In the vibrant tapestry of reggae music, few figures loom as large as Leroy Scarlet. Born and raised in St. Andrew, Jamaica, Scarlet's journey from a young enthusiast to a pivotal force in the reggae world is nothing short of inspiring. A Humble Beginning Leroy's early years were steeped in the rich sounds of local sound systems. At just twelve, he began his musical odyssey as a box lifter for Killaphonic, eventually seizing the microphone to share his voice. His passion led him to Rebel Tone, where he honed his craft, performing at every opportunity. Building Music Mountain The establishment of Music Mountain Studio marked a significant milestone. Collaborating with his cousin, Chris Stanley, Scarlet transformed a vision into reality. The studio quickly became a magnet for artists, with legends like Jimmy Cliff gracing its opening. Iconic tracks such as Boris Gardner’s “I Want To Wake Up With You” and Black Uhuru’s “Solidarity” were birthed within its walls. Transitioning to P...

Dancehall has always been a battlefield, where lyrical shots fly like bullets in the night, and everyone—from the gully to the uptown—is watching to see who comes out on top. Now, Jah Clarity’s No Apology has set the stage ablaze, calling out Deva Bratt in a way that can’t be ignored. This is no idle tune; this is a straight-up war declaration. But let’s not pretend this is just another diss track. This is about respect, loyalty, and—if we’re being honest—plenty of ego. If you think this saga is all vibes and entertainment, think again. It’s personal, it’s raw, and it’s dripping with the kind of tension that makes Dancehall the cultural firestorm it is today. The Dancehall Trenches: Roots, Rivalries, and Revolution Reggae and Dancehall were born from struggle. Reggae spoke to the hearts of the oppressed, with Bob Marley’s cries for unity and Peter Tosh’s militant chants. But then came Dancehall—rougher, grittier, and with more attitude. Dancehall wasn’t asking for peace; it was demand...

  Reggae music, with its deeply rooted cultural and social messages, continues to resonate with audiences globally, weaving melodies of freedom and unity. Its spirit has transcended borders, especially captivating hearts in Kenya, Brazil, and South Africa. Today, we dive into the thriving reggae scenes in these regions, spotlighting the artists who are making waves and keeping reggae's rich legacy alive. Kenya: Roots Revival In Kenya, reggae is more than a music genre; it's a way of life. The scene has experienced a renaissance with artists who lend their unique voices to the ever-evolving soundscape. Among these trailblazers is **JahLyric**, whose track "Nairobi Skank" has become an anthem. With powerful lyrics that speak to social justice and unity, JahLyric's music brings communities together, echoing the reggae tradition of using music for change. Another standout is **Umojah Soundsystem**, a collective known for their high-energy performances and eclectic mix...

The reggae community has long celebrated its rich heritage of musical storytelling, but sometimes these stories carry profound pain beneath their rhythmic surface. Today, we delve into one of the most challenging narratives in reggae history: Queen Ifrica's allegations against her father, the legendary Derrick Morgan. Born Ventrice Morgan, Queen Ifrica has emerged as one of reggae's most powerful voices, not just for her musical talent but for her courage in addressing deeply personal trauma. In a shocking revelation that sent ripples through the reggae world, she accused her father, pioneering ska and reggae artist Derrick Morgan, of sexual abuse during her childhood. The weight of this disclosure becomes even more poignant through her music, particularly in her 2009 track "Daddy" from the album "Montego Bay." The song serves as a haunting testimony, with lyrics that cut straight to the heart of childhood trauma. When she sings, "Daddy, don't touc...

  Few artists have embodied the spirit of rebellion and resilience like Peter Tosh. A founding member of The Wailers, Tosh’s solo career saw him emerge as a fearless voice for change, challenging societal norms, advocating for marijuana legalization, and calling for global justice. The Herb Advocate: Peter Tosh, the "Bush Doctor" Peter Tosh wasn’t just an artist; he was a prophet of the herb. Through his album Bush Doctor and anthems like "Legalize It," Tosh called for the decriminalization of marijuana, highlighting its spiritual and medicinal significance. In Jamaica, a country with deep ties to the Rastafarian faith, Tosh’s advocacy was revolutionary. A Brief History of Marijuana in Jamaica Jamaica’s relationship with marijuana has been a complex one. Despite its Rastafarian roots and cultural significance, cannabis was criminalized until recent reforms, including the 2015 decriminalization for personal and medical use. Tosh’s message was ahead of its time, and ...

In the annals of history, Marcus Garvey is celebrated by many as a revolutionary figure who stood tall for the upliftment of the so-called Negro. But not everyone saw him as a hero during his time. W.E.B. Du Bois, one of the leading intellectuals of the 20th century, famously referred to Garvey as “the most dangerous enemy of the Negro race.” Harsh words, especially coming from someone who shared the stage of Black activism. Today, we’re peeling back the layers of that statement and re-examining Garvey’s legacy as a liberator, alongside his contemporary, Noble Drew Ali, another misunderstood prophet of Black empowerment. Garvey’s Mission to Uplift Fallen Humanity Garvey’s life’s work was about restoring pride and dignity to the so-called Negro. Through the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), he preached self-reliance, economic independence, and a spiritual awakening among people of African descent. His slogan, "Africa for the Africans," resonated deeply, inspirin...

The Global Influence of Don Dada: Innovating Reggae, Bridging Cultures, and Driving Social Change  Addendum Before diving into this enlightening piece about Menelik Nesta Gibbons, better known as Don Dada, prepare yourself for a journey through the mind of a trailblazer redefining reggae music and using his platform for change. In an exclusive interview on the B.O.S.S. Radio Reggae Hour Podcast, Don Dada shares profound insights on the fight for land rights in South Africa, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the urgent global call for unity against climate change and social injustice. With his unique blend of African rhythms and reggae beats, Don Dada speaks not just as an artist but as an advocate for change—someone who uses music to educate, inspire, and empower. What does he think about the challenges of youth unemployment or the displacement of local communities near South Africa's Bob Marley Beach? And how does his music serve as a bridge between continents, uniting di...