Dubstep?

I had heard about this new sound called dubstep that was coming on the scene in England. At the time i didn’t hear much of it, but since recently i have heard how big it really is. There is an entire programme on BBC 1xtra and Kissfm dediacted to dubstep.  There is one particular artist I am drawn to i guess because of his age and his African roots. Benga. Take a listen and check him out.

Benga    Diary of an Afro Warrior

http://www.myspace.com/bengabeats

Happy Birthday Bob Marley did i forget you?

Something interesting has happened here. I forgot Bob Marley’s Birthday.How did that happen? Not sure. But I am wondering if there is some wider significance to forgetting his birthday. Am i forgetting his influence and contribution to Reggae music, to Jamaica, to music globally. Is it because I am in a foreign place where there is so much other music and so many things to listen to? I am almost feeling like this is scandalous how is it possible to forget Bob Marley’s birthday?

Perhaps is time to rethink birthday celebrations. Perhpas for me birthdays come and go but the memory of the person and their work is always there.  That might be it.

What is it that we do to celebrate our musical legends/icons/those that have contributed so much and paved the way for much more to happen?

Congrats Burning Spear!!!

Congrats to Burning Spear 2008 Grammy award winner for Best Reggae Album Jah is Real. Congrats also for the other nominees in the category.

Let’s Get Physical
Elephant Man
[VP Records/ Bad Boy]

Vibes
Heavy D
[Stride/Universal]

Repentance
Lee “Scratch” Perry
[Narnack Records]

Intoxication
Shaggy
[VP Records]

Amazing
Sly & Robbie
[Fontana International]

But i can’t help but asking do we see any trends in the Reggae music that is recognized for the Grammy? How many people have heard singles from these albums? What is the criteria for Best Reggae Album?

Here is a link to previous Grammy award winners in the category.

http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/Winners/Results.aspx

Out of Africa

I am came across this album that has just grown on me.  The Ethipiopiques a group of Ethiopian and Eritirean Musicians music from Addis Abba music scene around 1968 – 74.

This is a short mix to give you a taste of the “Ethiopiques”.

There is some great information on the history of the music and the group at http://ethiopiques.info/ethiopiques-back-cover/

SKA?

Do we play Ska in Jamaica still? Is Mento not fit for airplay? Well it is a great part of the Jamaican music tradition and definetly been played by others in other parts of the world on a very serious level.