U ROY AND SOUL SYNDICATE LIVE IN USA 1988

U ROY AND SOUL SYNDICATE LIVE IN USA 1988
Dubroom (DUB) Reggae Video Review



WWW, September 2007 - The year is 1988 and the Godfather of Reggae DJ-ing U Roy teams up with one of the original Rockers Studio Bands of Jamaica to play a wonderful performance of their music before an audience

Because of Reggae Culture's nature, "any" vocalist can play with "any" band, at least when they know how to play or ride a riddim, as tracks are called in this Culture. So it's not unusual to see "unusual" combinations, such as U Roy and the Soul Syndicate.

Originally, the music played by the Soul Syndicate was recorded into the multitrack recorders of a Jamaican Reggae Studio. U Roy's voice usually was heard either on record or on top of a record in a live performance of King Tubby's Hi-Fi Sound system.

The year is 1988, and both U Roy as well as the band are already veterans in Reggae Music. Crucial stuff, therefore. Enjoy!

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THE PUNKY REGGAE PARTY

THE PUNKY REGGAE PARTY
Dubroom (DUB) Reggae Video Review



WWW, September 2007 - In almost 6 minutes, we're being introduced to a phenomenon that took place in the late 1970's when both Punk and Reggae came together to celebrate their common goal of chanting down Babylon.

It was called the "Punky Reggae Party" and Bob Marley wrote a tune about it which was released in 1977. This small documentary opens up with a few minutes of the tune.

After that, we're being shown a number of sights and sounds of a combination that many people thought was kind of strange, but who feels it knows it.

We'll see Linton Kwesie Johnson explaining some things, too. He was involved in this social movement big-time, too, being a Dub Poet chanting about truths and rights.

Just a bit of history, you know...

For the Punky Reggae Party goes on in every generation.

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INGLAN IS A BITCH: ROOTS BANDS

INGLAN IS A BITCH: ROOTS BANDS
DUBROOM MP3 REVIEW



WWW, September 2007 - Five crucial tracks from 1978-1982, selected by the Jamaica HiFi crew, Showcase Style!

When the maxi-single or 12" became popular, Jamaican Record plants began releasing extended mixes, usually a combination of a vocal track with a dub or DJ counterpart. Later, maxi-singles were released on so-called "Showcase" albums.

This podcast by the Jamaica Hi-Fi crew is a great example of such a showcase. The music, a combination of Jamaican and UK productions from the 1978-1982, comes in a 30 minutes non-stop mix that you will want to play again and again.

The selection is an intelligent report from both Jamaica as well as the UK. We will hear how Jamaican and UK Reggae developed during the period, the similarities and differences will become clear.

In 1978, Jamaican Reggae Music was dominated by Rockers. In 1982, it was Rub a Dub music. The time was "interesting", lots of political violence and conspiracies against the people of Jamaica, Reggae Musicians and Rastafarians in particular.

In the UK, the "Punky Reggae Party" went on big-time as both groups knew themselves to be the target of the very same Babylon Shitstem too. Militancy has always been a strong factor in most UK Roots Reggae until this very day.

Crucial!


PLAYLIST

1. Za-ion & Half way to Za-ion - The 4th Street Orchestra (1976)
2. Sticks man - Black Slate (1976)
3. Black Star Liner - Reggae Regular (1978 )
4. Smoking My Ganja - Capital Letters (1978 )
5. Drum And Bass Line" - Aswad (1979)


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IN SHOWCASE STYLE: DOZE

IN SHOWCASE STYLE: DOZE
DUBROOM MP3 REVIEW



WWW, September 2007 - Five crucial tracks from 1978-1982, selected by the Jamaica HiFi crew, Showcase Style!

When the maxi-single or 12" became popular, Jamaican Record plants began releasing extended mixes, usually a combination of a vocal track with a dub or DJ counterpart. Later, maxi-singles were released on so-called "Showcase" albums.

This podcast by the Jamaica Hi-Fi crew is a great example of such a showcase. The music, a combination of Jamaican and UK productions from the 1978-1982, comes in a 30 minutes non-stop mix that you will want to play again and again.

The selection is an intelligent report from both Jamaica as well as the UK. We will hear how Jamaican and UK Reggae developed during the period, the similarities and differences will become clear.

In 1978, Jamaican Reggae Music was dominated by Rockers. In 1982, it was Rub a Dub music. The time was "interesting", lots of political violence and conspiracies against the people of Jamaica, Reggae Musicians and Rastafarians in particular.

In the UK, the "Punky Reggae Party" went on big-time as both groups knew themselves to be the target of the very same Babylon Shitstem too. Militancy has always been a strong factor in most UK Roots Reggae until this very day.

Crucial!


