Max Romeo is perhaps best known for his work in the mid to late 70s with the innovative producer Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, “War In A Babylon,” “One Step Forward” and The Prodigy sampling “Chase The Devil” among his most notable works. Yet, the music that preceded that fruitful era is equally as important to the development of the Reggae genre. His work with ‘The Gorgon’ aka Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee began…
Tola Akerele is an influential Interior Designer, Entrepreneur, Gallery curator and Hotel owner in Lagos. SOTO Gallery is a Lagos-based art space finding inventive ways to present contemporary art from Africa. Our programs, ranging from exhibitions, talks, and workshops, demonstrate a commitment to community-oriented, forward-looking, and inclusive art practices. With an eye for bold and timely creative work that may lie beyond the scope of more traditional galleries, they adopt…
As Jonelle McPherson was beginning her professional career, she found her bright future suddenly eclipsed by the uncertainty of the global pandemic. Despite the added challenges she faced, the Edna Manley College graduate continued to shoulder the weight of teaching, entrepreneurship, and acting, refusing to abandon her dreams. Three years on, Jonelle’s drive and resilience have led to a string of triumphs. She’s now in her third year of teaching…
We sat down with Valerie, founder of V Rocket Sound, to talk about the importance of Women’s History Month. The Sound System industry is male-dominated, and Valerie’s presence is respected and appreciated. Here is some of the conversation…. VP: For many years Reggae and Dancehall has been very male-dominated with female artists and professionals often sidelined, since you started your career have you seen any improvements and what more do…
Rio Lewis is a 24-year-old marketing professional from London. Proud of her Jamaican heritage and passionate about dancehall music led to the creation of an online platform spotlighting the genre. Aside from work, Rio enjoys creating content (and scrolling) on TikTok and connecting with other music lovers / professionals and creatives. VP: Tell us a little about your work at Ditto/ the music industry? RL: I have been working…
Throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s, there was a plethora of female Reggae artists with a formidable catalogue of classic hits to their combined credit. To celebrate Women’s History Month, we’ve hand-picked our top five essential cuts from this period including shots from Studio One, Treasure Isle, Sonia Pottinger’s High Note label and much more. Phyllis Dillion – Don’t Stay Away Hortense Ellis – Woman Of The Ghetto Marcia Griffiths…