David Katz, a music journalist and Lee Perry’s biographer, wrote a good review of the reggae book that I contributed to: “The Reggae Scrapbook”. The review was published in Riddim Magazine in Germany. Riddim was briefly published in english, distributed in the US and immediately became my favorite publication about reggae music. Many of the dub and dancehall artists I wish I had space for in the Reggae Scrapbook are regularly featured in Riddim. Unfortunately, the publishers halted the american edition and haven’t returned to it yet, so you can only get the magazine in german. Roger Steffens was kind enuff to email a copy of this review to me, so I thought I should publish it here for those who would otherwise never get a chance to read it. If you do speak german and you love reggae music, I highly recommend Riddim Magazine. In the meantime, here is David Katz’ book review of the Reggae Scrapbook by Roger Steffens, Peter Simon, Roy Sweetland and me, Molli Fire! ([More →])

Mavado is turning out to be the Jamaican artist of the year! His debut album on VP Records Gangsta For Life The Symphony of David Brooks blazed up the charts this summer and continues to win new fans with its dance-friendly rhythms and heartfelt lyrics. But despite his tuff exterior, the Real McCoy has a heart of gold. Now he’s sharing some of that gold with the Jamaican community, especially the youth. I’ve been receiving reports this week of a new charity organization that Mavado created in order to connect the island’s public schools to the information super highway. Mavado recognizes the importance of internet access in public schools to enhance education. ([More →])

I recently reported on the Reggae Compassion Act - it made big news when Beenie Man, Sizzla, and Capleton signed it, agreeing to stop all performances and production of lyrics that condone violence towards gay people. It was noted then the artists who were considered “murder music” singers, including Bounty Killa, Vybz Kartel and Buju Banton. ([More →])

Jah Cure will be celebrating and giving thanks for his freedom, while Curefest will highlight reggae and dancehall music with a positive message. Curefest has announced a preliminary lineup of confirmed artists, with more big names being added up until the festival weekend - August 24-26th. ([More →])

BIG BIG News! Fans of dancehall and reggae have often discussed the elements of homophobia, racism, sexism, and other nasties in Jamaican music. The music industry goes through cycles of acceptance and rejection of these messages in music. ([More →])

Have you ever wanted a hipsters’ education in chart-topping dancehall music like Sean Paul, Shaggy, and Macka Diamond? Well, for this week only, Vice Magazine’s online music channel has just that. Interviews, music videos, fashion do’s and dont’s, etc. You probably won’t find M.I.A. or Ninjaman, but you will definitely hear from Lutan Fiyah, Sizzla, and see lots of gorgeous Jamaican countryside. If that doesn’t sound sexy enough, you can fill your eyes with the serpentine dance moves of the dancehall queens.

Just head over to VBS.com for your selection. You can find more like this from their video affiliate (or maybe parent company?) Brightcove… Brightcove also produces cable tele straight from Kingston Jamaica, such as RETV which has even more dancehall tv for your viewing pleasure.
Enjoy!