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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...

 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...

International Reggae Day Special: Catching Up with Don Dada on Reggae Hour Celebrating Reggae, Africa, and a Global Journey of Conscious Music Every year on International Reggae Day , music lovers across the globe celebrate a genre that has transcended borders, languages, and cultures. Born in Jamaica, reggae has become a universal language of resistance, unity, spirituality, and hope. This year, Reggae Hour is proud to celebrate the occasion by welcoming back one of Africa's most influential reggae voices— Menelik Nesta Gibbons , better known worldwide as Don Dada . This isn't a first introduction. It's a reunion. Over the years, Don Dada has become more than a guest on Reggae Hour. He has become a friend of the program, sharing his musical journey, his vision for African reggae, and his unwavering commitment to conscious music. Our upcoming conversation continues that story as we reflect on another remarkable chapter in his career. A Landmark Year for Don Dada The past y...

  Reggae's Greatest Export Was More Than Music By the early 1970s, reggae music was already becoming the heartbeat of Jamaica. Sound systems dominated neighborhoods, artists were crafting songs that reflected everyday struggles, and producers were shaping a sound unlike anything the world had ever heard. Yet outside of the Caribbean, much of the world still knew very little about Jamaica. That changed in 1972. When The Harder They Come premiered, the film did something revolutionary. It introduced international audiences to Jamaican culture through the eyes of ordinary Jamaicans. The film captured the streets, the language, the style, the struggles, and most importantly, the music. For many people around the world, The Harder They Come was their first encounter with reggae. The movie transformed reggae from a regional phenomenon into a global cultural force. Jimmy Cliff: The Voice That Carried Jamaica Abroad At the center of the film stood Jimmy Cliff. Already a respe...

Rastafari, often mistaken for just dreadlocks and reggae, pulsates with a rich history, vibrant belief system, and unique practices that extend far beyond the shores of Jamaica. Born from the struggles of the African diaspora, Rastafari offers a powerful message of liberation, respect for Africa, and a call for unity. This blog post delves into the heart of Rastafari culture, exploring its core beliefs, practices, and customs that resonate from Jamaica to Ethiopia. Rooted in Faith: A Reinterpreted Bible Central to Rastafari is a distinct interpretation of the Bible. Rastas believe in one God, Jah, who they see as a manifestation of the divine within each person. They draw heavily from the Old Testament, particularly the story of the Israelites' captivity in Babylon. This resonates with the Rastafarian experience of oppression under European colonialism, which they view as metaphorical Babylon. Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, crowned in 1930, holds immense significance. Many R...

  REGGAE MIXED WITH COUNTRY SINGER BILLYBOY The Jamaican Cowboy  The First Country Reggae Singer BILLYBOY THE JAMAICAN COWBOY Joined MR. E for a phenomenal chat on B.O.S.S. Radio's REGGAE HOUR PODCAST on iTunes, iHeartRadio, Amazon, Google Podcast, Apple Podcast or Right above LOL. After this interview make sure to find Billyboy The Jamaican Cowboy on those same streaming services and platforms. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/billyboy-the-jamaican-cowboy/1380201217 https://open.spotify.com/artist/1mICGZ0dJqy5WYAdaV1KDN https://music.amazon.com/artists/B07CT7XT4D/billyboy-the-jamaican-cowboy https://www.deezer.com/us/artist/14710351 https://www.jango.com/music/Billyboy+the+jamaican+cowboy/images https://www.youtube.com/@billyboythejamaicancowboy https://www.reverbnation.com/billyboythejamaicancowboy Billyboy the Jamaican Cowboy: Bridging Cultures with Music and Heart Billyboy the Jamaican Cowboy isn't your average artist. This Kingston native is a true melting pot of influen...

  Hardio for Peace and Love Talking with this brother was a straight blessing and We can't wait for you to hear this conversation. Talking about Music, reminiscing about friends, manifesting the future, there was no stone left unturned in this dialogue between two highly intelligent men. Biography Leon Smith (Hardio) Leon Smith, better known to the world as HARDIO, is a dynamic, talented artist hailing from the heart of Kingston, Jamaica. His unique sound and tone were recognized by his friends at a young age, leading them to christen him with his memorable stage name. Growing up in Kingston during the 90s, HARDIO was immersed in a vibrant musical scene, surrounded by talented artists like his neighbor, the legendary Spragga Benz. From an early age, he honed his skills, performing at every school fair and classroom gathering. Focused on creating great content with beautiful melodies, HARDIO quickly became a fixture in the local music scene. Determined to succeed in his musical care...

Will Richardsoin Hold Her weight against the Jamaican Superstar The World Athletic Championship is set to take place in Budapest from August 19th to the 27th, and the competition is heating up as Jamaican superstar Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce returns to the track with a fast time. Sha’Carri Richardson’s bid for the world championship just got a lot spicier! Fraser-Pryce, the reigning World Champion in the 100-meter event, is one of the greatest sprinters of all-time. She has an impressive collection of medals, including three Olympic golds, four silvers, and a bronze, as well as 10 gold medals at the World Championships and four silvers. At 36 years old, she led another Jamaican sweep last July for a record-extending fifth 100-meter title. Richardson, on the other hand, did not run at the meet because she was eliminated in the first round of Nationals. However, she has since qualified for the 2023 World Championships by winning the U.S. Outdoor Championships in Eugene. Now, with the World ...

Reggae Festivals Fall 2023: A Celebration of Music, Culture, and Unity As summer comes to a close , music enthusiasts eagerly await the arrival of the fall season, which brings with it a series of vibrant and soulful Reggae Festivals. The year 2023 promises to be one of the most exciting and memorable for reggae lovers, as a lineup of incredible artists and a plethora of diverse events take center stage. From the Caribbean to Europe, these festivals are set to deliver an unforgettable experience, filled with pulsating rhythms, positive vibes, and an unbreakable sense of unity. Listen to "Jamaica's Power House Redeemm Reclaims His Sound" on Spreaker. One of the most iconic and highly anticipated events on the reggae calendar , the Jamaica Reggae Festival, will kick off the fall season with a bang. Held on the beautiful island of Jamaica, this festival pays homage to the roots of reggae music, attracting both local and international artists. From the legendary Bob Marley to...