News
107 news in 2004
All reggae / dancehall news
December 2004
- Charts section now online!
We have just launched a new section that lets you consult various charts published around the world. In detail, you will find several singles rankings, the…
- Star Academy of dancehall?
Typicall DJ and Kickilla records are launching the first "Defi dancehall". The concept is simple: discover tomorrow's new talents. While the format closely…
- Wanted pulled from sale
We told you a few weeks ago about the Wanted compilation released by the Makasound label; this very successful compilation brought together 16 obscure artists…
- Paris dub club #2
On 15 January you can catch the second edition of the Paris dub club at the Cabaret Sauvage. On the bill is the legendary selecta Aba-shanti-I, accompanied by…
- Dillinger & Abyssinians in Paris!
Catch Dillinger and Abyssinians, joined by Lee Perry, on 29 January at the Pavillon Baltard in Nogent-sur-Marne. Tickets 12 & 18 €
- 220 sound win the championship
At the end of the French sound system championship final held last Saturday to decide between 220 sound of Caen and Arawak of Gwada, it was 220 sound who took…
- Marley, national hero?
Will Bob Marley become a national hero in Jamaica? With the commemorations of the 60th anniversary of his birth approaching, this is what the advisory…
- The Grammy Awards nominees
As every year, the Grammy Awards ceremony will take place, rewarding the best records of the year in the United States. The Best Reggae Album category will…
- Shaggy: new album in March
Shaggy's seventh album will come out in March 2005, the Jamaica Observer reports in its 3 December edition. Titled "Clothes Drop", the new album will consist…
- Krys: 10-track maxi
He is young, but he is already being talked about as the future great of dancehall. Krys, 21, from Guadeloupe, is about to release a 10-track record that…
- The KSS collective turns 10!
Karukera Sound System is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, and to mark the occasion treats us to a fine anniversary album project! This opus, which…
- Steve Newland, one to watch
The sleeve says reggae/hip-hop, but one is tempted to add the label trip-hop on top, so hypnotic is this Steve Newland EP, and not just because of the skank…
- Ja'Sound festival #2
Festimusic has revealed the dates of the second edition of Ja'Sound, in Bagnols sur Cèze. Wednesday 3 August: Sound system night Thursday 4 August: 4 live…
- Changes to the Groundation tour
Groundation's tour has undergone a few changes, notably the addition of a Paris date... 1 Dec - Strasbourg - La Laiterie + Bushman & Warrior King (67) 2 Dec…
- I Wayne signs with VP Records
I Wayne, who recently topped the Jamaican charts with Can't Satisfy Her and Living In Love, has just signed a multi-album deal with VP. The first is due out…
- Heptones, Pablo Moses and more...
Roots fans will not want to miss a particularly strong bill touring France in February: Apple Gabriel (ex-Israel Vibration), Pablo Moses, The Heptones and…
- Blood & Fire, new version
Blood & Fire, Steve Barrow's English label, has redone its website, www.bloodandfire.co.uk, where a black background now replaces the old white one. There are…
November 2004
- New album from Queen Omega
The young singer from Trinidad returns with her 4th album, "Destiny", on Special Delivery Music. Mixed in Kingston, "Destiny" features productions by Bost &…
- Dancehall Machine vol. 3!
On Saturday 11 December 2004 you can catch the 3rd edition of the Dancehall Machine parties at the Espace Européen. On the artist side, you will find Krys…
- Groundation on tour
The American band Groundation are touring Europe for the first time, from 18 to 28 November. Over 5 years and 4 albums, the six Californians have been…
- Twinkle Brothers in Paris!
Some reunions have a special flavour, and the one between the Twinkle Brothers and the Paris public is one of them. The band returns to Paris for a one-off…
- Paris Dub Club #1 with Jah Shaka
This Friday 26 November will see the first edition of the "Paris Dub Club" nights at the Cabaret Sauvage. The night will begin with the Blackboard Jungle…
- Glaz'Art closes its doors
The litany of Parisian venue closures continues. After the Flèche d'Or, it is the Glaz'Art's turn to close its doors. After 12 years in existence, its team is…
- Chat with Gentleman cancelled
As Gentleman has cancelled his tour for health reasons (see news), it is impossible for us to hold the chat / freestyle with the German deejay planned for 20…
- Lyricson replaces Gentleman
The cancellation of Gentleman’s tour is to have a happier outcome, with the Paris date (Sunday 21 November at the Cabaret Sauvage) replaced by a concert by…
- 50 years of Jamaican music
The Cap in Aulnay sous bois (93) is organising a talk and discussion entitled "50 years of Jamaican music": its history, its artists, its influences. Speaking…
- Iration Steppas in Paris on 17 Nov.
