Reggae Global Radio

Singjay E-Dee’s ‘Young Legend’ is one of 119 albums/EPs being considered for the Best Reggae Album category at the 2027 Grammy Awards. The singjay believes this validates the quality of his productions.

His fourth album, ‘Young Legend’ was released in July by Clarendon Records, a company the Los Angeles-based artist started in early 2025. 

“It says Clarendon Records is releasing records that can be measured at that level while we keep ownership. The label comes out of a Clarendon/Hollywood story,” said E-Dee. “I run it as an independent, and the masters stay with us. Writers stay credited. ‘Young Legend’ is the flagship, but the same standard is on the rhythms and the collabs around it.”

The label is named for Clarendon, a rural parish in central Jamaica where he was born.

‘Young Legend’ has 14 songs produced by E-Dee, Qmillion and Jahsee. Peaking at number 9 on the iTunes Reggae chart, it contains tracks like ‘Water Run’, ‘Zum Zum Zum’, ‘She’s Loyal’ and ‘Beautiful Woman’, a collaboration with Ginjah. 

It is E-Dee’s third Grammy-considered album. The Recording Academy, which oversees the Grammy Awards, will announce nominations for the annual ceremony on November 16.

“Coming back into Grammy consideration means the Recording Academy still sees a complete reggae and dancehall project worth reviewing, not a record that peaked and disappeared,” he said.

Several previous winners of the Best Reggae Album category are being considered. They include Ziggy Marley, Shaggy, Beenie Man, Nuju Banton and Burning Spear.

WRITTEN BY HOWARD CAMPBELL

After nearly 30 years in the music business, Singer Dee can point to a handful of well-received songs that he has released. But ‘Treat Mama Good’, his latest effort, is the most successful.

Featuring Richie Spice, it was released in May. The self-produced song is a tribute to hardworking mothers, including his own, who died in Jamaica last May. 

‘Treat Mama Good’ has done well in Canada, where Singer Dee lives, and Jamaica.

“To be honest, it’s not surprising (that the song has done well), because the words are very personal. It speaks about life an’ death — when Mama lived an’ when she passed,” he said.

Singer Dee is the last of his mother’s eight children. He did a rendition of ‘Treat Mama Good’ at her thanksgiving service, just days before the single was officially released.

He shares writing credits for the track with Richie Spice, the veteran roots artist known for songs like ‘Brown Skin’ and ‘Earth A Run Red’. 

“Working with such an experienced artist was an incredible experience, and I learned a lot from him both musically and professionally,” said Singer Dee.   

‘Treat Mama Good’ is currently in the Jamaica Music Countdown Chart and the Reggae North Canadian Top 20 Chart. 

From Portland parish in eastern Jamaica, Singer Dee’s earlier songs include ‘Ten Toes’ and ‘Stay Strong’.

WRITTEN BY HOWARD CAMPBELL

Glen Washington

The latest edition of Tad’s International Record’s ‘Reggae Jammin’ compilation album was released on October 9. ‘Vol 6’ contains 17 songs, mainly by veteran artists.

Tad Dawkins, head of the label, co-produced the project with Tad Dawkins Jr., said the series has been well-received since it was first released in 2008. He and his team took a different approach for ‘Vol 6’.

“We wanted to make this one have the feel of real classic reggae music with a touch of the new stuff, hence the selection of Dennis Brown, Ranking Dread, Sugar Minott, Brigadier Jerry,  Larry & The Mento Boys, Norris Man, Glen Washington, Richie Spice and Icho Candy,” he explained.

Brown and Ranking Dread, who died in 1999 and 1996, respectively, collaborated on ‘Unite Brotherman’. Sugar Minott and Brigadier Jerry share the mic on ‘Vanty/Ram Dance Master’.

An interesting inclusion is ‘Captain Selassie I’ by roots singer Icho Candy. First released in 1983, the song is a staple at Jamaican dances and has made him a cult figure.

Larry & The Mento Boys represent one of Jamaica’s oldest art forms with ‘Mento Boys Medley’.

Some of the musicians who played on ‘Reggae Jammin Vol 6’ are drummer Kirk Bennett, bassist Donald Dennis, guitarist Mitchum “Khan” Chin, saxophonist Dean Fraser and pianist/organist Franklyn “Bubbler” Waul.

WRITTEN BY HOWARD CAMPBELL

Ardie "Cuban" Wallace (left) and Davies Chirwa.

Synonymous with reggae in Connecticut and New England, Ardie “Cuban” Wallace has promoted Jamaican culture throughout that region for over 50 years. He tells part of that story in ‘The Legendary Reggae Promoter: Ardie “Cuban” Wallace’.

The book was released on October 3 on Amazon through DC Productions Media Group, a company owned by Davies Chirwa, a Zambian businessman based in Washington. The 300-page tome revisits 1975 when the Jamaican made his debut as a show promoter in Hartford, Connecticut.

