Magazine

Reggae.be: new design, familiar vibes!

You may have already noticed: as of today, Reggae.be looks significantly different. Exactly ten years after the launch of the previous version, we've finally given the site the much-needed makeover it was due!

Pressure Busspipe & Zion I Kings - All For A Time EP (Zion High Productions)

To mark his 45th birthday in style, Pressure Busspipe headed back into the studio, resulting in 'All For A Time', a five-track showcase EP for which Pressure teamed up with Zion I Kings.

Arky Starch - Warrior Without Border EP (Self-published)

For 'Warrior Without Border', his new nine-track EP, Arky Starch says he really let himself experiment with sounds, effects and styles.

Sound system culture is alive and kicking, and that should make us all glad!

In his widely read opinion piece, Dries Talloen displays all the hallmarks of an ageing reggae fan. Things used to be better. Bring back roots and culture. Dub is ours. These are the same old refrains we've heard time and again.

Aza Lineage - Rebel Daawta (VP Records)

Aza Lineage (Dana Bernard) can certainly be considered one of the most promising new talents on Jamaica's musical firmament, but until now, fans had been waiting for a full-length album. There has been no shortage of singles, and in 2023 she already released 'Kingston To Cali', a six-track EP produced by Natty Megs of California's More Life Productions, but for 'Rebel Daawta' she now joined forces with none other than King Jammy!

McAnuff Family & The Ligerians - Africa My Destiny (SoulNurse Records)

For 'Africa My Destiny', The Ligerians have managed to bring together all the musical members of the McAnuff family for a joint project.

R.I.P. Errol 'Barkwood' Brown (1951–2026), co-founder and lead vocalist of Black Roots

The ranks of British roots reggae band Black Roots are becoming increasingly depleted. After the Bristol-based band previously had to say goodbye to bassist Derrick King and vocalist Delroy O'Gilvie, we have now received the sad news that co-founder and lead vocalist Errol 'Barkwood' Brown has also passed away.

A tale of two lions: Haile Selassie and Belgium - part 2

In the first part of this series, we explored the earliest contacts between Belgium and what was then known as Abyssinia. We now move forward to 1924, when Ras Tafari, the future Emperor Haile Selassie, paid his first visit to Belgium.

Ras Teo - Rasta Royalty + Ras Teo meets Lone Ark - The 40 Children (A-Lone Productions)

We have already reached the second half of 2026, and when it comes to A-Lone Productions, reviewers can easily find themselves hopelessly behind. Fortunately, Roberto Sanchez has focused mainly on 7-inch releases this year. But then there's the unstoppable Ras Teo, who now returns with no fewer than two brand-new full-length albums!

Dezarie: "I'm a very quiet and shy person. I don't like attention, but I have to do this. It's a mission!"

The only vocal guest on Marcus Gad's new album 'For All' is none other than Virgin Islands queen Dezarie! So what better time to share our interview with her?

Marcus Gad - For All (Big Scoop Records/Easy Star Records)

With each release, Marcus Gad further strengthens an already impressive discography. 'For All' sounds like the work of an artist who radiates ever-growing confidence and effortlessly knows to translate that into strong songs.

Aisha: "I'll never actually write a song for the sake of writing a song!"

With her now iconic debut album 'The High Priestess' and singles such as 'The Creator' and 'Prophecy', Aisha has left an indelible mark on the reggae history of the United Kingdom. On Friday 31 July, she will perform alongside Mad Professor at the Dub Forest of Reggae Geel, and as a warm-up, we are delighted to bring you the following interview!

Capleton - Heights Of Fire (Evidence Music)

Capleton made his fans wait no less than 15 years for a new album, but thanks to Swiss label Evidence Music we finally get 'Heights Of Fire'!

The 18th Parallel - All Fruits Ripe (Fruits Records)

Just as he did for 'Downton Sessions', for this 'All Fruits Ripe' Fruits Records producer Mathias Liengme once again dug into the recordings he made between 2015 and 2025 with Jamaican veterans such as Leroy 'Horsemouth' Wallace (drums), Scully Simms (percussion) and Dalton Browne (guitar).

Cimarons (Locksley Gichie): "It was as if that name was chosen for us!"

You were still owed the third and final instalment of our interview with Locksley Gichie of Cimarons (the first two parts were published here earlier). With the band set to perform alongside Roberto Sanchez at Irie Vibes in just a few weeks, we figured there couldn't be a better time to share it!

Meta And The Cornerstones - Echoes Of Time (Metarize/Baco Records)

For his fifth full-length album, 'Echoes Of Time', Meta Dia once again headed to Real World Studios near Bath, a fact he is keen to underline in closing track 'Divinity', where he sings: "We've been jammin', jammin' in a studio, inna Real World…"

Ziggy Marley - Brightside (Tuff Gong/V2 Records)

In recent years, Ziggy Marley has increasingly turned his attention to projects for children; mostly in book form, such as 'Pajammin'' (Clarion Books, 2025) or 'Music Is In Everything' (Akashic Books, 2022), but also musically, as on 'Family Time' (2009) and 'More Family Time' (2020).

R.I.P. Conrad Crystal (1965-2026)

More sad news reached us from Jamaica this weekend, where Conrad Crystal passed away on June 17 after losing his battle with cancer.

Burning Spear and Friends - Call On Me (Burning Spear Music)

Three years after 'No Destroyer', Winston Rodney, better known as Burning Spear, returns with 'Call On Me', the first album in his long career on which he decided to invite a host of fellow artists to join him.

Kubix - Music Activist (Attik Productions/Baco Records)

Six years after the much-acclaimed 'Guitar Chant', Kubix returned to the studio for this follow-up.

Cookiz & Simma - Where My Style Comes From EP (SUPERCHIP)

For 'Where My Style Comes From', Daddy Cookiz joined forces with British producer and DJ Nathan Simm, better known as Simma, and fittingly the EP sees release through his SUPERCHIP imprint.

Runkus - SUPERNOVA (Easy Star Records)

After 'IN:SIDE', which we described as "the very first COVID-19 concept album" (and which in fact forms a diptych with 2022's 'OUT:SIDE'), comes the ambitious 'SUPERNOVA', for which Runkus joined forces with Bahamian artist Tavares Strachan.

A tale of two lions: Haile Selassie and Belgium - part 1

September 6, 2026 marks exactly 120 years since Belgium and Ethiopia signed their first trade treaty; an anniversary we naturally do not wish to let pass unnoticed.Your humble servant has spent the past months buried deep in various Belgian archives, resulting in a fascinating retrospective that we are delighted to share with you here in several instalments.

Rudymentari - Mala Herba Sempra Creix (Guspira Records)

Yours truly has a soft spot for reggae in Catalan, so we were already eagerly anticipating 'Mala Herba Sempra Creix' ("weeds never die"), the new release by flagbearers Rudymentari.

Brushy One String: "I grew up on blues and reggae, so I fused the two and created my own thing!"

On Saturday, May 23, Jamaican guitar phenomenon Brushy One String will take the stage at Blues Peer; the perfect opportunity to dig up the interview below from our archives...

Protoje - The Art Of Acceptance (Ineffable Records/In.Digg.Nation Collective)

Never change a winning team, so for the first time since 2018's 'A Matter Of Time', Protoje once again joined forces with producer Philip 'Winta' James for 'The Art Of Acceptance'.

Youthie - Wild Vibes (Youthie Records/Baco Records)

French multi-instrumentalist Youthie (Juliette Bourdeix) first crossed our path back in 2019 with 'Nomad Skank', a collaboration with Macca Dread. The 'Nomad Skank Rework' EP followed in 2021, this time alongside Alkemist, but albums like 'The Roots Explorers' (2022), 'Gecko Tones' (2024) and 'Alma De Pajaro' (2025) unfortunately slipped under our radar. All the more reason, then, to happily reconnect with 'Wild Vibes'.

Brother Culture - Behold The Lion (Evidence Music)

There seems to be no slowing down Brother Culture in recent years. Since the release of 'Code Name' in 2018, his first album for Switzerland's Evidence Music, the Brixton MC hasn't looked back. '12 Lights' followed in 2020, and in 2022 the label celebrated his entire career with the compilation '40th Anniversary Collection'. On 'Behold The Lion', it is once again mainly Derrick Sound and Little Lion Sound handling production duties.

Tomawok - Wake Up (Evidence Music)

For his fourth full-length, Tomawok headed to the Vox Studio in Montpellier, where he teamed up with Breton duo Daddy and Hypa aka D&H.

Hempress Sativa - Woman (La Tempesta Dischi)

'Woman', the new album by Hempress Sativa, is anything but a casual release, as it stands as a bold and unapologetic ode to female strength in all its forms.

Marcus I meets aDUBta & The Black Oak Roots Allstars - Fullness (F-Spot Records)

If you're in the mood for a proper old-school roots album, then 'Fullness', a pan-European collaboration between Marcus I (Marc Ibarz) and aDubta (Andi Bauer), comes highly recommended.

12 Tribes Of Mars - Hidden Sun (Dub-O-Phonic)

The number of projects experimenting with dub and jazz has become almost impossible to keep track of, and with 'Hidden Sun', 12 Tribes Of Mars - an international Amsterdam-based collective led by saxophonist Andrius Dereviacenko - adds its own chapter to that ever-growing story.

'Bath Ketema': Fairfield House honours Haile Selassie with an Ethio-jazz project

An Ethio-jazz album on a reggae platform might seem unexpected at first glance, but once you realize this project was brought to life through Fairfield House - the former residence of Haile Selassie and a place of deep spiritual significance within the Rastafari movement - everything falls neatly into place.

Reggae Workers Of The World - New Thing + Leah Farmer - Leah Farmer (Badasonic Records)

With new releases from Reggae Workers Of The World and Leah Farmer, the Badasonic Studios in Charleroi are once again brimming with activity!

Spellbreakers - Revolution (Bonafi Records)

Antwerp-based Spellbreakers return with 'Revolution', a musical fist aimed at the excesses of our time, with punk playing just as vital a role as reggae.

Chezidek - Marijuana Prayer (Tad's Record)

After his French detour for 'Never Stop', released by Irie Ites, Chezidek returns to Tad's Record, the label that also released the well-received 'Hello Africa' back in 2020.

Da Fuchaman - The Colours Of Life (Self-published)

UK-based Jamaican artist Da Fuchaman (Zemroy Thomas) first crossed our radar with his 'Rasta Will Be There' EP back in 2014, followed a year later by the album 'Pappa Jolly', after which we somewhat lost track of him. We reconnect here with 'The Colours Of Life', a 16-track offering.

J'Calm - Emotions (KLicious Music/DubShot Records)

We have to admit, we hadn't heard of J'Calm before… Born Jovane Nathaniel Gayle in Chapleton (Clarendon), the young Jamaican artist first made waves on Instagram (over 600,000 followers) and TikTok (1.2 million followers), so we weren't exactly part of his core audience. His real breakthrough came with the 2023 single 'Tempted', which even landed him on Barack Obama's playlist. A debut album, 'NICHE', followed in 2024, but somehow passed us by. With 'Emotions', however, we're more than happy to make up for lost time.

Dub Colossus - Dub Will Keep Us Together (Real World Records) + Invisible System - DUB (Self-published/Harper Diabate Records)

On May 11, 2021, Nick Page - better known as Count Dubulah and the driving force behind Dub Colossus - lost his battle with cancer. Yet thanks to his life partner Cristina Moran, aka Dubulette, and bassist/percussionist Toby Mills, we now receive one final and well-deserved tribute in the form of 'Dub Will Keep Us Together'.

Wicked Dub Division meets Francesco Bearzatti - Jazz My Dub (Self-published)

It had been since 2016 that we last checked in with Italian outfit Wicked Dub Division. For 'Jazz My Dub', the trio from Pordenone teamed up with saxophonist Francesco Bearzatti.

Micah Shemaiah - Natural Is The Mystic (JahSolidRock)

Following his collaboration with Swiss label Evidence Music for 'Jamaica Jamaica', Micah Shemaiah joins forces with Dutch outfit JahSolidRock for 'Natural Is The Mystic'.

Ras Double D & The Dub Family - Ooh Wah!!! EP (Self-published)

Dub poetry has always remained something of a fringe phenomenon within reggae - albeit one with a considerable cultural impact - and as such the number of Belgian dub poets can still be counted on one hand. From further back we still recall Jah Free Amos, more recently there was Ras Daan Jah, and now Waasland veteran Ras Double D (Dirk Dekeyser) steps forward with a debut three-track EP.

Mountain Tops - Global Warning (Tops Records/A-Lone Productions)

There's no rest for the wicked, and so the production train at Lone Ark Muzik Studio, helmed by Roberto Sanchez, continues rolling full steam ahead in 2026. Up first are Mountain Tops, a nine-piece outfit from Cantabria in northern Spain, presenting their full-length debut 'Global Warning'.

Xana Romeo - The Divine Blueprint + The Divine Dub (Charmax Music/Xana Romeo Music)

We're already at the end of January, high time to properly kick off the reggae year, and we do so in style with 'The Divine Blueprint', the new album by Xana Romeo. It's immediately a double set, as producer Omar 'Jallanzo' Johnson - nicknamed The Dub Wizard for good reason - also delivers a full dub companion.

