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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...

  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...

Welcome to our IRD 2026 catch-up series! To understand Reggae, one must return to the heart of Kingston, Jamaica, where the genre emerged in the late 1960s. Preceded by the smooth tempos of Rocksteady, Reggae introduced a revolutionary sound that changed the global musical landscape. At the center of this revolution was Bob Marley, the undisputed 'King of Reggae.' Recording largely with Island Records and backed by his legendary band, The Wailers, Marley brought the message of peace and unity to the world. But what makes the music so distinct? It is the 'skank'—the signature offbeat rhythm provided by the rhythm guitar. This 'riddim' (Jamaican Patois for rhythm) is the heartbeat of the genre. From the early days of Clement 'Sir Coxsone' Dodd to the global success of albums like Natty Dread, the foundation of Reggae is built on this unique syncopation. Whether you are listening to the Paragons' original 'The Tide Is High' or a Marley classic, ...

  How Ska Created the Road to Reggae Introduction Most people know reggae. Many people know Bob Marley. Some know ska. But very few people know the story of how ska emerged from Jamaica's earlier musical traditions and became the foundation for one of the most influential genres in world history. Before reggae became a global movement, Jamaica was already creating a sound uniquely its own. This is the story of how ska was born, the songs that changed the industry, and why the music arrived at the exact moment history was changing. Chapter 1 Before Ska There Was Mento Long before ska exploded from Kingston sound systems, Jamaica already had its own folk music tradition known as mento. Mento was the soundtrack of everyday Jamaican life. It blended African rhythms, European influences, storytelling, humor, social commentary, and community celebration. Unlike later electric styles, mento relied heavily on acoustic instruments and live performance. As American rhythm and blues records b...

Some bands are formed in garages. Some are built in studios. Spliff Vision was forged in survival. From the working-class streets of San Pedro’s “The Lows,” the brothers and cousins who make up Spliff Vision didn’t just grow up around music—they grew up around the realities that reggae was always meant to speak about: struggle, loss, injustice, and resilience. Their sound—what they call Reality Roots—isn’t branding. It’s biography. --- A Childhood Where Music Was the Escape Before the stages, before the festivals, before the crowds knew their name, the members of Spliff Vision were simply family in a house full of instruments. Konker Spliff grew up alongside his brothers—Buddy on drums and their older brother on bass—learning music by ear, experimenting, and copying everything they heard. No formal training. No classes. Just passion. They were self-taught players, united by the same instinct: if there was an instrument nearby, they wanted to play it. But the music wasn’t just entertain...

Premiere Date: October 28, 2025 – 7 PM CST Streaming on: iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and ReggaeHour.com 🌍 From Westmoreland to the World Culture Brown stands as one of reggae’s most uncompromising voices. Born in Westmoreland, Jamaica , and raised between country and city life , he fuses the humble roots of the countryside with the sharp rhythms of Kingston. His evolution through Black Star Sound System — a musical “university” that shaped icons like Junior Reid and Brigadier Jerry — gave him the foundation for a lifetime of authentic sound. “Black Star was like university for me. You learn how to behave, how to carry yourself when success comes.” — Culture Brown 🎶 The New Album: “Go Deh” His latest release, “Go Deh,” represents the full maturity of his message — a declaration of independence, faith, and purpose. Now available on all major platforms, the album features: “Beautiful” — a heartfelt anthem written for the disabled community. ...

  Few artists have embodied the spirit of rebellion and resilience like Peter Tosh. A founding member of The Wailers, Tosh’s solo career saw him emerge as a fearless voice for change, challenging societal norms, advocating for marijuana legalization, and calling for global justice. The Herb Advocate: Peter Tosh, the "Bush Doctor" Peter Tosh wasn’t just an artist; he was a prophet of the herb. Through his album Bush Doctor and anthems like "Legalize It," Tosh called for the decriminalization of marijuana, highlighting its spiritual and medicinal significance. In Jamaica, a country with deep ties to the Rastafarian faith, Tosh’s advocacy was revolutionary. A Brief History of Marijuana in Jamaica Jamaica’s relationship with marijuana has been a complex one. Despite its Rastafarian roots and cultural significance, cannabis was criminalized until recent reforms, including the 2015 decriminalization for personal and medical use. Tosh’s message was ahead of its time, and ...