PLAYLIST

01. Itie Titie Girl/Righteousness – Bunny Lie Lie/Billy Boyo (Jamaica, 1982)
02. Unchained – Winston McAnuff & Trinity (Jamaica, 1978 )
03. No Dash It Wey – Ranking Caretaker (UK, 1979)
04. Mother Please Don´t Cry – Creation Rebel (UK, 1982)
05. Shut Me Mouth – Ranking Dread (Jamaica, 1982)

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LUCIANO & CAPITAL D - LIVE @ REBEL SALUTE 2005

LUCIANO & CAPITAL D - LIVE @ REBEL SALUTE 2005
Dubroom (DUB) Reggae Video Review



WWW, September 2007 - The video of this impressive performance will reveal to the viewer just why Luciano is called "the MessenJAH".

Luciano never fails to impress his audience. This website has heard how even people that hate Rasta and would like to "reform" Reggae Music had to admit how Luciano was touching them with his message.

In this video we will see him in uniform of JAH Army, chanting down Babylon and lifting up his audience. The band plays a heavyweight Roots Music with lots of instruments dropping in and out, while the backing singers are perfectly in tune.

As the band plays the Peter Tosh classic "Legalize It", 5 minutes into the video Luciano steps back for another vocalist, Capital D. The Singers and Players of Instruments then deliver a strong message that Babylon feels big time.

There's one side remark about the video itself. Unfortunately, we do not see the full tracks. The music flow is close to perfect, though.

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MIGHTY DIAMONDS - GHETTO LIVING STYLE

MIGHTY DIAMONDS - GHETTO LIVING STYLE
RUB A DUB PODCAST #6



WWW, September 2007 - In 13 tracks, we are introduced to one of Reggae Music's finest vocal harmony groups.

Donald 'Tabby' Shaw, Fitzroy 'Bunny' Shaw and Lloyd 'Judge' Ferguson: meet the Might Diamonds. Together with the Gladiators, they've made their particular style of the Vocal Harmony Group popular because of their releases on Virgin's Front Line Label back in the 1970's.

In perfect harmony, they rode a number of riddims by Sly and Robbie's Revolutionaries, the studio band for Channel One in the days that Rockers Music was hot.

In this podcast, we're being introduced to the Mighty Diamonds throughout their carrier. Classics like "I Need A Roof" and "Poor Markus" are among the Mighty Diamonds' top tunes, but as the mix shows they are able to ride on a variety of riddims. The last tune, a remix from I need a Roof, even is in some kind of Trip-Hop style!


PLAYLIST

#1 Africa
#2 Them Never Love Poor Marcus
#3 Have Mercy
#4 Tell Me What's Wrong
#5 Ghetto Living
#6 Love Me Girl
#7 Carefree Girl
#8 Gypsy Woman
#9 Wicked A Fight
#10 The Breadwinner
#11 Revolution
#12 I Need A Roof
#13 I Need A Roof

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SLY & ROBBIE WITH BITTY MC LEAN - LIVE PARIS 2007

SLY & ROBBIE WITH BITTY MC LEAN - LIVE PARIS 2007
Dubroom (DUB) Reggae Video Review



WWW, September 2007 - In his first concert with the Rhythm Twins, Bitty Mc Clean shows his skills as a vocalist and performer at a Paris based festival in 2007.

Unfortunately, the quality of the sound doesn't match the quality of the sights in this video. But that is about the only negative thing you can think of.

the video starts off with Bitty Mc Clean singing and chanting, after which the rhythm twins play together for a while. Then Bitty walks over to Robbie Shakespeare, inviting him for a vocal duet.

The result?

Here it is!



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KING TUBBY THE DUB ORIGINATOR

KING TUBBY THE DUB ORIGINATOR
Dubroom (DUB) Reggae Video Review



WWW, September 2007 - He is the godfather of DUB, we all heard his music and that which was inspired by him. Not many of us have seen him on video, but that is about to change...

King Tubby is widely accredited to be the Godfather of DUB. He was killed just after launching his first full-blown studio. Before that, he had been working in his Dub/Vocal Studio with the multi-tracks of others.
Everyone of any significance has worked with King Tubby during his lifetime. Together with "Daddy" U Roy, the Godfather of Toasting ("Reggae Rap"), he stood at the foundation of what is now common in popular music: heavy drum and bass lines, effects, and rhythmic chanting or "rap".

However, all these styles like Rap and Hip Hop and Contemporary Electronic Dance Music could not be there, or would at least sound quite different, without the indirect influence of King Tubby.

Unfortunately only for 16 seconds, but here he is: KING TUBBY (With the sounds of U Roy in the back)!



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HENRY 'JUNJO' LAWES: RUB A DUB STYLE!

