News
338 news in 2011
All reggae / dancehall news
December 2011
- Jah Jah man riddim by Irie Ites
It's in the old pots that the best soups are made, and the French label Irie Ites knows it well. After Prince Alla and Trinity on the Bucket Bottom riddim…
- The fine line-up of the Reggae Splash Tour
Organised by Garance Productions, the Reggae Splash Tour looks splendid and brings together a host of artists: Bounty Killer, Admiral T, Anthony B, Elephant…
- A Sting with no appeal
You had to be keen this year for Sting. The showpiece event has seriously lost artistic credibility in recent years, and the clashes have often served as a…
- New names for Summerjam 2012
After Burning Spear, Summerjam has dropped a fresh salvo of artists booked for the 2012 edition of the festival across the Rhine. Besides the fiery spear, the…
- Legal High Zik Festival, second edition
After its first edition last year (with Lutan Fyah, Kanka, Caporal Nigga & Mickee 3000, Irie Ites feat Ilements…), the Legal High Zik Festival is back in…
- Sean Paul promises fans a surprise
So Sean Paul did not adopt the Mohawk for nothing: announced for 30 January, Sean Paul's new album is called "Tomahawk Technique". In an interview with the…
- Ras Naya in concert at La Java
Ras Naya will play La Java in Paris on Friday 30 December 2011. A chance to discover the musical world of this Kenyan artist, who left his country for England…
- Buju Banton has appealed
Since the announcement of Buju Banton's ten-year prison sentence last June, his lawyer David Markus had been saying they would appeal. It is now done: last…
- Sherkhan launches the Brain Freeze Project
Back in Jamaica after a stay in France, where he released his first book among other things (news of 18/11/2011), Sherkhan announces the launch of the Brain…
- Vybz Kartel will have to pay
Imprisoned for almost three months now while awaiting trial for murder, possession of a firearm and marijuana, Vybz Kartel does not escape his past for all…
- Marseille Dub Station #17 with Mungo's Hi-Fi
After the success of King Jammy's visit, the Marseille Dub Station returns in 2012 from 14 January. The city of Marseille may well never recover from this…
- ''Vibrations Jamaïcaines'', the history of the island's popular music
The author of a thesis on the history of Jamaican popular music, Jérémie Kroubo has drawn a book from it, "Vibrations jamaïcaines". A 768-page magnum opus…
- Philip ''Fattis'' Burrell bows out
The reggae world has suffered another sad loss: Philip Burrell, the prolific producer better known by the nickname Fattis, died yesterday at the University…
- Grammy Awards 2012, the nominations
Although the organisers raised the possibility in 2010 of scrapping the Reggae category for fear of seeing it perpetually dominated by the Marley family…
- While awaiting the appeal, Buju Banton changes prison
Buju Banton has been transferred from the Texas prison where he was held. He is back at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Miami, Florida…
November 2011
- No police fault in the death of Smiley Culture
The investigation into the death of Smiley Culture found no fault on the part of the police, the IPCC (Independent Police Complaints Commission), the British…
- Le Premier Rasta on DVD on 15 December
Released in cinemas in April, "Le Premier Rasta" will be available on DVD on 15 December 2011. Co-directed by Christophe Farnarier and the journalist and…
- ''Midnight Walkers'', the first album from Stand High Patrol
Ten years after their debut, Stand High Patrol release their first album, "Midnight Walkers". Reggaefrance got a first listen, and this eclectic debut is true…
- Hollie Cook competition: 5 concert tickets to win
Hollie Cook's first album was one of the loveliest surprises of the year. The daughter of Paul Cook, the Sex Pistols' drummer, has slipped perfectly into the…
- Reggae Vibes #21 on newsstands now
The new issue of the bimonthly Reggae Vibes is out. On the cover, Bob Marley, with a previously unpublished interview titled "The man behind the legend"…
- Barry Llewellyn has left us
He was probably the most discreet of the three members of the Heptones: Barry Llewellyn has left us. He passed away yesterday morning at Kingston Public…
- ''Forward Ever'', the future of digital by Mungo Hi-Fi
After "Soundsystem Champions" in 2008, the Scots of Mungo's Hifi release their second album, "Forward Ever". A selection of 15 tracks played at their nights…
- European Reggae Contest 2012, the competition is open
