“How can we have some fun? When rebel a buss dem gun?” 70s Jamaica was often a conflict ridden place. But people were just trying…
Reggae
07/02/2021: “Zion We Want To Go” by Sons Of Negus Churchical Host
Sons of Negus is a group led by Ras Michael. Many of the big acts from Jamaica such as Bob Marley were devoutly Rastafari. But…
29/01/2021: “Satisfy My Soul” by Bob Marley
Out of a long and distinguished body of work, this remains one of Bob Marley’s most enduring songs. It’s obvious from the lyrics that the…
26/01/2021: “Prophet Rides Again” by Capleton
Capleton is one of the biggest stars of modern reggae, straddling the gap between 21st century roots and dancehall. Rastafari is a common theme throughout…
15/01/2021: “Love Has Found Its Way” by Dennis Brown
Even Bob Marley regarded Dennis Brown as his favourite Reggae singer. And what a career… Dennis Brown, mirroring the development of Reggae music as a…
04/01/2021: “Columbus” by Burning Spear
This is roots reggae at its absolute best. The lyrics are powerful and challenge the common conception that Christopher Columbus was some kind of hero….
26/12/2020: “Rude Boy” by Johnny Osbourne
Johnny Osbourne made the transition from old school roots to 90s dancehall very smoothly. Listen to this 1987 banger and you can see why. He’s…
17/12/2020: “Fever” by Susan Cadogan
Absolute classic Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry at the controls here. The Upsetters lay down a solid track, old school bassline and flute ripe for the Perry…
11/12/2020: “Guns Of Navarone” by The Skatalites
The original version of this is a bombastic theme tune for a 1961 film – as you might guess, that film is called ‘The Guns…
05/12/2020: “Ignorance And Poverty” by Martin Campbell
When I first heard Martin Campbell, I assumed he was a product of 1970s Jamaica. The production is heavy roots, the singing militant dread. But…