Category: Jamaica

  • Jah 9 Talks Yoga, Herbs and Holistic Healing: “This is no Devil Thing, This is Life!”

    Jah 9 Talks Yoga, Herbs and Holistic Healing: “This is no Devil Thing, This is Life!”

    Jamaican Warrior Goddess Vibes in the British countryside

    On a rainy day in Hainault Forest Country Park in Chigwell, Essex, Jah9 and her band performed at One Love, the UK’s No. 1 reggae and dub camping festival. Running through new songs like “Humble Me” and the warrior anthem “Unafraid” from her new album, which would be released on the mystical date of September 9, 2016 (2+0+1+6=9) a perfect convergence of 9s. “Every time we come to England we get more love,” Jah 9 told Reshma B in an exclusive interview. They spoke about the making of Jah9’s 9mm Vol 2 (“It’s not a mixtape,” she insists. “It’s groundings”) and the whole “Year of the 9” concept. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Jah Cure “Rasta” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Jah Cure “Rasta” Official Music Video

    New Video Goes Around the Globe With Cure

    What has Jah Cure been up to? We haven’t heard much from Iyacure since last year’s Grammy Awards, when his album The Cure was highly touted to win Best Reggae Album honors. Although the Morgan family ended up taking the title that year, the excellence of Cure’s self-produced album stands undiminished. Meanwhile, the singer has been keeping it cool and touring the world spreading Jah love, as seen in this new video for one “Rasta” of the standout tracks from the project. Shot on location in Greece, Rome, Paris, Venice, somewhere in the Alps, and God knows where else these big money visuals take you pretty much anywhere you want to be right now. Cure again! Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • How Gentleman Buss As A Reggae Artist

    How Gentleman Buss As A Reggae Artist

    The Tunes That Turned This Teenager From Köln, Germany Into A Certified Jamaican Star

    In late 2014 MTV invited Gentleman to record an “Unplugged” album, marking the first time any reggae artist had joined that respected series which has included the likes of Jay Z, Nirvana, and Lauryn Hill. With guest appearances by Shaggy, Ky-Mani Marley, Tanya Stephens, and Christopher Martin as well as the German duo Milky Chance, Gentleman and his acoustic band repped reggae music to the fullest. If it seems strange that a white man born in Germany should be chosen to represent a musical art form created in the Caribbean amongst the surviving descendants of African slaves, then you don’t know Tilmann Otto.  Boomshots recently caught up with the conscious German reggae singer—known to his fans as Gentleman—and spoke with him about his unlikely rise to the top of the reggae business, why it’s such an honor to record the MTV Ungplugged project, and what stories are dominating his attention these days and for the foreseeable future (Think: Songs About The Syrian Refugee Crisis.) Videos After The Jump… (more…)

  • Irie Jam Sizzles with Sizzla, Anthony B & Friends

    Irie Jam Sizzles with Sizzla, Anthony B & Friends

    Tropical Storm Stays Far, Roots Vibrations Catch A Fire At Queens Stage Show

    On Sunday, September 4, boom chunes reverberated from early afternoon across the pristine greens of Queens’ Roy Wilkins Park. It was Irie Jam Radio’s 23rd Anniversary and heavyweights were out in full force to celebrate. Though fallout from a tropical storm was supposed to drown out the festivities, Bobby Clarke and the Irie Jam family kept on “Holding Firm” and in the end the only thunder and lightning came from the line-up of roots rock reggae entertainers. The jewel in the crown of these royal revelries was the return of Sizzla Kalonji to the New York City stage. After enduring over eight years of the artist’s absence, being reunited never felt so good. Photos After The Jump…
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  • HEAR THIS: Equiknoxx Music “Us In 2007” PREMIERE

