Since the early ‘70s, The Meditations have been preserving reggae music to its rightful glory. Their popularity was brewing long before becoming an actual group as they individually recorded and backed each other up vocally on solo projects.

‘Woman is Like a Shadow’ was originally recorded in 1974 at the legendary Channel One Studio in Kingston, JA, but it wasn’t until 1976 when the song was originally released that the band solidified and became an actual group. That song was extremely popular in the Dancehalls and sold like crazy on dubplates, propelling The Meditations to the top of the music charts. Other songs they released such as ‘Running From Jamaica’, ‘Turn Me Loose’ and ‘Fly Natty Dread,’ completely took over the airwaves. Their renowned harmonic signature sound was in heavy demand throughout Jamaica and the U.K.

The Meditations continue to perform their classical hits globally while also recording new music to keep the people skanking. Pushing the Rastafarian Movement forward, they continue to pave the way for many up-and-coming roots-reggae artists. Through perseverance and commitment to the music, the lead singer and producer, Ansel Cridland, has kept the legacy of the group going strong, and this year, The Meditations present…’Jah Always Find A Way’

This is what Ansel had to say about their new release: “For over 40 years we’ve been transforming our thoughts into tangible expressions of our environment. These thoughts have led to many songs over the years: songs of love and happiness and songs of sadness about the harsh realities of life. After all these years we still have so much to say, so now we proudly present to the world a brand-new album entitled, ‘Jah Always Find A Way’. It has a timeless feel to it. I say so because some of the songs were recorded eight years ago, but never released until now and they are as relevant as ever. Most of the recordings were done in Kingston, Jamaica, in Harry J Studio Mixing Lab and One Pop Studio. The newly recorded tracks were done at Heavy Beat Recording Studio in Miami, Florida and Subliminal Warfare Studios in Margate, Florida and mixed by Willie Lindo and Kashief Lindo at Heavy Beat Studio.

Great musicians like Sly Dunbar, Sidney Mills, Barnabas, Lloyd Parks, Derrick Barnett, Bubbler, Dwight Pinkney, Earl “Chinna” Smith, Simone Gordon, Michael Gayle, Ansel Collins, the late Philip Smart, the late Ranchie McLean and the late Gladstone Anderson, and so many others, have contributed their time and energy to make this album so special. It’s for everyone, especially those seeking that original sound of a time in reggae music when the instruments were live and direct and the love of the music came first.

Our goal was to always be true to self and to the people on a global scale. From the strum of the guitars to the beating of the drums, the message is quite clear: Roots Rock Reggae will forever be here!! We stand with the people and they stand with us. We strive to be the voice of the voiceless. We put our hearts into everything we do. From recording to performing, we want you to be more than just entertained, we want you to be inspired and motivated. So as we also say, let’s stand in love and remember that ‘Jah Always Find A Way’…

All praise to the Most High JAH and give thanks to Danny Clarke & Winston Watson and the great work we’ve done together. And to all the musicians and the fans, family & friends, more life and good Reggae Music.”

Link to purchase album: http://www.meditationsmusic.com

The official video for “my dream,” which was shot in Jamaica, captivates the audience from the onset with a breath taking view of the Caribbean Sea. Nesbeth is shown with a Jamaican flag draped around his shoulders on a picturesque cliff-top. This is a scene that is bound to evoke feelings of nostalgia in Jamaicans living abroad. The video develops with scenes of the snazzily dressed artist performing in his hometown, and the upscale areas of Kingston- offering a perfect juxtaposition of his life then and now.

The video, directed by RD Studios, captures the essence of the song with scenes of several individuals who have overcome challenges to become successful. One scene shows a youngster shunned by his peers when he wanted to participate in a race, but later becomes a champion athlete. Another scene features a Rastafarian who was, at one time, selling coconut water, but later becomes a successful business man selling bottled coconut water.

