ROOTS / ROCK / REGGAE / RESPECTT R A X

APR 2014

ISSUE #4

bonus TRAX

PROF-IPledge Allegiance

MUSIC

FOR THE REBELS

RAGING FYAHHEMPRESS SATIVAPENTATEUCHKELISSAKAZAMSHUGAMICAH SHEMAIAHMIRIAM SIMONERASS MOTIVATEDALIKANESBETH

JAH9featuring

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IRIEMAG.COMIRIEMAG.COM

Nicholas “Nico” Da SilvaFounder/Publisher

ISSUE #4 / APRIL 2014

“Dere is no truth but de one truth, an’ that is the truth of Jah Rastafari.”

- Bob Marley

© Bart Henseler Photography

WILLIAM “BUNNY RUGS” CLARKE

REST IN PEACE, DEAR BROTHER!

FEBRUARY 6, 1948 FEBRUARY 2, 2014

Jah9JAMAICA

KelissaJAMAICA

Miriam SimoneSURINAME

Hempress SativaJAMAICA

ShugaJAMAICA

AlikaARGENTINA

Raging FyahJAMAICA

KazamJAMAICA

Rass MotivatedHOLLAND

PentateuchJAMAICA

Micah ShemaiahJAMAICA

NesbethJAMAICA

JAH9

Old school blues improvisation, meets hard

hitting lyrical prowess, in a rich imaginative

blend of vocal clarity and complexity. She sings

with a voice that belies the dimensions of her

physical body, from a soul much older than its

current vessel. Her philosophy is profoundly

spiritual, and her style is Jazz on Dub.

Her style is Jazz on Dub.

She is Janine ‘Jah9’ Cunningham, the third

and final addition to the ministry of Reverend

and Mrs. Cunningham. Her mission and music

are inspired by a resolute reverence, and a

determination to inspire and uplift mind and

soul. She spent her childhood in Trelawny, a

rural parish on Jamaica’s west coast, rooted in

traditional values and a rich cultural heritage.

Upon moving with the family to the dog eat dog

world of Kingston city life, the innocent writing

Biography

STEAMERSA BUBBLE

FEATURED TRACK Jamaica

WEBSITE

jah9.net

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of a curious youngster transformed into the

indignant battle cries of a defiant revolutionary.

Growing up, Jah9 was taught, by example,

about Christ as a consciousness, more so than

a fearsome man on high who would one day

render judgment. Then in University, she

not only began her love affair with the heavy

basslines and steady drum beats of Dub

and Roots music, but also with the teachings

of His Majesty. Her evolution was gradual

but intensified consistently, resulting in the

inevitable surrender of financial security and

a “prized” place among Jamaica’s corporate

community to the guiding principle of her

calling, toward the Kingdom. Now, as a woman,

instead of the slaughtered Lamb, the preacher’s

daughter hails the Conquering Lion, the Christ

with a new name, Haile Selassie I.

Jah9 has refined her craft over decades of

singing on every choir available to her. She has

also been a staple on Jamaica’s underground

poetry and live music scenes. Her vocals

resonate with a blend of textures – the emotion

of Billie Holiday and Nina Simone, with the

sharp cutting edge of Sizzla Kalonji, on top of

heavy Dub rhythms akin to Augustus Pablo

and King Tubby. The resulting signature sound

has led to collaborations with platinum selling

producer Donovan Bennett of Don Corleon

Records, Sheldon Bernard, and living legend

Beres Hammond of Harmony House Music.

Jah9’s debut album - New Name - is her labour

of love, a declaration of truth and her testimony

of the journey toward self-actualization. The

product of a great synergy with renowned

Producer and now faithful friend, Rory ‘Stone

Love’ Gilligan, New Name is proof that another

servant of truth & light has discovered and

accepted her mission.

Jah 9, Steamers A Bubble, is produced by

Franklyn ‘Ben Up’ Irving. The riddim originally

called ‘Apartment’ was laid in 1982 at The

Channel One Recording Studio by the

original Roots Radics Band.

FOLLOWJah9

Featured Single

Steamers A Bubble

2013

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RAGING FYAH Jamaica

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and gained popularity and presence locally and

internationally, with a few of the songs - such as

the title track ‘Judgement Day’ and hit single ‘Far Away’ - receiving rotation on the air waves and

even found their way onto a few charts.

With conscious roots reggae on the rise, the

“Fyah” continued to spread into 2012, and there

was a heavy demand for the band’s thrilling live

performances at various shows. Their talent

and versatility enables them to aptly adjust

the intensity of their flame. So whether at an

intimate acoustics set or a large stage shows

such as Rebel Salute and Jamaica Jazz and Blues

Festival, they steadily captured the hearts of the

Jamaican listeners. In that same year the band

hit the road to perform on the international

stages of South America as well as to headline

several major reggae festivals in Europe such as

Summerjam, Rototom Sunsplash and Garance.