It is written by Wallace and his wife, Yevette Ann Wallace.

Cuban’s first show featured Bob Marley and The Wailers at the Bushnell Auditorium (now Theater) in Hartford. Although Marley was a rising star, the Montego Bay-born impresario says not much was known about reggae in the United States.

“The book had to focus on 1975 for many historic reasons. It’s a year of all big history with myself and reggae music building in America,” said Cuban. “In 1975, no one knew anything about reggae in America or what it is, so this was the start of it.”

Marley and The Wailers were promoting ‘Natty Dread’, his first solo album for Island Records which was released the previous year. 

Since that gig, Cuban has promoted the who’s who of dancehall-reggae, particularly in Hartford where he has lived since the early 1970s. Jimmy Cliff, Sly and Robbie, Yellowman, Steel Pulse, Ziggy Marley And The Melody Makers, Gregory Isaacs, Sugar Minott and Super Cat are some of the acts he has brought to that city.

WRITTEN BY HOWARD CAMPBELL

Rivas (right) and Sangie Davis.

For many years, Rivas read about, and listened to the music of his Jamaican reggae heroes, from his home in Rochester, New York. Two years ago, he finally visited the country where the music was born.

During his second visit to Jamaica last May, Rivas recorded the song ‘Jah Praises’ with Sangie Davis, a close friend of Bob Marley, and a stalwart of the Twelve Tribes Of Israel organization.

Inspired by Psalm 24, it is produced by Rivas who shares writing credits with Davis. The single was recorded at the legendary Tuff Gong International studios in Kingston, which is owned by the Marley family.

“My first impression of Jamaica felt like home. I am a Puerto Rican and being in Jamaica felt similar in a sense of island beauty and nice vibes,” said Rivas. “The people of Jamaica were very nice and helpful. It felt amazing to be in the homeland of reggae music and Rastafari.”

‘Jah Praises’ features Nyahbinghi drummers from The Binghistra Movement.

Recording music in Jamaica was a dream come true for Rivas who grew up in a Puerto Rican home in Rochester. There was very little reggae activity in that city when he was a boy.

“I am a Puerto Rican and grew up in a culturally-diverse area of my town. I used to wake up to my Dad playing Merengue and Salsa music every Saturday morning,” Rivas recalled. “My Haitian  neighbours used to blast Bob Marley really loud.”

On his first trip to Jamaica, he befriended Davis, who co-wrote Marley’s ‘Wake Up And Live’ and ‘A Young One Like Me’ by Nadine Sutherland.

WRITTEN BY HOWARD CAMPBELL

With the first anniversary of Hurricane Melissa approaching, singer Don G has released a song paying tribute to the character shown by Jamaicans in the aftermath of that Category 5 monster.

‘We Will Rise’ is the name of the track which was recently released by Grippy Nation Records. Don G recorded the song at his studio in Luxembourg, where he has lived for nine years.

Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025. It  caused severe damage to the country’s south-west region, destroying hospitals, schools, businesses and leaving thousands of people homeless.

According to figures from the Jamaican government, 45 people were killed by Melissa’s deadly impact.

“None of my relatives were affected, but it was after several days of not communicating with my mother that I found out she and my Dad and brothers, aunts and cousins were okay,” said Don G. “It was just small infrastructure damage and water flooding. I just give God thanks that nothing serious happened to them.”

Don G is from Linstead, a market town in rural St. Catherine parish. That area suffered minor damage, nothing compared to the devastation experienced in the parishes of St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St. James and Trelawny.

In the aftermath of Melissa, Don G joined with many Jamaicans in Europe to donate relief items to the recovery effort in their country.

WRITTEN BY HOWARD CAMPBELL

Cam Clarke and Turbulence

It is not strange in the music business for emerging artists to collaborate with established colleagues in order to get that big break. Singer Cam Clarke called on one of roots-reggae’s biggest names for her latest song.

‘Where Were You’ is the title of that track which hears her alongside Turbulence. Produced by Joshua Clarke, it was released on September 9.

Cam Clarke said the link with Turbulence was made by Kirk Bennett, one of the leading drummers in contemporary dancehall-reggae. Once the pleasantries were complete, it was off to the recording studio.

“I went to his studio in Kingston and within a couple hours we were done. The vibe in the studio was just awesome,” Cam Clarke recalled.

‘Where Were You’ is the follow-up to ‘Real Good Man’, a song she recorded for the Kmetic label on the Magnificent ‘riddim’. Both are driven by the lovers rock sound Cam Clarke favors.

From rural Clarendon parish in central Jamaica, she also lived in the capital Kingston and Montego Bay. It was in the latter that Cam Clarke came of age musically, performing in popular all-inclusive hotels. She also did backing vocals for many artists including Ernie Smith.

She credits her time on the tourist live show circuit for putting the edge on her stage craft.

