the
industry. Shuga and her management team plan
to release her debut album in 2014, and she’s
only just begun.
FOLLOWShuga
Featured Single
My Soul To Jah
2013
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MICAH
SHEMAIAH
Being born into the Twelve Tribes of Israel,
Micah Shemaiah is held to a different standard.
His name may not ring a bell yet but it will. You
may not have heard his songs yet but you will.
Micah Shemaiah will become a staple in reggae
music; a standard bearer in the hearts and
minds of reggae lovers. His upbringing in
RastafarI has laid the foundation for humble
yet militant expressions of truth. With a
required stipulation to ‘read a chapter a day’
from the bible, Micah Shemaiah is the man
who learnt from early to chart and control his
own destiny. Micah had no choice but to
be grounded. From Dread Heights in Gordon
town to Clifton Road off Chisolm Ave,
Micah has experienced the influence of other
musical greats who also trod in Rastafari.
He is most influence, however by co members
of the Twelve Tribes of Israel like Dennis
Brown and Bob Marley along with his parents
who taught him through their teachings
Biography
GANJA FARMERFEATURED TRACK Jamaica
IRIEMAG.COM
that Rastafari is real and that the world was
ready to receive the message of RastafarI.
Micah Shemaiah literally means ‘one who fears
the Almighty’ and ‘one who loves the Almighty’
and he lives this fact in his meditations and his
music. Contrastingly, Micah Shemaiah’s musical
path took him to the field of a paralegal for
seven years at Patrick Bailey & Company at the
urging of his mother who wanted him to ‘lay
off the music thing for a while’ and get a 9 to 5.
Micah submitted to his mother’s wishes but as
it usually does, the passion and love for music
came calling again. Music for Micah is the only
way he can express the kind of words and
meditation he has and as such music is more
empowering to him as it courses through his
veins inevitably.
Micah Shemaiah released his self produced
debut album ‘RASTAMAN MEDITATION” in
2009. The first album is a stepping stone for
Micah Shemaiah on the road to realizing his tal-
ent as a musician. RASTAMAN MEDITATION is
available on all major digital download sites.
Also in 2009 he shared stage with Legendary
Jazz musician Monty Alexander at the Lincoln
Center, New York City on his request. Plus, he
has performed, extensively in the United States
and on local live stages such as, East Fest and
Prime Ministers Youth Award in his homeland
Jamaica. Recently he returned from his first
tour of the Motherland travelling with Ancient
Micah Shemaiah is a Reggae/ Soul Singer
and Songwriter. As a budding promise of
reggae talent, Micah Shemaiah is a motivated
performer who encourages the empowerment
of youths and disadvantaged people world-
wide. His writing style embraces and combines
several genres of music, thus, delivering unique
sounds that will appeal to any ear. Coupled with
his awesome vocal strength, He also plays the
guitar and is actively involved in the overall
production of his music. Performing Live
Acoustic music is Micah Shemaiah’s first love.
He enjoys the freedom and passion with
which he is able to deliver his messages.
Raw and soulful.
The Trod
Works
Mission
IRIEMAG.COM
FOLLOWMicah Shemaiah
Vibrations of RastafarI under the patronage
of The University of Philadelphia in United
States to South Africa (Cape Town and
Johannesburg) with stop over performances
in United Kingdom (UK). This move highlighted
the atrocities of Rastafarians in Jamaica via
the ‘Bad Friday’ documentary produced by
Junior Wedderburn, Deborah Thomas and
John L. Jackson.
In May, 2013 he released his hit tune Dread
at the Control produced by himself, Micah
Abrahams on the E.D.B Entertainment Label
which features TJ (Likkle Briggie, Hempress
Sativa, Infinite and Jahkime on 7inch Vinyl as
a Limited Edition press. All copies were sold. It
is currently sold on all major Digital download
sites including iTunes.
rockers album is single Reggae Rockit to be
released worldwide on 7 inch vinyl on April 15,
2014. The album will be produced by We
Generation Music and E.D.B. Entertainment.
Look out also for Micah Shemaiah 2nd album
to be released later this year.
Micah Shemaiah will also be releasing
Shalalak; Rockers Rebirth in 2014. Shalalak is a
collaborative Rockers album which will feature
tracks such as Dread at the Control, Original,
Rasta Luck. Artistes such as Infinite, Exile Di
Brave, Kazam, TJ (Likkle Briggie) and Jahkime
will also be featured. Also featured on the
The road to recognition can be a tedious
one with no benefits at the end but even if
there are no riches to be had Micah Shemaiah
is set on delivering positive messages of
love, unity, pride and strength. With a solid
family foundation Micah Shemaiah has the
indomitable will power to hone his skills as a
reggae musician and ensure that his message
is heard. Two words, with one musical aim:
Micah Shemaiah.To Come
Destination
Featured Single
Ganja Farmer
2014
IRIEMAG.COM
MIRIAM
SIMONE
Miriam Simone is one of Europe’s hottest
up-coming female Reggae artists, hailing
from Amsterdam and Surinam. To-date she
has released four music videos, and several
singles, performed at major Reggae events,
collaborated and shared stages with some of
Reggaes biggest artists.