Alpha Steppa & Nai-Jah - Crowned Eagle (Steppas Records)

For 'Crowned Eagle', English producer Alpha Steppa once again joins forces with Franco-Nigerian singer-songwriter Nai-Jah.

Dubussy - Horn N Tentacles EP (Dub-O-Phonic)

'Horn N Tentacles' serves as the debut calling card of Igor Pratty aka Dubussy, a producer and multi-instrumentalist hailing from Florence, Italy, his nom de plume, of course, a playful nod to French composer Claude Debussy.

Amatah Keo - Sabaï Di (A-Lone Productions)

In 2020 Roberto Sanchez already teamed up with Amatah Keo, a France-based vocalist and multi-instrumentalist of Laotian descent, for the single 'Each One Teach One', and with 'Sabaï Di', Laotian for "hello" or "how are you?", we now get a full-length album.

Eesah - Success (Evidence Music)

Eesah is the musical alias of Kingston-born Ackime Nathaniel Nephew, who first cut his teeth in the music industry as a sound engineer at the Jah Ova Evil Studio. When the late J.O.E./Lil Joe (Alty Nunes) realized that Ackime could more than hold his own vocally alongside artists like Chronixx, Micah Shemaiah, Hempress Sativa and Masicka - all regulars at the studio - he was given the chance to record his first tunes under the name Jahkime.

HIRIE - Phases (Controlled Substance Sound Labs/Easy Star Records)

Hawaiian-Filipino artist HIRIE (Patricia 'Trish' Jetton) first crossed our path with her debut album, released in 2013 on the US label Roots Musician Records. Follow-ups 'Wandering Soul' (2016), 'Dreamer' (2019) and 'Mood Swing' (2023) somehow slipped past us, but with 'Phases', out now on Easy Star Records, we're happily reconnecting.

Leroy Smart - Musical Don + Echo Minott - Familiar Face + Tamlins - Love Divine (VP Records)

After previously shining a spotlight on Skengdon releases by the likes of Tenor Saw, Sugar Minott, Frankie Paul and Winston McAnuff, VP Records now rounds off the celebration with three more albums by Leroy Smart, Echo Minott and Tamlins.

Nutshell - Nutshell meets Manjul (Self-published)

Two years after the release of their debut EP, Brussels outfit Nutshell return with a follow-up in the shape of Nutshell Meets Manjul, a dub EP for which they - you guessed it - joined forces with Manjul.

Obidaya - New Chapter (Natural Prod'/iMusician)

Yours truly first came across French outfit Obidaya (the phonetic spelling of the Hebrew "obadiah", meaning "servant of the Lord") with the release of their self-titled debut in 2012. After that, however, things went surprisingly quiet around the Parisian quartet. Today, the group consists of Eliès 'Addis' Eddaïkra, Sylvain 'I Fi' Isserlis (Bat Records), Loïc Paulin of Mystical Faya, and Raphael 'Uncle Raph' Baldy (guitarist for Tribe, Marcus Gad's regular backing band), who apparently spent all those years honing their sound. And now, at last, comes this aptly titled 'New Chapter'.

Soulcraft & Masso Narradi - Book Of Life, Chapter 1: Dare To Walk The Path Of Righteous (Earth Works Outernational)

Serbian outfit Soulcraft closed out 2025 with 'Book Of Life, Chapter 1', the first instalment in what is set to become a trilogy of EPs.

Stand High Patrol - Underground Oasis (Stand High Records)

For the previous full-length from Stand High Patrol we have to go back to 2020, but the Breton crew certainly hasn't been idle since. Vocalist Pupajim popped up on 'Sounds From The Fridge' by The Co-Operators and Alpha Steppa & Nai-Jah's 'Crowned Eagle', while in 2024 he also took a sidestep as Slim Jim From The Donjon with the instrumental outing 'The Lost Island'. And now, with 'Underground Oasis', there's finally a brand-new album from Stand High Patrol.

The Earliers - The Earliers EP (Self-published/Back To Basics)

Please turn your attention to The Earliers, a French band around drummer Karigan (Clovis Lécureux) and keyboardist Organiks (Antoine Gersch), who with this ten-track self-titled debut EP immediately deliver a statement that truly packs a punch!

Winston McAnuff - Electric Dread + Junior Delgado - Stranger + Gregory Isaacs - Talk Don't Bother Me (VP Records)

The Skengdon party at VP Records is far from over… We continue with three more iconic releases recorded at Miami's Diamond Studio Centre!

Tenor Saw - Wake The Town + Sugar Minott - Ghetto Child + Frankie Paul - Sizzling (VP Records)

VP Records may have leaned heavily into reissues in recent years, but every now and then that strategy still yields some real gems. Kenneth 'Skengdon' Black's Skengdon label would have celebrated its 40th anniversary this year, and to mark the occasion VP Records is shining a light once again on a number of the label's most iconic releases through digital reissues.

Lëk Sèn - Jèem (Jahsen Creation)

Senegalese reggae artist Lëk Sèn first caught our attention in 2010, when the French label Makasound released his debut album 'Burn'. We continued to follow him in the years that followed, but after 'Sweet & Tuff' in 2016, we lost track of his work. We're happy to reconnect now with 'Jèem' (Wolof for "to try").

Dub Inc - Atlas (Diversité)

After a somewhat difficult period in which COVID-19 and later the health issues of vocalist Komlan threw a spanner in the works, Dub Inc are now fully back on track, with a new European tour and a brand-new album, 'Atlas'!

Roots Architects - From Dub 'Til Now + The 18th Parallel meets Roberto Sanchez - Dub Avalanche Vol. 1 (Fruits Records)

As if Roberto Sanchez weren't already busy enough with all the projects he's handling for A-Lone Productions, he's also working closely with Switzerland's Fruits Records. And right now, it's dub o'clock over there!

Alexander Newman spotlights iconic British reggae label with 'Greensleeves: The First 100 Covers'

'Greensleeves: The First 100 Covers' by Alexander Newman, better known as Al Fingers, first saw the light back in 2010 through Stüssy, though it slipped under our radar at the time. Now, however, there's an updated second edition, published by One Love Books; the same imprint that previously brought us the delightful 'Covers: Retracing Reggae Record Sleeves in London'.

Chronixx - Exile (Forever Living Originals)

Can it really have been eight years since the release of 'Chronology', Chronixx' acclaimed debut album? Earlier this year, a three-LP '7th Anniversary Edition' of that record hit the shelves, but beyond that, the Spanish Town singer largely remained out of the spotlight. Then, precisely on his birthday, October 10, Chronixx made his triumphant return with 'Exile', a 17-track double album.

Agoteak - Agoteak (Agoteak/A-Lone Productions)

With Upyard, Roberto Sanchez already introduced us to a first Basque reggae band earlier this year, though that project still opted for English as its main language. Agoteak, by contrast, fully embraces Basque.

Lone Ark - Singers & Players (A-Lone Productions)

We're already in the final weeks of 2025, but in Roberto Sanchez's Lone Ark it's business as usual. Under the fairly self-explanatory alias Lone Ark, Sanchez takes on vocal duties himself for this 'Singers & Players' project.

Marina P & The Co-Operators - Know Nothing About (Waggle Dance Records)

After previous collaborations with French producer KSD, Breton outfit Stand High Patrol, and Scotland's Mungo's Hi Fi, Italy-born vocalist Marina P, now based in Paris, this time joined forces with Waggle Dance producer Eeyun Purkins and his Co-Operators.

Mr. Ital - State Of Mind EP (Self-published)

Mr. Ital is the moniker under which Claudio Rooms has been making steady waves for the past few years. After a string of single releases, the reggae crooner from Sint-Niklaas now presents his debut EP 'State Of Mind', a six-track collection that marks a new chapter in his musical journey.

Naomi Cowan - Welcome To Paradise (Easy Star Records)

This is one we'd been eagerly anticipating: 'Welcome To Paradise', the full-length debut from Naomi Cowan.

Alborosie - Nine Mile (Greensleeves)

The title of Alborosie's new full-length not only nods to the fact that it's his ninth studio album, but also serves as a tribute to the king of reggae.

De Strangers meet Galas & Buriman - Timeless Bond (La Tempesta Dischi)

For 'Timeless Bond', Italian outfit De Strangers joined forces with Galas Mbengue - a Senegalese-Italian vocalist based in Turin - and dub producer Buriman from Venice's Moa Anbessa crew.

Zig-Zag Band - Chigiyo Music Kings 1987-1998 (Analog Africa)

Zimbabwean reggae? Not quite. As the title of this new compilation on the Analog Africa label suggests, what we have here is actually chigiyo, a genre rooted both in Jamaican reggae and Zimbabwean mbira traditions.

Support Jamaica, together with the cast of The Harder They Come, the musical

The entire cast of The Harder They Come took to the stage at the Stratford Theatre in London one last time on Thursday to appeal for support for the Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund. A moving finale to a musical that, even more so than the film, is a wonderful tribute to Jamaica.

Anyone who knows me a little knows that I have been an unconditional fan of Adrian Sherwood and his label On-U Sound for almost half a century. If Lee Perry was a genius, then so is this studio wizard, with his impressive catalogue as a producer. In all these years, this is only the third record he has released under his own name, as usual in close collaboration with musicians who have often crossed his path: Brian Eno, Doug Wimbish, Keith Le Blanc, Gaudi, Jazzwad... Google their names and you realise that Sherwood operates in a select club.

GreenLion & Roots Radics - Dancehall Of Horrors (Tabou1)

Halloween is creeping up fast, and right on cue to set the mood for the spooky season comes 'Dancehall Of Horrors', released on the French Tabou1 label.

Naya Rockers - Higher Education (Naya Records)

Naya Rockers, the musical project led by American drummer Nathan Sabanayagam and bassist Nate Edgar, first crossed our path with the release of their 2022 album 'Naya Sound System'. Their latest effort, 'Higher Education', takes things in a slightly different direction: this time it's a benefit album in support of Kingston's Alpha School of Music (formerly known as Alpha Boys' School).

Hollie Cook - Shy Girl (Mr Bongo)

Just shy of fifteen years after her self-titled debut, 'Shy Girl', Hollie Cook's fifth studio album, marks her return to Mr Bongo. While her musical formula may no longer surprise, Cook has almost singlehandedly carried the lovers rock sound into the twenty-first century, and 'Shy Girl' is yet another shining example of that evolution.

Jesse Royal - No Place Like Home (Easy Star Records)

Four years after 'Royal', which earned him a Grammy nomination back in 2022, Jesse Royal returns with 'No Place Like Home'. For this album, Royal teamed up with producers like Yungg Trip, Sean Alaric and Andre 'Dretegs' Hawthorne, who gave the record a more urban edge than its predecessor.

Various Artists - Don Letts, The Rebel Dread @ Echo Beach (Echo Beach)

To mark the label's 30th anniversary, Echo Beach invited filmmaker, radio presenter, DJ, and musician Don Letts to dig through their catalogue and curate his very own Echo Beach compilation. The result is 'Don Letts, The Rebel Dread @ Echo Beach'. Het resultaat is 'Don Letts, The Rebel Dread @ Echo Beach'.

Ras Teo - Deh Pon Dem EP + Deh Pon Dem In Dub EP (Forward Bound Records/A-Lone Productions)

With 'Deh Pon Dem' and 'Deh Pon Dem In Dub', Ras Teo unveils the third instalment in the EP series that kicked off in 2024 with 'Ion Man' and 'Ion Man In Dub'. What we initially announced as a triptych has meanwhile grown into a four-part cycle.

Christos DC & The Ligerians - Sensability (SoulNurse Records/Honest Music)

After previous collaborations with Rod Anton, Chezidek, Nai-Jah and Nadia McAnuff, French band The Ligerians have now joined forces with Greek-American singer Christopher Vrenios, better known as Christos DC.

Almighty Dread - Kingston City (Street People)

Just as he did for predecessor 'Too Late' (Roots Renegade Records, 2023), Almighty Dread once again made his way to Vinney Ellis's Ellis Studios in Málaga to record 'Kingston City'.

Johnny Osbourne - Universal Love Showcase (VP Records)

For 'Universal Love Showcase', a project spearheaded by French producer Fabrice Allègre aka Frenchie, Jamaican veteran Johnny Osbourne is paired with a handful of vocal guests.

Junior Murvin - Cool Down The Heat (VP Records/Greensleeves)

Reducing Junior Murvin to a one-hit wonder would be selling him short, yet it's hard to deny that much of his lasting fame stems from 'Police And Thieves', the iconic track he voiced for Lee 'Scratch' Perry back in 1977.

Lila Iké - Treasure Self Love (Ineffable Records/Wurl Iké Records/In.Digg.Nation Collective)

She clearly took her time with it, but five years after the warmly received debut EP 'The ExPerience', Lila Iké finally delivers her much-anticipated full-length debut, 'Treasure Self Love'.