Get ready for something BIG! Reggae fans, truth-seekers, and conscious minds—mark your calendars because on October 21st at 7 PM CST , the one and only Redeemm will be joining us on B.O.S.S. Radio’s Reggae Hour Podcast for an exclusive interview! This is NOT just another artist interview—this is an electrifying conversation with the man who’s lighting up the reggae scene with his powerful new album, “A Key For Caged Minds.” Stream it on YouTube and SBCMovement.com for a chance to hear how this multitalented reggae revolutionary is breaking down mental barriers, inspiring freedom, and awakening souls. The Message Behind “A Key For Caged Minds” Redeemm’s journey from Jamaica Fire Brigade, EMT, and Constabulary Force to full-time artist has been nothing short of extraordinary. In this interview, he shares how his latest album is more than music—it’s a movement ! This album is designed to challenge you, to wake you up, and remind you of your true mental and spiritual power . When Rede...

  When it comes to reggae and dancehall, few artists bring the kind of energy and passion that Christopher “Zabrick” Reid does. As one of Portland, Jamaica's most talented musical exports, Zabrick has been creating waves both locally and internationally for years. Now, he’s bringing his talent and story to B.O.S.S. Radio’s Reggae Hour , where we’ll get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look into his journey, his collaborations with some of reggae's biggest names, and his vision for the future of dancehall music. You won’t want to miss this one! And Mr. E will be interviewing him on B.O.S.S. Radio's REGGAE HOUR!!! From Choirboy to Dancehall Star Zabrick’s love for music began early, as a choir singer at Windsor Castle Church. He honed his talent performing at local concerts in his youth, laying the foundation for his future in music. His move to Portmore, a hub for reggae and dancehall talent, catapulted him into the world of stage shows, clubs, and collaborations with heavy...

Let's face it, most of us first encountered reggae through a hazy image of a palm tree swaying on a postcard, with Bob Marley serenading us about island life. But reggae, my friends, is so much more than just soundtrack for burnt noses and fruity cocktails. It's a vibrant tapestry woven from social commentary, spiritual yearning, and some seriously funky beats. The Roots Run Deep (and Skunky): Reggae's story starts in the 1960s in Jamaica, a place simmering with the aftereffects of colonialism and the rise of the Rastafari movement. This religious movement, with its emphasis on living a natural life and celebrating African heritage, became the soul of reggae. Rastafarian beliefs fueled lyrics about social justice, repatriation to Africa (cue Bob Marley's "Get Up, Stand Up"), and of course, praising Jah (their term for God). The Skank Stops for No One: But reggae isn't just about righteous messages. It's about feeling the groove! The signature sound com...

In a recent interview on Mr. E's Southside Bosses show, Jamaican reggae artist Lincoln Prophet dives deep into his musical roots, tracing his path from his Jamaican upbringing to international recognition. Born Weithney Reid in Saint Elizabeth Parish, Lincoln's passion for music blossomed early. After immigrating to the US at 14, music became his constant companion. Even during his military service, Lincoln gravitated towards reggae, collaborating with established artists like Sugar Minott and Frankie Paul. Watch Interview Here: The year 1991 marked a turning point. With laser focus, Lincoln embarked on a full-time music career. Experimenting with diverse styles and lyrical approaches, he landed his first vinyl production alongside Corporal Tim. His talent resonated with audiences both in the US and Jamaica, where he seamlessly blended reggae with emerging hip-hop influences. Back in Jamaica, Lincoln's star continued to rise. He signed with the prestigious Youth-man Promoti...