Since then the band has been doing shows

locally and returned for another tour in in

Europe in Spring of 2013. They have also

released three new singles ‘Dread’ , ‘Naah Look Back’ and ‘First Love’; they are currently in

studio working on their second album.

Raging Fyah is an authentic, soul-filled, roots

rock reggae band, with a fresh contemporary

flare, that will literally set your soul on fire!

That’s what makes Raging Fyah one of hottest

spreading, most captivating and powerful

entertainment packages in a long awaited

Jamaican Reggae Renaissance! The ‘Fyah’

was ignited in 2006 by Anthony Watson

(drummer), Demar Gayle (keyboardist) and

Delroy Hamilton (bassist); then they were later

joined by Courtland White (guitarist) and Kumar

Bent (lead singer) as they set out to rekindle a

flame of positivity in the music industry.

Fueled by passion, purpose and life experiences,

their lyrics touch the soul of the listener, uplifting

and motivating people from all socio-economic

and cultural backgrounds. Whether the message

is love, peace or empowerment, Raging Fyah

burns through barriers of time age, race or class

and has songs for everyone to love. In 2011, they

released their debut album, ‘Judgement Day’,

Biography

JUDGEMENT DAYFEATURED TRACK

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Featured Single

Judgement Day

2011

WEBSITE

ragingfyah.com

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HEMPRESS

SATIVA

“OH LALALA-THE WEED THING” is

Hempress Sativa’s call to legalize and

decriminalize marijuana, a social issue that

deeply touches her heart and consciousness.

Her moral fiber is strongly influenced and

deeply rooted in the Rastafarian livity, with

marijuana as an important part of the social

fabric of Hempress Sativa’s culture. The

incarceration of people worldwide has inspired

Hempress Saliva’s mission to educate people

about the healthy uses of marijuana. With

music as her platform to deliver a global

message, ‘The Weed Thing’ was recorded.

Kerida Johnson known as Hempress Sativa

was born to Rastafarian parents Doris-Ray

Johnson and legendary Jamaican Selector/

Musician Albert ‘Ilawi Malawi’ Johnson of the

Jah Love Sound System. It was her exposure to

music at home that sharpened her skills and

has manifested today in her expressive writing

and delivery.

Biography

KUSHITE LOVEFEATURED TRACK Jamaica

WEBSITE

http://uthmusicja.com/hempress-sativa.htm

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Hempress Sativa commands the attention

and respect of her audience based on her fiery

performances, with an uncanny ability to keep

all listening as they absorb her every word,

every rhyme.

Hempress Sativa, who has been performing

since the age of 13, with lyrics spiritedly

influenced by her Rastafarian culture, as

conveyed in her song ‘Judgement’ in which she

begins by chanting ‘No More Illusion, Rastafari is real’ …. Her music although generally rooted in

traditional reggae rhythms, also at times,

crosses genres and may reflect traces of

Rhythm and Blues, African and even Hip-Hop

influences as evident in the Anthem ‘Jah Have Mi Back’. Singles such as ‘Get High’ and ‘Children of the Emperor’ have been creating a buzz

both locally and internationally, exemplifying

her musical agility as a melodic singer and a

lyrically skilled Chantress. Hempress Sativa

lists her musical favourites as Sade, Sister

Carol and Ijahman Levi, to name a few.

Dubbed ‘Hempress Sativa: Your Highness’, she

intends on premiering her album to be titled

‘UnconqueRebel Lioness’ which is slated for the

first quarter of 2014. With the success of her

single and video for ‘Ooh La La - The Weed Thing’ she is in high gears as preparation is

being made to kick off her West Coast tour

in March 2014.

An artiste to definitely watch, after electrifying

performances at Rebel Salute 2013, Reggae

Sumfest 2013, Bob Marley Week celebrations

2013 at Emancipation Park, The Independence

Day Street Dance 2013, Wickie Wackie Live,

Rebel Salute 2014 and Live From Kingston to

name a few.

Listen out for her latest single ‘Kushite Love’

produced by UTH Music JA. Hempress Sativa

is an extraordinary young talent, propelling

Jamaican music into the future while strongly

remaining rooted in a traditional foundation

that makes her music timeless.