The Kingston Lions - The Kingston Lions (Bulletproof Recording Company) + Kingston Sound System - Classic Hits In A Reggae Groove (Embassy of Music/Recognition Music Group/Sounds Global/Loop Recordings)

These days, reggae cover projects are hardly in short supply. We already introduced you to the album by The Mighty Rootsmen, but producer Ralph Sall was simultaneously involved in 'The Kingston Lions', recorded at Anchor Studios in Kingston, while Germany's Berman Brothers were putting the finishing touches on 'Classic Hits In A Reggae Groove' by Kingston Sound System at Axx Studio in Port Antonio.

Guus van Diemen - Trombone G Skanking (Self-published/New Space Studio)

If your taste in dub leans toward the adventurous and experimental, then 'Trombone G Skanking' by Dutch trombonist Guus van Diemen deserves your attention.

Fatbabs - This Love Is Forever (Big Scoop Records)

We mainly knew Fatbabs as the producer behind the late Naâman, taken from us far too soon. But with 'This Love Is Forever', Benjamin Jeanne proves he has since grown into a beatmaker of truly international stature. Teaming up with a wide cast of vocalists from France and the Caribbean, he delivers an album that easily ranks among the very best we've heard this year.

Eeyun & The Co-Operators - Dub Over Yonder (Waggle Dance Records)

Just as he did a few years back for 'Vibrations From The Bionic Tabernacle', an album of reimagined tracks from 'Rhythms From The Kitchen Sink' and 'Beating The Doldrums', for 'Dub Over Yonder', Eeyun Purkins this time reworked a selection of cuts from 'Sounds From The Fridge' and 'A Distant Beat'.

Inna Vision - Faith And Dubs (Reggae Lives)

Barely a few months after the release of 'Faith And Deeds', Koa Lopes is back with a dub reimagining of that album: 'Faith And Dubs'.

Glen Washington - Just Giving Thanks (Tad's Record)

Earlier this year, Glen Washington dropped the Willie Lindo produced 'Feeling Irie', which unfortunately flew under our radar. But the veteran singer is already back with its follow-up, 'Just Giving Thanks'.

Junior Roy & Dub Shepherds - Trodding On Showcase (Bat Records)

Dub Shepherds, the Clermont-Ferrand-based duo of Jolly Joseph and Doctor Charty - and arguably France's answer to The Co-Operators - team up with Parisian vocalist Junior Roy for 'Trodding On Showcase'.

Bosporoots - Good Over Evil EP (Heirloom Yaad)

Always a pleasure to fill in another missing piece of the global reggae puzzle, and with the two-track 'Good Over Evil' EP from Bosphoroots, Turkey is no longer a blank spot on our reggae map!

Sister Nancy - Armageddon (Ariwa)

Despite her iconic status as a female reggae deejay, Sister Nancy's catalogue of full-length releases has stayed notably modest over the decades. Back in 1982, we got both 'The Yellow, The Purple, The Nancy' (produced by Henry 'Junjo' Lawes for Greensleeves) and her debut album 'One, Two' (produced by Winston Riley for Techniques). Now, Mad Professor finally adds a third chapter to that legacy with 'Armageddon'!

Message - Showcase I & II (Messengers/A-Lone Productions) + Upyard - Sufferah's Time (Jata Diskak/A-Lone Productions)

It's becoming quite a task to keep track of all the projects coming out of Roberto Sánchez's A-Lone Ark Muzik Studio, especially when many of them feature overlapping musicians.

The Mighty Rootsmen - The Mighty Rootsmen (Bulletproof Recording Company)

Jamaican legends reimagining iconic pop and rock tunes in reggae style? It's hardly a new idea, but when the right crew comes together, the result can feel nothing short of timeless. Enter: The Mighty Rootsmen!

Flying Vipers - Off World (Music ADD Records/Easy Star Records)

The name Flying Vipers might not immediately suggest a reggae band, but this Boston-based American outfit is already on its third full-length release with 'Off World'.

Inna Vision - Faith And Deeds (Reggae Lives)

You can already tell from the album cover bursting with colourful flowers: Hawaii and island life in general run like a red thread through 'Faith And Deeds', the new album from Inna Vision.

Mellow Mood - 7 + 7 Riddim Edition (La Tempesta Dischi)

A stylized number seven in a vintage red-gold-green design, according to Peruvian graphic designer Andrea Sifuentes, that's all it took to capture the essence of '7', the seventh studio album by Mellow Mood.

Stranger Cole and Patsy - Royal (Aggrobeat Records)

Stranger Cole may be well past eighty, but the veteran singer clearly has no plans of slowing down just yet. For the first time since his 'More Life' EP with The Steadytones back in 2018, he's returned to the studio, this time for 'Royal', a collaborative project with Dutch singer Patsy (Renske De Boer).

Stranger Cole: "I love the harmony of multiple voices and I love to sing with people, so whenever the chance presented itself, I paired up with someone!"

For the first time since recording the 'More Life' EP with the Steadytones back in 2018, Jamaican veteran Stranger Cole has returned to the studio for 'Royal', this time alongside Dutch singer Patsy. The perfect opportunity, then, to present you the following interview with the man himself!

Clinton Fearon - Jah Is Love (Baco Records/Boogie Brown Productions)

Less than a year after releasing the acoustic 'Survival Vibration', Clinton Fearon returns with its follow-up: 'Jah Is Love'!

Scientist meets Blanc du Blanc - Before The Beginning (Soul Selects Records)

In the dub scene, musicians and producers often swear by vintage analog gear and traditional techniques, but that particular "dogma" doesn't apply to Blanc du Blanc.

The Liquidators - INTENSIFIED! (Wuga Wuga Recordings)

The Liquidators are a nine-piece outfit hailing from Lille in northern France, originally formed in 2015 as The Soul Rebels, a one-off backing band for Jamaican rocksteady veteran Freddie Notes. Since then, the group has carved out a niche for themselves with irresistibly catchy ska, rocksteady, and reggae reworkings of pop, rock, and soul classics. Following two five-track Eps, 'The Liquidators' (2017) and 'Get Ready' (2018), they're now back with their long-awaited full-length debut.

Cimarons - Harder Than The Rock (A-Lone Productions)

This is one we've truly been looking forward to: 'Harder Than The Rock' marks the first new album from British reggae pioneers Cimarons in nearly 45 years!

Cimarons (Locksley Gichie): "After a while we started being labeled a backing band and that was never really our intention..."

For the first time in nearly 45 (!) years, the Cimarons returned to the studio, resulting in the excellent 'Harder Than The Rock'. The perfect moment to serve you the second part of our interview with founding member and guitarist Locksley Gichie!

Groundation - Candle Burning (Young Tree Records/Baco Records)

With the release of 'Candle Burning', Groundation adds an unexpected footnote in Belgian reggae history, as the American band, led by Harrison Stafford, recorded the album at the renowned ICP Recording Studios in Ixelles.

Reemah: "All this division, borders, flags, it's man-made. I choose to focus on what unites us!"

On Saturday, August 2nd, Reemah, the crown princess of Virgin Islands reggae, will join Tippy I in the Dub Forest at Reggae Geel; a set we'd like to get you excited for with the interview below!

Clive Matthews - Going Home + Bass Lee - Roots + Lone Ark Riddim Force - Psalms In Dub Vol. 1 (A-Lone Productions)

Roberto Sánchez's A-Lone Ark Muzik Studio shows no signs of slowing down in 2025, as proven by this trio of near-simultaneous releases, together forming a musical trilogy.

Jah Lil - Dusty Park Lane EP (Out Deh Records)

As a follow-up to his much-praised 2024 release 'Can A Man Cry', Jah Lil now presents 'Dusty Park Lane', a three-track EP.

Skanky Combo - Locked Up In Love (Vlad Productions)

Skanky Combo is a five-piece French band presenting their second full-length album, 'Locked Up In Love'.

Alpha Blondy - Rise (AlphAlliance/Baco Records)

Three years after the well-received double album 'Eternity', Alpha Blondy returns in full force with 'Rise'.

Warriors From The East - Tazama Mashariki (MacLes Music Factory Productions)

It had been quite a while since we last heard from Marc Leys, better known to most as MacLes. After his 2018 collaboration with D-Prezzy, the reggae producer from Belgium's Campine region returns, this time joining forces with Warriors From The East, a Tanzanian outfit hailing from Arusha in the far north of the country.

Smoke & Mirrors Sound System - Return Of The Numbers (Escape Hatch Records)

'No. 10 Upping Street', Smoke & Mirrors Sound System's tribute to Big Audio Dynamite, has barely hit the shelves, and bandleader John Roy is already back at it with 'Return Of The Numbers', the musical follow-up to 2022's 'Strength In Numbers'.

Siska - Diggin' The Roots EP + Holdin' The Vibe (VLB Recordings/Soulbeats Records)

The name Siska might not immediately ring a bell for most of you, but we instantly recognized the unmistakable eyes on the cover of 'Holdin' The Vibe', the album that marks the Marseille-based singer's return to her reggae roots after two solo projects exploring electro and trip-hop. As she herself puts it: "En faisant cet album, j'ai eu l'impression de revenir à la maison, comme une évidence." ("In making this album, I felt like I was coming home; it just made perfect sense.")

Earl Sixteen & The Co-Operators - Concrete Rockers (Waggle Dance Records)

On May 9th, exactly on the sixty-sixth birthday of Earl Sixteen, 'Concrete Rockers' dropped, making it the perfect birthday gift from Eeyun Purkins and his band of sonic architects, The Co-Operators.

The Sybians - Saddle Up With The Sybians (Canana Records/Aggrobeat Records)

Some quick research into the origin of the name of this Dutch ska and early reggae outfit formed by current and former members of The Upsessions and De Hardheid, left this reviewer blushing: a Sybian, it turns out, is nothing less than "a sex machine designed for women in the shape of a saddle, featuring a motor-powered rod with interchangeable rubber attachments to stimulate the genital area, operated via remote control.".

Molara - Ore Mi EP (Echo Beach) + Zion Train - Dubs Of Perception (Wobbly Web)

Omolara Adesigbin, better known to most as Molara, the original lead vocalist of Zion Train, had been off our radar for quite some time. But the German label Echo Beach is now bringing her back into the spotlight with the release of this 'Ore Mi' EP.

Ras Teo meets Lone Ark - Soul Rebel + Lone Ark Riddim Force - Soul Rebel In Dub (A-Lone Productions)

We were actually expecting the third instalment in the EP trilogy Ras Teo launched with 'Ion Man' and 'Up Fi Jah', but instead, Ras Teo and Roberto Sánchez surprise us with 'Soul Rebel'.

The Human Rights - One People (Self-published)

The Human Rights are a four-piece band from Toronto centred around vocalist Friendlyness, drummer Eric Woolston, bassist Tyler Wagler and keyboardist Bernie Pitters.

Tiken Jah Fakoly - Live Salle Pleyel (Chapter Two Records/Wagram)

With 'Live Salle Pleyel', Tiken Jah Fakoly presents his first new live album in over 15 years.

Carl Meeks - Legendary (Big Bout Ya Records)

Carl Meeks is one of a number of Jamaican vocalists who briefly rode the wave of digital dancehall sweeping across Europe in the late 1980s. For 'Legendary', Meeks joined forces with David 'Sensademus' Hanquet, the man behind Belgian imprint Big Bout Ya Records and a longtime fan of Meeks' work.

Steel Alive - Under The Big Top EP (Bass Cookers)

Steel Alive, the duo of Pouss and Lucas, who now split their time between France and La Réunion, take strong musical cues from the vibrant world of the circus. The "big top" in the title of this new five-track EP, released on their recently founded Bass Cookers label, refers to the classic circus tent, a fitting choice, given the many circus-themed references found in both the titles and lyrics of the tracks on 'Under The Big Top'.

Tribute to Lee 'Scratch' Perry: Omar Perry star of an unforgettable evening @ VK

What a night at VK, with Omar Perry, Joy White, Cedric Myton, and the fantastic French band Easy Riddim Makers. We couldn't have dreamed of a better tribute to Lee 'Scratch' Perry!

Moony - Lunar Odyssey EP (Culture Dub Records)

The fact Polish producer Moony draws inspiration from the vastness of the universe, with a particular soft spot for the moon, is evident not only from his moniker but also from the titles of his previous releases ('Tales From The Moon', 'Lunar Visions', 'Lunar Cycle'). His latest EP, 'Lunar Odyssey', continues this celestial theme, once again paying tribute to Earth's natural satellite.

I Woks - Vivants (Self-published/Lopa Production)

With 'Vivants', French band I Woks, built around vocalists Seb and Gé, may already be on their third full-length album, for us, this was our first encounter with this crew from the Savoie region.

Lutan Fyah - Strength & Resilience (I Grade Records)

After the 2017 release of 'Music Never Dies', Lutan Fyah once again joined forces with Zion I Kings and I Grade Records for 'Strength & Resilience'.

'Bam Bam': Reggae Geel drops a "heavy load" of first names!

As tradition dictates, Reggae Geel has unveiled the first wave of names for its upcoming edition this August. And it has to be said, the lineup is already shaping up to be seriously promising!

BASBAR - Start EP (Self-published)

With BASBAR, Arky Starch ventures into a Dutch-language project, joining forces with vocalist Jean Fernand.

Jamaican Jazz Orchestra - All For A Reason EP (Zephyrus Records)

It had been a few years since Jamaican Jazz Orchestra last made their presence felt, but with this 'All For A Reason' EP, a five-track release, the Flemish ska-jazz ensemble led by guitarist Wouter 'Wowie' Rosseel is making a return... or are they?