At the age of four Simone started to sing.
She was influenced by Gospel, Soul and
Reggae music. At the age of thirteen she
sang with several bands and church choirs in
Amsterdam. As a young adult (eighteen years
old) she joined a Reggae/ Hip-Hop group
called Postmen, as a background singer,
where she honed her vocal skills. She later
joined a Dutch group called Dredda Youthz,
where she rocked on several tunes that were
major hits in Surinam. One of these songs were
entitled ‘Uma no Krey’. This was merely the
beginning of Simone’s career.
Biography
DEM A CHATFEATURED TRACK Suriname
WEBSITE
dreddarecords.com
IRIEMAG.COM
In 2010, Simone decided to launch her solo
career. She then co-founded the music label
Dredda Records. In July, 2012, she release her
debut EP entitled ‘Follow My Dreams.’
This EP included the singles, ‘Disappointed’
and ‘You Know How To Love’, produced by
Bobby ‘Digital’ Dixon, with whom she is
currently working on her debut album. The
singles received high rotation on Jamaican
television and cable networks, including
Hype TV, CVM TV and RE TV. Radio stations
in Jamaica, such as Irie FM, Hitz 92 FM and
Roots FM also welcomed the Dutch/Surinam
singer with open arms.
Her single, ‘Disappointed’, won the What’s the
Verdict award for best online international
song of 2012 on Roots FM (Jamaica).
To-date, Simone has shared stages with some of
the most renowned Reggae artists in the world,
such as Sizzla, Chronixx, Jah 9, Tarus Riley and
I octane and performed at major events such
as Capleton’s show St Mary We Come From,
Trenchtown Rock, Tarrus Riley & Friends, along
with several other shows in Jamaica, Surinam
and Amsterdam. She has also collaborated with
Jamelody, Fyakin and has unreleased songs
with Sizzla and Capleton.
In March 2013 Simone released the single
‘Dem A Chat’, accompanied by a music video and
she released her latest project; a Mixtape also
entitled Dem A Chat.
After holding the no. 1 position for 6 weeks on
Suriname’s national radio station ‘Srs’ with
‘Dem a Chat’, she gained a lot more recoqnition
and attention. Miriam Simone is ready to take
it to the next level, 2014 will be the year of
her debut album ‘Mount Zion’. The first single
from the new album called ‘Rivers’ will be
released April 2nd, so be on the look out for
this roots daughter!
FOLLOWMiriam Simone
Featured Single
Dem A Chat
2013
IRIEMAG.COM
RASS
MOTIVATED
RASS MOTIVATED, no stranger in the Dutch
reggae scene, is the musical alter ego of 22 year
old Rotterdam singer, Sherandell Maynard.
With his ‘Reggae for All People’ state of mind
this young talent has proven to be a worthy
name in the line of Dutch reggaeartists.
On September 11th of 2011, released his first
EP, ‘First Light’ to a full house of music lovers.
This EP got raving reviews, sold out in no time
and has since become a true collectors item.
Rass Motivated doesn’t shy away from any
topic and confronts the listener ‘head on’.
In December that same year, Rass Motivated
surprises both friend and foe as he makes a
grand step in his young carreer and wins
one of Holland’s most lucrative awards: the
Music Matters award. This award also grants
Biography
FEATURED TRACK
Featuring Kalibwoy
FAKE FRIENDALARM
Holland
IRIEMAG.COM
him the title of: Rotterdam Music Ambassador
of 2012. There truly is no stopping his
‘Motivated Movements’. Together with his live
band ‘The Essence’, Rass takes it to the next
level as they dazzle crowds at festivals such as:
Zwarte Cross Festival, the Vlaardingenfestival
and the very well known Dunya Festival.
With loads of written press, radio interviews
and performances for Radio 6 Soul&Jazz ,
Radio 4 (classical radio), Radio 3FM and Radio-
Rijnmond, as well as regional & national tv
coverage, his star continues to rise.
Despite his young age, this artist has been
blessed to have shared the stage with the
cream of the crop of the reggae and dancehall
world. He has been a ‘support act’ for Damian
Marley & Nas, Sizzla Kalonji, Chaka Demus &
Pliers, Mr. Vegas just to name a few and has
performed in venues such as Heineken Music
Hall, de Melkweg, the famous club ‘Paradiso’
Amsterdam and the legendary ‘Ahoy hall’
in Rotterdam. His first album ‘Who Am I’ has
been received very well. With great reviews,
interviews and radio airplay in Jamaica the
album is highly appreciated.