HENRY 'JUNJO' LAWES: RUB A DUB STYLE!
RUB A DUB PODCAST #2



WWW, September 2007 - Six out of the ten tracks in this great 30 minutes non-stop mix contain the vocal works of Yellowman. Still, the podcast isn't credited to this legendary Reggae Toaster who made his name during the 1980's Rub a Dub era.

what's up with that?

Reggae historians will tell you, that Henry 'Junjo' Lawes was the predominant producer of Jamaican Rub a Dub Reggae in the early 1980's. His name is on just too many albums and single releases to mention, and some even credit him with the founding of this early form of Dancehall back in 1979.

Junjo launched singers like Barrington Levy, made extensive use of top notch Dub engineer the Scientist, whose legendary series on the Greensleeves label is considered among the top of the all-time Dub releases.

In this Podcast, the focus is mainly on one of that other legend of Rub a Dub style: Yellowman. All tracks are Junjo productions, though. Showing how the producer worked with Harmony Groups (Wailing Souls), DJ's (Michigan & Smiley) and Singers (Barrington Levy).


PLAYLIST

01 Shine Eye Gal Barrington Levy
02 Juggling Little John
03 Come When I Call You Yellowman & Fathead
04 Sweetie Come Brush Me Wailing Souls
05 Diseases Michigan & Smiley
06 Lost My Sonia Cocoa Tea
07 Zungguzungguguzungguzeng Yellowman
08 Natty Sat Upon The Rock Yellowman
09 Take Me To Jamaica Yellowman
10 Crying For Love Yellowman


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60 MINUTES OF 1984 JAMAICAN DANCEHALL

60 MINUTES OF 1984 JAMAICAN DANCEHALL
Dubroom (DUB) Reggae Video Review



In the year of George Orwell's famous book on the Police State, Jamaica was completely captured by Rub a Dub or early Dance Hall Music.

Channel One Studio's was creating hit after hit with the Roots Radics as their Studio Band, while DJ's and Singers chanted over the drum and basslines of what was then a brand new thing.

It was the time in which digital technologies entered the (Jamaican) Studio's big time. Jammy's produced the now famed sleng Teng Riddim that set the tone for yet another thing: Ragga, or simply Dancehall.

This is where, and when, the video captures the sights and sounds in the Dance during a very exciting time in Jamaica, both musically and politically.

Uncensored, that is. So if you can't stand the sights of marihuana or a reasonable amount of sensual dancing, in other words if you can't stand to be in a Reggae Dancehall anyway, read on what you're going to miss out on.

In one hour, a whole host of vocalists enter stage: singers and DJ's. Tippa Lee, Nicodemus, Yami Bolo, Philip Frazer: just four names out of many great performers.

Especially Yami Bolo (around 32 minutes into the video) is kind of special as he really is still a pickney when in that time but already a great performer.

Towards the end of the video, certain vocalists express the fact that they have taken just a little bit too much beer, which has it's charm. Just like the few minutes wherein there is no music, but another vocalist just plays around with the echo on his voice...

An uncensored look in what was a Jamaican Dancehall in Orwell's year. 1984, a year wherein certainly nuff things were going on!

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THIRD WORLD AND TONY REBEL - IF JAH (LIVE JAMAICA, 2004)

THIRD WORLD AND TONY REBEL - IF JAH (LIVE JAMAICA, 2004)



Third World are known for their mega hits "Now That We've Found Love" and "Try Jah Love", wherein they mixed the Reggae Rhythm with other -then- contemporay musical styles and rhythms.

That was then.

Fast forward to 2004.

Third World team up with Tony Rebel Stage As he enters stage, he asks the audience if they think he can "take the challenge" to perform his classic "If Jah" in Spanish and in a different rhythm and style for real.

Ofcourse he can!

As the audience come out of their chairs (!) to dance, it's Third World's time to take up the challenge as the tune goes over into the classic Reggae riddim that served as the back up for this majestic title based on Psalm 91.

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STUDIO ONE ROOTS CHAPTER 1

STUDIO ONE ROOTS CHAPTER 1



WWW, September 2007 - It will have to go further than a presentation of what many know to be the classic Studio One Sound. There will have to be tracks that not many may have heard before, too.

No, making a crucial Studio One selection definitely ain't easy at all. But the Dub Organiser can do it, as this well-titled Podcast will establish once and for all!

Studio One Roots? This can mean different things for real.
What we have come to know as Roots Music, was obviously played by musicians who themselves had Roots as well. It's a matter of fact, that most Originators of Reggae somehow started off their musical path in Sir Coxsone's Studio, which would explain the title.

The music itself, obviously is Roots Music avant la lettre. Studio One was there before all these other Reggae Studios for the simple reason that Sir Coxsone Dodd was already running an established studio in Jamaica when Reggae was not even there.