Dub lovers, don't miss the "Dub Wisdom" night taking place on Wednesday 17 November in Paris. The Péniche Blues Café plays host to two acts: one of the…
- US Charts (Top 10)
This weekly chart is compiled from the best US 7-inch sales: 1. I Wayne - Can't satisfy her (ROYAL SOLDIER) 2. Capleton - Don't (STONE COLD) 3. I Wayne…
- 220 sound and Shadow Killa qualify...
Last night the first quarter-final of the French sound system championship took place at La Locomotive. Competing were the sounds 220 sound, Guiding Star…
- Sean Paul vs Ivan
Last month, Sean Paul distinguished himself by donating 5 million Jamaican dollars (64,000 euros) to help rebuild the damage caused by Hurricane Ivan on the…
- Gentleman: tour postponed
An official statement from D!WALL Music has confirmed the rumours that were circulating: Gentleman’s European tour, which was due to start this November, is…
- University has its good points
The University of Dub announces the arrival of three sound systems in London on Friday 26 November 2004. Iration Steppa's, Jah Youth and Aba-Shanti-I will…
- Simpleton dies
Simpleton, known notably for his hits Quarter To Twelve and Coca Cola Bottle Shape, died last night. After a dinner, the singer collapsed and began to choke…
- DEB Music: the awakening
After 25 years of silence, DEB Music is waking from its slumber. This English label was born in 1977 from the union of D.E.B Music (Dennis Brown’s label) and…
- Makasound: Most Wanted
Continuing its work shining a light on reggae’s forgotten, Makasound will release the compilation "Wanted" on 15 November 2004. This compilation, with a very…
- King Riddim at the New Morning on 8/11
To mark the release of the album "Positif ?!", King Riddim will play the New Morning on Monday 8 November (12 euros at the door). Mixed by the Jamaican Samuel…
- Pool D: Art & Spirit & 9 love crew qualify
At the end of POOL D of the French sound system championship, held on Saturday 30 October 2004 at the Nautilius in Bordeaux, the sounds Art & Spirit (108 db)…
October 2004
- Bushman & Warrior King on stage
What a line-up for this duo! All the more so as their first date in Lille will see them share the night with the Gladiators. A fine 11-date tour for these two…
- Admiral T on tour
Admiral T will support the reissue of his first album "Mozaic Kreyol" with around ten dates in France. 17/11 - Rennes 18/11 - Nantes 30/11 - Lyon 01/12…
- Lee Scratch Perry in France
The mad wizard is back in France for a short tour. The ideal opportunity for fans and for those who have never seen the man on stage. Beware, he has…
- New Vybz Kartel album
"Time To Teach", Vybz Kartel’s new album, will be released next month across the Atlantic. Cooked up with Vertex Productions, the album will offer 14 tracks…
- 1/8 final POOL C at La Loco
Following the many problems that have affected the organisation of the French sound system championship (see previous news...), the third 1/8 final (Pool C)…
- CAES closes its doors!!!
Sad news: the CAES has just closed its doors!!! Yet another stone has been torn from the musical edifice today... Where will this crackdown on sound end?…
- Jamaican Sunrise out!
The Jamaican Sunrise saga continues. While the Montpellier criminal investigation police inquiry into the multiple malpractices goes on, the municipality of…
- Lexxus pon di net...
