Hearing King in this Jungle for the first time, I knew that this culturally minded youth would emerge as a reggae landmark for Jamaica. Growing up in Montego Bay, Jamaica, this talented youth was dubbed ‘Jah Cure’ by the infamous Capleton.

Ascending into the world of reggae at 18 years old, Jah Cure was cut off the music scene for some time serving in prison. However, his entry into the reggae scene was monumental, as his first hit was melodically coupled with Sizzla and produced by Beres Hammond.

This is where Jah Cure gained his inspiration as an artist; musically from Hammond and spiritually from Sizzla- who introduced him into the lifestyle of the Rastafarian. Mostly produced by Hammond, Jah Cure then began to spit out tune after tune in a steady stream, but the climb to fame was curbed in 1998 when Jamaican police stopped Jah Cure and was imprisoned on rape and armed robbery charges the following year.

Serving a 15-year sentence, Jah Cure has always stood his ground that he had been innocent. But solace is an elevating time for an individual; and in his seemingly darkest moments, Cure wrote and released his most infamous music. This was encouraged by a groundswell of support amongst reggae fans throughout the Caribbean- embellishing Cure as a reggae hero.

From this sentence, stemmed compilations like ‘Free Jah’s Cure’ and ‘Ghetto Life’; which kept the musician on the charts, and his fame spread through the Caribbean and Europe. At the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre, Cure had access to a digital recording studio, and made use of his time exploring his musical talent. It was there Cure recorded some new tracks, which would appear next to his old hits on ‘Freedom Blues’, released by the VP label in 2005.

Jah Cure was released from prison in July 2007 and executed an astounding performance in Trinidad upon his release.

…don’t forget to check out our growing list of Reggae Artists!

Written by Jamie Jaggernauth.

Popularity: 42% [?]

I have to give a shout out to this man, Mark Hull aka YT, and I promise that you will be seeing a whole lot more from him. On hearing some of the tunes on this album you would be forgiven for thinking that YT was as Jamaican as Jamaican can be, but truth be told, he hails from Ipswich, Great Britain and yes……he is whiter than white.

His debut album of 2006, Straight Outta Britain, offers the world a glimpse at the reggae scene in the UK. His tunes offer something for everyone, be that reggae, dancehall, roots or pop, and his lyrics are not only sublime but also in keeping with the positive message that reggae portrays. He is a versatile artist and looks to me like someone who can upset the stereotype of ‘If it’s not Jamaican, it’s not Reggae’; the Slim Shady of the reggae world if you will.

It has been a while since we heard anything new from YT and, given that this album was said to have been three years in the making, I think we are about due something new.

His voice distinctly patois, his background far from the Caribbean and his lyrics so fresh and poignant. Check out the voice here on a song titled ‘Wicked Act’, a serious dedication to the victims of the London bombings of 2005.

For anyone in Europe ‘Whitey’ can be found at the following venues on his upcoming tour.

Popularity: 13% [?]

For over 30 years, the legendary Beres Hammond has helped prove that reggae music is a noble music, he enjoys international recognition and is considered the the voice of hope!

The voice of hope, the Jamaican Marvin Gaye or the man with the golden voice, as Bob Marley used to say. Call him what you will – Hugh Hammond Beresford, ‘Beres’, was born in Jamaica in 1955 and went on to be one of the best singer/songwriters Jamaica has known. Since his childhood, Beres Hammond took influence from his father’s collection of American soul and jazz and he later took to music like rocksteady and SKA. He has helped prove reggae music to be a noble form of music and still enjoys worldwide recognition today.

It was a local talent contest which led to his first record, “Wanderer.” Beres then joined a band by the name of Zap Pow, as a lead singer, and went on to release the hit single “system” in 1978. He left Zap Pow in 1979, looking to make it as a solo artist after early success with two early hits – “One step ahead” and “I love” both of which are great tunes and became the catalyst for two more albums in the early eighties. After starting his own record label, Harmony Records, Beres departed Jamaica for a new start in New York, 1987, after thieves ransacked his house leaving him tied up. It was in New York where he recorded the duet “How can we ease the pain” with Maxi Priest.

Beres signed with Penthouse Records in 1990 and returned to Jamaica with the dancehall hit “tempted to touch”. This is one of his most famous songs internationally and featured amongst other hits including “Is this a sign of” and “Respect for You Baby” on his Love Affair album.

Recording five more albums in 1990′s, as well as several collaborations, Beres established himself as one of the leading lovers rock artists. With a total of 19 albums to his name and a list of awards as long as my arm it gives me grat pleasure to include Beres Hammond in mt list of favourite Reggae Artists. I could not leave you without a littel taster of what Mr Hammond is all about. It is hard for me to choose my favourite Beres Hammond tunes but I recommend “Pull It Up” which he recorded with Buju Banton, “Rockaway” which is an all time classic and finally “They Gonna Talk” has to be up there in my all time favourites. He really is the man with the golden voice.

