Reggae Lover

Wake up to reality with special guest Ijahknowah who delivers a message to heal, uplift, enlighten, and empower our people and thus the entire humanity.  

Wake Up, is the debut EP from Ijahnkowah An B.R.A.P (Black Revolutionary Almighty Perspective). Wake Up is available now. https://album.link/i/1536787110

IJAHKNOWAH AN B.R.A.P. is a Reggae artist and band doing only originals to inform uplift and elevate the masses of the real-life energies.

IJAHKNOWAH was born in the Parish of St. Thomas in Jamaica, located in the Blue Mountain region. IJAH, as he is affectionally called, comes from a family with immense musical talent. His inherited passion for music caused him to listen attentively to his favorite artists such as Peter Tosh, Joseph Hill (Culture), Burning Spear, Count Ossie, Mystic Revelation of Rastafari, Nina Simone, Gill Scott Heron, and Fela Kuti.

He was further influenced by his native music “Mento and Pocomania”. IJAH’s first public performance was at Jamaica’s Agricultural Society Benefit Concert where he performed his own rendition of “Many Rivers to Cross” by Jimmy Cliff. IJAHKNOWAH closely identifies himself with

many of Marcus Garvey’s beliefs and teachings and has remained a true loyal Pan Africanist.

IJAH has always aspired to become a Reggae recording artist with a special message. He began writing his lyrics between the late ’70s and early ’80s. He migrated to the United States in Chicago in 1987 and became the renowned lead singer for ‘Equal Rights Band’. A short time after he founded ‘Natural Force Band’.

IJAHKNOWAH moved to Atlanta in 1998 to produce his first recorded single “Down in Jamaica”, followed by “Free your mind” and “This is the day”, a collaboration with Messenger Selah and Ras Igel. In 2013 he recorded an album with the legendary Dennis (Jah D) Fearon. In 2013 he formed the ‘IJAHKNOWAH AN B R A P’ band.

The Top 5 Lovers Rock Songs of all time according to Reggae Lovers AGARD and Kahlil Wonda are presented in this episode.  Press play to hear the discussion.

This podcast is sponsored by:

• Audible – Free 30-Day Trial of Audible Premium Plus
• Amazon Music – Get 3 Months of Amazon Music Unlimited Free

The Top 5 Bob Marley songs according to Kahlil Wonda and AGARD.

We are celebrating Bob Marley's 76th birthday (Feb. 6) along with the beginning of reggae month and black history. It's the birth month of both AGARD (Feb. 4) and Kahlil Wonda (Feb. 11) and we remember fallen soldiers, Dennis Brown (Feb 1), and Bunny Rugs (Feb 6).

Mentioned in this episode:

The Wailers, The I-Threes, Carlton Barrett, Aston "Family Man" Barrett, Aston Barrett Jr., Chris Blackwell, Roger Steffens, Emperor Haile Selassie I, Allan 'Skill' Cole, Chronixx, Boyz II Men, Stone Love, Earthruler, Lee "Scratch" Perry, U-Roy, Garnett Silk, Luciano, Buju Banton, King Jammys, Bushman, Half Pint, Studio One, Sir Coxsone Dodd, Glen Washington, Sanchez.

Carlton Livingston, Jamaican vocalist, and songwriter extraordinaire is our special guest.

Shinehead spreads the love as he passes through for a fun conversation covering from his roots to his current hits and forthcoming album.

The Wailers Aston Barrett Jr. is the current torch-bearer of his family's legacy. Aston is the son of original Wailers bass guitarist and producer, the iconic Aston "Family-Man" Barrett. The Wailers 2020 album, One World, is nominated for Best Reggae Album at the Grammy Awards.

Aston shared gems of knowledge about music and life.  

We talked about his training and the process that led to his role as bandleader. He explained his philosophy on religion and how the Marleys and his father helped to shape that. We learn about the Grammy-nominated album and his experience working with Emilio Estefan. Listen for some fresh perspective on these serious times.  

Tropics is everywhere: Season 7 of Reggae Lover debuts with rising Jamaican star Tessellated as the special guest. 

'Tropics Vol. 1', the notable debut by singer Tessellated offers a flavorful feast of sounds.

The seven unique tracks flow together perfectly for a brilliant showcase of Tessellated's talent.

We talk about how this anticipated project came together and give a glimpse into the life of Tessellated. 

How has reggae music has affected the whole world?

During this episode, we touched on the following:

• Bob Marley was one of the most influential people ever.
• The many genres that stemmed from Jamaican music including EDM, Reggaeton, and Hip Hop.
• Many new reggae fans globally in the period from 1970 - 2000.
• Indigenous reggae markets and sound system scenes globally.
• Dancehall choreography transported all over the world.
• Producers and artists sampling and covering reggae/dancehall.
• Rastafarian culture has permeated the world and been appropriated.
• Reggae is both the catalyst and the soundtrack for movements of social change. 
• One of the only genres that can be spiritual, political, and entertaining at the same time. 
• The important traditions of teaching and empowerment through reggae lyrics.

And there is so much more or as Bob Marley said "So much things to say..."

We take some time to talk about Bob Marley's amazing life and legacy.

This episode is all about Robert Nesta Marley a.k.a The Legend a.k.a the King of Reggae.

We list some artists that have been compared to Bob or seen as the next Bob Marley at some point. Then we explore why there hasn't ever been another artist quite like him. No recording artist has been as revered and respected.

We also touch on conspiracy theories circulating around his assassination attempt, and death.

A specially crafted mix of 45's and dubs on the Cuss Cuss riddim. In episode 219, Kahlil Wonda listed Cuss Cuss as one of his all-time top 5 riddims. Inspiration along with listener requests have manifested in this mix for the true fans. Starting with the original Lloyd Robinson cut produced by Harry J and regarded as an original Studio One version. This mix spans all the decades since.