    HEAR THIS: Equiknoxx Music “Us In 2007” PREMIERE

     Once Upon a Time In Jamaica

    Like the mighty bird of prey who serves as the label’s logo/mascot, Equiknoxx Music has soared to higher heights in recent years. But today the dancehall production team of Nicholas “Bobby The Blackbird” Deane & Gavin “Gavsborg” Blair rewind back to the days when they flew mostly under the radar. Consider Us In 2007  a sonic snapshot, a moment in time—five tracks culled from the Equiknoxx archives and presented for the first time today on Boomshots. “We had no studio at the time,” recalls Blackbird. “Most of these songs were recorded at different studios…mainly Anchor Studios, Cutting Edge Records which is now Chimney Records, B-Rich Entertainment, and Versatile C&M Entertainment now Ancient Records/4th Generation Music. The time was simple; the fees were zero, gratitude is everything. As for us? What to say? “Brash” is the word that comes to mind. Well, depending on your definition. Loud, confident, spirited and maybe a little rude.” These songs are not about “Big Names”—Craigy T and Bay C of TOK fame pop up on two solo cuts; Tifa sings the hook for an artist known as C4 whose eccentric slang (“Man a real Gangle-arka”) steals the show; the only Ranks here is Shawnie. Never mind if you never heard of Rsenal or Lil J.O.E or Jahfrica or Tremma—just listen. The songs possess a raw urgency that is undeniable, and irresistible to fans of real dancehall music. And the production? It knoxx. These beats are ready to take on the world, but they were released at a moment when the world was not ready. “There are no rules, there are no gatekeepers, there are no expectations, there are no limits,” Blackbird summarizes. “We have the secrets of the sky, and laughter comes easy. Actions before words and the birds speak loudly and boldly because they are sure. We are sure about everything.”  Audio After The Jump…
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  • HEAR THIS: Popcaan “Nah Idle”

    HEAR THIS: Popcaan “Nah Idle”

    “If you never listen Popcaan song, mek sure you listen to dah one yah”

    What a year Andrae Hugh Sutherland has had! Hits pon toppa hits in the dancehall. High-profile collabs. Shelling stages and killing sounds around the world. Smoking the highest and relishing close encounters with “some real star gyal.” In his latest tune, produced by Mini for E5 Records and distributed by the mighty 21st Hapilos, Poppy shares the secret of his success, and it’s pretty simple—but easier said than done. It all comes down to work. Hard work. That’s how you live the dream. That’s how you take care of your family. That’s how you climb up the ladder from asking your bredrens to give away promo CDs, to getting your songs played for free (while other artists have to shell out payola.) Mind you, it won’t help cure other peoples’ badmind or grudgefulness. “Artist ah cuss true the world prefer me,” Popcaan observes on the tune. But by avoiding idleness, you can climb the ladder too—thus avoiding the ill effects of badmind. “Wash out unno heart, unno heart too nasty,” Popcaan sings. “We nuh beg people, so no bwoy can style me.”  When Popcaan speaks of “Idle,” he’s not talking about American Idol, or worshipping false idols. He’s speaking of laziness, slothfulness, lack of initiative, purpose, or forward motion. Think of a car in neutral, revving the engine and getting nowhere fast.  Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley Speaks on the “Nail Pon Cross” Music Video Controversy

    Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley Speaks on the “Nail Pon Cross” Music Video Controversy

    Judge Not, Lest Ye Shall Be Judged

    After premiering as a Tidal exclusive, Damian Marley’s powerful new video, “Nail Pon Cross” appeared on his Vevo channel earlier this week, bringing the disturbing visuals to the whole wide world. Although it’s not the first music video to feature a crucifixion scene—Damian told Billboard that he was inspired by his friend Nas’s “Hate Me Now” video—there’s still something shocking about watching Bob Marley’s son have nails pounded through his wrists and left on a telephone pole to die. A still from the video posted online generated a flurry of negative comments, especially from Christians who were offended by what they considered a sacriligeous image. “It’s ironic, because I’m being crucified for being crucified,” he recently told the Huffington Post in response to the controversy. Boomshots caught up with Jr. Gong to get his views on the visuals. Video & Interview After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Gyptian “Summer Is Back” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Gyptian “Summer Is Back” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    Beaches, Bikinis, Waterfalls—It’s All In a Day’s Work