FOLLOWHempress Sativa

Featured Single

Kushite Love

2013

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PENTATEUCH

Jamaica

inspiration of every artist who helped lay

the foundations of this enduring music

with particular reverence to Jimmy Cliff,

Bob Marley and Burning Spear. Pentateuch

singles out these stalwarts not only for

their musical contribution but also for their

uncompromising and relentless commitment

to empowering the

voiceless. The band’s

debut full length effort

“The Genesis” is a

testament to that

influence. It showcase

songs such as “Black-

face”, a gritty chant for

the appreciation of the

African self and “Kingston”, a lamentation of

Jamaica’s capital city demonstrate the band’s

thoughtful approach to complex issues of

identity. ‘Going Home’, and exploration on

belonging and ‘Cancer Survivor’, a song that

celebrates the indomitable human spirit in the

face of adversity, make for a singularly strong

debut offering. Pentateuch is a band you won’t

soon forget.

Nestled within the hustle and bustle of

Kingston, Jamaica, sits the relative oasis of

the Edna Manley School for the Visual and

Performing Arts, the mecca for many young

Jamaican artistes looking to hone their skills

in the rich indigenous art forms Jamaica has to

offer. Among this group of eclectic and talented

young people, the refreshing and spiritual band,

Pentateuch, rises to the top.

Pentateuch (pronounced penta-toosh), is

said to represent the first 5 books of the

bible. A fitting name for a group of 5 young

men schooled in the disciplines of harmony,

humility and compassion. Their combined

positive energy has culminated into a fragrant

potpourri of creative ideas disseminated

through Jamaic’s most authentic art form:

Jamaican Roots Reggae music.

The band credits its sound to the influence and

Biography

PRESSUREFEATURED TRACK

FOLLOWPentateuch

Featured SingleThe Genesis2013

Pressure

2013

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KELISSA

Raised in the inspirational hills of St. Andrew, Jamaica, Kelissa developed

a natural inclination for music largely influenced by a Rastafari and

reggae upbringing. With parents as lead vocalists in the original reggae

band ‘Chakula,’ creation and appreciation of music were constant features

in her home. At an early age Kelissa participated in a children’s music group

where she learned to play different instruments and was introduced to the

world of performing through vocal, instrumental and drumming ensem-

bles. Her interest in music was reinforced at home where she absorbed her

parents’ rehearsals and created productions with her siblings.

In 2006, Kelissa sojourned with her music to Africa where, during

extended periods in Tanzania, Ethiopia and Ghana, she had multiple

opportunities to broaden her musical scope. While attending the

University of Ghana she studied traditional drumming, xylophone and

dance. During her time in Africa, she expanded her musical abilities by

teaching herself the guitar and collaborating with several musicians and

producers, and performing on multiple occasions.

Kelissa also spent extended periods in California, USA where her college

Biography

BABYLONIS BURNING

FEATURED TRACK Jamaica

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curriculum was heavily involved with music.

She was an avid member of the ‘world percussion’

and ‘Brasilian’ ensembles, participated in the

college choir and gained exposure on music

production and studio recording. As co-founder

of Black Arts and Cultural Dance (BACD) group

on campus, Kelissa created a platform that

facilitated her on-going interaction with

different audiences and talented young

performers from across the world. Kelissa’s

unique background and rich international

experiences have influenced her music by

coloring it with diverse sounds, insightful

messages and captivating performances.

Kelissa currently resides in Jamaica and

continues to make music her central purpose.

Since returning to Jamaica, ‘Anbessa Productions’

teamed up with ‘Zinc Fence Records’ to produce

her first Extended Play (EP) project ‘Rebel In Disguise,’ which was first released during her first

tour of Africa. In August 2012, Kelissa returned

to Africa with two filmmakers as part of the ‘50 Days in Afrika’ initiative. The Trio travelled to

6 countries (Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa,

Tanzania, Ethiopia & Kenya) to document the

thriving arts industries on the continent. The

tour featured multiple performances by Kelissa

in each country, reinforcing her musical founda-

tion in Africa and harnessing cultural exchange.

Kelissa was the first Jamaican to perform at the

annual ‘Felabration’ festival in Nigeria and shot

her first music video for the tour’s theme song

‘Afrika.’ This experience provided her

with many performance and production

opportunities that enhanced her exposure

in Africa and added to her musical inventory.

Since then, Kelissa has made significant

headway in her musical career, keeping true

to her mission. She has been featured on

several major concerts in Jamaica such

as Rebel Salute and Reggae Sumfest. Her

collaboration with ‘ZincFence Records’

extended to the international stage where

she served as the opening act for Chronixx in

Tobago as well as his tours in England and the

East Coast of USA. She has also collaborated

with several producers to release singles such

as ‘Natural’ and ‘Slow Down’ enhancing her

interaction with the masses. Kelissa’s soulful,

rootsy and world beat music continues to

provide a reservoir of her life experiences

that is driven by her passion to uplift and

inspire others.