The podcast doesn't go back that far in time, though.

There are some remarkable Dub Versions, nice DJ Toasting by U Roy and others, a heartical Burning Spear track that not many Spear fans may have heard before, and these are just a few highlights.

53 minutes of pure niceness!


PLAYLIST

01.Rude Boy Charlie - Charlie Organaire
02.Let's Go To Zion - Winston Francis
03.Set Me Free - L.Crosdale
04.Free Me - Drum Bago & The Rebel Group
05.God i God I Say - Keith Wilson
06.Imperial I - Prince Jazzbo
07.Where It's At - Lloyd Forrest
08.Our Rights - The Defenders
09.Daughters Of Zion - Prince Lincoln
10.I Stand Predominate - The Wailers
11.Peace Treaty Style - Sugar Minott & The Brenford Disco Set
12.Peace Treaty Style Part 2 - Sugar Minott & The Brenford Disco Set
13.I Was Born a Freeman - Freddie McGregor & Al Campbell
14.Jah Jah Go Before Us the Gladiators
15.Jah Jah Version - Roots Group
16.Musical Science - Dub Specialist



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THE WAILERS RECORD SHACK CHAPTER 1

THE WAILERS RECORD SHACK CHAPTER 1



WWW, September 2007 - The Dub Organiser brings us a very interesting selection of some rare and very ancient Wailers material, and not the kind of music you'd expect to hear!

No matter from which you approach Reggae Music, sooner or later you will be confronted with Bob Marley and/or the Wailers, if they have not introduced you to Reggae Music in the first place.

Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer formed the original Wailing Wailers back in the 1960's, and they started to record material for Sir Coxsone Dodd's Studio One an Lee Perry's Black Ark to name just two studio's.

Along the way, the Wailing Wailers became Bob Marley & the Wailers and large portions of the planet were introduced to Reggae Music in a special way. The rest of the story can be considered too well known to be told in this review, which goes for this Podcast as well.

The Wailers Record Shack Chapter One is a well organized selection by the Dub Organiser. A large portion is reserved for Tuff Gong productions, Bob Marley's own Studio named after one of the names he carried. Peter Tosh's own Intel Diplo Label isn't forgotten, either.

However, the most interesting stuff comes in the second part of the show, when it's time for some Bunny Wailer productions from his Solomonic Label. Most interesting, as the unmistakable sound of Solomonic is disgracefully under-rated by a lot of Reggae connoisseurs, selectors and collectors.

So big up once more to the Dub Organiser!



PLAYLIST

01. Fire Fire - The Wailers (Wail n Soul M blank)
02. Dog Teeth - Peter Tosh & The Wailers (Intel Diplo)
03. Midnight Ravers - Bob Marley & The Wailers (Tuff Gong)
04. Ravers Version - Wailers All Star (Tuff Gong)
05. Craven Version - Big Youth (Tuff Gong)
06. Eastern Memphis - Family Man & The Rebel Arms (Cobra)
07. Version/rebel Am I - The Wailers (Cobra)
08. Bide Up - Bunny Wailer (Solomonic)
09. Bide - I'Ony & Big Youth (Solomonic)
10. Dreamland Version - The Wailers (Solomonic)
11. Search For Love - Bunny Wailer (Solomonic)
12. Search For Love - The Wailers (Solomonic)


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ALPHA AND OMEGA WITH GREGORY ISAACS - BUSH GANJA

ALPHA AND OMEGA WITH GREGORY ISAACS - BUSH GANJA



Within Reggae Music, it is not uncommon for artists to get together and produce a couple of works. Artists like Gregory Isaacs and Alpha and Omega, for example. A very, very interesting combination of which we will hear and see the result in this official AO video.

The Cool Ruler joins the Dynamic UK DUB Duo and the result is another killer tune with some great graphics in the way only Alpha and Omega do it. A killer tune with a message, too.

Bush Ganja, as Gregory Isaacs sings, isn't the High Grade Superskunk and what have you. But that's not the message in this tune. The message is straight to the head of Babylon: time to legalize the herb, any herb whether Superskunk or Bush Ganja!

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REGGAE TREE

REGGAE TREE
DUBROOM MP3 REVIEW



WWW, April 2008 - You guessed it: The Reggae Tree signifies itself by having Strong and Deep Roots, planted by the rivers of waters and giving fruits in due season.

This Is Not A Christmas Tree!

Reggae Tree brings us strong Jamaican Roots, DUB, vocals and DJ tracks from the 1960's and 1980's. Designed to keep the Rootsman Skanking, the no-nonsense mix will definitely turn out to serve it's purpose right.

We hear Hugh Mundell, the Lone Ranger and many other names that made their marks throughout the history of Reggae Music. The Reggae Tree is strong, it's fruits are good and it's roots planted by the rivers of water, as the Psalmist wrote thousands of years ago.

