Buju Banton: The Voice of Rasta Righteousness

By M. Peggy Quattro

It was a perfect Miami night; clear skies, balmy breeze, and a Reggae festival in the park. The 16th Caribbean (formerly Marley) Festival was jammin’ alongside the bay and the downtown park was rammed.

Positioned between Capleton and Ky-mani’s set, the show-stealing Buju Banton fired up the crowd with a 60+-minute set that left fans shouting “forward!” If you have not seen Buju before, or if you haven’t in a while, his presentation and professionalism will have you also clamoring for more. (See Fest review)

I caught up with the 36-year-old Rasta lion following his mind-blowing performance and congratulated him on an outstanding show. “It is my first Bob Marley fest in Miami and I wanted to do something different from the regular,” said a smiling Buju, “I wanted to come out of the Dancehall a little bit and do something special.” Continue reading Buju Banton: Rasta Voice – An Interview →

The 28th Annual Ragga Muffins Festival

February 21 – 22, 2009 – Long Beach Arena
Photos Jan Salzman

March 10, 2009 – Long Beach,  CA –  Day One – The weekend event started with a press conference hosted by promoter Barbara Barabino. Buju Banton and Leroy Shakespeare were two artists who showed up; Buju was in particularly good humor.

The much-anticipated show began for me with Etana, winner of an EME award for “Best Female Vocalist” and a Reggae Academy Award for “Best Solo Female Reggae Vocalist.” Etana brought the vibe up to a very positive level. She played rather early (about 3:30 pm), but knocked out the crowd with her powerful voice. I first heard Etana’s “Warrior Love,” from the VP release Reggae Gold 2008. I was astounded! She sang it to perfection during her Long Beach performance, backed by our local band Detour Posse, who had every lick and riff together. Other songs that highlighted Etana’s set were “Don’t Forget” and “I Am Not Afraid” from her debut album The Strong One. She definitely was one of my faves for Saturday. Continue reading Ragga Muffins Fest – Long Beach CA 2009 →

Miami’s 16th Caribbean Festival Features the Marley Brothers and More!

Miami, FL The 16th Annual Caribbean Festival will be held Sat., Feb. 28, 2009, in Bicentennial Park, downtown Miami, Florida. The daylong celebration of music, arts, and crafts honors the life and philosophy of legendary reggae star, Bob Marley. This year it also honors the memory of Cedella Marley Booker, the mother of Bob Marley who passed away in 2008. It was her spirit and energy that lived in the festival, and it will continue to be felt in those whose lives she touched. The festival will continue to spread the Marley family message—to help those who are less fortunate. Continue reading 16th Miami Caribbean Fest is Coming →

Matisyahu – Reggae’s Hasidic Hip-Hop Rocker

Interview, Show Review, and Photos by Jan Salzman

Dec. 7, 2009 – Los Angeles, CA – Matisyahu is an American reggae, rock, hip-hop performer and an Ashkenazi Jew. His name is the Hebrew and Yiddish pronunciation of the Biblical name, Matthew. Matisyahu means Gift of God. Born Matthew Paul Miller, June 30, 1979, in West Chester, PA, his family finally settled in White Plains, NY, where he grew up in a multi-cultural blend of humanity.

Known for combining Jewish themes with reggae, rock, and hip-hop sounds, he is most recognizable for being a Hasidic Jew. Continue reading Matisyahu: Hasidic Reggae Hip-Hop Rocker →

Collie Buddz – Rocks the Roxy on Sunset Strip

Review and Photos by Jan Salzman

Nov. 11, 2008 – Hollywood, CAA long line of fans waited outside the Roxy despite the rather cold and windy Southern California night. Most of the girls were scantily clad and freezing in the 40-degree temperature. It all warmed up though, as they crowded to the front of the stage awaiting the hot performance of Reggae sensation, Collie Buddz.

The 27-year-old New Orleans-born, Bermuda-raised singjay has achieved international success since the 2007 release of his self-titled CD and when awarded the 2008 Best International Artist at Kingston’s Reggae Academy Awards. He is recognized for his singing, deejaying, and writing approach; delivering conscious lyrics in a Dancehall stylee while sounding uncannily Jamaican. Continue reading Collie Buddz at the Roxy →

Wailing Souls Reunite

Bread, Pipe and Garth Dennis
Review and Photos by Jan Salzman

Oct. 13, 2008 – Los Angeles, CA – Three members of the original Wailing Souls have reunited as a vocal trio and delivered a fantastic show at West Hollywood’s Key Club. The group, which has consisted of Winston “Pipe” Matthews and Lloyd “Bread” McDonald for quite a few years, have added Garth Dennis, an original Wailing Souls member. Garth also received recognition as a member of Black Uhuru for a number of years. Between the three talented singers, they have received seven Grammy nominations for Best Reggae CD. Their roots reggae songs continue to be considered classics throughout the reggae music industry.

Donning “Nestabrand” colorful T-shirts, the trio took the stage with the insightful song “Jah, Jah Give Us Life to Live.” They put out incredible energy as they danced and sang through the roots riddims that they are widely known for. An all-time favorite is the classic reggae love song, “She Pleases Me,” from the Grammy-nominated CD, All Over the World. From the same album, they performed the smash hit “Shark Attack,” which has one of the best driving bass lines ever heard in the genre. They waited to perform it toward the end of the set to keep the throng skankin’ strong. Continue reading Wailing Souls in LA 2008 →