FOLLOWKelissa

Featured Single

Babylon is Burning

2012

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KAZAM

Born Girma ‘Kazam’ Davis, he is musically known

as KAZAM DAVIS. A humble Rastafarian hailing

from the Twelve Tribes of Israel, KAZAM has

a promising music career which was nurtured

throughout his youthful years. He often recalls

singing for family and friends and later taught

himself to play the guitar.

Kazam’s inspiration comes from JAH and the

great Bob Marley. “JAH and music itself are my

inspirations. No one understood what I was

going through while growing up, so I wrote to

express my feelings and what I believed in” said

the rising reggae artiste.

His mission is about spreading peace and love

through conscious lyrics. His message resonates

with people from all facets of life, as he believes

his music isn’t molded to meet a certain crowd

or audience; it is a motivation within him.

Biography

ANCIENT WARRIORS

FEATURED TRACK Jamaica

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justice and truth. He further completed his EP

titled Ancient Warriors which will be released

in 2014. This dynamic and versatile reggae

artist is rebelling for a righteous cause as he

endeavors to promote positive music and

the message of JAH to the four corners of

the world. 

Kazam released his first single off his EP titled

“Be Humble, Be Calm” featuring Exile Di Brave

which was launched at his Listening Session

held at Nanook on November 23, 2013. 

Kazam’s “Ancient Warriors EP” debuted on

Sunday, January 5, 2014. This Ancient Warrior

is more than ready; he is on the go, gearing to

make his mark in the global positive vibration

of Acoustic message music - Reggae Music. 

A talented acoustic guitar player, mentored

by Earl ‘Bagga’ Walker, Kazam was also a

former member of the ‘Jah Children’ band that

performed at venues such as ‘Weekends’ and

‘Livity’ in Kingston, Jamaica.

He has made outstanding performances on a

number of shows and entertainment events

such as: ‘Conscious Reggae Party’, ‘Jamnesia

Live’, ‘Junior Chamber International Kingston

Chapter of Young Professionals’, Alahambra

Inn, ‘TALK at UWI’, Mona Campus, ‘Liv It Up

Festivals’, ‘Kulcha Fest’, ‘Living Live’ and Inna

Di Yaad, Trench Town. In addition, to commem-

orate Jamaica’s 50th Independence Celebra-

tion, Kazam performed his song entitled “50”, a

catchy, thoughtful tune written for the histori-

cal occasion at the National Commercial Bank.

He has also performed at South Beach Café in

Kingston, featuring “Jah Ova Evil Movement

Live”, Veggie Meals on Wheels and Club Eras

throughout the years 2012 and 2013. 

In March 2013, Kazam released his latest

single and video titled “Ancient Warriors”.

Ancient Warriors speaks to the warriors in

this time, evoking the warrior spirit inside,

chanting the never-ending joy of upholding

FOLLOWKazam

Featured Single

Ancient Warriors

2014

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SHUGA

Mitzie Campbell has music running through

her veins from a young age. Her dreams of

becoming a singer began in 2003 after

graduating from the Herbert Morrison

Technical High School.

Working hard to balance the duties of a

mother and a growing career as an artiste,

she started out doing regular gigs in her

hometown, Montego Bay, until later settling

down to a full-time job as a cabaret singer at

the Coral Cliff on the Hip Strip. Mitzie won

the hearts of tourists and Montegonians while

building her name as a reputable backup singer,

working for Daville in 2005 then shortly after

working with her mentor, Tanya Stephens.

Travelling with Tanya gave Mitzie the

opportunity to hone her craft while touring

Europe in 2007 and 2008 and performing in

places such as Gambia and Tanzania in Africa.

Biography

MY SOUL TO JAHFEATURED TRACK Jamaica

WEBSITE

penthouserecords.free.fr

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In 2009, Mitzie became Brown Shuga, the

Digicel’s Rising Star winner, making local

appearances as a female solo artist, holding

her own in a male dominated industry. Boasting

a strong voice and a sultry smooth character,

she represents the next generation of Reggae

and Dancehall stars.

In 2011, Brown Shuga changed her stage

moniker to ‘Shuga’ and signed with one of

Jamaica’s top hit making producer, Donovan

Germain, from Penthouse Records. Since

then, Shuga has worked with producers

Donovan Germain (Penthouse), Computer

Paul Henton of Boot camp Records and

Sly and Robbie to churn out hits such as

‘Complicated Love’, ‘9.58’, ‘Give my soul to Jah’,

‘Bun den down’ and her 2014 Black history

month tribute, ‘Ebony’.

Constantly growing, stretching and exploring

her abilities, this sultry soulstress is a gap in the

industry. Shuga and her management team plan

to release her debut album in 2014, and she’s

only just begun.

