Top Five Women To Watch In Reggae Music The one thing that has been submerged in the morass of the heated debate over the life or death of reggae music, was the fact that the last ten years has been quite exciting for reggae music. The unprecedented number of ladies wanting to be artists in an industry previously dominated by men.  No longer wanting to remain aspiring performers "ah drop two lyrics" for friends and family.  They have now stepped into the forefront ready to take their turn at the spotlight. Here is a list of the top five Jamaican female artist to watch in Reggae music compiled by Editor At Large, Karen (Koko) Mitchell.

Review: Media Event for Linkage Award Show February 28, 2013 Press and Media Party to launch the Linkage Award Show which will be held at Mount Vernon High School March 16.  The Award Show features a host of artists with special lifetime achievement award going to venerable artists Bunny Wailer, John Holt and Lady Saw.

Who Should Have Won the Reggae Grammy? Can you believe the Grammy Awards are almost here?  We asked M. Peggy Quattro, Reggae Report founder and publisher, to review the list of nominees from 1985 when the Reggae Grammy award was established through to this year (2011) and give us her picks for "Who Should Have Won the Reggae Grammy? Feel free to comment on the picks.

50 Years of Unforgettable Jamaican Music Jamaica's charm and magnetism has not only been acquired through the Island's beauty and warm people, but through the range and variety of Jamaican Musicians and their music. A visit to Jamaica becomes noteworthy because of its ambience, and the various forms of musical entertainment. Every memory that Tourists may harbor are usually serenaded by Jamaican sounds and rhythms.

Reggae (or is it Pop?) - The 2011 Grammy Nominations for Best Reggae Album So….The Recording Academy has announced the nominations for its most prestigious awards—for the 54th staging of the Grammy Awards!  Is it just me or do the nominations in the category of Reggae keep getting more and more ridiculous?  Is it me or do these nominations not reflect the truth in the “Reggae Music Industry” whatsoever?  Let’s take a closer look!

Our Picks: Top 10 Reggae Songs of All Time Here are our picks of the top 10 reggae songs of all times based on lyrical content, song popularity and world market penetration. Any list of top reggae songs could be exhaustive and filled with songs by Bob Marley, so we have compiled a list of our top 10.  Be sure to add your favorites to this list. During the year leading up to Jamaica’s 50th Independence on August 6, 2012, each week we’ll be compiling a list of things celebrating Jamaican foods, music, culture, people and more.

Reggae: The bastard child of the music industry “Marley dominates the Billboard reggae chart” was the jubilant Jamaican Gleaner headline being shared with the Facebook JA diaspora.  An article lauding the talent of the Marley family with congratulatory glee as they continue to ride on the top of the reggae charts. Take a look at the Billboard Reggae charts; you will find them shoved at the bottom of the page under the ‘additional Charts/Genres’ stuck between “New Age” and “Soundtracks”. Sure enough, Damian/NAS are number one, Stephen at number three and Ziggy at number four.

Our Top 50 Picks of Jamaican Ska Songs During the year leading up to Jamaica’s 50th Independence Day on August 6, 2012, every week we’ll be compiling a list of things celebrating Jamaican foods, music, culture, people and more. We begin with our picks of the Top 50 Ska songs (not in any order). Feel free post your comments with your top Jamaican Ska songs.

Remembering David “Smiley Culture” Emanuel David Emanuel may be a rather non-descript name, but if you have any British connections or affiliations with London’s music scene in the 1980’s the name David Emanuel immediately evokes memories of the cheeky Cockney with the megawatt grin.  Smiley Culture, as he was more popularly known, died under tragic and suspicious circumstances on March 15, 2011 at his Warlingham, Surrey home.

Bob Marley Quotes Even though Bob Marley passed away many years ago (May 11, 1981) his quotes are profound, and prophetic.  We have compiled a list of over 100 Bob Marley quotes.  They reflect current life, love, politics, relationships and economics. Bob Marley’s quotes are dynamic and relevant can be used in many situation in today’s world. Enjoy these Bob Marley quotes and feel free to add your comments or quotes at the end.

Grammy Awards Eluded Reggae Superstar Gregory Isaacs Yet Again Jamaica-Reggae superstar the late Gregory Isaacs, a four time nominee for the prestigious Grammy awards, has been shunned again. The Grammy award symbolizes the highest honor of excellence in the music industry.  Isaacs was nominated for the best reggae album. The album, “Isaacs meets Isaacs,” is a collaborative effort with King Isaacs, a Zimbabwean singer and longtime acquaintance of the Cool Ruler.

Bob Marley at Sixty Six: still the Poet Laureate of Reggae Music & its "Classical Troubadour Bob Marley, the uneducated ghetto poet’s story is one of the 20th century's most powerful and compelling human dramas. A prolific songwriter and musician, of significance and importance, Marley died at age of thirty six from melanoma cancer. Every aspect of Marley's brief but extraordinary life has been the subject of the pen. His meteoric rise to international cultural importance and musical significance made him one of the most significant contributors to world culture. Had he lived he would have been sixty-six on February 6, 2011.