The tenth edition of the European Reggae Contest opens today. Organised by the Rototom Sunsplash festival, this talent competition opens entries in more than…
- Lauryn Hill headlines the Shaggy & Friends concert
Lauryn Hill will headline the charity concert Shaggy has organised since 2008. The former female voice of the Fugees, whose new album is reportedly due next…
- Konshens, a smartphone app
Well up on the latest trends, Konshens has just unveiled a free smartphone app, available on Google's Android Market. It should also be available soon on…
- 5 tickets to win for King Jammy
Reggaefrance is offering you the chance to win 5 tickets for the King Jammy concert this Friday 25 November. A living legend, King Jammy revolutionised reggae…
- ''Kingston Fever'', Sherkhan tells the story of his Jamaica
A French producer based in Jamaica, Sherkhan recounts his musical and human adventure, begun eight years ago, in a book, "Kingston Fever". Romain Chiffre…
- Burning Spear, first name announced for Summerjam
Back in Europe last summer after five years away, Burning Spear will return to the stages of the Old Continent sooner than expected: he is the headliner and…
- An exceptional night in memory of Daddy Nono
An impressive line-up has been assembled to pay tribute to Daddy Nono, the founder of Blues Party, a passionate activist who left us in July. The host of…
- A petition for Buju Banton
A petition is online in an attempt to move the American justice system over the fate of the deejay, who is due to remain behind bars until 2019. Found guilty…
- Mo'Kalamity in concert
The graceful Mo'Kalamity and her band The Wizards will play a series of concerts in November. Starting tomorrow, she will be in Villejuif, in the Paris…
- Etana, a concert in Paris
Having appeared at Reggae Sun Ska this summer, Etana will play Paris next week, on the stage of the New Morning on Friday 18 November. The powerful-voiced…
- Tom Fire on tour
French producer and multi-instrumentalist Tom Fire will be on tour at the end of the year to present his first album, "The Revenge", released last month (read…
- Addis Pablo follows in his father's footsteps
Addis Pablo is following in his father's footsteps: Augustus Pablo's son releases his first melodica single. This is not Addis Pablo's first recording: he has…
- Solidarity concert at the Bataclan
The association La Case Sociale Antillaise is organising a solidarity concert at the Bataclan this Saturday 12 November 2011. Initiated and backed by Claudy…
- A collector's box set for Zenzile
15 years of existence is worth celebrating. While awaiting the release of their new album next year, the dub band Zenzile will be honoured with a…
- Télérama's 96 hours of concerts
This is the third consecutive edition of Télérama's 96 hours of concerts. The principle of the event has not changed: for four days (24 to 27 November 2011)…
- Vybz Kartel: the prosecution reportedly holds evidence
Jamaican police reportedly hold evidence of the guilt of Vybz Kartel and his co-accused in the murder of Clive "Lizard" Williams, which allegedly took place…
- First live album for The Agrolites
After criss-crossing the globe for eight years, the American group from Los Angeles, The Agrolites, release their first live album, "Unleashed Live Vol. 1."…
- Omar Perry's new album, ''The Journey''
Omar Perry, son of the sorcerer Lee Perry, is back with his third album, "The Journey". After "Man Free", produced by Guillaume Stepper Briard, then the…
- Transamazoniennes, sixth edition
A showcase for the music scene of the Guiana Shield, the Trasamazoniennes festival takes place this year from 10 to 13 November in Saint Laurent du Maroni…
October 2011
- Konshens and Elephant Man in Just Dance 3
After Beenie Man and Sean Paul on Dance Central (news of 07/12/2010), it is Konshens' and Elephant Man's turn to represent dancehall in the video game "Just…
- Meta & The Cornerstones on tour
We discovered them on stage opening for Dub Inc at the Zénith in St-Etienne this summer, and Meta Dia, singer of Meta and the Cornerstones, will once again…
- Beenie Man live in Paris
Two and a half years after his last visit to the capital, Beenie Man will be back in Paris for a one-off concert. The Doctor, who played a few concerts in…
- Soul Train Awards, the end of the Reggae category
Won last year by Gyptian, the Best Reggae Artist award has disappeared from the Soul Train Awards list. After the Best Jazz Album and Best Gospel Album…
- Mavado and Drake, a joint album?
