BY HOWARD CAMPBELL—Observer senior writer— Because Rasta had such a powerful presence in Trench Town when he was a youth, that faith has a profound effect on Mikey Knowledge’s music. The singer maintains his commitment to roots-reggae 48 years after he co-founded Knowledge, a harmony group, in Trench Town. That feel is evident on the EP, Power of Jah. Released in early January by Sound System Club, it comprises six songs including A Who Responsible and Zion. “This is strictly roots-reggae, no crossover. Our … Read entire article »

Black Am I and Kabaka Pyramid team up on this powerful anthem produced by Damian “Jr Gong” Marley titled “Jah Is In My Corner”. Kabaka Pyramid & Black Am I Following his recent release “Spliff Haffi Burn” this new single is an affirmation that no matter the struggles in life the most high is there to support. The song is written as a clever analogy of life as a football/soccer match with the almighty as the … Read entire article »

Caryl Jacobs, is a talented singer / songwriter from the beautiful twin isles of Trinidad and Tobago. With a strong musical background, as both parents (Carl and Carol Jacobs) held a very iconic role in the calypso/ soca industry, Caryl began her professional career at the age of 16, singing in the family owned band ‘Islanda’.  She migrated to the US during her teenage years, where she became more exposed to the glorious world of music. … Read entire article »

Bushman pours out his heart… Bushman Reggae artiste Bushman pours his heart out in a high-energy track that focuses on the challenges of being in a long-distance relationship. The single, Next To Me, is produced by Big Feet Records. It was released on January 21. “This song focuses on the difficulties of being in a long-distance relationship and just wanting the person you love to be right there next to you. I know a lot of lovers can relate to … Read entire article »

After finishing runner-up in the popular Magnum Kings And Queens talent contest in Jamaica five years ago, Vanzo was determined not to fade away once the cheers died down.He has maintained a steady recording schedule that continued in January with the release of Rumors, a song the singer did for French company Street Machine Productions. Vanzo Driven by the music of Gregory Isaacs’ song of the same name, Rumors is his second single for that label. The … Read entire article »

“Guide Me Jah” is another classic from Link & Chain viaIssachar Musik and Distributed by Tuff Gong International.  This time they lend their vocals to one of Jamaica’s more famous track/riddims: What Kind Of World by the Cables. Guide Me Jah speaks for itself: “Jah we need you now more than ever. The forces of evil are growing stronger and stronger… In this time of uneasiness, no one knows what tomorrow gonna bring.Joy or sadness…we do need guidance in our going out and coming…Blessed Love!” … Read entire article »

BY KEDIESHA PERRY—Observer writer—- Sophia Brown is traditionally known for reggae singles. But she’s decided to test the waters by releasing her first dancehall track Bad For Me. “My expectation for the song is that I wanted to do something different to see if and how my fans would react to the new vibration. The fact that I am known for doing reggae, I am happy to see that they are loving the new single and I … Read entire article »

Andrew Bees—- Whether as a formidable solo artist or in the role of charismatic frontman for legendary, Grammy Award-winning reggae band Black Uhuru for the past 25 years, Andrew Bees has played a significant role in the breaking down of cultural and socio-political barriers that have often kept Jamaican reggae stars out of the American mainstream consciousness. Teaming up with SoCal independent label LAW Records for the release of his latest solo release “Real Life” (out now), Bees now continues … Read entire article »

The Minga Riddim, an eight-song compilation album produced by Linley Mack, a Jamaican producer based in Munich, Germany, was released on January 14. It contains songs by artistes from several countries including Jamaica, Belize and Trinidad and Tobago. Mack named the ‘riddim’ off a slang term for his adopted hometown. Ray Darwin Among the artistes and songs on the set are This Feeling by Ray Darwin, a Jamaican artist best known for the song, People’s Choice; See Us … Read entire article »