Arky Starch - Rebel Phase EP (Self-published)

"There's no rest for the wicked!" is an old English saying that perfectly applies to Arky Starch. The year has barely begun, yet he's already back with a brand-new 6-track EP. And with a title like Rebel Phase, he immediately grabs our attention!

Iotosh - For The People EP (Sound Ting)

Over the past few years, Iotosh Poyser has made a name for himself as a songwriter for artists like Koffee ('Gifted'), Protoje ('Third Time's The Charm'), Jesse Royal ('Royal'), Kabaka Pyramid, Chronixx, and more. Now, with his 8-track 'For The People' EP, Iotosh steps into the spotlight as a solo artist.

Owl Trackers - The Bright Side (Culture Dub Records)

French producer Owl Trackers (Gaby Demange) first crossed our path thanks to his collaboration with Ksanti on the 2021 'Time Lapse' EP. With 'The Bright Side', he now presents his first full-length solo album.

Dhoko Orchestra & Sons Of Magni - Parables Of Magni (Dhoko Records)

Dhoko Orchestra is a somewhat enigmatic Serbian collective of musicians led by sound engineer Raško Šantic and Dhoko Records founder Goran Doskovi?, joined for this release by the equally mysterious vocal group Sons Of Magni.

Merlot - La Marseillaise (Baco Records)

True reggae enthusiasts might remember Manuel Merlot, simply known as Merlot, as the frontman of French reggae band Baobab, active in the 1990s. Merlot has been pursuing a solo career for quite some time now, crafting a repertoire that blends French chanson, crooner jazz and reggae.

Rawb - Here And Now (Flower Coast Records)

Following their 2021 debut album 'The Beachfront', Rawb, the duo comprised of Quentin Robert and Thibault Flory, now presents 'Here And Now', a warm musical call to live in the moment and savor each experience.

Jar - Rolling Dice (N-Gage Productions)

After being forced to cancel the promotional tour for their 2020 debut album 'Love Rocket' due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the five musicians of Swiss band Jar retreated to the Mountone Records Studios in Übersee to record its follow-up, 'Rolling Dice'.

Jahill - French Kiss (Trois Huit/Evidence Music)

To our own surprise, Jahill (not to be confused with the Jamaican artist Jah Lil), a multitalented musician, journalist, producer and more from Paris, who's been leaving his mark on the French reggae scene since the 1990s, had not yet appeared on our radar until now. As an artist, Jahill made a name for himself with his 2014 album 'Paname Skank', but it was in his role as a journalist that he first connected with riddim legends Sly & Robbie. The chemistry was instant, and for 'French Kiss', Jahill was granted free rein to explore the duo's extensive riddim catalog.

Afrikan Simba - Mission (Reality Shock Records)

Born in Hackney, East London, Afrikan Simba is one of those artists from the UK sound system scene who seems to have been around forever. Yet, 'Mission', produced by Kris Kemist of Reality Shock Records, is surprisingly only his third full-length album.

Lollypop Lorry - Stick By Me (Self-published)

The last time we caught up with Russian band Lollypop Lorry, for their 2020 release 'Lollypop Lorry Goes Dub', the large-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia hadn't yet taken place. In consequence, before diving into this review of 'Stick By Me', we first had to confront a moral dilemma.

King Jammy - King Jammy's Unites The Nations With Dub (VP Records/Greensleves)

VP Records has been unusually quiet lately, at least when it comes to new releases. Aside from Romain Virgo's 'The Gentle Man', the past year has seen little more than reissues of iconic classics. Thankfully, King Jammy is here to break the silence! In 2022, he treated us to the flu-busting 'Destroys The Virus With Dub', and now he's back with 'King Jammy's Unites the Nations With Dub'.

Yella Sky Sound System - The Global Steppers EP (Langit Kuning Records)

To celebrate their tenth anniversary in style, Indonesian collective Yella Sky Sound System presents their 'The Global Steppers' EP.

Asha D - Vivre En Paix EP (Artikal Music)

Following last year's 'Roots Meditation', Asha D now presents 'Vivre En Paix', another EP, this time featuring six vocal tracks and five dub versions.

Dreadsquad - Reggae From The Desert (Superfly Studio)

Fans of Dreadsquad have had to exercise some serious patience, but after a seven-year hiatus, the Polish dub producer finally returns with 'Reggae From The Desert'.

Colah Colah - Steady Meddi Every Day (Klangschatz Productions)

Earlier this year, Colah Colah already presented 'I-Frequency', an album he recorded with Brazil based German producer DJ Michael Berth. It seems that the collaboration was a rewarding one, as with 'Steady Meddi Every Day', Colah Colah delivers a follow-up rather quickly.

Daman - Mood Of Solidarity EP (Soulbeats Records)

In 2022, Parisian artist Daman managed to impress with his solo debut 'Life', and now he presents 'Mood Of Solidarity', an EP filled with duets.

Zoe Mazah - Till Then (Gwari Music)

On her previous album 'Higher Vibration', Munich-based Zoe Mazah embraced a jazzy rocksteady approach, but with 'Till Then', she shifts towards soulful reggae, new roots and dub, resulting in ten new tracks with love as the central theme.

Sly Asher & Les Vieux Mogos - New Vision (AZK Productions)

The name Sly Asher might not ring a bell for everyone, but the Ivorian artist, born Gouamené Gahié Francis, has been making his mark since the mid-1980s. For 'New Vision', he joined forces with Les Vieux Mogos, an outstanding group of musicians led by former Solar System drummer Sam Koné and bassist Lucien Atsé, whom we still remembered from the 2017 album 'Motherland'.

The Dynamics - Dragn' Fly (Soulbeats Records/Wita Records)

We have to admit, we had no idea that The Dynamics, the French outfit from Lyon that made waves in 2007 with their reggae take on '7 Nation Army' by The White Stripes, were still active, making 'Dragn' Fly' an even more pleasant surprise!

The Salmon (Kiddus I, Bazbaz, Tchiky) - The Salmon (X-Ray Production)

The Salmon is the creative alliance of Jamaican reggae veteran Kiddus I, French multi-instrumentalist and producer Camille Bazbaz, and his fellow countryman, guitarist Jérôme 'Tchiky' Perez. The album's title and the lyrics of its namesake track reference the behaviour of the salmon, a fish that swims upstream and against the current when necessary. And much like the salmon, Kiddus I, Bazbaz, and Tchiky defy musical clichés and conventions on 'The Salmon'. You might have guessed already, this is by no means a straightforward reggae album!

Slim Jim From The Donjon - The Lost Island (Hologram Records)

Undoubtedly inspired by the saying: "Variety is the spice of life!", MC, vocalist and dub maker Pupajim took a temporary step back from his work with Stand High Patrol. Under the alias Slim Jim From The Donjon, he retreated to his own imaginary island.

Les Guetteurs - Tempête (Soulbeats Records)

With 'Tempête', Les Guetteurs are already on their fourth full-length album, but for us, this is our first encounter with this French band from Boulogne-Billancourt. Unlike most reggae acts, Les Guetteurs don't draw their spiritual inspiration from Rastafari but instead find it in Christianity, earning them comparisons to American group Christafari.

Quartiere Coffee - La Mia Terra (La Tempesta Dischi)

For Quartiere Coffee, the band from Grosseto in Tuscany, the release of 'La Mia Terra' marks a renewed collaboration with lead vocalist KG Man.

Nagaï - Back To My Roots EP (Kaboum Music)

Nagaï is an artist from La Réunion, who delivers her first calling card with this 'Back To My Roots' EP.

Smoke & Mirrors Sound System - No. 10 Dubbing Street (Escape Hatch Records)

Big Audio Dynamite, the British post-punk outfit founded by Don Letts and The Clash guitarist Mick Jones (joined by Greg Roberts, Leo Williams and Dan Donovan, who would later go on to form Dreadzone), would have celebrated its 40th anniversary this year. The perfect occasion for Smoke & Mirrors Sound System to put the band's musical legacy back in the spotlight. For the occasion, they chose to rework 'No. 10 Upping Street', Big Audio Dynamite's second studio album from 1986, which also marked the final musical collaboration between ex-Clash members Mick Jones and Joe Strummer, both of whom handled production duties.

Tuff Sound - New Tradition (Goji Records)

'New Tradition' is the debut album from Tuff Sound, a seven-piece ensemble from Berlin that aims to give a voice to a generation shaped by change.

Dimi Dumo & Dibandi - Te Veel Praat (Self-published)

With 'Te Veel Praat' ("too much talk"), Dimi Dumo delivers a follow-up to his 2021 self-titled reggae debut, this time, explicitly crediting his backing band, Dibandi.

Foreign Dubbers - Soul Rebelòt EP (Culture Dub Records)

Foreign Dubbers, the duo of Joe Zampiceni and Gibo Butchers from Brescia, a city in northern Italy nestled between Milan and Verona, return with their latest 5-track EP, 'Soul Rebelòt'.

Roadblock Dub Collective - Magna Ragon (Culture Dub Records)

We already introduced you to Yella Sky Sound System from Jakarta, but there's plenty more bubbling under the surface on the Indonesian islands. From Lampung, Sumatra, comes 'Magna Ragon', the debut full-length by Roadblock Dub Collective, the duo of Sam and Iday.

Faygo - Blooming Part Three (Fawaka Production)

With 'Blooming Part Three', we finally arrive at the concluding chapter of the trilogy promised by Breton band Faygo.

The Tighters - Differently (A-Lone Productions)

With 'Differently', The Tighters, a French band from Valence led by Swedish expat Andréas 'Ante' Andersson, deliver an impressive calling card.

Total Hip Replacement - Would It Be The Same (Self-published)

The Danes of Total Hip Replacement have been skilfully walking the tightrope between pop, soul, reggae, dub and more since their 2018 release 'Wonder Why', and their new album 'Would It Be The Same' is no exception.

Black Roots - Roots (Nubian Records)

Over the past decade, Black Roots has solidified its reputation as one of the most reliable forces in the British roots reggae scene, treating fans to an exceptional album every three years, and their latest offering, 'Roots', is no exception.

Alpha Steppa - Collision Of An Ancient Mind And A Modern World (Steppas Records)

One glance at the cover of 'Collision Of An Ancient Mind And A Modern World', once again designed by Ben Alpha's mother, Eve, is enough to recognize this as a new Alpha Steppa album.

U Brown - Still Chanting Rub-A-Dub (Irie Ites Records)

U Brown, born Huford Brown, stands as one of the last remaining foundation deejays from the school of the legendary U-Roy. Add the voices of several reggae veterans to the mix, and you're guaranteed musical fireworks.

Cimarons (Locksley Gichie): "In those days you had an American television series called 'Cimarron Strip', a western style show a bit similar to 'Bonanza' or 'Gunsmoke'. We just spelled it slightly different!"

London reggae pioneers Cimarons seem to be making a true comeback: following the release of 'Harder Than The Rock' earlier this year and a widely praised documentary chronicling the band's unlikely journey, they're now also hard at work on a brand-new album.

Big Chip - Run The Track (Mash & Greens)

In addition to his work as guitarist with The Co-Operators, Sam 'Chip' Huelin is also the driving force behind Run Come Down, the outfit behind this excellent 'Run The Track' album.

Danakil - Demain Peut-être (Baco Records)

Between their 2021 album 'Rien Ne Se Tait' and 'Demain Peut-être', Danakil released the live album 'Danakil Occupe Le Théâtre Fémina', the remix project 'Danakil meets Ondubground Part. 2', and the live version of the same project, 'Danakil meets Ondubground Live', as well as 'Dialogue De Dub', a dub version of their 2008 album 'Dialogue De Sourds', mixed by Manjul and longtime sound engineer Damien 'Bobby' Coutrot.This once again solidifies the reputation of France's hardest-working reggae band, who seem to grow musically stronger with every album.

Kumar meets The 18th Parallel - Tales Of Reality (Fruits Records)

Following 'Prosperity', their 2022 collaboration with Derajah, Swiss band The 18th Parallel now presents 'Tales Of Reality', recorded with former Raging Fyah frontman Kumar Bent.

Dreadzone - Nine (Dubwiser Records)

With the aptly titled 'Nine', Dreadzone delivers its ninth studio album. But the number nine runs deeper throughout the record. The track list features exactly nine songs, and closing track 'Last Song' clocks in at precisely nine minutes.

Cosmic Shuffling - Lovonauts' Odyssey (Fruits Records)

Yours truly first discovered Swiss band Cosmic Shuffling with the release of their 2020 debut album, 'Magic Rocket Ship'. Unfortunately, its follow-up, 'Cosmic Quest', didn't reach us, but with 'Lovonauts' Odyssey', the six-piece band from Geneva continues their intergalactic journey through the realms of ska and rocksteady.