Here is a couple of Beres Tracks for you to enjoy. 1- Lovely Day and 2 – They Gonna Talk. Enjoy!

Beres is still out there doing his thing and below you will find his upcoming dates, if you like what you have heard and you get the chance, I strongly recommend you go and see one of the greatest ever reggae artists.

Popularity: 12% [?]

I was having one of those days (classic reggae tune by Sizzla) yesterday and ended up walking home in the pouring rain. A far cry from the Caribbean I know but, with trusty iPod in hand and plugged in to some really great reggae music, I made it home with a smile on my face. I will often be heard as referring to reggae as ‘happy music’ and for those music lovers (of any genre) out there you will know what I mean. Music is a power that can transport you to any place, it can move you, shake you and take you back in time. With the right tune playing you could be anywhere!

I thought that as a treat I would share with you the 50 top played tracks from my ipod this week. I have tried to link them all so you can have the pleasure of hearing them without having to search hard yourself. I’ll put some of my favourites here too. You don’t have to listen them all at once but keep coming back and picking them off. That’s what this site is all about…what’s that brilliant reggae track I heard? I know….it will be on Reggae-Artists.com

Let me know your favourites. I hope you enjoy!

Jah Cure – Forever

Turbulence – Ex-Girlfriend

Luciano – Over The Hills

Sizzla – Be Strong

Natural Ites – Picture On The Wall

Jah Cure – My Life

Tarrus Riley – She’s Royal

T.O.K – Tears

Junior Kelly – Love So Nice

Marcia Griffiths – I shall Sing

Anthony Hamilton – Everybody

Duane Stephenson – August Town

Pressure – Love and Affection

Shaggy – Bonafide Girl

I-Wayne – Lava Ground

Chuck Fender – I swear

Queen Ifrika – Below The Waist

Beres Hammond – Rockaway

Morgan Heritage – New Time, New Sign

Collie Buddz – Mary Jane

Anthony Cruz – Halfway Tree

Richie Spice – Crying Out

Bob Marley – Jah Live

Errol Dunkley – Happiness Forgets

Freddie McGregor – I See It In You

Popularity: 12% [?]

The reggae scene in Trinidad and Tobago has always been quite prevalent, as Trinidadian music has evolved from simple calypso, to eclectic mixes of reggae, ska and a bit of soca and R&B.

Much like the multi-cultural population itself, the reggae music that emerges from this island is also quite hard to pinpoint.

Such up coming artists such as Isasha, Million Voice, Jamelody and Marlon Asher have all echoed their Rastafarian chant through the Caribbean and have all begun to spread their song throughout the US and UK.

On a global level, there are artists that hail from Trinidad and Tobago; and have been classified as performers on the reggae front. This includes Machel Montano, Kees and the Band and the Orange Sky.

Machel Montano, who has been a soca performer for just over twenty- five years, released his second to last album in time for the 2007 Carnival celebrations. Having revealed his “Book of Angels”, Mr. Montano has re-vamped his soca style for the reggae remix of his number one hit, “Higher than High”. Performing on stage with the internationally renound, Sizzla, Machel has proved that Trinidad can not only make a presence in the soca arena; but can represent for the reggae industry as well, with his kettle drum beats.

Kees and the Band has been performing (with a few name changes) since the 90’s, and front man Kees, has performed with his youth and vibrance throughout Trinidad and the Caribbean, Canada and the UK, has surged the good vibes of reggae music through his 2007 album, “Lion”.

The Orange Sky has also been emergent in Trinidad and Tobago, touring through various locations, and has been one of the first bands to put Trinidad and Tobago on the map for a more ska-type sound. This was most prevalent for the daunting sound of their soulful cover of “Peace Train”.

Just the beginning of the journey, Trinidad and Tobago is making its name on the reggae scene. With young talent and stellar ambitions, these men will carry this small Caribbean nation deep into the reggae jungle.

…don’t forget to check out our growing list of Reggae Artists!

Written by Jamie Jaggernauth.

Popularity: 4% [?]

I am delighted to introduce to you all my friend and international reggae artist, Daddy Roots. Born a Rasta on April 23, 1977 in North Valley, Anguilla; the youngest of fifteen children. Roots left school at an early age and gained great education in life from the day-to day living in the streets of Anguilla. Roots elaborates:

Nothing comes to you on a platter unless you have a certain position in society. If you are the underdog, you don’t get anything and have to fight for everything.

Daddy Roots’ religion is love – his reaction to anger and hatred is to walk away with love in his heart and a smile on his face. Daddy Roots believes that around the corner of depression lies hope and his songs titles including “Love And Honor“, “I Am At Peace With Myself”, “Walk Away From War”, “ Happiness” and “Moving On” express his philosophy of peace and harmony for everyone.