FOLLOWShuga

Featured Single

My Soul To Jah

2013

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MICAH

SHEMAIAH

Being born into the Twelve Tribes of Israel,

Micah Shemaiah is held to a different standard.

His name may not ring a bell yet but it will. You

may not have heard his songs yet but you will.

Micah Shemaiah will become a staple in reggae

music; a standard bearer in the hearts and

minds of reggae lovers. His upbringing in

RastafarI has laid the foundation for humble

yet militant expressions of truth. With a

required stipulation to ‘read a chapter a day’

from the bible, Micah Shemaiah is the man

who learnt from early to chart and control his

own destiny. Micah had no choice but to

be grounded. From Dread Heights in Gordon

town to Clifton Road off Chisolm Ave,

Micah has experienced the influence of other

musical greats who also trod in Rastafari.

He is most influence, however by co members

of the Twelve Tribes of Israel like Dennis

Brown and Bob Marley along with his parents

who taught him through their teachings

Biography

GANJA FARMERFEATURED TRACK Jamaica

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that Rastafari is real and that the world was

ready to receive the message of RastafarI.

Micah Shemaiah literally means ‘one who fears

the Almighty’ and ‘one who loves the Almighty’

and he lives this fact in his meditations and his

music. Contrastingly, Micah Shemaiah’s musical

path took him to the field of a paralegal for

seven years at Patrick Bailey & Company at the

urging of his mother who wanted him to ‘lay

off the music thing for a while’ and get a 9 to 5.

Micah submitted to his mother’s wishes but as

it usually does, the passion and love for music

came calling again. Music for Micah is the only

way he can express the kind of words and

meditation he has and as such music is more

empowering to him as it courses through his

veins inevitably.

Micah Shemaiah released his self produced

debut album ‘RASTAMAN MEDITATION” in

2009. The first album is a stepping stone for

Micah Shemaiah on the road to realizing his tal-

ent as a musician. RASTAMAN MEDITATION is

available on all major digital download sites.

Also in 2009 he shared stage with Legendary

Jazz musician Monty Alexander at the Lincoln

Center, New York City on his request. Plus, he

has performed, extensively in the United States

and on local live stages such as, East Fest and

Prime Ministers Youth Award in his homeland

Jamaica. Recently he returned from his first

tour of the Motherland travelling with Ancient

Micah Shemaiah is a Reggae/ Soul Singer

and Songwriter. As a budding promise of

reggae talent, Micah Shemaiah is a motivated

performer who encourages the empowerment

of youths and disadvantaged people world-

wide. His writing style embraces and combines

several genres of music, thus, delivering unique

sounds that will appeal to any ear. Coupled with

his awesome vocal strength, He also plays the

guitar and is actively involved in the overall

production of his music. Performing Live

Acoustic music is Micah Shemaiah’s first love.

He enjoys the freedom and passion with

which he is able to deliver his messages.

Raw and soulful.

The Trod

Works

Mission

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FOLLOWMicah Shemaiah

Vibrations of RastafarI under the patronage

of The University of Philadelphia in United

States to South Africa (Cape Town and

Johannesburg) with stop over performances

in United Kingdom (UK). This move highlighted

the atrocities of Rastafarians in Jamaica via

the ‘Bad Friday’ documentary produced by

Junior Wedderburn, Deborah Thomas and

John L. Jackson.

In May, 2013 he released his hit tune Dread

at the Control produced by himself, Micah

Abrahams on the E.D.B Entertainment Label

which features TJ (Likkle Briggie, Hempress

Sativa, Infinite and Jahkime on 7inch Vinyl as

a Limited Edition press. All copies were sold. It

is currently sold on all major Digital download

sites including iTunes.

rockers album is single Reggae Rockit to be

released worldwide on 7 inch vinyl on April 15,

2014. The album will be produced by We

Generation Music and E.D.B. Entertainment.

Look out also for Micah Shemaiah 2nd album

to be released later this year.

Micah Shemaiah will also be releasing

Shalalak; Rockers Rebirth in 2014. Shalalak is a

collaborative Rockers album which will feature

tracks such as Dread at the Control, Original,

Rasta Luck. Artistes such as Infinite, Exile Di

Brave, Kazam, TJ (Likkle Briggie) and Jahkime

will also be featured. Also featured on the

The road to recognition can be a tedious

one with no benefits at the end but even if

there are no riches to be had Micah Shemaiah

is set on delivering positive messages of

love, unity, pride and strength. With a solid

family foundation Micah Shemaiah has the

indomitable will power to hone his skills as a

reggae musician and ensure that his message

is heard. Two words, with one musical aim:

Micah Shemaiah.To Come

Destination

Featured Single

Ganja Farmer

2014

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MIRIAM

SIMONE

Miriam Simone is one of Europe’s hottest

up-coming female Reggae artists, hailing

from Amsterdam and Surinam. To-date she

has released four music videos, and several

singles, performed at major Reggae events,

collaborated and shared stages with some of

Reggaes biggest artists.