Ras Teo - Ion Man EP + Ion Man In Dub EP, Up Fi Jah EP + Up Fi Jah In Dub EP & Ambessa (Forward Bound Records/A-Lone Productions)

Yours truly first got to know Ras Teo through 'Ten Thousand Lions', his outstanding 2019 collaboration with Spanish multi-talent Roberto Sanchez. This was followed in 2021 by the equally acclaimed 'Celestial Rockers', a joint effort with Zion I Kings. True to the saying, "never change a winning team", Ras Teo now presents two double EP releases, 'Ion Man' and its dub version, 'Ion Man In Dub', followed by 'Up Fi Jah' and 'Up Fi Jah Dub'. For these projects, he once again joined forces with David 'Jah David' Goldfine, Laurent 'Tippy I' Alfred, and Roberto Sanchez. These two EPs are the first instalments of what is set to become a trilogy.

Zambeze - Portrait Of A Roots Man + Portrait Of A Roots Man In Dub (Mozambique/A-Lone Productions)

Spain-based Mozambican reggae artist Zambeze, born Brasz Aleixo in Sofala, the central province of Mozambique, introduces his solo debut 'Portrait Of A Roots Man'.

Natty - The Divine Trinity (Vibes and Pressure)

Setting aside his appearance on Gentleman's Dub Club's 2015 album 'The Big Smoke', 'The Divine Trinity' is actually our first introduction to the work of Alexander Akiloe Philip Modiano aka Natty. Yet, this latest release already marks the British artist's fourth album.

Ranking Joe + Sly & Robbie - Top Ranking (Tabou1) + Ranking Joe - Choice Of Color (Tad's Record)

It had been since 2005's 'World In Trouble', released on the Dutch M Records label, that we last heard from deejay veteran Ranking Joe. Not that he disappeared from the scene entirely, as, in recent years, he made contributions on albums and EPs by artists like The Loving Paupers, Double Tiger, Hempress Sativa and The Grinders, but it seemed like a full-length album of his own was no longer in the cards. However, with 'Top Ranking', Ranking Joe is back, riding over a set of riddims laid down by none other than Sly & Robbie, with the mixing duties handled by Colin 'Bulby' York.

Ranking Trevor - Presenting Ranking Trevor (Tad's Record)

Tad's Record seems on a mission to revalue their back catalogue, as following Ranking Joe's 'Choice Of Color' (aka. 'Tribute To John Lennon'), they are now re-releasing 'Presenting Ranking Trevor', back in 1981 the fourth album from this somewhat underrated deejay.

George Nooks - Message In De Music (Tad's Record)

With 'Message In De Music', George Nooks treats his fans to a new album (though it's not entirely fresh, as this record has been sitting on the shelf for nearly two decades).

Jahkasa - Kakistocratie (Faso Monde/Fakoly Production)

Our first encounter with Karim Sanou aka Jahkasa, dates back to 2016 when the France based Burkinabe artist, presented his second album 'Les Enfants Du Pays' and introduced us to his unique style of "balafon-reggae". In our review of that album, we remarked that Tiken Jah Fakoly had found himself a worthy rival in Jahkasa, and it seems Tiken took note, as 'Kakistocratie' is now being released on his Fakoly Production label.

Twan Tee - Outrospection (Baco Records)

Even though Twan Tee is already on his third full-length album, we only recently became acquainted with this rising star on the French reggae scene through his contribution to Bassajam's 'Real Step', and now with his latest release, 'Outrospection'.

Mortimer - From Within (Easy Star Records/Overstand Entertainment)

He definitely didn't rush things (and for good reason, but we'll get to that in a moment), but four years after the release of the 'Fight The Fight' EP, Mortimer finally presents 'From Within', his new full-length album. As the title suggests, this isn't exactly an upbeat record to party on, but rather an intimate and personal album that Mortimer describes as: "...an exploration of human duality, capturing both the pain and hope in our everyday lives, balancing themes of emotional struggle and joy.". In the songs on 'From Within', thematically Mortimer shifts between love, his inner demons, racism, and the power of Rastafari.

Paolo Baldini DubFiles - In The Shell (La Tempesta Dischi)

After previously lending his skills to productions for Mellow Mood, De Strangers, and DubMarta, the Italian polymath Paolo Baldini has also been hard at work on a new solo project.

De Strangers - Chant Away (La Tempesta Dischi)

We'd like to draw your attention to 'Chant Away', the full-length debut from De Strangers, an Italian band hailing from Milan, led by drummer and vocalist Elia Pozzi and keyboardist Emiliano Vegro.

North East Ska Jazz Orchestra - Sulla Rotta Dei Venti (Brixton Records)

With 'Sulla Rotta Dei Venti' (loosely translated: "on the wind's path"), North East Ska Jazz Orchestra may already be on their fourth full-length album, but for us, it was our first encounter with this lively ensemble from Lignano in Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia region near the Slovenian border.

Norris Man - Free Man + Freedom Dub (Tad's Record)

Norris Man (Christopher Campbell) made a powerful debut in 1999 with the solid 'Persistence', and the Greensleeves-distributed 'Home & Away' also remains etched in our memory. However, what followed was a series of more mediocre releases, causing us to lose track of him somewhat. With 'Free Man' on the Tad's Record label, Norris Man makes a powerful comeback.

Christos DC - Kung Fu Action Theatre (Honest Music)

As a follow-up to last year's 'Matchbox' EP, Christos DC has taken a purely instrumental approach this time around. What's more, he even ventured into experimenting with Chinese instrumentation.

Jon Moon - Live That Life EP (Yutman Records)

In 2020, Berlin-based artist Jon Moon graced us with the eight-track EP 'Brighter Day', a project that served as both a reckoning with the COVID-19 pandemic and a heartfelt farewell to his music idol, Vaughn Benjamin. With the pandemic period now behind us, it's time to fully embrace life once again. This is reflected in the title of Jon's new EP, 'Live That Life', which features nine tracks (six vocal cuts, two dubs, and one instrumental), and is emphasized in both the title track and 'Strong & Healthy'.

Mosiah - I-Frequency (Ragatac Music)

Our first encounter with the Trinidadian Mosiah (Akeil Martin), who relocated to Heidelberg, Germany, dates back to 2017. Since then, things had been relatively quiet, but now Mosiah returns with 'I-Frequency', a full-length album for which he once again collaborates with Selector Tyler of Ragatac Records and his own Mystic Rockaz band.

Bomboclat Festival 2024: too much to mention

With an impressive line-up of international and local artists across three stages, this year's edition promises to be the biggest and most diverse in Bomboclat Festival history. Get ready for the hottest dancehall and afrobeats sensation on the Belgian coast!

Tooth Of A Lion - Echolot EP (Grübeldub Records)

The Berlin-based band Tooth Of A Lion caught our attention with the poetic lyrics on their 2023 debut EP 'Sonne Von Unten', and now they continue their journey with this three-track 'Echolot' EP.

Jah Lil - Can A Man Cry (Out Deh Records)

Although Jerome Smith aka Jah Lil has already been active for over a decade, he is only now releasing his debut album, 'Can A Man Cry'.

Nadia McAnuff & The Ligerians - Shelter From The Storm (SoulNurse Records)

Two years after the release of her self-titled EP, Nadia McAnuff returns with 'Shelter From The Storm', a full-length album once again created in collaboration with French band The Ligerians.

The Co-Operators - Sounds From The Fridge (Waggle Dance Records)

If, like us, you thoroughly enjoyed 'A Distant Beat', the album by Joe Yorke & The Co-Operators, then 'Sounds From The Fridge' will definitely be right up your alley!

Nai-Jah & The Kwenu Band - Democrazy (Khanti Records)

Five years after the release of his debut album 'Masquerades', French-Nigerian Nai-Jah (Mahakwe Wadike) returns with 'Democrazy', a title that certainly resonates in light of the parliamentary elections in various European countries and the ever-advancing far-right.

Alborosie - Dub Pirate (Evosound)

This time, no dub version of his latest album 'Destiny', but instead, one of Alborosie's 2008 debut album, 'Soul Pirate', bringing his musical journey full circle.

Linval Thompson - Ganja Man (Irie Ites Records)

Here's another one we've been eagerly anticipating: 'Ganja Man', a collaboration between Jamaican roots veteran Linval Thompson and the French label Irie Ites Records.

Linval Thompson meets Roberto Sanchez At The Ark - Marijuana Sessions In Dub (A-Lone Productions)

If you're still craving more Linval Thompson after 'Ganja Man' from Irie Ites Records, we can definitely recommend 'Marijuana Sessions In Dub' as well.

Manudigital - Digital UK Session EP (X-Ray Production)

Just as he did in the past with 'Digital Kingston Session Vol. 1 & 2' and 'Mexico Sessions', Manudigital has now compiled the sessions he recorded in the United Kingdom with artists such as Brother Culture, Shumba Youth, Daddy Freddy, and Liam Bailey, resulting is this 8-track 'Digital UK Session' EP!

Roots Architects - From Then 'Til Now (Fruits Records)

With 'From Then 'Til Now', multi-instrumentalist, producer, and driving force behind Fruits Records, Matthias Liengme, continues to build upon the musical foundations he laid with the 2015 self-titled album of The Inspirators (the project featuring Leroy 'Horsemouth' Wallace, Earl 'Chinna' Smith, Lloyd Parks, and Anthony 'Sangie' Davis) and 2022s 'Downtown Sessions' by The 18th Parallel.

Colonel Maxwell - Jah Is My Leader (Abendigo Records)

In all honesty, we have to admit we'd never heard of Colonel Maxwell, but in France, he's considered one of the absolute pioneers of the local ragga scene. Maxwell took his first steps into the music world back in the late 1980s, when the first sound systems emerged in Paris. During a stay in Waterhouse, Kingston, in the late 1990s, he developed his own digital rub-a-dub style, reminiscent of greats from that era like Tenor Saw, Nitty Gritty, and King Kong. But it's only now, many years later and thanks to a chance meeting with producer Sky from Abendigo Records, that a first full-length album is finally seeing the light of day.

Colah Colah - I-Frequency (Klangschatz Productions)

For last year's release 'Full Victory', Colah Colah joined forces with American expat Kyle B., now residing in China. However, Colah Colah's networking skills are relentless, and 'I-Frequency' is yet another collaboration, this time with German producer DJ Michael Berth.

Zion Head - Mount Zion (Zed2diZee)

Jamaican producer Jonathan Holness aka Zion Head, who relocated to France, first appeared on our radar with the release of his 'Jah Watching' EP in 2022. Now, he presents his follow-up, 'Mount Zion', a full-length album that stands out not only for its excellent guest list but also for Zion Head's vocals, which occasionally bear a strong resemblance to Daweh Congo (something that didn't immediately catch our attention on that first EP).

Subajah - Lion (Dashen Records)

Yours truly first became acquainted with Subajah, a Martinique native who relocated to London, through his debut EP 'Voice Of Freedom' released in 2014. In 2017, the excellent full-length album 'Architect' followed, and now Subajah is back with 'Lion'.

Sylford Walker - Good Encouragement (Sunvibes Music)

A few years back, Jamaican veteran Sylford Walker, much like Prince Alla, found musical refuge at the Sunvibes Music label of his cousin, Jamaican expatriate Leon Cameron, now based in Texas in the US. After Sunvibes Music already presented us with 'Time Has Come' in 2014, the label is now returns with its successor, 'Good Encouragement'.

O.B.F. x Iration Steppas - Revelation Time (Dubquake Records)

The relationship between O.B.F. and Iration Steppas dates back to 2004 when Iration Steppas played an O.B.F. dubplate, 'Babylon Tremble', during a dance. Over the years, their friendship has grown ever stronger, and in 2022, Dubquake Records released a full documentary on Iration Steppas titled 'Ina Vanguard Style: A Documentary On Iration Steppas'. Ultimately, Mark Iration, Dennis Rootical, and Rico O.B.F. decided to retreat to the studio together to work on a collaborative project. The result is 'Revelation Time', a solid piece of UK steppers with occasional nods to the past.

MariJah & The Root Sense - Giving Thanks (Self-published)

Last year, Marie Bogaert aka MariJah, already gave us a taste of her musical talent with the release of her 'Take Care' EP, a collaboration with Jah Embassy's Jahmbassador, and now, she presents 'Giving Thanks', her full-length debut recorded with backing band The Root Sense.

Solo Banton - In This Time (Irie Ites Records)

After releasing his first three albums on Kris Kemist's Reality Shock Records label, Solo Banton appears ready for change, as for 'In This Time', he has teamed up with the French label Irie Ites Records.

AARDPEER - Waco Jungle (Self-published)

Things are getting lively in Ghent, as AARDPEER joins the ranks, offering a local counterpart to the jazz-dub stylings of Kosmo Sound.

Mo'Kalamity - Shine (Sofia-Thea Records/Baco Records)

Yours truly might never become an unconditional fan of Monica Tavares, better known as Mo'Kalamity - something in her vocal tone simply doesn't quite resonate - but that doesn't diminish the fact the French-Cape Verdean singer, with 'Shine' already presenting her fifth studio album, has become a solid presence in the European reggae scene. 

'Rasta Revelation' in Jamaica Part 5: how a Belgian became director of a Jamaican music school

Until last year, the Edna Manley College of The Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston was led by a Belgian, who still teaches there to this day.

Earl Sixteen - Roots Foundation (JahSolidRock)

In 2022, we still saw the release of 'Jah Children,' a collaboration with American collective Zion I Kings. However, for 'Roots Foundation', Earl Sixteen once again teamed up with the Dutch quality label JahSolidRock, headed by Marc Baronner and Ras Denco.