    We may be close to the end of August, but trust and believe summer is still in full effect. Summer 2016 has been a big season for reggae and dancehall in the international pop charts, although much of it got labeled as “tropical house” in the mainstream media. That’s why you’ve got to love Konzequence Muzik Group for naming their summer juggling the “Tropical House Riddim”—a strategic move to rebrand this true Jamaican dancehall track in the midst of everything that’s going. “It’s all about a party vibes,” says reggae star Gyptian of his song on the riddim, a thing called “Summer Is Back.” Today Boomshots proudly premieres the official music video which is fully loaded with plenty of girls in bikinis, cool drinks, a secluded tropical waterfall—why can’t every day be like this? Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Out and Bad: Elephant Man Teaches His Top 10 Dance Moves

    Out and Bad: Elephant Man Teaches His Top 10 Dance Moves

    Getting Jiggy With Di Energy God

    With Notting Hill Carnival coming up next weekend—and Brooklyn’s Labor Day parade the weekend after that—it’s time to brush up on your dance steps. You love the vibes and you want to bust some moves like Usain Bolt celebrating a gold medal, but you don’t know your “Willie Bounce” from your “Gangsta Rock.” Well fret not thyself. Reshma B linked up with Elephant Man in Kingston, Jamaica. Elly is known for spreading Kingston street dance choreography around the world with hit songs like “Pon Di River Pon The Bank” and “Signal Di Plane.” Di Energy God himself  taught The Reggae Girl About Town how to do each and every one of his Top 10 Dance Moves. He also took time out to reason about his early King Jammy’$ days, and big up the elders in the business from Shabba Ranks to Bounty Killer and Buju Banton. Videos After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Popcaan “Usain Bolt / World Cup Dubplate”

    HEAR THIS: Popcaan “Usain Bolt / World Cup Dubplate”

    Weh Dem Ah Go Do Now?

    Usain Bolt has never hidden the fact that he’s a major dancehall fan. Back in Beijing, he celebrated his first Olympic win by busting a Gully Creeper dance. (His 2009 welcome home dance in Trelawney was legendary.) This year in Rio Bolt celebrated his first win by posting an Instagram video of himself singing along to Popcaan’s big tune “World Cup (We Still A Win).” The Unruly Boss wasted no time reposting the video and hit the studio sometime soon after. No sooner did Bolt cross the finish line in Rio, collecting his second gold medal, than Poppy’s Bolt dubplate start shell the worldwide web up. Audio & Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Reasoning with Sizzla: “I’m a Different Sort; I Man a Rasta”

    Reasoning with Sizzla: “I’m a Different Sort;
    I Man a Rasta”

    Kalonji Speaks on U.S. Tour and Black Lives Matter

    It’s been 8 years since Sizzla Kalonji has touched down in NYC, so history was made yesterday he officially announced his big return to New York for Irie Jamboree this Labor Day weekend Sept 4, 2016. Passing through town on the way home from what he calls an “awesome” performance at Reggae on the River, Sizzla Kalonji stopped by Irie Jam Media HQ to connect with his Tristate fans and let them know that he really is back in U.S. once again after years of visa issues. Before going on the air with Jabba and Dubbmaster Chris, Sizzla sat down with Robert Cooper, doing his first interview for Boomshots TV. They spoke about Sizzla’s plans for touring and recording while in the U.S., and took time out to discuss Kalonji’s thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Tarrus Riley, Ding Dong, Beenie Man, Tifa & Charly Black “Bring Di Beat” (Jamaica Remix)

    HEAR THIS: Tarrus Riley, Ding Dong, Beenie Man, Tifa & Charly Black “Bring Di Beat” (Jamaica Remix)

    Now A Straight Winnings

    With Olympic fever in full swing, you already know “Bring The Beat,” the big tune by Machel Montano and Tessane Chin, is in heavy rotation. Now, just in time for the Rio Olympiad Chimney Records is bringing the beat with a “Jamaica Remix” of the winnings anthem with musical Gold Medalists Tarrus Riley, Ding Dong, Beenie Man, Tifa & Charly Black blazing the lyrical torch. So what if you deh pon one big lazy par and skip the torch ceremony? As long as you know when to press gas!  Audio After the Jump… (more…)