Enjoy the season wherein we can taste some of the good fruits of this tree, the Reggae tree!


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REGGAE LOVERS #2

REGGAE LOVERS #2
DUBROOM MP3 REVIEW



WWW, April 2008 - The second installment of "Reggae Lovers" brings us a selection of Reggae Lovers' tunes from the several decades that Reggae's history is long.

Lovely!

Reggae Music often deals with serious topics, spiritual themes and such. But that doesn't mean the joys of life are forgotten. How can it be, with a music so much connected with the Source of Life?

Love is a part of life, and Reggae Music has some of the sweetest lover's tunes available on the planet and elsewhere. Reggae Lovers part two brings us an excellent, well-balanced representation of Lover's tunes as made throughout the decades of the music's history.

Lovely!



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REGGAE REVOLUTION

REGGAE REVOLUTION
DUBROOM MP3 REVIEW



WWW, April 2008 - Tappa Zukie's "Revolution" sets the tone for a 37 minute selection of heavyweight and militant Rockers, Dub, Dancehall and Roots that may definitely carry the name that it does.

Blessed!

As we move from one riddim into the next, we feel strength within ourselves to move forward and chant down Babylon one more time.

Reggae Revolution, a Righteous Revolution! While the music hits, we feel no pain but it goes straight to Babylon head as well. The show takes us straight back to the 1970's and onward as we are being treated with a flood of musical militancy.

When the 37 minute mix ends with an energizing Drum 'n' Bass call to a (Reggae) Revolution, we surely gained some necessary strength.

Blessed!


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AFRICA CALLING

AFRICA CALLING
DUBROOM MP3 REVIEW



WWW, April 2008 - Reggae Vocal Harmony Group the Wailing Souls sang the word: "Every time you hear the sound of the drum, it is an African Beat". Africa Calling puts more sound to the word in a powerful and inspirational podcast of mainly -but not strictly- 1970's Roots Reggae.

It's written in the first pages of the Bible how Ethiopia was a part of the original Garden of Eden: the "Land Of Creation". Ethiopia, symbolizing Africa as a whole, takes a very prominent position within the Movement of Rastafari and Reggae Music as a whole.

This is where Africa Calling enters.

After opening with the inspirational Abyssinians track "African Race" we go straight to Africa to hear the only non-reggae track in this impressive podcast. We then move further into Nyabinghy, Dub, Roots, Rockers, even Rub a Dub style.

The mother land is calling, and this is her sound.


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PRINCE JAMMY, A GERMAN DOCUMENTARY

PRINCE JAMMY, A GERMAN DOCUMENTARY
Dubroom (DUB) Reggae Video Review



WWW, April 2008 - Don't understand German? You might just have a little problem there. But then, watching 7 minutes of Jammy's business might in itself be reason enough to check this video out still.

The video itself is a 7 minute clip from a German TV documentary about Reggae. We meet up with King Jammy in Germany, while he tells his story.

We hear about Waterhouse, about King Tubby, about DUB. We move forward in time and obviously pay attention to the Jammy's mighty Sleng-Teng revolution that introduced digital technology to the Jamaican dancehall.

The German audience is introduced to the meaning of the word "Punany" ("No, it's nothing political"), told that Jammy's oldest son is married to Lady Saw, and much more.

Don't understand German?

Hmmm...

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SMOKIE BENZ AND TONY TUFF - FULLFILMENT TIME

SMOKIE BENZ AND TONY TUFF - FULLFILMENT TIME
Dubroom (DUB) Reggae Video Review



WWW, April 2008 - In this video, a German production, Jamaican vocalists Tony Tuff and Smokie Benz sing and chant about the fact that prophecy must fullfill "in our time".

Abortion, tribal wars, living inna Babylon is being confronted with her ugly face on a daily basis. Especially when you are living in a so-called Third World country, that is.

Smokie Benz and Tony Tuff know this to the fullness. The Jamaican vocalists know that Babylon is a reality and causing the sufferation. They equally know how this is all described in the Book of Books where the comming downfall of Babylon is predicted as well.

"Fullfilment Time", seen?

Seen!

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ISRAEL VIBRATION - LIVITY IN THE HOOD

ISRAEL VIBRATION - LIVITY IN THE HOOD
Dubroom (DUB) Reggae Video Review



WWW, April 2008 - Livity In The Hood is hard what that hood is a concrete jungle. In 3 minutes and 39 seconds, Israel Vibration shows what life in the ghetto is all about.

"You got to give respect, to get respect", sings the Jamaican Vocal Harmony Group that started off with their legendary album The Same Song. It sounds like the obvious, but when you live in the ghetto the obvious becomes a mechanism of survival.