Anointing Gargamel This past weekend I had the good fortune of attending Buju “Gargamel” Banton’s much anticipated concert, “Before  the Dawn.” It took place on Sunday, January 16th, 2011 at the Bayfront Park Amphitheatre in Miami, Florida, where Buju enchanted the audience of 10,000 plus with an amazingly soulful and energetic performance steeped in ritualistic undertones.

Buju Banton "Before The Dawn Concert" Coverage Our writers, photographers and content contributors were live at the Buju Banton "Before The Dawn Concert" on January 16th, 2010. They did live reporting on the Jamaicans.com fan page. See the pictures, commentary and videos. Stay tuned for the concert review.

Jamaicans.com Music Editor's Top 10 Reggae/Dance Hall Songs for 2010 Our Senior Music Writer, Stan Evans, has selected his Top 10 Reggae/Dance Hall Songs for 2010.  See Stan's picks and compare it to you top 10 Reggae/Dance Hall songs for 2010. Be sure to post your comments and let us know what you think of Stan's picks.

My Top 25 Songs by Gregory Isaacs, the Cool Ruler of Lover’s Rock When the history books document the many accomplishments of Reggae Singer, Songwriter and Performer Gregory Isaacs the titled of “King of Lover’s Rock” will be one on his enduring accomplishments. Not many reggae artist of note can lay claim to have created or earned a piece of reggae music. Names such as Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, and Toots Hibbert of the Maytals fame come to mind. The late Gregory ‘Cool Ruler’ Isaacs is also a member of that elite group. Here are 25 of his most outstanding compositions.

Richie Loop's 'My Cupp' overflow with vibes, skills Like the energy god, 'Elephant Man’ he admires, Richard Raquesh “Richie Loop” Webb is all that and more in creating an alarming buzz with his single My Cupp. He’s hot, full of talent and burning with a desire to do good for Jamaica musically, yet he remains an humble soul, even as he quickens the pulses of others.

Gregory Issacs Tribute Page Gregory Isaacs passed away today (10/25/10) at his London home after a long battle with cancer.  He was 59 years old and leaves behind a wife and children.  He is best known for his hit song Night Nurse.  The users on Jamaicans.com have set up atribute page for Gregory Isaacs. Post your thoughts and condolences there.

'Lonely Soldier' Gregory Isaacs Dead at 59 Gregory Isaacs — a legend in his own time, one of the most popular and versatile reggae singers of the late-Seventies, and the smooth-voiced dancehall crooner behind the genre's landmark 1982 LP Night Nurse — passed away this morning at his London home following a year-long battle with lung cancer, the BBC reports. Isaacs was 59.

Memories of my friend; the Great Don Drummond Arguably the best trombone player Jamaican ever produced DON "D" was what most people called him. Some of them didn't know his name. Others never saw him in person or seen him perform, but most people who were connected to any kind of music in Jamaica during the fifties and sixties would probably know about the best Trombone player of that era.

The State of Reggae The New York reggae scene – specifically concerts, promoters and the paying public seem to be in a flux. The last spate of shows did not go well. Does the problem lie at the feet of greedy promoters, lackadaisical artists or a jaded public? Recently held local events failed to generate the kind of buzz guaranteed to keep all concerned happy. 

‘Rompin Shop’ Created and Manipulated Controversy The use Ne-Yo’s successful single ‘Miss Independence’ hit rhythm by Dance Hall  maestro Vybz Kartel on his Did Vybz Kartel create a controversy to manipulate it, I wonder? ‘Rompin Shop’ track may have been a stroke master of genius from marketing perspective given the reported 250, 000 hits on youtube to date. Kartel primary concern here is popularity, fame and money. He knew using Ne-Yo’s rhythm was illegal, because he had not obtained legal clearance to use it, but he wanted to ride on the success of success of Ne-Yo’ track to boost his ‘Rompin Shop’ sales and popularity. EMI issued Kartel to cease and desist court order forcing him to change the riddim on his song. EMI have not asked YouTube to take down the video version of Rompin Shop, the more popular of the two videos, to date. Why? That’s another story

Bob Marley Trivia This month we celebrate Bob Marley day. Do you think you know Bob Marley? Take our trivia quiz and see how well you know Bob Marley.

Bob Marley, National Hero? Does Jamaica need another one? Bob Marley’s 64th birthday was February 1 and February is officially Reggae month in Jamaica and the discussion of making him a national hero is heating.  When I wrote the above cover in 2000 raising the specter of Bob Marley being considered for national hero status in Jamaica, my intention was to provoke a debate on the merits of his candidacy and viability of whether or not Jamaica needed another national hero.

Reggae Artist outpricing themselves As the global economy heads into a tailspin, it is expected that it will have a profound effect on many sectors in Jamaica. I believe that one of the sectors that will be greatly impacted is the music industry.