“I want to set a positive example, inspire young people and make
music that will change the world!”
RASS MOTIVATED
FOLLOWRass Motivated
Featured Single
Fake Friend Alarm
2013
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ALIKA
Building on her early hip hop days, Alika has
become one of the leaders in the spanish-
speaking reggae dancehall world. After forming
part of Actitud Maria Marta—one of Argentina’s
first hip hop bands—in 1994, Alika eventually
parted ways with the band to focus on her solo
career, and in 1999 decided to start her own
project based on Rastafari culture.
From this point on Alika gained recognition
as a fiercely conscious voice emanating from
Latin America, writing direct lyrics of respect,
dignity and selfconfidence, while also recounting
common issues found in many of the third world
“barrios” of Latin America.
Her charisma and presence on stage have
allowed her to take her show to festivals,
theaters, clubs, schools, hospitales and even
prisions in different cities arround the world—
including USA, Mexico,Guatemala, El Salvador
Biography
BIG UPFEATURED TRACK Argentina
WEBSITE
www.alika.com.ar
IRIEMAG.COM
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Costa Rica, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru,
Brazil, Chile, Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay, Spain
and Andorra—marking a truly amazing career
for someone who to this day remains an
independent artist.
Alika has seven albums to date and is credited
with having created some of the biggest reggae
anthems in the latin reggae world. Tunes such as
‘Ejercito Despierta’ on the World of Music Riddim
(with several million Youtube views) have helped
establish Alika as an international reggae star
and have helped place latin reggae on the world-
wide map. A further attestant to this is Alika’s
5th album, which was a collaborative effort with
world-reknown dub producer Mad Professor.
The album, entitled Alika Meets Mad Professor,
was entirely produced by the genius of dub
himself and is currently available on iTunes.
In September of 2007 Alika launched her own
exclusive clothing line-Alika 3D-which has
received great accolades. The line is available in
Argentina through the widely successful retail
outfit Isabel la Catolica, with stores located
throughout the country.
In August of 2009 Alika also introduced her
own signature model of sunglasses developed by
world acclaimed manufacturers VULK, currently
available in Argentina.
Featured Single
Big Up
2014
FOLLOWAlika
NESBETH
Jamaican reggae artist Nesbeth connects to
his audiences through joyful, socially-conscious
music that tells authentic tales about his life’s
most inspiring moments and his community’s
past, present and future. His energetic live
shows brighten stages worldwide, and he turns
each performance into an intimate platform on
which to share his viewpoints and experiences
and to spread his free-spirited optimism.
Each of his songs illuminates the animated,
emotional layers of his resonant voice along
with his ability to create striking melodies and
improvise on unusual international rhythms.
His solo work, various collaborations with
other talented artists and on-going philanthropy
illustrate his own perseverance, express his
passionate political ideologies and reflect the
colorful work and narratives of the artists and
groups that continue to move him, including
Bob Marley, Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill,
Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley, K’naan and others.
Biography
OLE GANGA LEEFEATURED TRACK Jamaica
WEBSITE
nesbethreggae.com
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Nesbeth grew up in the urban Arnett Gardens
neighborhood of West Kingston on the island
of Jamaica, referred to as ‘The Concrete Jungle’
because of high crime rates and widespread
economic hardship. Throughout his childhood,
music was the sun in his life, and his curiosity
about using it to communicate and to offer
comfort to himself and others grew as he began
to experiment with recording and discover his
own voice. Nesbeth recorded his first single,
‘Reflection of Love’ in 1993 with singer Camera
and since then has gathered an impressive list of
accomplishments, both on his own and alongside
other talented artists on stage and in the studio.
His music has been released by labels such as
Jack Scorpio, No Doubt Records, Down Sound
Records and Shocking Vibes Production, a
company that produced Nesbeth’s beloved
single ‘So Let It Be’ in 2002. In early 2007, he
was introduced to renowned music producer
Flava McGregor, with whom he has recorded
over 10 well-received songs offering hope to
people vulnerable to a culture of violence and
uncertainty, such as ‘Board House,’ ‘Guns Out,’
‘Friends for Sale,’ ‘Drive By’ and ‘A Nuh Suh Mi Waan Live.’ During the past two decades,
Nesbeth has been a force at international
festivals such as Reggae Sumfest, Bob Marley
Birthday Bash, STING, Rebel Salute, Irie
Jamborie in New York City, Summerfest in
Washington, D.C., New Jersey Reggae Fest and
has played shows at venues in Ottawa, Canada,
Antigua, Saint Kitts, Anguilla, Grenada and
cities throughout the United Kingdom. In
February 2010, he hosted ‘A Nuh Suh Mi Waan Live,’ a love and unity concert in the Arnett
Gardens community where he and other native
artists performed. The event brought together
thousands of residents that had been isolated
in their communities for years by violence.