'Rasta Revelation' in Jamaica Part 4: from Mi Hungry to Tuff Gong

The tastiest raw food pizza, then off to the studio. First, Mining Gold with Jacky French and Dre JA, then Tuff Gong.

Clinton Fearon - Survival Vibration (Baco Records/Boogie Brown Productions)

On 'Survival Vibration', an all-acoustic project with every instrument played by Clinton Fearon himself, the roots reggae veteran reflects on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

'Rasta Revelation' in Jamaica Part 3: Chant down Babylon

Visiting Inna De Yard, promotion at Dubwise Cafe, and live on radio with Ron Muschette.

Tribal Seeds - Ancient Blood (Tribal Seeds Music)

San Diego based band Tribal Seeds has long been a powerhouse in the American reggae scene, yet their breakthrough in Europe has remained elusive. In 2018, Baco Records made an attempt with the reissue of the 'Roots Party' EP (expanded into a sort of 'Best Of' compilation for the European release), and now, with 'Ancient Blood', the band, led by brothers Steven Rene Jacobo (lyrics, vocals and guitar) and Tony-Ray Jacobo (keyboards, producer), finally presents a new full-length album.

'Rasta Revelation' in Jamaica Part 2: Kingston, alive and buzzing

From Negril to Kingston: warmer, busier, pricier… And porridge for breakfast!

'Rasta Revelation' in Jamaica Part 1: Ganja in Negril

Jah Shakespear, accompanied by our marketing man Thomas De Beule, journeyed to Jamaica to promote the English edition of the book 'The Rasta Revelation'. It always feels a bit like a homecoming…

Alam - Rise (Badger Prod/Take It Easy Records)

We discovered the French band Alam in 2017 through the release of their album 'Sounds Of Freedom', a delightful blend of reggae with influences from soul, rock, pop, and hip-hop. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a few years of forced silence, but now the band led by Marie Biguereau returns with 'Rise', venturing more into the digital realm (as can be heard in opener 'Love Revolution').

Charly Black's intimate concert at Green Grown Bruges

The ambience at Green Grown, a leading cannabis retailer in Belgium, set the stage for an unforgettable reggae concert featuring the renowned dancehall star, Charly Black. With over 600 legal cannabis products available across their 5 stores in Antwerp, Deurne, Mechelen, Leuven and Bruges (being the latest opened in February 2024),  the venue provided a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, reminiscent of Jamaica itself.

Tiken Jah Fakoly - Acoustic (Chapter Two Records/Wagram)

Ever since his 'Coup De Geule' album in 2004, Tiken Jah Fakoly has been incorporating ever more traditional West African elements into the instrumentation of his music. It almost seemed inevitable that he would eventually fully embrace his roots. The result is the intimate, beautifully crafted 'Acoustic'.

Ras Tafari rules in new Bob Marley movie

'Bob Marley: One Love' threatens to fall between two stools: too smooth for the reggae massive, too rasta for the rest. But for those who go along with the natural mystic of the story, a mesmerising experience awaits.

BabbaJah - BabbaJah In Rejoice Studio (Vibe Generator Records)

As the regular voice for The Roots Corner Soundsystem, Brussels-based vocalist Arnaud Bastin aka Babbajah needs no introduction in the sound system scene.

Train To Roots - Ancora Qui (INRI)

Train To Roots' previous album already dates back to 2017, and with the emphatically titled 'Ancora Qui' ("still here"), the Sardinian band not only presents a new long player but also emphasizes that they are still alive and kicking!

DubMarta - Island Wave EP (Self-published)

Marta Riccardi aka DubMarta, is an Italian bassist and vocalist who divides her time between London and Naples. In the past, she collaborated with artists like Earl Sixteen, Dennis Alcapone, Earl Zero, and Ranking Joe, but with 'Island Wave', she now present a first nine track solo EP.

Devi Reed - Éruption De L'être (Khanti Records/Pias)

Predecessor 'Take It Ovaw' from 2020 may have slipped past us, but with 'Éruption De L'être', French wordsmith Devi Reed is back in full force!

Bassajam - Real Step (Baco Records/Bassajam Records)

Bassajam is a collective centered around Santo, hailing from Lorient in Brittany, France. Having made a name for himself in the French sound system circuit since 2004, Santo successfully shifted to livestreams during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. In 2021, he founded his own label, Bassajam Records, and, alongside guitarist Edwin Cardot (Vanzo, Lidiop…) and keyboardist Bastien 'Fayce' Belmokadem (Pierpoljak, Meta Dia, Mo'Kalamity…), ventured into the studio for a full album project,  resulting in seven infectious riddims, with two versions of each track featured on 'Real Step'.

Adrian Sherwood catapults On-U Sound into the future in 3D @ Earth Art Center, Hackney

A year after On-U Sound's memorable 40th anniversary celebration, Adrian Sherwood demonstrated a spectacularly innovative sound experience. Welcome to the binaural future of dub.

Yasus Afari - Golden Spoon Maroon

Its' been a long time since we heard a dub poet's voice, or dubjay as John Sinclair also sometimes calls himself. He was the first poet in the 1980s to pair his militant lyrics with dancehall riddims.

'People Funny Boy - The Genius of Lee 'Scratch' Perry': painstaking research yields evocative biography & reference work

No other book has taught me as much about the history of reggae music as this biography by David Katz. Because Lee Perry was one of the founding fathers of the genre and collaborated with just about every relevant artist of the golden years.

Groundation (Harrisson Stafford): "In my dream world I would build a hospital for the reggae elders!"

Groundation has an excellent new album out with 'One Rock' and is finally touring Europe again after three years. High time to catch up with Harrisson Stafford, singer, brain and founder of the band.

40 Years of On-U Sound in one masterful evening @ O2 Forum

What a night, at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London. The indestructible Horace Andy, the primal dub of Creation Rebel, the futuristic nyahbinghi of African Head Charge, the funk dub of Tackhead, the rebel sounds of Mark Stewart & The Mafia... And all of that ingeniously mixed by the master himself, Adrian Sherwood. Without a doubt one of the best and most overwhelming concerts (festivals?) we have experienced in the past half century.

Rootz Radicals - Live & Direct (Self-published)

With the release of their 2019 freely downloadable single compilation 'Sampler One', we already hinted a first studio album from Germany's Rootz Radicals would soon follow. We can only suspect COVID-19 disrupted those plans and instead the band now presents 'Live & Direct', a live session, recorded in Freiraum Dachau, a completely empty concert hall in Dachau near Munich.

Niceness - Realize (Self-published)

'Realize' is the second album by Niceness, an eight-piece American band from Telluride, a well-known ski resort in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado.

Savage Wave - Run Away (Self-published)

Savage Wave is a one-man project centered around singer-songwriter, musician and producer Rémy Duprat, hailing from Mont de Marsan in the French department of Landes.

JahYu - Center Of Gravity (Steppas Records)

With 'Center Of Gravity', Hamburg-based Korean-German producer Dennis Mudie aka JahYu, presents a second full-length album on Ben Alpha's Steppas Records label.

Zion Train - Illuminate In Dub (Universal Egg)

Just six months after the release of 'Illuminate', the first Zion Train album in some five years, Neil Perch now also presents this dub version.

Runkus - IN:SIDE (Runkus Music/Delicious Vinyl Island)

As far as we know, with the aptly titled 'IN:SIDE', Runkus presents the very first COVID-19 concept album.

Dactah Chando - XXI (Achinech Productions)

Canario (native of the Canary Islands) Dactah Chando ushers in 2021 with 'XXI', already his eighth studio album.

Yabby You & The Prophets - Conquering Lion: Expanded Edition (Pressure Sounds)

After previously rereleasing pretty much Vivian Jackson aka Yabby You's entire backcatalog, this time Pressure Sounds comes with the jewel in the crown: 'Conquering Lion', an iconic reggae album you can safely consider a 'Best Of' Yabby You's work.

Burnt - Reaching For The Sun (Self-published)

It's been close to four years since we last heard from Californian band Burnt, but if you thought the whole COVID-19 pandemic put a brake on the band's creativity, you'll be in for a surprise. If predecessor 'Majestic Walrus' still counted 20 tracks, then for 'Reaching For The Sun', they raised the bar even higher and came up with no less than 27 new tracks.

Long Arm Rex - Welcome Home EP (Self-published)

Long Arm Rex, a five-piece reggae band hailing from Boston on the East Coast of the United States, has been making waves since 2014. With their latest offering, 'Welcome Home', a new 6-track EP, they continue to carve their path in the music scene.

iGL & Alecho - From A Droplet EP (Dub-O-Phonic)

iGL and Alecho is the electro-dub project of Athenian duo Konstantinos and Alexandra, who with 'From A Droplet' present a first 6 track EP.

Kubix - Guitar Chant (Attik Productions/Baco Records)

On the eve of 2020, we're still presented with a true instrumental jazzy reggae gem by much in demand French guitarist Xavier Bègue aka Kubix, who with 'Guitar Chant' earns himself a spot somewhere between Jamaican veteran Ernest Ranglin, American jazz guitarist George Benson and English Pink Floyd guitarist Steve Gilmour!

Berise - Take Me As I Am (Shanti Powa Records)

Just a few months after we got to know Shanti Powa frontman Berise thanks to his collaboration with Wicked and Bonny, the man is now presenting a solo album of his own.

Wailing Souls - Back A Yard (Greensleeves)

With 'Back A Yard', Alborosie does the same for Wailing Souls as he did for The Tamlins in with 2010's 'Re-Birth': breathing new life into the career of a "forgotten glory" from Jamaican music history.

Subatomic Sound System & Screechy Dan - Babylon Soon Fall EP (Self-published)

Yours truly got to know New York-based Subatomic Sound System back in 2017 thanks to the release of 'Super Ape Returns To Conquer', their more than excellent collaboration with Lee 'Scratch' Perry. For this 'Babylon Soon Fall' EP, producer Emch joined forces with Jamaican veteran Robert 'Screechy Dan' Stephens, also based in New York.

Ze-Ion - Path To The Heart EP (Rebel Sound Records)

Ze-Ion is the pseudonym of Joseph Zizzo, a singer-songwriter from Lake Zurich near Chicago.

Clive Hunt & The Hit Team - Blue Lizzard + Various Artists - Clive Hunt presents Bad Bad Bad (17 North Parade/VP Records)

In terms of reggae, 2020 has become a bit of a Clive Hunt year. Earlier this year there was already the 'Note To Self', a co-production wit Jah9, and now VP Records is ending the year with 'Blue Lizzard', a gem of an instrumental album.

Cosmic Shuffling - Magic Rocket Ship (Fruits Records)

A few months after we introduced you - albeit twenty years after the facts - to Open Season, the veterans of the Swiss ska and rocksteady scene, we now turn to Cosmic Shuffling, a six-piece band from Geneva, with 'Magic Rocket Ship'presenting a first full-length album.

The Late Ones - Lately EP (Easy Star Records)

Their debut EP, 2015's 'Revelate', unfortunately never reached us, but thanks to Easy Star Records we can now introduce you to The Late Ones, a trio with mixed Samoan-Afro-American roots, like labelmates New Kingston, consisting of members of the same family (brothers Tui and Tau Avei and their cousin Josh Brunson).

Dubstation - At Rub-A-Dub School (Hills View Music)

With 'At Rub-A-Dub School', French sound engineer and beatmaker Ben Dubstation wanted to attempt a return to the authentic rub-a-dub sound of the 1980s.

Macka B - Gentrification EP (Peckings)

Five years after recording the excellent 'Never Played A 45' for Peckings - as far as yours truly is concerned, still an absolute highlight in the man's extensive discography - British veteran Macka B returns to the label for this 'Gentrification' EP.

Brain Holidays - Jamaican Connection (Dallas Records)

Yours truly got to know Croatian Brain Holidays in 2018, thanks to the release of their 'System Error' album. The Croatians now return with 'Jamaican Connection', a title referring to a long cherised dream of the band members which finally became a reality earlier this year: performing and recording in the home country of reggae, Jamaica!

Mercy & Friends - Sound System To The Top (Culture Dub Records)

'Sound System To The Top' is a solo project by Mercy (Olivier Delbos), selector with Bhale Bacce Crew (Hindi for "dear children" or "good children"), a sound system collective from Chartres, in France.

Mystically - Iration (Kalaloo Production)

The story of Mystically starts in 2007, when three singers from two different bands found each other after a concert aboard the Guinguette Pirate, a Parisian concert boat disguised as a pirate ship.

R-Juna - Rockers Dub (Dub-O-Phonic)

As was the case in 2019, Dub-O-Phonic concludes 2020 with a release from American DJ and MC Roy Waterford aka R-Juna.

Dub Inc - Acoustic (Diversité)

During their international tours, the members of Dub Inc always make the effort to give one of their songs an acoustic makeover. In 2017, the French band also started filming those acoustic street sessions and post the clips on their YouTube channel. The videos were such a success that Dub Inc now also wanted to collect the acoustic versions of those songs on one album, resulting in 'Acoustic'.

