Jamaica has gifted the world many musical treasures, but few are as transformative as dub reggae. This genre, now globally influential, was born in Kingston in 1967, when sound engineer King Tubby unintentionally reshaped the musical landscape while cutting a…
Rockers is a living, breathing portrait of Jamaican roots reggae culture at its peak. Originally intended as a documentary, it evolved into a full-length feature under the direction of Theodoros Bafaloukos, capturing the energy, struggles and spirit of late 1970s…
With the return of Netflix’s retro hit Stranger Things, 1980s music is experiencing a well-deserved resurgenceand among the standout comebacks is “Pass the Dutchie” by British-Jamaican reggae band Musical Youth. Featured in the show, the track has captivated a new…
How a Japanese woman helped revolutionize Jamaican ReggaeIn 1985, the world of Jamaican music changed forever with the release of Wayne Smith’s hit “Under Mi Sleng Teng”; a track that would usher in the digital era of reggae and forever…
Dancehall Reggae: From Sound Systems to Global Soundtracks – Dancehall reggae emerged in the early 1980s as a younger, grittier sibling of roots reggae. Where Bob Marley sang about liberation and love, dancehall artists like Yellowman were brash, witty and…
Jamaica’s recording studio scene is rich, historic and vital to the global sound of reggae, ska, dub, dancehall and more. These studios reflect the rich tapestry of Jamaica’s recording industry — from the humble to globally renowned institutions. Each has…
As a lifelong music lover reggae wasn’t just background music — it was a heartbeat. I first fell in love with Bob Marley’s songs long before I ever set foot in Jamaica. There was something about his voice, that effortless…
For decades, Jamaica has exerted an almost gravitational pull on musicians from around the world. It has inspired some of the most celebrated international artists to journey there in search of authenticity, rhythm and creative renewal. The island has a…
It’s hard not to feel awe when thinking about Jamaica’s impact on global music culture. This small Caribbean nation with a population of just a few million has given the world a musical language that is unmistakable, influential and enduring.…
For travellers drawn to Jamaica’s musical soul, a music pilgrimage to the island’s capital is nothing short of transformative. From the birthplace of reggae to after-dark dancehall vibes, Kingston invites you to feel the beat as much as hear it.…