At the age of four Simone started to sing.

She was influenced by Gospel, Soul and

Reggae music. At the age of thirteen she

sang with several bands and church choirs in

Amsterdam. As a young adult (eighteen years

old) she joined a Reggae/ Hip-Hop group

called Postmen, as a background singer,

where she honed her vocal skills. She later

joined a Dutch group called Dredda Youthz,

where she rocked on several tunes that were

major hits in Surinam. One of these songs were

entitled ‘Uma no Krey’. This was merely the

beginning of Simone’s career.

Biography

DEM A CHATFEATURED TRACK Suriname

WEBSITE

dreddarecords.com

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In 2010, Simone decided to launch her solo

career. She then co-founded the music label

Dredda Records. In July, 2012, she release her

debut EP entitled ‘Follow My Dreams.’

This EP included the singles, ‘Disappointed’

and ‘You Know How To Love’, produced by

Bobby ‘Digital’ Dixon, with whom she is

currently working on her debut album. The

singles received high rotation on Jamaican

television and cable networks, including

Hype TV, CVM TV and RE TV. Radio stations

in Jamaica, such as Irie FM, Hitz 92 FM and

Roots FM also welcomed the Dutch/Surinam

singer with open arms.

Her single, ‘Disappointed’, won the What’s the

Verdict award for best online international

song of 2012 on Roots FM (Jamaica).

To-date, Simone has shared stages with some of

the most renowned Reggae artists in the world,

such as Sizzla, Chronixx, Jah 9, Tarus Riley and

I octane and performed at major events such

as Capleton’s show St Mary We Come From,

Trenchtown Rock, Tarrus Riley & Friends, along

with several other shows in Jamaica, Surinam

and Amsterdam. She has also collaborated with

Jamelody, Fyakin and has unreleased songs

with Sizzla and Capleton.

In March 2013 Simone released the single

‘Dem A Chat’, accompanied by a music video and

she released her latest project; a Mixtape also

entitled Dem A Chat.

After holding the no. 1 position for 6 weeks on

Suriname’s national radio station ‘Srs’ with

‘Dem a Chat’, she gained a lot more recoqnition

and attention. Miriam Simone is ready to take

it to the next level, 2014 will be the year of

her debut album ‘Mount Zion’. The first single

from the new album called ‘Rivers’ will be

released April 2nd, so be on the look out for

this roots daughter!

FOLLOWMiriam Simone

Featured Single

Dem A Chat

2013

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RASS

MOTIVATED

RASS MOTIVATED, no stranger in the Dutch

reggae scene, is the musical alter ego of 22 year

old Rotterdam singer, Sherandell Maynard.

With his ‘Reggae for All People’ state of mind

this young talent has proven to be a worthy

name in the line of Dutch reggaeartists.

On September 11th of 2011, released his first

EP, ‘First Light’ to a full house of music lovers.

This EP got raving reviews, sold out in no time

and has since become a true collectors item.

Rass Motivated doesn’t shy away from any

topic and confronts the listener ‘head on’.

In December that same year, Rass Motivated

surprises both friend and foe as he makes a

grand step in his young carreer and wins

one of Holland’s most lucrative awards: the

Music Matters award. This award also grants

Biography

FEATURED TRACK

Featuring Kalibwoy

FAKE FRIENDALARM

Holland

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him the title of: Rotterdam Music Ambassador

of 2012. There truly is no stopping his

‘Motivated Movements’. Together with his live

band ‘The Essence’, Rass takes it to the next

level as they dazzle crowds at festivals such as:

Zwarte Cross Festival, the Vlaardingenfestival

and the very well known Dunya Festival.

With loads of written press, radio interviews

and performances for Radio 6 Soul&Jazz ,

Radio 4 (classical radio), Radio 3FM and Radio-

Rijnmond, as well as regional & national tv

coverage, his star continues to rise.

Despite his young age, this artist has been

blessed to have shared the stage with the

cream of the crop of the reggae and dancehall

world. He has been a ‘support act’ for Damian

Marley & Nas, Sizzla Kalonji, Chaka Demus &

Pliers, Mr. Vegas just to name a few and has

performed in venues such as Heineken Music

Hall, de Melkweg, the famous club ‘Paradiso’

Amsterdam and the legendary ‘Ahoy hall’

in Rotterdam. His first album ‘Who Am I’ has

been received very well. With great reviews,

interviews and radio airplay in Jamaica the

album is highly appreciated.