Nesbeth still strives to be the voice of his nation
by creating music that tells a powerful story and
supports his philosophies and by lending his
support to a variety of charitable events. He
won a 2013 Manchester Award along with an
honorary award at the 2013 Music Industry
Achievers and completed a successful debut
tour of the United Kingdom in September. His
latest single, ‘Taking Over,’ produced by Aza Yaad
Muzic has been a hit on Jamaican radio. Having
just signed with Entertainment Soul LTD,
Nesbeth is currently in the studio working on
an album and preparing for upcoming global
tours in 2014 and beyond.
FOLLOWNesbeth
Featured Single
Ole Ganga Lee
2014
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PROF-I
Barrington Andrew ‘Prof-I’ Reynolds is a
rastaman from creation. He started chanting
nyahbinghi in 1967 when he went to Back-A-
Wall (now Tivoli Gardens) with his brethren
I-Leck. Prof-I soon realized he was a natural
chanter and drummer. Since then he has
participated in numerous events celebrating
rastafari and nyahbinghi: One Love Peace
Concert 1977, Ethiopian Liberation Day, His
Majesty’s Earthday, His Majesty’s Coronation
Day and Ethiopian Christmas…
He performed with most of the original nyah-
binghi warriors: Black Heart, Iverton, Priest I,
Bongo Shorty and Mother Fire, Bongo Rocky
and Daughter Baby I, Daughter Miriam,
Daughter Yanzy, Irie Irons, George Irons,
Istan, Iqula, Shedrach, Mishrach and Abednego,
Historian, Mortimo Plano, The Great Ketty
Biography
PLEDGEALLEGIANCE
FEATURED TRACK Jamaica
IRIEMAG.COM
Nyahbinghi is rastafari from creation, rooted
in ancient humanity, dedicated to His Imperial
Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I. Nyahbinghi
is reggae music from creation, chants of praise
and glory to the Most High, played on bass,
funde andkette (repeater) drums. It is the
rhythm of the heart, and the wisdom therein.
Nyahbinghi recordings are very rare. The
legendary Count Ossie & Mystic Revelation
of Rastafari recorded two classic albums in
the seventies. Light of Saba and Cedric Brooks
created some great work. Ras Michael & Sons
of Negus crossed over to reggae without
losing the soul and true inspiration of
nyahbinghi. Rastafari Elders brought their
Man (Pa-Shanti), Ma Shanti, Bongo Daniel
(The Bans Master and Ketty Man), Prince, Sam
Brown, Solomon Wolfe, Ras Pidow, Bongo Tani,
Bongo Watto,Bongo Isaac, Bongo Bash, Bongo
Joe, Bongo Lenny, Bongo Tony, Bongo Hugh,
Bongo Shorty (from Montego Bay) Bongo
Gabby, and many other binghi brethren
and sistren.
Nyahbinghi: Reggae Music from Creation
FOLLOWProf-I
Featured Single
Pledge Allegiance
2013
authentic music and stories to the United
States. Keith Richards presented to us his
Wingless Angels.
Prof-I & Iyahbinghi brings nyahbinghi to the
21st century, with new songs and chants, a
distinctive African flavor, and introducing
sister drummers, a token of his deep love and
respect for women in general and Empress
Menen in particular.
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My fathers says that when we are born, we come into the world
possessing two souls... a good soul and an earthly spirit. When we die, the
good soul leaves the body and ascends into heaven to be judged by the
Supreme Being. The earthly spirit, however, remains with the body for
several days. It is here that the earthly spirit, an unknowing energy force,
is most vulnerable. If the body is not properly honored and
buried, the earthly spirit can linger and escape.
Under the right circumstances, its shadow might take form as a duppy,
which is sort of like a ghost, but empty of the personality and memories of
the dead. Once this happens, the duppy will wander the earth. And that’s
not good. Some duppies are confused and harmless, but most duppies
are malicious spirits. Unseen by the normal person, they rest during the
day and come out at night to haunt the living. And if an Obeahman, a
sorcerer of black magic, gets hold of a duppy, he can use his malignant
magic to make the duppy cause great harm or even death to the living...
Discover the story of Dread & Alive:
www.dreadandalive.com
FOLLOWDread & Alive
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IRIE would like to thank the following people who helped make this issue a success. Without their efforts, IRIE would not be possible.
Heather Cameron, Third World, Danny Creatah, Lulú Solares, World A Reggae, Giovanna Guimarães, Susan Underwood, Esteban Lucas, Angela Turner, Ricardo ‘El Puru” Bailey of HIMages, DoobieSound, Island Stage and Third World.
Nuff Respect!