“It has been very beneficial because I was able to get out of my comfort zone. A lot of people were able to witness my raw talent and actually gave me great feedback, and some even recommended me to other people wanting live music for their events,” said Cam Clarke. “I'm now more accustomed to being in the spotlight and not afraid to share my gift of music with others.”

WRITTEN BY HOWARD CAMPBELL

Iris Stryx and Sizzla

Bahamian singer Iris Stryx was recently in Jamaica for recording sessions with Sizzla, who she thought would be perfect for her next song.

She was tight-lipped about the single, as far as who produced it and when it will be released. But Iris Stryx is certain about one aspect of the project.

“Sizzla brings a spiritual depth and cultural conviction that I believe will add something very powerful to the song,” she said.

The Rastafarian artist, known for hard-hitting roots-reggae songs like ‘Black Woman And Child’ and ‘Holding Firm’, is a foil to Iris Stryx’ sensual pop sound which can be heard on songs like ‘Enchanting’ and ‘No Regrets’.

It was her second trip to Jamaica in 2026. She used the opportunity to promote those singles.

“‘Enchanting’ went to number one in Jamaica and has surpassed 10 million views. I’m looking forward to sharing this next chapter of the story with the Jamaican audience,” Iris Stryx disclosed.

Released in 2025, ‘Enchanting’ is a dance number that is her biggest hit to date. ‘No Regrets’ was released in May and has topped the YouTube Music chart.

The collaboration with Sizzla is a first with a Jamaican artist for Iris Stryx, who was born in Nassau, and raised in New Providence.

She describes her music as an “airy, melodic fusion of Afrobeats, dancehall, R&B and pop, grounded in my Bahamian and wider Caribbean identity.”

WRITTEN BY HOWARD CAMPBELL

Anslom Nakikus, a reggae singer from Papua New Guinea, was in Jamaica in September recording songs for a project tentatively scheduled for release in early 2027. The songs were done at K-Chief Studios in Montego Bay.

The veteran artist was recently appointed his country’s national cultural ambassador. The visit to Jamaica, his first major assignment since accepting that post, is endorsed by the Papua New Guinea National Cultural Commission, which donated $2,200 to the initiative.

K-Chief Studios opened last December in the Barnett Street area of Montego Bay. One of its senior partners is Michael “Mister Sam” Samuels, who spoke about the importance of Anslom Nakikus recording at the facility.

“Having a reggae artist from the South Pacific recording an album for K-Chief in Jamaica speaks volumes; opportunities are now open for expansion in that market. Artists from the United Kingdom, United States and locally have recorded with us so far,” he said.

Samuels led production for the Anslom Nakikus songs. Christopher Stewart, Delroy Green and Antonio Spence, senior members at K-Chief Studio, were also involved in the recording sessions.

Anslom Nakikus has been a leading figure in Pacific reggae for many years. His songs include ‘Bush Doctor’ and ‘Waiting For You ’, which earned him thousands of fans in that region.

He has also collaborated with Aston Barrett Jr., bass player of The Wailers, and Quino of Big Mountain.

K-Chief Studios’ objectives include giving more recording opportunities to acts from Montego Bay. The tourist mecca has produced many top dancehall artists in recent years, including Tommy Lee Sparta, Teejay and Shuga.

The ‘Memories’ rhythm, which features songs by Anslom Nakikus, A J Brown, Clive Emmanuel, Ian Sweetness and Steve Santana, has been its only release to date.

WRITTEN BY HOWARD CAMPBELL

The boundless reach of social media brought Jamaican deejay Max Wayne and Bahamian singer, Starr Trilli together for ‘What A Gwan’, an unlikely collaboration that was recently released by Virgin Music Group, a division of Universal Music.

Max Wayne’s solo cut was released in 2025, but the New York-based artist believed a remix with a guest artist would take it further. He sought that person on TikTok and found Starr Trilli, who is from Grand Bahama.

After watching an impromptu performance by her, he was sold on the vocalist who has been recording music since 2018.

“I saw her on TikTok Live doing a freestyle, and I contacted her, and she loved the song. Then she put her verse, and the ‘What A Gwan’ dance went viral and Virgin Music Group came through,” Max Wayne explained.

The song is produced by King Barka Productions, with Johnny Wonder handling promotion for Virgin Music Group.

“The message of What A Gwan is all about inspiring ghetto youth to uplift their lifestyle to own houses and other achievements,” said Max Wayne, who is from Spanish Town, Jamaica’s first capital.

Starr Trilli was raised in Freeport on diverse genres. Her influences include Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan, Nicki Minaj, Spice and Buju Banton.

She is thrilled to be part of a dancehall project.

After I spoke with Max Wayne and got all the details of the song and where I’d come in on the remix, I then listened to the song a few more times, just so I’d feel the vibe, get the concept and write the best lyrics to match his energy,” said Starr Trilli.

WRITTEN BY HOWARD CAMPBELL