“I want to set a positive example, inspire young people and make

music that will change the world!”

RASS MOTIVATED

FOLLOWRass Motivated

Featured Single

Fake Friend Alarm

2013

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ALIKA

Building on her early hip hop days, Alika has

become one of the leaders in the spanish-

speaking reggae dancehall world. After forming

part of Actitud Maria Marta—one of Argentina’s

first hip hop bands—in 1994, Alika eventually

parted ways with the band to focus on her solo

career, and in 1999 decided to start her own

project based on Rastafari culture.

From this point on Alika gained recognition

as a fiercely conscious voice emanating from

Latin America, writing direct lyrics of respect,

dignity and selfconfidence, while also recounting

common issues found in many of the third world

“barrios” of Latin America.

Her charisma and presence on stage have

allowed her to take her show to festivals,

theaters, clubs, schools, hospitales and even

prisions in different cities arround the world—

including USA, Mexico,Guatemala, El Salvador

Biography

BIG UPFEATURED TRACK Argentina

WEBSITE

www.alika.com.ar

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Costa Rica, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru,

Brazil, Chile, Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay, Spain

and Andorra—marking a truly amazing career

for someone who to this day remains an

independent artist.

Alika has seven albums to date and is credited

with having created some of the biggest reggae

anthems in the latin reggae world. Tunes such as

‘Ejercito Despierta’ on the World of Music Riddim

(with several million Youtube views) have helped

establish Alika as an international reggae star

and have helped place latin reggae on the world-

wide map. A further attestant to this is Alika’s

5th album, which was a collaborative effort with

world-reknown dub producer Mad Professor.

The album, entitled Alika Meets Mad Professor,

was entirely produced by the genius of dub

himself and is currently available on iTunes.

In September of 2007 Alika launched her own

exclusive clothing line-Alika 3D-which has

received great accolades. The line is available in

Argentina through the widely successful retail

outfit Isabel la Catolica, with stores located

throughout the country.

In August of 2009 Alika also introduced her

own signature model of sunglasses developed by

world acclaimed manufacturers VULK, currently

available in Argentina.

Featured Single

Big Up

2014

FOLLOWAlika

NESBETH

Jamaican reggae artist Nesbeth connects to

his audiences through joyful, socially-conscious

music that tells authentic tales about his life’s

most inspiring moments and his community’s

past, present and future. His energetic live

shows brighten stages worldwide, and he turns

each performance into an intimate platform on

which to share his viewpoints and experiences

and to spread his free-spirited optimism.

Each of his songs illuminates the animated,

emotional layers of his resonant voice along

with his ability to create striking melodies and

improvise on unusual international rhythms.

His solo work, various collaborations with

other talented artists and on-going philanthropy

illustrate his own perseverance, express his

passionate political ideologies and reflect the

colorful work and narratives of the artists and

groups that continue to move him, including

Bob Marley, Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill,

Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley, K’naan and others.

Biography

OLE GANGA LEEFEATURED TRACK Jamaica

WEBSITE

nesbethreggae.com

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Nesbeth grew up in the urban Arnett Gardens

neighborhood of West Kingston on the island

of Jamaica, referred to as ‘The Concrete Jungle’

because of high crime rates and widespread

economic hardship. Throughout his childhood,

music was the sun in his life, and his curiosity

about using it to communicate and to offer

comfort to himself and others grew as he began

to experiment with recording and discover his

own voice. Nesbeth recorded his first single,

‘Reflection of Love’ in 1993 with singer Camera

and since then has gathered an impressive list of

accomplishments, both on his own and alongside

other talented artists on stage and in the studio.

His music has been released by labels such as

Jack Scorpio, No Doubt Records, Down Sound

Records and Shocking Vibes Production, a

company that produced Nesbeth’s beloved

single ‘So Let It Be’ in 2002. In early 2007, he

was introduced to renowned music producer

Flava McGregor, with whom he has recorded

over 10 well-received songs offering hope to

people vulnerable to a culture of violence and

uncertainty, such as ‘Board House,’ ‘Guns Out,’

‘Friends for Sale,’ ‘Drive By’ and ‘A Nuh Suh Mi Waan Live.’ During the past two decades,

Nesbeth has been a force at international

festivals such as Reggae Sumfest, Bob Marley

Birthday Bash, STING, Rebel Salute, Irie

Jamborie in New York City, Summerfest in

Washington, D.C., New Jersey Reggae Fest and

has played shows at venues in Ottawa, Canada,

Antigua, Saint Kitts, Anguilla, Grenada and

cities throughout the United Kingdom. In

February 2010, he hosted ‘A Nuh Suh Mi Waan Live,’ a love and unity concert in the Arnett

Gardens community where he and other native

artists performed. The event brought together

thousands of residents that had been isolated

in their communities for years by violence.