Ladies First: Boogie on Reggae Women Having fired a proverbial shot across the of reggae music’s bow in 2007 Reggae Female artist continue establishing their dominance in big way for 2008. First off there are so many female entertainers this year, including an ever increasing crop of new artists with songs getting air time, like Tifa, Alibra, Natalie Storm, Pamputtae, Timberlee, a.k.a "TNT, Althea ‘Di Chic’ Hewitt, Natalie Storm, Lady Raine Seville, veterans Lady Saw, D'Angel, Stacious, Spice, Macka Diamond, Lady G, Queen Paula, Miss Thing and Ce'Cile to name a few. It is a joy to keep track of them. Reggae music may well be on its to shedding it sexist image Let’s look at what the females in reggae and Caribbean music have done for the first half of 2008.

Who’s really responsible for DANCEHALL decadence? February was declared Reggae month; Reggae music is therefore destined to gain added notoriety locally as well as overseas because of its close association with brand Jamaica . Dancehall music is unquestionably the most popular genre. It is unapologetically raw and rude being a creation of the rabble. It is therefore by nature uncouth and uncontrollable. A firestorm has erupted as to whether dancehall is the source of our decadence or its natural by-product, the jury is still out.

Reggae’s Crown Prince Should be Honored Brown is arguably the greatest singer in the history of Jamaican music,his contribution to Jamaican music makes him just as much an architect of reggae music as Bob Marley.

Staged Shows by Jamaican/Caribbean Nationals

Jamaica Elections 2007 Chat - Ask JLP and PNP Representatives Questions: We would like to ensure that you have an opportunity to ask questions about matters that are critical to the future of Jamaica . The Jamaican Diaspora Southern United States will hold a Town Hall Meeting, titled "Elections 2007: Our Vision for Jamaica's Future", Thursday, July 26, 2007, 6:00pm to 8:30pm in Miramar, Florida with a representatives from Jamaica's two main political parties - People's National Party and Jamaica Labour Party. Jamaicans.com will have a live connection to our chat room. You can ask your questions live in our chat room or have us pose your questions. To submit a question in advance, click here or join in live from this site from 6:00pm to 8:30pm EDT on Thursday, July 26, 2007.

Shirley...A Thrilling Story of Grace… Shirley Findley-Willis, a native of St. Ann, was the unforgettable leading vocal of the age-old gospel group, The Grace Thrillers’. One of the most visible and renowned member of the original group, Shirley’s compelling voice in popular songs like “By the Grace of God I am Saved“, “Can‘t Even Walk“, “Oh What a Sunrise“ and “Not My Will” has won the hearts of Jamaicans at home and abroad.

Interview With Nadine Sutherland She is, arguably, the most successful Jamaican female singer of her generation chart wise, Nadine Sutherland is veteran with more than two decades of hits to her credit. She took time out of her busy schedule to talk to Jamaicans.com writer Stan Evan Smith. Nadine will join us as this month's online discussion guest. She will answer questions April 25th 2007, 11- 6 PM in our forums.

Interview With Diana King -‘ Kingsinga’ Respeck due Say the name Diana King and music fans the world over think, Shy Guy, the block buster three million worldwide selling single from her first album, the 6 Million selling CD ‘Tougher than Love’ comes to mind. Senior writer Stan Evan Smith talks to eclectic King about her growing up, her music, being sexually abused as a child in Jamaica, and the way females are treated in the music industry.

Jammin’ In Jamaica: The Dub Mix Around the explosive, political and musically transitional period of the late '60s, America, Jamaica and England were affected by a new production technique that first reared its head in Jamaican studios.

The return of the Wild Apache - Super Cat Even after more than a decade without a hit song, Super Cat can still marshal his lyrical whip, like a reservoir full in drought, he has an abundant supply of intelligent lyrics and he is still one of reggae/dancehall’s most devastating live performers.

The Canary, Mr. Levy, Sings His Blues At Club Cross Road Contributing writer Stan Evan Smith reviews a recent performance by Barrington Levy. Stan also speaks to Barry about his career.

Buju’s #1 Fan Tells All I’ve always wanted to meet Buju - Mark Anthony Myrie a.k.a Buju Banton – the Gargamel. However, I am a firm believer that all good things will happen in the fullness of time. I wanted to make sure that when Buju met me he would not forget his greatest fan in all the world.

Damian "Junior Gong" Marley: The Youngest Veteran Bob Marley's story is one of the 20th century's most powerful and compelling human
dramas. A profound songwriter and a prolific musician, Marley died at age 36 from
melanoma cancer. His meteoric rise to international cultural importance and musical
significance made him one of the most significant contributors to world culture.

Bob ‘Tuff Gong’ Marley at Sixty One Bob Marley's story is one of the 20th century's most powerful and compelling human
dramas. A profound songwriter and a prolific musician, Marley died at age 36 from
melanoma cancer. His meteoric rise to international cultural importance and musical
significance made him one of the most significant contributors to world culture.

Top 10 Bob Marley Albums We surveyed visitors to our site on what Bob Marley album they thought was the best. Here are the top 10.