His US visa back in his pocket, Mavado has wasted no time putting it to use. The Gully God is reportedly working on a joint album with Canadian rapper Drake…
- Vybz Kartel charged with another murder
With his murder trial opening tomorrow, Vybz Kartel could well stay behind bars for some time: the deejay has been charged with another murder. It has now…
- Two new singles on Soul Vybz
The label Soul Vybz releases two new singles today, available as legal downloads on the main platforms. Two singles, and as many well-judged combinations…
- Garance 2012, first passes on sale
With the 20th edition barely over, the first tickets for the Garance Reggae Festival 2012 are already available. The new edition is already on the rails: it…
- Irie Ites blows out 12 candles
Irie Ites has been actively campaigning for the spread of reggae in France for 12 years already. As every year, the label and sound system is holding a big…
- Ernest Ranglin, a landmark concert in Paris
Attention, big event: at nearly 80, guitarist Ernest Ranglin will play an exceptional concert in Paris on Saturday 26 November 2011. Do not miss the Jamaican…
- The Gladiators on tour
Now led by Albert Griffiths' children, the Gladiators are back in France for a tour. The Gladiators' historic leader handed over the reins a few years ago and…
- Ka Records: first 7'' single
After a handful of 10"s and an album, the Lyon label Ka Records announces the release of the first 7" single in its catalogue. A beautiful vintage production…
- Marseille Dub Station #16 with King Jammy
He has been through here, and he will be through again… The Marseille Dub Station welcomes the legend King Jammy, decidedly in the spotlight in France this…
- Rhythm & Soul nights move to La Favela Chic
Noise nuisance and complaints from the neighbours have finally put an end to the Rhythm & Soul nights at La Belleviloise in Paris. No matter: Lord Zeljko and…
- Toulouse: two concerts for the price of one
On the occasion of Toulouse Dub Club #3, taking place on 26 November 2011, and Alborosie's concert the following day in the Pink City, Toulouse fans will be…
- Le Mans Dub Station, the first!
Buoyed by their success, the Dub Stations keep spreading across the country. The famous dub train now serves a new town: Le Mans. For its first edition this…
- Télérama Dub Festival #9: the programme
The Télérama Dub Festival is back for its ninth edition. The itinerary grows from year to year and no fewer than 12 cities will host the travelling festival…
- Heartical: The Know Myself Chronicles
The French label Heartical dives back into classic Jamaican reggae riddims. Its new series takes on the Know Myself riddim, an instrumental recorded in 1974…
- Bristol Reggae Explosion: the 80's
This will please all UK reggae fans: the label Bristol Archive Records announces the release of the second volume of The Bristol Reggae Explosion. After "The…
- Mavado ready to settle in Africa
Mavado was on the African continent for the first time last weekend: he played a big concert in Ghana, organised by singer Samini (2006 winner of the MOBO…
- A maxi-single by Brother Culture on Kinyama Sounds
After working together on the compilation "Reggae Dishes", released in 2009, Brother Culture is reunited with the Geneva-based label Kinyama Sounds. This time…
- Support the documentary ''Journey to Jah''
Only 7 days remain to support the documentary Journey to Jah. Initiated by German directors Noel Dernesch and Moritz Springer, this documentary, which follows…
- ''Hard Time Pressure'', a tribute box set to Sugar Minott
Out on 18 October, the box set "Hard Time Pressure" pays a heartfelt tribute to Sugar Minott. His premature death last year (he was 54) plunged the reggae…
- Patrice, a demo to download
Patrice, a demo of the next album to download After "One", his double album released last year, Patrice is working on his new album. Fond of new technologies…
- ''Stand Up Strong'', Bazil's first album
After the single Don't you stop, the time has come for young Frenchman Bazil to release his first album. Discovered with Sherkan on the Electricity riddim…
- A new benefit concert for Buju Banton
Sentenced to serve 10 years in prison after being found guilty of cocaine trafficking, Buju Banton and his lawyers remain determined to appeal the verdict. A…
- Sebastian Sturm on tour
Back with a new album, "Get Up & Get Going", Sebastian Sturm will tour France. He will notably play two concerts at La Cigale in Paris, opening for…
- A packed schedule for Danakil
On tour since the release of their third album, "Echo du temps", in February 2011, Danakil will keep criss-crossing France until the end of the year. Their…
- Alborosie wins the MOBO Award
Alborosie won the MOBO Award for Best Reggae Act at the 16th edition of the British ceremony, held last night at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre…