 

Nesbeth still strives to be the voice of his nation

by creating music that tells a powerful story and

supports his philosophies and by lending his

support to a variety of charitable events. He

won a 2013 Manchester Award along with an

honorary award at the 2013 Music Industry

Achievers and completed a successful debut

tour of the United Kingdom in September. His

latest single, ‘Taking Over,’ produced by Aza Yaad

Muzic has been a hit on Jamaican radio. Having

just signed with Entertainment Soul LTD,

Nesbeth is currently in the studio working on

an album and preparing for upcoming global

tours in 2014 and beyond.

FOLLOWNesbeth

Featured Single

Ole Ganga Lee

2014

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PROF-I

Barrington Andrew ‘Prof-I’ Reynolds is a

rastaman from creation. He started chanting

nyahbinghi in 1967 when he went to Back-A-

Wall (now Tivoli Gardens) with his brethren

I-Leck. Prof-I soon realized he was a natural

chanter and drummer. Since then he has

participated in numerous events celebrating

rastafari and nyahbinghi: One Love Peace

Concert 1977, Ethiopian Liberation Day, His

Majesty’s Earthday, His Majesty’s Coronation

Day and Ethiopian Christmas…

He performed with most of the original nyah-

binghi warriors: Black Heart, Iverton, Priest I,

Bongo Shorty and Mother Fire, Bongo Rocky

and Daughter Baby I, Daughter Miriam,

Daughter Yanzy, Irie Irons, George Irons,

Istan, Iqula, Shedrach, Mishrach and Abednego,

Historian, Mortimo Plano, The Great Ketty

Biography

PLEDGEALLEGIANCE

FEATURED TRACK Jamaica

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Nyahbinghi is rastafari from creation, rooted

in ancient humanity, dedicated to His Imperial

Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I. Nyahbinghi

is reggae music from creation, chants of praise

and glory to the Most High, played on bass,

funde andkette (repeater) drums. It is the

rhythm of the heart, and the wisdom therein.

Nyahbinghi recordings are very rare. The

legendary Count Ossie & Mystic Revelation

of Rastafari recorded two classic albums in

the seventies. Light of Saba and Cedric Brooks

created some great work. Ras Michael & Sons

of Negus crossed over to reggae without

losing the soul and true inspiration of

nyahbinghi. Rastafari Elders brought their

Man (Pa-Shanti), Ma Shanti, Bongo Daniel

(The Bans Master and Ketty Man), Prince, Sam

Brown, Solomon Wolfe, Ras Pidow, Bongo Tani,

Bongo Watto,Bongo Isaac, Bongo Bash, Bongo

Joe, Bongo Lenny, Bongo Tony, Bongo Hugh,

Bongo Shorty (from Montego Bay) Bongo

Gabby, and many other binghi brethren

and sistren.

Nyahbinghi: Reggae Music from Creation

FOLLOWProf-I

Featured Single

Pledge Allegiance

2013

authentic music and stories to the United

States. Keith Richards presented to us his

Wingless Angels.

Prof-I & Iyahbinghi brings nyahbinghi to the

21st century, with new songs and chants, a

distinctive African flavor, and introducing

sister drummers, a token of his deep love and

respect for women in general and Empress

Menen in particular.

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My fathers says that when we are born, we come into the world

possessing two souls... a good soul and an earthly spirit. When we die, the

good soul leaves the body and ascends into heaven to be judged by the

Supreme Being. The earthly spirit, however, remains with the body for

several days. It is here that the earthly spirit, an unknowing energy force,

is most vulnerable. If the body is not properly honored and

buried, the earthly spirit can linger and escape.

Under the right circumstances, its shadow might take form as a duppy,

which is sort of like a ghost, but empty of the personality and memories of

the dead. Once this happens, the duppy will wander the earth. And that’s

not good. Some duppies are confused and harmless, but most duppies

are malicious spirits. Unseen by the normal person, they rest during the

day and come out at night to haunt the living. And if an Obeahman, a

sorcerer of black magic, gets hold of a duppy, he can use his malignant

magic to make the duppy cause great harm or even death to the living...

Discover the story of Dread & Alive:

www.dreadandalive.com

FOLLOWDread & Alive

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IRIE would like to thank the following people who helped make this issue a success. Without their efforts, IRIE would not be possible.

Heather Cameron, Third World, Danny Creatah, Lulú Solares, World A Reggae, Giovanna Guimarães, Susan Underwood, Esteban Lucas, Angela Turner, Ricardo ‘El Puru” Bailey of HIMages, DoobieSound, Island Stage and Third World.

Nuff Respect!