Yes, things are dread inna Babylon. The Movement of Rastafari is known for many attempts to try and make things upfull in the ghetto's throughout the world, a things which we can seen and hear in sight and sound in this videoclip.

Check it!

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QUEEN IFRICA AND STEELE - NEW WORLD ORDER

QUEEN IFRICA AND STEELE - NEW WORLD ORDER
DUBROOM (DUB) REGGAE VIDEO REVIEW



WWW, April 2008 - "Is This the New World That You Order?", asks Steele in this video directed by Wayne Benjamin. Queen Ifrica joins the singer and Chants Down Babylon One More Time!

There's way too little female Toasters, but the ones that are there are usually quite strong. Queen Ifrica is one of them, and in this video she performs with Reggae singer Steele as they Chant Down Babylon One More Time.

Upfull music, a video-clip that gives a matching sight to the sound, a message that deserves to be played all over the planet. No matter what Babylon do, there will always be Jah Prophets telling the truth about her.

Until the day she fall, that is.

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CAPLETON, BOBO ZARO AND CONTRACTOR - PAIN

CAPLETON, BOBO ZARO AND CONTRACTOR - PAIN
DUBROOM VIDEO REVIEW



WWW, April 2008 - As they ride on a minimalistic riddim, the three vocalists chant truth and right. They do it with Reggae toasting, singing and even rap.

This videoclip is actually quite remarkable. There's some real Hip Hop style rapping, there's a singing Capleton, and it never becomes chaotic. The video perfectly illustrates the words, and is produced by a director who is not afraid to show his excellent work to the online (DUB) Reggae community.

This is the kind of material that helps move the Rasta and Reggae message of Equal Rights and Justice into this century, where the voice of truth is being suppressed in an increasing manner.

Check It!


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THIRD WORLD - TRY JAH LOVE (LIVE AT REGGAE SUNSPLASH 1983)

THIRD WORLD - TRY JAH LOVE (LIVE AT REGGAE SUNSPLASH 1983)
DUBROOM VIDEO REVIEW



WWW, April 2008 - Jamaican Reggae band Third World had several world hits, of which Try JAH Love was one. In 1983, they more than performed the track at the Jamaican Reggae Sunsplash festival.

Try JAH Love is in many ways an uplifting track.

The tempo and general vibe was adopted from "Disco", a non-Reggae style of music predominant throughout the late 1970's and early 1980's. Electric guitars added a Rock element but the riddim itself is 100% Reggae.

The words are full of wisdom and testify of faith in the Creator Who loves His children and keeps them conscious, upright. Like that other mega-hit entitled "Now That We've Found Love", Third World brings a crucial message from the Creator to an audience of millions.

Third World itself is a Jamaican Reggae band which is more special than it sounds. Most Jamaican Reggae, when played by a band, is played by a studio band rather than a group of musicians who make their own songs and perform these songs in live concerts.

The year is 1982 and the band decided to take almost 7 minutes to perform the magnificent "Try JAH Love" at the mother of all Jamaican Reggae festivals, the Reggae Sunsplash Festival.

Hear, See and Feel!

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STEELE - SLAVE DRIVER

STEELE - SLAVE DRIVER
DUBROOM VIDEO REVIEW



WWW, April 2008 - In this excellent video produced by Wayne Benjamin, Jamaican Reggae Vocalist Steele sings the traditional "Slave Driver" in a non-traditional way.

Half way through the video, the Nyabinghy drums drop in an otherwise completely drum-less track. It's all about the words, and they are sung beautifully by Jamaican Reggae vocalist Steele.

It is not un-intended, as one usually would want to have a strong drum and bassline just like the Africans who were stolen from Africa would want to hear the African drum in Africa. At least, that is the thought that came into yours truly.

Taken from Africa, to work on land that was not owned by the ones who kept them in slavery, only to live in extreme poverty until this very day.

The African Holocaust goes on, century after century. So take a few minutes to feel this track as Steele penetrates the soul in an excellent video produced by a director who is not afraid showing his work to the online (DUB) Reggae Community.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

RAS MESSENGERS - "EGYPT LAND" (1982)

RAS MESSENGERS - "EGYPT LAND" (1982)
DUBROOM VIDEO REVIEW



WWW, April 2008 - Admitted: the title of this incomplete, three-minute Nyabinghy session by the UK based Ras Messengers recorded in 1982 is a guess of yours truly.

Actually, the session is taken from the movie "Race, Rhetoric, Rastafari" by Jamaican film maker Barbara Blake-Hanna which you can check out on www.reggaefilms.co.uk. The video deals with racism in the UK during the early 1980's and has -next to Ras Messengers- music by I Jah Man Levi and others.

