Josh Williams invited Backayard Magazine to spend a few days at Cliffside Cove in Treasure Beach. His aim was to show us some of the fun things to do in this once sleepy fishing village on the south coast of St. Elizabeth.
I am doing what I love.. music. Wall Street to me was like a prison cell in the office and you go on the subway to another cell, a tiny little apartment. For me Jamaica IS freedom!”
At a time when Jamaica’s new digital soundscape had captivated dancehall, and on sheer tenacity and support from her brother Brigadier Jerry, Sister Nancy would cut her path to legendary status, but not without trials, sweat, and tears.
Judy Mowatt is historically synonymous with Bob Marley, and her work with the Gaylettes, The I-Threes, and her shepherding Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers on tour in the band’s early years.
But it is her journey as a solo act spanning 5 decades, that leaves us with one of the most enduring stories in Reggae History.
In this episode we take a journey through the life, the times, and the music of Diana King, one of Jamaica’s most successful female artists of all times.
For people who loved Jamaican music from the 90s, Bobby Digital and his Digital B label were one of the leading standard bearers during this time period. His passing will definitely leave a void in the global sound space. We, at BACKAYARD, did an interview with the legendary producer and label head several years and now, in tribute, we have decided to re run this piece. Sleep well Bobby D
Most nations regard the highest point of their culture’s relevance or importance to the global society as their ‘Renaissance’ period. So it should come as no surprise that during dancehall music’s most influential period, both within Jamaica and the world at large, a sound system would adopt that title and use it to good effect. For over twenty years, Renaissance Disco has been successfully bridging the gap between hardcore dancehall fans and lovers of hip hop sometimes converting a few from each group. BACKAYARD sat down with Renaissance’s co-founder and by far most visible member Delano Thomas
No bull$hit!! That is what Stone Love have been giving dancehall fans for over three decades. Founded by, and still operated by, Winston ‘Wee Pow’ Powell, Stone Love is regarded by the music fraternity as one of the most successful and consistent sound systems of all time with landmark achievements and accolades littered throughout the history of Jamaican music. Impressively, Stone Love is no less relevant today as they continue to be one of the innovators in the sound system game. BACKAYARD was lucky enough to grab a few minutes with Wee Pow as we inquiry about his inspirations and aspirations for his sound. Well, Stone Love?