Ragga Yves & Arky Starch - Give It A Walk EP (Self-published)

Arky Starch keeps turning out releases at a steady pace... A first EP in August of this year, a few months later followed by a full-length album (and a collaboration with the Cypriot Dub-O-Phonic label), and singles by Micky B ('Power Abuse') and Ragga Yves. With the latter, Starch already recorded the COVID-19 anthem 'Wash Your Hands' in November of this year, now followed by this 6 track (4 vocal cuts and 2 dubs) 'Give It A Walk' EP.

Jon Moon - Brighter Day EP (Yutman Records)

Yours truly got to know Berliner Jon Moon in 2018 thanks to the release of his full-length debut 'Trust'. Moon now returns with this 'Brighter Day' EP.

Raszor Brankata & Good Over Evil - Courage (Good Over Evil Prod.)

Thanks to Sista Livity & Sista Moni's 'Only Love' album, we already got a first taste of the production work of the Spanish Roquetes-based Good Over Evil (a municipality in the south of the Spanish province of Tarragona) a few months ago, and for 'Courage' they now joined forces with Raszor Brankata, a Swiss based Ghanaian.

Double Tiger - The Journey (Easy Star Records)

We still vividly remember 'Sharp & Ready', Jay Spaker aka Double Tiger's 2017 solo debut, as one of the absolute revelations of that year. However, in the meantime a lot has changed in Double Tiger's life and this aptly titled 'The Journey' sounds remarkably different from its predecessor.

TravelerZ - Among The Stars EP (Culture Dub Records)

TravelerZ, a French trio that is the sum of producer Synthetic One and vocalist siblings Thomas and Janiss Anton, already recorded a number of collaborations with Tours based ODG or Original Dub Gathering, but for this 3 track 'Among The Stars' EP, joined forces with Culture Dub Records from Poitiers.

Roots Unity - Roots Unity & Dub Culture present Small Town Dub, Part One (Roots Unity Music)

Now we're nearing the end of 2020, with 'Small Town Dub, Part One', a collaboration with producer Heinz Dub Culture of Dub Culture Studio, Roots Unity's Uta Maruanaya, currently the most prolific reggae and dub producer in the Netherlands, still adds a last-minute release.

Perfect Giddimani - Dumplin Shop EP (Evidence Music)

With the release of 2017's 'Live My Life Again', Perfect Giddimani said goodbye to the album format. However, that decision by no means meant thing remained quiet around the Jamaican boboshanti artist, as he kept turning out single realeases and one riddim compilations as hotcakes. But with 'Dumplin Shop', a collaboration with the French Soulnation Band from Nantes, there's now suddenly another 6 track EP.

Mystikal Man - Back To The Roots (Self-produced)

We'd never heard of the man before, but in his own country, Brittany-born Romain Thorez aka Mystikal Man has been active for over ten years, often supported by no more than two turntables, but still managing to build a solid live reputation. For 'Back To The Roots', Mystikal Man collaborated with Irie Ites and Jibé 'Cody Jahrett' Hueber of Skankman Studio in the Breton village of Domalain.

Innavibe - Le Sens (Self-published)

Innavibe was founded in Lyon in 2016 by duo Remy 'Reym' Sabattier (vocals) and Lionel Rivière (riddims), following their 2017 debut EP 'Innavibe' with 'Le Sens'. For this project, the band joined forces with Grégory 'Zigo' Mavridorakis and Benjamin 'Ben' Jouve (drummer and sound engineer with Dub Inc and backing band Dub Akom).

Luciano - The Answer (Oneness Records)

If we don't count 2015's 'Dub Showcase At Ariwa' EP, the last time Luciano presented his fans with a new long player was with 2014's 'Zion Awake'. For 'The Answer', The Messenger teamed up with German Oneness Records (Moritz von Korff and Benjamin Zecher - production, and Umberto Echo - mixing and mastering).

R.Esistence In Dub meets Longfingah - The Longfingah Attack EP (Evidence Music)

Even though it had already been since 2017 that we'd seen an album release by Berlin MC Longfingah, Hagen Rockahr, as the man's known in real life, still regularly appeared on releases of befriended artists and producers. But with 'The Longfingah Attack' we're finally presented with a new EP.

High & I - Almighty Thunder EP (Dub-O-Phonic)

High & I is the alter ego of Chris Nottingham, a dub producer from Middlesbrough, England.

Pablo Raster - Venti (Self-published)

With 'Venti', Italian for "twenty", but also for "winds", Italian producer Pablo Raster puts his twenty-year musical career in the spotlight, but at the same time points out the "winds" have changed a lot this year.

Manudigital - Dub Trotter EP (X-Ray Production)

Two years after 'Bass Attack' and following countless tours that took him to all corners of the world, French beatmaker, producer and bassist Manudigital returns with 'Dub Trotter', a 10 track EP entirely recorded whilst on the road.

Brother Culture - 12 Lights (Evidence Music)

After the success of 2018's 'Code Name', a further collaboration had to follow, so Brother Culture and Swiss Evidence Music now present successor '12 Lights'.

Musical Roots - Chapter One: The Sons Of Freedom EP (Self-published)

This 'Chapter One: The Sons Of Freedom' EP may be Musical Roots' first calling card, but the members of this band from Valenciennes, Tournai, Lille and Soumain certainly aren't rookies, but seasoned musicians, all with their own musical background.

Various Artists - Dancehall Anthems (VP Records)

From 1999 to 2011 'The Biggest Ragga Dancehall Anthems' compilation was a popular annual fixture on the Greensleeves label's roster. With the popularity of the genre dwindling, the series died a silent death, but VP Records now came up with a nice spin on the original in the form of 'Dancehall Anthems'.

Total Hip Replacement - Bliss (Self-published)

Yours truly got to know Danish band Total Hip Replacement two years ago thanks to the release of their long player debut 'Wonder Why', featuring a blend of reggae with influences from funk, soul, jazz, pop and even gnawa. For no less than two years, the band laboured on this successor, featuring contributions from some twenty guest musicians!

Massaia DUBkillah - Revolutionary Sound Army EP + Revolutionary Sound Army In Dub EP (Culture Dub Records)

A dose of solid UK steppers all the way from Mexico? Why not! Introducing: producer Massaia DUBkillah aka. Elex, a producer from Queretaro, the capital of the eponymous state in central Mexico, venturing into vocal work for the very first time with this 6 track 'Revolutionary Sound Army' EP.

Various Artists - When Jah Shall Come (Pressure Sounds)

The Pressure Sounds label ends this year of despair with a tribute to Bunny 'Striker' Lee, who passed away in October, and does so in style with a collection of rare and unreleased tracks perfectly capturing the vibe in a Jamaican studio, including false starts and background chatter.

Willi Williams - Glory To The King (A-Lone Productions)

A collaboration between Willi Williams and Roberto Sanchez? A scintillating combination, to say the least, and 'Glory To The King' has become one of the absolute roots gems of 2020.

Inna Vision - 2020 Vision (Rebel Sound Records)

After last year's 'Best Of' compilation 'Best Yet: Celebrating A Decade Of Vision', Inna Vision is back with '2020 Vision', a new long-player, definitely rating as one of his best releases to date.

Suckarie - When The Trumpet Sounds (SMS Muzic)

Maybe the name Suckarie doesn't immediately ring a bell, but if we mention that this is Stephen Suckarie, vocalist and guitarist with Jamaican-American family project New Kingston, most of you will probably know who we're talking about. With 'When The Trumpet Sounds' Suckarie now also explores a solo career, resulting in an ecclectic collection of songs with love in all its facets as a common thread.

Ras Muhamad - Satryo (Oneness Records)

For more than three years Ras Muhamad, the Indonesian standard-bearer of reggae, worked on this successor to 2014's 'Salam', and on the album he deals with the stereotyping of Asians, explains what it means to be an Asian Muslim, and looks back on his own experiences as a reggae musician of Asian descent in the years following the release of 'Salam'.

Nga Han & The Hi-Flyers - Emergence + Kingston Echo - Submergence/Emergence In Dub (Bonafi Records)

A while ago we already presented 'The Living Stream, Chapter One', the collaboration between Jamaican vocalist Nga Han and Dutch producer Uta Maruanaya. We're still eagerly awaiting a possible successor, but in the meantime, Nga Han returns with 'Emergence', an album he recorded in the same period with Belgian producer and multi-instrumentalist Steve 'Kingston Echo' Michielsen.

Dean Fraser - Nyabinghi Christmas (Tad's Record)

If, despite everything, you're still in search of some Christmas spirit, look no further because saxophone veteran Dean Fraser is ready to treat you to a 'Nyabinghi Christmas'.

Stefanonis meets Soulfyah Productions - Dubplate Situation EP (Dub-O-Phonic)

After his collaboration with German saxophonist Samson Benji for the 'Brass Echo Chamber' EP, this time Stefanosis joined forces with Hendrik Remmers of Soulfyah Productions from Norderney, Germany.

Arky Starch - Soul Sensi (Dub-O-Phonic)

Things are moving fast for Arky Starch, as barely three months after picking up his bass guitar again and starting to play around on his computer for debut EP 'Dub Faith', he's already presenting this full-fledged 'Soul Sensi' album.

Various Artists - Reggae Gold 2020 + Various Artists - Strictly The Best 61 (VP Records)

As usual VP Records presented their annual 'Reggae Gold' compilation this summer, but in the absence of a normal summer, yours truly unfortunately lost track of the release, so we're now reviewing the it together with the new edition of 'Strictly The Best', the label's end-of-year compilation.

Little Kev - Made In Chez Moi EP (Self-published)

Although Kevin Tranché aka Little Kev, hailing from Bauvin near Lille, has been active in the French reggae circuit since 2012 (including as a toaster with Iguana Soundsystem), he is only now presenting this 7 track 'Made In Chez Moi' EP.

dub_cmd & Sister Maki - Way To Zion II EP (Dub-O-Phonic)

The title of 'Way To Zion I', the collaborative project of Polish producer Gabriel Ufir aka dub_cmd, based near Hull in the UK, and Osaka's Sister Maki, already promised a sequel, and long we didn't have to wait, as the duo already returns with 'Way To Zion II'.

Rapha Pico & The Noble Chanters - The Glory Of Dub EP (Self-published)

A few months after the release of Rapha Pico & The Noble Chanters' 'Continue The Glory', with 'The Glory Of Dub', producer Uta Maruanaya now presents this dub version of the EP.

Soom T - The Arch (X-Ray Production)

With 'The Arch', Scottish-Indian Sumati Bhardwaj, better known to the general public as Soom T, after a series of more ecclectic albums, finally returns to the digital raggamuffin of her debut long player 'Ode 2 A Carrot' (Jahtari, 2010).

Arkaingelle - Nah Watah Down (Zion High Productions)

For his new album Arkaingelle (born Roxroy Mykal Younge and just like Blackamoore hailing from Guyana) for the second time joined forces with American Zion I Kings.

Tarrus Riley - Healing (JukeBoxx Productions/Zojak World Wide)

It had been since 2014's (!) 'Love Situation' that Tarrus Riley last treated his fans to a new long-player, but with this twelve track 'Healing', completely written and recorded during the current COVID-19 pandemic, he now finally returns with a new album.

Stand High Patrol - Our Own Way (Stand High Records)

We'd apparently lost sight of Breton trio Stand High Patrol, as after the release of their 2015 'A Matter Of Scale' album, the hip-hop flavored 'The Shift' followed in 2017, and 2018 saw the release of 'Summer On Mars', a collaboration with Italian vocalist Marina P, influenced by the Bristol triphop scene.

Arky Starch - Dub Faith EP (Self-published)

The name Arky Starch may not immediately ring a bell, but behind that pseudonym definitely hides a veteran of the Belgian reggae scene.

Mungo's Hi Fi & Marina P - Soul Radio (Scotch Bonnet Records)

We were first introduced to the vocal capabilities of Paris-based Marina P thanks to her collaboration with French producer KSD for his 2018 'Bite The Dust' EP. Her biggest hit, however, remains the 2007 'Divorce À L'italienne', her first collaboration with the Scots of Mungo's Hi Fi. That first collaboration quickly grew into a fruitful working relationship, both on stage and in the studio, which has lasted for over ten years, and is now celebrated with the release of this 'Soul Radio' album.

Juggla - Energy EP (Kingston Express)

This 'Energy' EP is the solo debut of Birmingham based Michael 'Juggla' Madden, best known for his work with German Noiseshaper and as MC for Birmingham based Overproof Sound System.

Rebelution - Dub Collection (Easy Star Records)

The Californians of Rebelution already released a dub version of their 2012 'Peace Of Mind' album and on albums like 'Courage To Grow' and 'Bright Side Of Life' a single dub could also be found, but, as the title suggests, with 'Dub Collection' they have been a bit more ambitious.

Gaudi - 100 Years Of Theremin, The Dub Chapter (Dubmission Records)

It may have escaped most of you in this annus horribilis, but in 2020 the Theremin celebrated its centenary anniversary. Theremin enthusiast Gaudi (born Daniele Gaudi in Bologna, Italy) didn't want to let that anniversary pass unnoticed, and from his London Metatron Studio he joined forces with top producers like Mad Professor, Adrian Sherwood, Scientist, Dennis Bovell and Prince Fatty. The result is '100 Years Of Theremin (The Dub Chapter)'.