"Egypt Land" is an up-tempo Nyabinghy track. Nyabinghy means "Death To Black And White Downpressors" and is a rhythm distinct from Reggae.

Actually, Nyabinghy is true Rasta Music where Reggae is not necessarily played by Rasta-only artists. Actually, there are Rastas who would argue that Rastas should not play Reggae but stick to the natural sound of the hand drums playing Nyabinghy while chanting to Jah.

See, hear and feel three minutes of pure Nyabinghy drumming and Rastaman chanting: blessed!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

AFRICAN HEAD CHARGE - LIVE DUBBING (1991)

AFRICAN HEAD CHARGE - LIVE DUBBING (1991)
DUBROOM VIDEO REVIEW



WWW, May 2008 - One of the most difficult things to perform while doing a live Reggae concert is to Dub It Up live and direct. Adrian Sherwood's On-U sound is one of the few to do it, for example with African Head Charge.

A hard, militant Steppers drums combined with a pumping bassline form the foundation of what seems to be a majestic improvisation by one of the leading names in the UK DUB business.

Echo's, reverbs. Vocals and instruments dropping in and out.

The band and the engineer behind the mixing board interact kind of smooth as the music takes us to dimensions that usually a concert will not really take you.

Feel!


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GRAVINCHI - CRY FOR ME (VIDEO REVIEW)

GRAVINCHI - CRY FOR ME (VIDEO REVIEW)
DUBROOM VIDEO REVIEW



WWW, May 2008 - In his own particular mix of chanting and singing, Jamaican vocalist Gravinchi speaks his heart while riding a contemporary relaxed riddim.

Jamaica has more talented artists per square meter than any other place on the earth, at least so it seems. Especially for us, who love Reggae Music!

Of course, the attention of the mainstream music media and thing do their best to ignore Jamaica and Jamaican Music, at least so it seems. Especially for us, who love Reggae Music!

Take Gravinchi's "Cry for Me". A professional video by Jamaican producer Wayne Benjamin adds the right sight to the crucial sounds!

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LIVE FROM JAMROCK

LIVE FROM JAMROCK (VIDEO REVIEW)
DUBROOM VIDEO REVIEW



WWW, May 2008 - Most historical Reggae documentaries seem to think that there's nothing interesting going on after 1979. This video is a welcome exception as we explore the early 1980's, when Rub a Dub was the thing!

The video opens up with Josey Wales chanting into Channel One's microphones, with Scientist at the Control Tower. This sets the right tone for this documentary, of which the video quality unfortunately isn't what we would love it to be.

The 25 minutes that follow the nice introduction give us an insight into the Jamaican dancehall during the Rub a Dub era. We see all the major DJ's from Yellowman to Toyan and everyone in between, live and direct.

Niceness!

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NINJAMAN LIVE AT ISLAND EXPLOSION (2005)

NINJAMAN LIVE AT ISLAND EXPLOSION (2005)
DUBROOM VIDEO REVIEW



WWW, May 2008 - Ninjaman, also known as "Brother Desmond" during his short career as a "Gospel Dancehall DJ", is one of Jamaica's most notorious DJ's.

Almost ten minutes of explosive material, recorded in 2005 and with links to back ground information.

If you don't like Dancehall, chances are big that you will see exactly why when you watch Ninjaman's performance at Island Explosion 2005.

Although the video reviewed on this page is almost ten minutes long, there are no more than 20, 30 seconds of music without a break. In the same time, Ninjaman talks about his gun and how he likes to have it back, after it was taken from him by the police.

He's had the machete in his body, went to prison, even became a "born again Christian" for a while in an attempt to cash in on the "Gospel Reggae" scam organized by a close-to-Hollywood business named after Christopher Columbus.

Truly a remarkable personality, able to surprise friend and foe with every new move he makes.

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KALI BLAXX - ONE SMOKE

KALI BLAXX - ONE SMOKE
DUBROOM VIDEO REVIEW



WWW, May 2008 - Jamaican vocalist Kali Blaxx grew up listening to Reggae's stars on the radio, and now he is here to forward the music into this next century.

Watch "One Smoke" and download the MP3 for free, too!

Even though we read in the Bible that "Herb is made for the service of man", Babylon doesn't want man to be served in man's development and thing. And so, there's places on the planet where even one smoke can take you into big problems.

Kali Blaxx knows just how much Babylon's repression on (especially) the youths keeps people down, and decided to do something about it.

In "One Smoke", he defends the freedom given by the Creator to use herb for the service of man. Riding on a contemporary Roots Reggae riddim, the vocalist explains just why the repression on herb should stop.

The video that comes with the tune is directed by Wayne Benjamin, himself a Jamaican too. A well worked out piece of work, providing the right sights with the music and lyrics.