2015 has been an eventful year for Ghana’s International Reggae icon, Rocky Dawuni. The release of Rocky’s sixth album, “Branches of the Same Tree” earlier this year on Cumbancha, widened Dawuni’s international audience. The album highlights Rocky Dawuni’s ability to communicate a universal, uplifting message that crosses borders and has received endorsements from some of Reggae’s most respected voices including the house of marley
http://www.thehouseofmarley.com/blog/music-monday-with-rocky-dawuni/ .”Branches of the same tree” by Rocky Dawuni has been nominated for the Best Reggae Album at the 58th Grammys, coming up against stalwarts like “The Cure” by Jah Cure, “Acousticalevy” by Barrington Levy, “Zion Awake” by Luciano and Strictly Roots by Morgan Heritage http://www.grammy.com/nominees

Rocky Dawuni goes into history as Ghana’s first nomination at the Grammys. As a United Nations Ambassador for the Global Alliance of Clean Cookstoves, Rocky was in Ghana, when the country hosted the biennial Clean Cooking Forum in November, 2015. The event was part of a global effort to create a thriving global market for clean energy and to encourage the use of efficient cookstoves and fuels, especially in Ghana, where it is estimated that about 13,700 deaths occur each year as a result of exposure to household air pollution (HAP) from the traditional fire wood cooking stoves.

Rocky Dawuni’s effort to highlight the need to switch to more cleaner, more efficient cookstoves and fuels, to save lives, empower women, improve livelihoods, and ultimately protect the environment, cannot be over emphasized. Perhaps Rocky’s contribution to reduce household air pollution (HAP) and to combat climate change merits his nomination into the Grammys. We congratulate Rocky Dawuni in expectation of the accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States, to recognize his outstanding achievement in the music industry.

Story by: Adokwei Addo

Tripledose Production drops the awaiting ONE STEP RIDDIM that was in the making for over a year and a half now. This project is a compilation of artiste Jahvinci Only Jah, IQ carry On, Turbulence Done Wid, I Righteous Do This, Jim Kelly & Kamsha Crazy, Fantan Mojah Sugar and Zamunda Time Suh Dread.  Tripledose is known for doing authentic one drop reggae rhythms and have proved it with this project  as it have that up tempo live reggae vibe.

 One Step Riddim has been in rotation on local and international air waves and is getting a positive feedback so far. One Step is distributed by Hapilos distributions and now available on iTunes, amazon and other web base outlets.

Rocksteady ATL will partner with ĀGARD Music to host the 2nd annual commemorative event celebrating the birthday and legacy of late reggae legend, Bob Marley.

The event will take place at Studio No. 7 in downtown Atlanta on February 5, 2016, between the hours of 9 pm and 3 AM. In addition to observing Bob Marley’s 71st birthday, the event will serve as a birthday celebration for fellow Aquarians, Kahlil Wonda from Highlanda Sound, his wife Mrs. Wonda, and DJ/Producer, ĀGARD, who will be traveling from New York City.

The event will coincide with and be a special edition of Highlanda.net and The Honorary Citizen’s successful monthly event, dubbed Rocksteady ATL.

Studio No. 7, the venue which also hosted the 2015 staging of this event, offers a central and spacious setting. Located at 393 Marietta Street near to the World of Coca-Cola and Centennial

Olympic Park in Atlanta, the venue has been voted Best of 2014 by the reputable Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine. Tickets for the event can be purchased online in advance or the night of the event at the venue.

With a number of performers on the 2016 lineup, the event promises to be bigger and better than the inaugural staging, showcasing the best in music from Bob Marley and other great artistes. In addition to a live set by the BRAP Band, patrons can expect selections from several top-rated music curators, including DJ Passport, ĀGARD, Highlanda Sound, as well as special guest Jah Prince. There will also be a live performance from reggae artist, Ken Serious, with mixing from Kahlil Wonda.

People who are interested in attending the 2nd Annual Bob Marley Birthday Bash and Aquarius Celebration can purchase advanced tickets online beginning early in January. Additional information about the event is available at www.AtlantaRootsReggae.com.