Reggae.be is proud to announce our partnership with ska legends The Skatalites for their ONLY LIVESTREAM SHOW of 2020!

Join the SKALLOWEEN Worldwide Virtual Tour and Watch Party! The Skatalites are recording their SKALLOWEEN Worldwide Virtual Tour show at Sony Hall in NYC on Friday, October 30th and have created a very special watch-party event just for their European fans.  

Lollypop Lorry - Lollypop Lorry Goes Dub (Self-published)

For 'Lollypop Lorry Goes Dub', the successor to 2018's 'Ural Station', the Russians of Lollypop Lorry started experimenting with jazz and dub.

Protoje - In Search Of Lost Time (In.Digg.Nation Collective/RCA Records)

With the title of his new long-player Protoje simultaneously creates a link with predecessor 'A Matter Of Time' and pays homage to the work of French author Marcel Proust, who between 1908 and 1922 wrote the cycle of novels 'À La Recherche Du Temps Perdu'. For faithful fans of Protoje's work, 'In Search Of Lost Time' will undoubtedly sound like the logical sequel to predecessors like 'Ancient Future' and the aforementioned 'A Matter Of Time', but for true reggae purists this album might be just a bridge too far.

The Skints - Live At Electric Brixton (Mr Bongo/Easy Star Records)

What does a band, that has literally built its reputation concert by concert thanks to an almost incessant touring schedule, do when suddenly being confronted with the limitations of a COVID-19 pandemic? For the London based Skints, the answer was clear: just release a rock-solid live album!

Chezidek - Hello Africa (Tad's Record)

COVID-19 pandemic or not, if there's one reggae artist who hasn't despaired this year, it has to be Chezidek, as with 'Hello Africa' he's already presenting his second long-time player in less than six months.

Tony Nephtali - Chapter One (Self-published)

It may sound somewhat contradictory, but after 2012's 'Croisades', 'Chapter One' is in fact Tony Nephtali second long player to date.

The Dubbstyle - Now EP (Dub-O-Phonic)

A year after the release of their 'Sun Is Dub' EP, Argentinian twins Mauro and Federico Salina return with successor 'Now'.

The Higher Notes - Double Salute (Roots Unity Music/Jan Kooper Productions) + The RAW Rhythm Section - Officially RAW: The RAW Rhythm Section In Dub, Volume One (Self-published)

In the last months Ben King's Amsterdam Earth Works Studio was still located at its original location at the Nijverheidslaan 28 in Weesp, the studio was clearly running to capacity with Roots Unity producer Uta Maruanaya working overtime. After his collaboration with Jamaican vocalist Nga Han, he also took on the challenge of producing the debut album of The Higher Notes and a dub release by The RAW Rhythm Section.

The Hempolics - Kiss, Cuddle & Torture: Volume 2 (Zee Zee Records)

Three years after the release of their long player debut 'Kiss, Cuddle & Torture: Volume 1', hip London collective The Hempolics returns with successor 'Kiss, Cuddle & Torture: Volume 2', this time not released on Shark Free Records but on their own Zee Zee Records label.

Max Romeo - Revelation Time (17 North Parade/VP Records)

With this reissue of 'Revelation Time', 17 North Parade/VP Records provides the umpteenth version of this Max Romeo classic.

Wicked and Bonny with Berise - Daily Hustle (Shanti Powa Records)

For 'Daily Hustle', the long player debut of Trentino, South-Tirol based Italian producers Maggu Mair and Paul Kofler aka Wicked and Bonny (the driving forces behind Botheration HiFi sound system), joined forces with Berise, front man of Italian band Shanti Powa.

Lot Acosta - Mundo Loco (Achinech Productions)

Achinech Productions, the label that introduced us to Bahamian singer Csavi a few months ago, now presents 'Mundo Loco', the reggae debut of Lot Acosta, a singer-songwriter from San Andres, one of the most picturesque villages in Tenerife.

Laid Blak - About Time: Deluxe Edition (Sugar Shack Records)

Two years after the original release of 'About Time' by Bristol-based band Laid Blak, Sugar Shack Records is now releasing this 'Deluxe Edition'.

Roots Unity presents Nga Han - The Living Stream, Chapter One (Roots Unity Music)

After his collaboration with Belgian producer Kingston Echo (Steve Michielsen), Nga Han still lingered in Europe for a while. During an Earl Sixteen concert in Rotterdam, somewhere towards the end of September of last year, he bumped into Dutch producer Uta Maruanaya of Roots Unity. The chemistry was palpable and a collaboration seemed inevitable. At the beginning of 2020 the duo headed to Amsterdam's Earth Works Studio (completing their work at Uta's own Roots Unity Studio in Tiel), resulting in 'The Living Stream, Chapter One', an album title already holding the promise of more material to follow at a future date.

Richie Spice - Together We Stand (VP Records)

Earlier this year we didn't hide our excitement when the Tad's Record label surprised us with the release of the 'World War' EP, a collection of 4 singles Richie Spice recorded in recent years. Disregarding 2012's acoustic 'Soothing Sounds', we already have to go back all the way to 2011 to find Spice's last long player release, but with 'Together We Stand', on the trusted VP Records label, he now finally returns with a new album. Of course, after such a long absence, the big question is: does Spice still have what it takes?

O.B.F. - Signz (Dubquake Records)

Has it really been six years since the release of 'Wild', the long-played debut of Geneva-based sound system collective O.B.F.? Of course, there was also the impressive album by dub poet Nazamba, two albums with English MC Charlie P, and a lot of 12inch releases, but now O.B.F. finally presents 'Signz', a project which started about two years ago with the idea was

Groundation - The Next Generation Live (Baco Records)

As records sleeves immediately telling the whole story of an album go, Groundation's 'The Next Generation Live' - the first live registration in the band's twenty years of existence - can definitely count.  These are live recordings made during the Italian leg of the 2018 European promo tour for the release of the album 'The Next Generation', and also meant to introduce the new band around front man Harrison Stafford to the public.

DBC3 & Dandy Dizzle - Dub Barn Lockdown EP (Dub Barn Records)

With the DBC3 project, Dub Barn Collective from York in the north of England, heralds a new chapter.

Steady Social Club - Take One (Self-published)

The immediate reason for the foundation of Steady Social Club was the production of the very first Polish rocksteady album; a mission in which they definitely succeeded with 'Take One'.

dub_cmd & Sister Maki - Way To Zion I EP (Dub-O-Phonic)

About a year after the release of 'Moonsteppa', his debut EP for Dub-O-Phonic, and 'Deeper Understanding', a collaboration with SistaSara that same year, UK-based producer Gabriel Ufir aka dub_cmd returns to the Cypriot label for 'Way To Zion I', the first part of what should eventually become a diptych.

Various Artists - Black Ark In Dub (17 North Parade/VP Records)

With this package consisting of 'Black Ark In Dub' and 'Black Ark Vol. 2', 17 North Parade and VP Records present re-releases of two cult classics from the rich catalogue of the enfant terrible of reggae, Lee 'Scratch' Perry.

Chezidek And The Ligerians - Timeless (SoulNurse Records/Baco Records)

After previous collaborations with, among others, Rod Anton, Nai-Jah and Joe Pilgrim, The Ligerians now joined forces with Chezidek for 'Timeless'.

Augustus Pablo - Ancient Harmonies (Greensleeves)

Just 35 years after the release of 1986's 'Rising Sun', and twenty years after the premature departure of the Jamaican king of melodica, Greensleeves Records presents 'Ancient Harmonies', a compilation of four consecutive albums recorded between 1986 and 1990.

LNP Roots Family - Raggacoustic (Meltin' Recordz)

If you think of French acoustic reggae, it's hard not to think of Tryo, and it's that band that LNP Roots Family mentions as their main source of inspiration. By the way the "family" part in the band name is to be taken literally, as this is a trio consisting of brothers and sister David 'Dnom' - vocals, Mat 'O'lyrics' - vocals and guitar, and Leytis Giordano - vocals and guitar (completed with Moon aka Mdezoen - composer and producer), and the letters LNP stand for Love aNd Peace.

Moja - Home EP (Art Beat Records)

Two years after their debut album 'One', Moja, the French band around Nantes Based singer Marine 'Mamatya' Annic, returns with 'Home'.

Zion Train - Illuminate (Universal Egg)

Disregarding 2016's 'Versions', an album full of remixes of Zion Train songs by a bunch of befriended producers, it's been five years since Zion Train chief Neil Perch rejoiced his fans with a new long-player. For 'Illuminate' Perch invited no less than nine different guest vocalists to the studio and collaborated with renowned musicians like Paolo Baldini (bass), Don Fe (flute) and Gianni Denitto (sax).

Rapha Pico & The Noble Chanters - Continuous The Glory EP (Self-published)

In 2014 Rapha Pico convincingly won the BeneluxXXL Reggae Contest, in 2016 followed by the release of the well-received 5-track 'Get Ready' EP. A title filled with anticipation, yet after that release things around the Amsterdam based Martinikan quieted down again. After the release of 'Get Ready' Rapha had become disenchanted with what he described as: "...a fast food production way of making music", and decided to retreat to the jungle of Costa Rica to re-energize (see also 'Feel No Pain', his contribution on Bobby Hustle's 'Wolaba Vibes: The Costa Rica Sessions' EP from that same period).

Pura Vida - Praying For The Angels (Lost Ark Music)

With the release of each new album, Pura Vida seems to venture more and more outside the boundaries of reggae and dub, and that's certainly true on 'Praying For The Angels'.

Shamanika & Pablo Raster - Kundalini Awaken (Self-published)

For 'Kundalini Awaken', Polish singer-songwriter and front woman of the formation Zebra Dub, Shamanika (born Natalia Norko), joined forces with the Polish based Italian producer Pablo Raster.

Spirit Revolution meets Sugardaddy - The Message (Self-published)

After backing a number of different artists in the past, Spirit Revolution, a band from the region of Colmar in northeastern France, released their debut album with 2011's 'Time Has Come'., which was immediately named "révélation de l'année" ("revelation of the year") by Reggae.fr, already making the band dream of a successor. In the meantime, original vocalists Fyah Max and Natty Singa quit the band, so for 'The Message', the now four-piece band (Robin Schmitt - bass, Romain Pierré - keyboards, Arnaud Geschigkt - guitar and Vincent Pierré - drums) finally joined forces with William Martin aka Sugardaddy, a veteran from Antigua.

Lila Iké - The ExPerience EP (In.Digg.Nation Collective/RCA Records)

If last year most reggae fans were still eagerly looking forward to the release of Koffee's debut EP 'Rapture', we now turn to her peer Alecia Grey aka Lila Iké, who's also finally rejoicing her fans with a first EP.

Super Natural Selection - Rasta Live (Skicksound)

Super Natural Selection is a Dutch band with members from Arnhem, Nijmegen and Wageningen, and has already been active since 2002. For 'Rasta Live', their third long-player, finally taking the band back to the studio after more than five years, Super Natural Selection joined forces with producer Rekesh Dukaloo and opted to record all songs in 432 Hz, the so-called "frequency of the universe" (in her book 'Von Intervallen, Tonleitern, Tönen und dem Kammerton', German-American violinist Maria Renold presented 432 Hz as an ideal frequency, which in the book she also relates to various numerical values occurring in the universe and in nature).

Ed Rome - Feel No Pain EP (Kingston Express)

The 5 track 'Feel No Pain' EP is our first introduction to the work of Ed Rome, a Jack of all trades (and former front man with Ska-formation The BiG) operating from his own Slam Door Studios in Billericay in the English county of Essex.

Manlio Calafrocampano - Mentalità (Rising Time Label)

Manlio Panza, better known as Manlio Calafrocampano (a contraction of Calabria, Africa and Campania, referring to the part of Italy where his roots lie) may not be a stranger in his own country anymore, for yours truly 'Mentalita', following 2010's 'Consapevoleza' (still available as a free download) and 2012's 'Sogno', was our first acquaintance with the work of this Italian artist from Naples.

Alpheus - The Victory (Liquidator Music)

Alpheus may have made a name for himself with 'Quality Time', recorded at Studio One in 1999, but when asked about his favorite producer, the London based singer will undoubtedly answer: "Roberto Sanchez!". 

Blakkamoore - Upward Spiral (Lustre Kings/Baco Records)

Blakkamoore is the alter ego of Wayne Sharne Henry, a Guyanan who moved to Brooklyn, New York, who previously used the alias Jahdan Blakkamoore and started his musical career simply as Jah Dan.

Positive Thursdays In DUB - Landing On Planet DUB (Rockers Artist Agency)

Positive Thursdays In DUB is a musical project around Polish radio maker, DJ and musician Rafal Konert. Positive Thursdays started out as a weekly radio show on Student Radio Bit at the University of Lower Silesia in Wroclaw back in 2005, then still called Positive Wednesdays. When the show moved to local station Radio LUZ in 2006, the broadcasting day changed and it was renamed Positive Thursdays. In 2011, presenter Rafal Konert decided to expand his radio program with a live component, first a DJ-act, but in the meantime grown into the eight-piece Positive Thursdays In DUB.