Daddy Roots left Anguilla in 2002 to pursue his musical dreams and, early that same year, started his first ever tour in the States…..going from the west to the Midwest and hitting clubs like The Independent (San Fransisco), Malibu Inn (Malibu), Belly Up, OC Tavern, West Coast Festivals before heading out for some colleges in the Midwest and onwards to Chicago’s premier reggae club “Wild Hare”. He is also thankful the opportunity to perform in New Orleans before the world was rocked by Katrina.

Roots then got invited to perform at Ghana’s Panafest and Emancipation day in the summer of 2004 and spent a couple of months playing out there and expanded his musical repertoire.

In 2005 Daddy Roots’ song, “Magar Goat”, was in the movie “Broken Flowers” starring Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Sharon Stone and Jessica Lange. “ Magar Goat” was also used in a Canadian TV Lifetime Movie “Fugitive”. He also has a song, “It’s All Good” on the soundtrack of “Rastafarian Dreaming” documentary, an independent film produced in Toronto, Canada and shown around in Reggae Festivals in the United States.

Daddy Roots won BEST REGGAE VOCALIST 2006 at the 16th Annual Los Angeles Music Awards held at the Music Box, Hollywood, where Gwen Stefani and Black Eye Peas got one of their earlier awards from.

In Late 2007 Daddy Roots aka ZKing of Hearts completed a new cutting-edge album, Happiness, featuring the likes of Wailers/Steel Pulse producer Karl Pitterson, St. Maarten producer Connis Vanterpool and West Coast deejay/producer extraordinaire Peter “Peas” McEvilley.

Daddy Roots is now back in North America to promote his latest CD which, since its release, is spreading blessed love throughout the airwaves of North America and the Caribbean. The release was one of the most added CD to radio playlists nationwide according to CMJ’s New World Chart where it still remains a favourite among programmers. Over 60 stations are spinning Daddy Roots now, including non-commercial powerhouses such as WBAI in New York and KPFA in Berkeley where it received Top 10 status. Leading airplay tracks include the timely “Make Love Not War”, which peaked on Mediaguide’s top reggae songs, and the irresistible herbal anthem “Weedy Wop”. “Are You Willin’?” showcases Daddy Roots’ creative depth and many styles which have already shown great promise of crossover potential.

ALBUMS:
2001 “Two Sides of Love-Chapter One”
2002 “Love and Honor”
2003 “All Here Now”
2007 “Happiness (is in your heart)”

Often described as ‘Bob Marley meets Ben Harper’, Roots recently said to me of his own musical influences:

I am blesssed to have met so many positive people. I left my tiny island I have to admit a bit naively because I thought the rest of the world would be as warm as little Anguilla. I got the chance to work with Zion Trains genius Neil Perch in Germany/Croatia and with Tippa Irie in the UK and I tell you he is one of the best human beings…so kind, humble, considerate and professional on top of all that. Pato Banton is another great man who is also a great positive influence in my life. I am honored to call him a friend.

On that note, I am honoured to call Roots a friend and hope you have enjoyed reading about him. Watch out for more to come from this great reggae artist!

…don’t forget to check out our growing list of other Reggae Artists!

Popularity: 14% [?]

If you ever visit the island of Anguilla then you will be sure to cross paths with Bankie. Born on this beautiful island, Bankie Banx has been making reggae music for the past 30 years; with his trademark hat and unique blend of reggae music Bankie is one of Anguillas finest.

Making music was a childhood dream for Bankie and he made early success with his first number one hit in 1977 and has gone from strength to strength ever since. Bankie and his band ‘The Roots & Herbs’ spent time in Europe and the Caribbean before the band dispanded and Bankie set of to further his career in the US. His unique and somewhat chilling voice his often been compared to that of Bob Dylan and Bankie himself has taken much inspiration from Bob and added a little folk into his music. Bankies muscial journey was booming in the US before he got ‘Busted’ in Barbados for marijuana possesion and was subsequently banned for 10 years.

On his return to Anguilla, Bankie set about building something else to call his own…The Dune Preserve. The Dune, or Planet Dune as many would call it, has grown from a small one cabin beach hut to a full blown piece of history. A year round beach bar and nightlub you will hear the sounds of Bankie and friends before you arrive. It is also the home to another of Banks’ musical projects – Moonsplash.

Moonsplash has become one of the premier music festivals in the Eastern Caribbean and has featured internationally revered reggae artists such as Jimmy Buffett, Rita Marley, Black Uhuru, Freddie McGregor, Toots and the Maytals, Steel Pulse, Culture, Marcia Griffiths, Taurrus Riley, Roots & Herbs, Buju Banton, Anthony B, Burning Spear and The Wailers. The dune preserve was destroyed by Hurricanes in 1996 and 1999, but Banks rebuilt it and Moonsplash lives on.

I have had the pleasure of sitting in the Dune with Bankie and Friends and his rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’ in the early hours of new years day is a moment I will treasure forever.

…don’t forget to check out our growing list of other Reggae Artists!

Popularity: 14% [?]