Music

Jamaica’s recording studio scene is rich, historic and vital to the global sound of reggae, ska, dub, dancehall and more. These studios reflect the rich tapestry of Jamaica’s recording industry — from the humble to globally renowned institutions. Each has…

Dancehall Reggae: From Sound Systems to Global Soundtracks – Dancehall reggae emerged in the early 1980s as a younger, grittier sibling of roots reggae. Where Bob Marley sang about liberation and love, dancehall artists like Yellowman were brash, witty and…

The Return of Dancehall’s King Adidja Azim Palmer, better known as Vybz Kartel, grew up in the vibrant, often chaotic neighbourhoods of Kingston, Jamaica. Born in January 1976 at Victoria Jubilee Hospital, he spent his early years in Waterhouse before…

How a Japanese woman helped revolutionize Jamaican ReggaeIn 1985, the world of Jamaican music changed forever with the release of Wayne Smith’s hit “Under Mi Sleng Teng”; a track that would usher in the digital era of reggae and forever…

With the return of Netflix’s retro hit Stranger Things, 1980s music is experiencing a well-deserved resurgenceand among the standout comebacks is “Pass the Dutchie” by British-Jamaican reggae band Musical Youth. Featured in the show, the track has captivated a new…

Rockers is a living, breathing portrait of Jamaican roots reggae culture at its peak. Originally intended as a documentary, it evolved into a full-length feature under the direction of Theodoros Bafaloukos, capturing the energy, struggles and spirit of late 1970s…

Jamaica has gifted the world many musical treasures, but few are as transformative as dub reggae. This genre, now globally influential, was born in Kingston in 1967, when sound engineer King Tubby unintentionally reshaped the musical landscape while cutting a…