The DJ Lexxus has just launched his website and invites you to drop by and have a little look... http://www.mrlexx.com Really comprehensive, this site has…
- Admiral Tibet, Merciless, Frisco Kid on tour
Discover the Fire Tour with the artists Merciless, Frisco Kid, Admiral Tibet & Mikey Spice, enough to delight all fans of the genre!! Reggaefrance is a…
- Reggaefrance meets NRJ Antilles
You may already have noticed their button at the bottom of the site: Reggaefrance is now a partner of NRJ Antilles. As part of our development across the…
- Zik Zag, new version
Zik Zag, who produce and direct the videos shown on Reggaefrance, are announcing the launch of the new version of their site, zikzag.net. You will discover a…
- Top 10 Irie FM
This weekly chart is compiled from the best US 7-inch sales: 1. Cant satisfy I - Wayne Royal (Soldier) 2. Bun Bad Mind - Elephant Man (Ajah) 3. Jiggy Bo…
- Steel Pulse back in France
Steel Pulse fans will be happy to learn that the English band is back in France with a 16-date tour, including two in Paris. 17/11 : Lille - Aéronef 18/11…
- Horace Andy on tour…
Accompanied by his band the Homegrown Band (including three horns), Horace Andy has begun a European tour that takes in France… and even Réunion. 1/10…
September 2004
- Spragga Benz nominated… for a film
Spragga Benz is in the running for the "best hip hop artist in a film" trophy at the Source Hip Hop Awards 2004, which evidently noticed his performance in…
- John Holt honoured
The veteran and prolific singer John Holt will receive the Order of Distinction in October for his contribution to Jamaican culture. John Holt, one of the…
- Zenah Meets African Brothers
Zenah Music is decidedly very active. After Sugar Minott’s album ("Leave Out A Babylon") and the compilation "Zenah Music Meets Black Roots Production", the…
- Early Wailers
A box set entitled "Fy-ah, Fy-ah" looks back at the Wailers’ early days. Before meeting Chris Blackwell, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer recorded…
- Gentleman on tour
Produced by Diwall Music, the "Confidence Tour" will start its French leg on 17 November. Gentleman will once again be accompanied by the Far East Band. 17…
- Marley still burning
Universal continues its work reissuing Bob Marley’s albums. The essential "Burnin'", recorded in 1973, is the subject of a two-CD reissue. You will find the…
- Lord Zeljko: the dragon is back in action!!!
The original King Dragon sound is back! At the controls, the legendary, the unmissable, the idol of all French soundboys, none other than Lord Zeljko. As in…
- Justin Hinds back in the spotlight
While his career could have stalled over the years, the veteran Justin Hinds is more active than ever. After criss-crossing France at the start of the year…
- Anthony B the incorruptible
Has Anthony B become convinced of the benefits of a faster pace? A week after the release of "Powers of Creation", a new album, "Untouchable", has been…
- Buju got soul
During his recent visit to Paris, Buju Banton told us he had finished his next album "Rasta got soul"; the release date has not yet been announced.
- Albert Griffiths leaves the stage
The Gladiators’ 2004 tour, which begins in France on 12 October, will be the last by the band as we know it: Albert Griffiths is retiring. His son Anthony…
- Fire at Sizzla’s
Judgment Yard, Sizzla’s place of residence, just keeps drawing the wrath of his neighbours. Four houses caught fire there on the night of 5 to 6 September…
- Gregory Isaacs out, Ken Boothe in!
Gregory Isaacs’ tour will not take place after all. The Cool Ruler, who was due to play several concerts in France, has cancelled all his European dates. The…
- Reggae in the Park cancelled!
The English festival « Reggae in the Park » has been cancelled! The ups and downs of one of the biggest reggae events held for 20 years in England have…
August 2004
- Groundation in Europe
Who said the American roots reggae scene wasn't worth the trip? Groundation, the band that has won over all roots fans with their reggae sprinkled with jazz…
July 2004
- Reggaefrance gets a makeover!
After five years in existence, Reggaefrance gets a makeover!! V4 is being finalised and will go live on 6 September. Among the new features, you will discover…
- General Degree releases a new album....
After "Yeah man", released on Greensleeves in 2001, General Degree returns with a new twenty-track opus: "General". According to Degree, the album should…
- New Marley book
Released in the United States on 1 July, "Every Little Thing Gonna Be Alright" should soon arrive in Europe. Hank Bordowitz is an American journalist who has…
