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Imar Shephard: From St. Thomas to the World Jamaica has long produced artists whose voices carry more than melody; they carry history, resilience, faith, and hope. One of the voices continuing that tradition is Imar Shephard , a singer-songwriter from Cedar Valley in St. Thomas whose music blends roots reggae, lovers rock, and contemporary reggae with heartfelt storytelling. Reggae Hour is honored to welcome Imar Shephard for an upcoming exclusive interview where we will explore the experiences, inspirations, and journey behind his growing catalog of music. Growing Up in St. Thomas Born and raised in Cedar Valley, St. Thomas, Jamaica, Imar's musical journey began through church and community performances. Those early experiences helped shape a voice rooted in authenticity and a message centered on positivity, perseverance, and faith. After relocating to Kingston, he continued developing his craft, performing with the touring band Crucial before establishing himself as a sol...

From Ghana’s Western Region, an emerging reggae voice is beginning to introduce himself to listeners beyond his immediate community. Frank Osei Nyarko, known publicly as Black 2ic , is a publicly traceable independent reggae artist associated with Sekondi-Takoradi in Ghana. His developing musical identity is centered on conscious reggae, African unity and the responsibility of music to awaken rather than merely entertain. His song “Desire of Ages” presents the clearest public introduction to that mission. The record is beginning to attract online attention through platforms such as Audiomack, YouTube and social media. Black 2ic is still at an emerging stage, and the available public record does not support presenting him as an established global star. What the evidence does reveal is an artist attempting to carry a message from Takoradi toward Africa and the wider diaspora. That message deserves careful attention. A Reggae Voice Emerging from Western Ghana Black 2ic’...

“This is Redeemm, and I’m here to give you the key to your caged mind.” For Jamaican reggae artist, songwriter, educator and social commentator Redeemm , music is not simply entertainment. It is a vessel for information, spiritual nourishment, historical awareness and mental liberation. Born Earle Morrison in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, Jamaica, Redeemm has built his artistic identity around one central purpose: awakening people mentally, spiritually, culturally and historically. On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM Jamaica Time , Redeemm joins Reggae Hour for an exclusive interview about his life, his music, his twelve-track album Key for Caged Minds , and his mission to use reggae as a tool for education and freedom. Reggae Hour Exclusive Interview Guest: Redeemm Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM Jamaica Time Watch: Reggae Hour From Spanish Town to a Life of Service Redeemm was born on December 12, 1976, and grew up between Tred...

Some artists follow the rhythm. Others carry a reason. A message. A light they refuse to let die. On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET, Reggae Hour welcomes Kingston-born artist Kwalyti , formerly known as KQualiti, for a conversation about conscious dancehall, positive thinking, musical discipline, family, resilience, love, unity, and the purpose behind his music. This is a story about more than becoming an artist. Do not rush past what built the voice. The Weight Behind the Name Kwalyti, whose legal name is Shakur Christopher Campbell, comes from Kingston, Jamaica, and the Red Hills Road community. His musical journey began early. He started recording at thirteen, grew up around musicians, studied music theory at the LEAP Centre, played drums, led the LEAP Band, and traveled across Jamaica performing with the school band. The foundation came before the spotlight. That is why this interview matters. Kwalyti is not approaching reggae and dancehall as styles to w...

 Leroy Scarlett Returns to Reggae Hour | Reggae Powerhouse Band & Friends Series 2 Some conversations deserve another chapter. For Reggae Hour, welcoming Leroy Scarlett back is not simply another interview. It is an opportunity to continue documenting a journey that has helped shape reggae music across generations. As producer, bandleader, and founder of Reggae Powerhouse Band , Leroy Scarlett has spent decades working alongside respected voices in reggae while remaining committed to preserving the music's history, spirit, and foundation. Now he returns to Reggae Hour to celebrate Reggae Powerhouse Band & Friends Series 2 , a project that continues his lifelong mission of honoring reggae's legacy through music, memory, and meaningful collaboration. Join the live interview on Wednesday, July 8 at 1:00 PM Jamaica Time at ReggaeHour.com . [IMAGE: Leroy Scarlett live interview hero] A Lifetime Behind the Music Many reggae fans know the legendary voices. Fe...

Music travels. Culture takes root. Every so often, YouTube reveals more than a viral song. It reveals a movement forming in plain sight. Recent trend signals suggest that Dancehall is reaching new audiences across Africa while conscious reggae and roots playlists continue finding dedicated listeners around the world. These are not isolated moments. They point toward a bigger question for reggae culture right now: As Dancehall expands globally, who keeps the roots visible? At Reggae Hour, we believe the story is not simply about numbers. It is about origins, influence, and the sound that keeps traveling without losing its heartbeat. The Journey Is Bigger Than One Hit One of the strongest trend signals comes from Dancehall's international reach. Crossover collaborations are helping introduce new listeners to rhythms born in Jamaica, and African audiences are responding with serious energy. That matters because the conversation is bigger than one charting record or one viral h...

Some interviews begin before the first question is asked. They begin in the pause. In the silence between what the public has been told and what someone finally decides to say out loud. That is where this one sits. On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Reggae Hour welcomes Anthony Brightly of Black Slate for a conversation that already feels heavier than a normal artist interview. Not because of hype. Not because of a manufactured headline. But because Anthony has promised to bring something serious to the table. He says he has devastating news connected to International Reggae Day . And when a man from a band like Black Slate says that, you do not rush past it. The Weight Behind the Name Black Slate is not just a name from a record shelf. It is part of the British roots reggae story, part of the sound that carried Caribbean memory through London streets, dance halls, community rooms, pirate radio, and family gatherings where the bassline did more than entertain. It remind...