Babylon, you better leave, yah!

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QUEEN IFRICA - DADDY

QUEEN IFRICA - DADDY
DUBROOM VIDEO REVIEW



WWW, May 2008 - Although Queen Ifrica is the daughter of Ska legend Derrick Morgan, she didn't dedicate this track to him. She wrote it after hearing about the abuse one of her friends had to go through.

Bizarre aspect: there were several demands to have the track banned from Jamaican Radio when the track took the waves by storm during the last part of 2007. In a musical landscape where slackness (that is: more or less pornographic lyrics) is accepted, a call against one of the most evil things one human can do to another is apparently disturbing...

Queen Ifrica is actually one of the few female Reggae singers who keeps the conscious fire burning. A thing which is definitely not so easy. An article by the Canadian Toronto Star recorded her as saying (about conscious Reggae):

"From a young teenager I saw that this side of the music was dying. Judy Mowatt, Chevelle and a lot of the other sisters were just going into the church (and singing gospel). I'm not knocking them for that; it's just the pressure of what the industry gives. If you're not willing to hold on, then you might find yourself going to other places."

Fortunately, Ventrice Morgan isn't giving up and continues to chant down Babylon and wickedness. This track is one of her latest attacks on wickedness.

Check out the video as well as a 7 minute video report providing more background on the track, and read some media articles too!

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NACHILUS KEZUCK - WAR (2007)

NACHILUS KEZUCK - WAR (2007)
DUBROOM VIDEO REVIEW



WWW, May 2008 - In this impressive video, Nachilus Kezuck fights the good fight as he chants down foolish wars and fighting, both on the street and in the political field.

Combining the arts of toasting and singing, Nachilus Kezuck uses his Jah-given talents to spread consciousness and upfull vibes. He knows how much this is needed, for example in big cities where young children walk with guns and get killed.

Traditional, contemporary Roots with a message and vibe that is traditional for the better works of art in the field of Reggae. In other words: check this one out right now, get yourself familiar with yet another freedom fighter who chants down wickedness and will make himself be heard time and time again for years to come.

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JOE HIGGS - THERE IS A REWARD FOR ME

JOE HIGGS - THERE IS A REWARD FOR ME
DUBROOM VIDEO REVIEW



WWW, May 2008 - "It doesn't sound like Reggae, but it is", says the man who is called "Father of Reggae" just before he starts singing with his acoustic guitar to accompany him.

Joe Higgs unfortunately passed away in 1999. However, in a way, that makes this particular video and song kind of having an impact. As the brother has been teaching too many vocalists to mention just how to sing and thing, he is definitely responsible for the world-wide positive influence of Reggae and Rasta lyrics.

Is there a reward for him?

Of course there is.

And he is probably enjoying it to the fullness at the time we are watching and listening to this heart-felt document of hope in Jah and His Righteousness.

Seen?

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MACKA B - ALLEZ LES REGGAE BOYS

MACKA B - ALLEZ LES REGGAE BOYS
DUBROOM VIDEO REVIEW



WWW, May 2008 - Macka B loves football, or soccer as they say in the America's. In this video, we see him performing live for the French based One TV as he gives a big up to Jamaica's football team The Reggae Boys.

Jamaica is a remarkable place on the planet. The relatively small island, just under the smoke of Castro's cigar republic, has witnessed the birth of Reggae Music, the Movement of Rastafari, and many more things that have their world wide influence.

Allez Les Reggae Boys is Macka B's tribute to the Island's national football team, but the UK based toaster points out that the team is symbolical for the strength of the people of Jamaica as a whole, too.

Ire!

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CUTTY RANKS WITH STEREOMARS SOUND - SLENG-TENG PNP (1986)

CUTTY RANKS WITH STEREOMARS SOUND - SLENG-TENG PNP (1986)
DUBROOM VIDEO REVIEW



WWW, May 2008 - Even though Reggae Music isn't quite your average political propaganda mechanism, Jamaican politicians will always try and get some Reggae artist to back them up. Twenty-two years ago, DJ Cutty Ranks tried to raise votes for the Jamaican PNP.

Jamaica -and especially Kingston- has the highest murder rate of the world, or close to that. In other words: in Jamaica you have a bigger chance to get killed than in let's say New York City.

When it's election time in Jamaica, violence increases significantly. Gangs of "gun men" killing each other with guns provided to them by...

When it's election time in Jamaica, the politicians all of a sudden begin to show some interest in Reggae Music. They hire artists and thing to help them in their propaganda.

The video reviewed on this page is a 1986 recording of such an event.

As he rides on the Sleng-Teng riddim, brand new and kind of revolutionary in those days, Cutty Ranks bigs up the PNP. The selector doesn't take his hand of the mixing board and the people love it too.

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