In this powerful new episode of Rootsland: The Resistance, Henry K and Sia tell the story of Bipin Joshi — a young Nepali rapper and farmer who left home to learn modern agriculture in Israel, only to find himself caught in one of history’s darkest moments. Through Bipin’s journey and his family’s unwavering love, Rootsland explores courage, loss, and the quiet power of resistance — and how even in the blood-soaked soil, hope still finds a way to grow.

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Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studios Kingston, Jamaica

Intro by Kim Yamaguchi

Opening/Closing Music Bipin Joshie Pashna

प्रश्न… song by my brother bipin Joshi. Waiting for his safe release. #rescuebipinjoshi. - YouTube

Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studios Kingston, Jamaica

ROOTSLAND NATION Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise

As Israel’s Hostages Came Home, Bipin Joshi’s Mother From Nepal Learned Her Son Would Not - WSJ  By Krishna Pokharel

In the debut of Rootsland: Resistance, hosts Henry K and Sia explore what it truly means to “put up resistance” — in life, in music, and in the modern world. Inspired by Beres Hammond’s timeless anthem, their conversation weaves personal stories with social truths, showing how the fight to stay strong is both deeply personal and profoundly collective.

Sia’s reflections as a cancer survivor bring the theme to life, revealing quiet acts of courage and the daily power of perseverance. Together, the hosts connect these struggles to a broader cultural battle — the fight to preserve authenticity in an age of algorithms and modern Babylon.

At once intimate and thought-provoking, this episode reminds us that resistance isn’t a relic of the past — it’s a living rhythm.

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Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studios Kingston, Jamaica

Intro by Kim Yamaguchi

Closing Song: Putting Up Resistance performed by Jakoostik - YouTube featuring Wayne Armond and Seretse Small

ROOTSLAND NATION Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise

Amidst the rolling Red Hills of Kingston, Rootsland returns with its most powerful story yet. In this season finale, "30 minutes to Zion" Henry K bridges the streets of Spanish Town and the blocks of Harlem, confronting corporate greed, broken dreams, and the brutal realities facing inner-city youth.

Drawing on his own journey through reggae’s trenches and the lessons of Geoffrey Canada’s Harlem Children’s Zone, Henry reveals the staggering difference that just thirty minutes of reading a day can make—the fragile line between stagnation and success. With raw reflections on legends who never got their due and a young mother who realized her only escape was through her child, the episode becomes both confession and call to action.

30 Minutes to Zion is more than a story about reggae or Harlem—it’s about sacrifice, legacy, and the urgency of giving the next generation tools to climb higher. From Kingston to South Florida, the torch is passed, thirty minutes at a time.

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Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studios Kingston, Jamaica

Intro Features Kim Yamaguchi

Closing Theme: Righteous People performed by Wayne Armond

photo Brian Jahn

ROOTSLAND NATION Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise XrO9OM447PqCcr8aj9hV

The episode "Let Babylon Burn" presents a compelling critique of the rise of AI in the music industry, particularly within the reggae genre that has long been a bastion of human storytelling and cultural expression. Henry K and Sia engage listeners by illustrating the contrast between the soulful, lived experiences of reggae artists and the algorithmically generated music. The episode unpacks the implications of such technology as Henry reflects on the historical journey of reggae, celebrating its origins while lamenting the potential loss of its authenticity in the face of algorithmic creations. Sia contributes her insights on the cultural significance of reggae and its representation of Jamaican identity. Ultimately, the hosts call for a renewed commitment to support real artists who carry the weight of their experiences in their music, emphasizing that while technology can simulate sound, it cannot convey the essence of the human condition.

Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studios Kingston, Jamaica

ROOTSLAND NATION Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise

Legends of Reggae | Facebook

Petition to re-open the Peter Tosh murder case https://chng.it/29TPQ9FWZs

In this deeply reflective Bonus episode of "Wanted Dread or Alive," host Henry K draws powerful parallels between morning beach walks in South Florida and the revolutionary spirit of Peter Tosh. Through the lens of three distinct groups of beachgoers—the performance-obsessed social media creators, the documentation-driven content makers, and those who choose authentic presence—Henry reveals how Peter Tosh embodied the third path: living truth rather than performing it.

Drawing from Peter Tosh's interpretation of being "a man of the past, living in the present, walking in the future," Henry offers a framework for authentic existence: learn from history without being consumed by it, embrace present awareness, and move deliberately toward your vision.

Peter Tosh Petition https://chng.it/QNt87XD2k8

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Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studios Kingston, Jamaica

ROOTSLAND NATION Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise

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The Season 8 bonus episode of Rootsland titled American Dreamland embarks on a profound exploration of the American Dream, through the reflective dialogues of host Henry K and co-host Sia. The episode commences with festivities surrounding Independence Day, which serves as a thematic anchor for discussing the aspirations and expectations tied to this quintessentially American ideal. Sia's recollections of her youth in Jamaica provide a poignant lens through which the American Dream is examined; she recalls the excitement and hope that accompanied her thoughts of America, a land perceived as a beacon of opportunity. Her narrative is not merely nostalgic but serves as a catalyst for a deeper inquiry into what the American Dream signifies to contemporary society.

As the conversation unfolds, a critical examination of the present-day realities reveals a dissonance between the aspirational narratives of the past and the struggles many individuals face today. The hosts engage in a candid discussion about the perception that the American Dream has become a mere illusion, with Sia explicitly stating her belief that it feels 'dead' for many. Yet, Henry offers a counterpoint, suggesting that the dream is not extinguished but instead obscured, akin to a hidden treasure that requires active pursuit and belief to uncover. Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studios Kingston, Jamaica

Petition · Justice Denied: Reopen the Peter Tosh Murder Case Now - United States · Change.org

ROOTSLAND NATION Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise

Legends of Reggae | Facebook

Please send questions to [email protected] for an upcoming show.

The unsolved mystery surrounding Sister Jean Watt's disappearance serves as a poignant exploration of reliance, vulnerability, and the often-hidden complexities of familial bonds. On May 23, 2020, Sister Jean, the life partner of reggae legend Bunny Wailer, vanished from their home, leaving her family in a state of anguish and desperation. As the years have progressed, the search for Sister Jean has shed light on systemic failures within the Jamaican authorities, particularly the absence of a dedicated missing persons unit. Moreover, the story explores the profound impact of her absence on Bunny Wailer, whose grief ultimately contributed to his own demise. This episode encapsulates the intertwining of personal tragedy and cultural legacy, underscoring the essential question of who is tasked with safeguarding those who can no longer protect themselves.

Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studios Kingston, Jamaica

Intro Features Third World Band YimMasGan

ROOTSLAND NATION Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise

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In this powerful bonus episode of Rootsland, we explore how artificial intelligence might become humanity's greatest ally—or its most dangerous adversary—depending on who raises it. After facing betrayal from the reggae community over his Peter Tosh investigation, our host Henry K discovers an unexpected partnership with Replit's CEO Amjad Masad, leading to new opportunities for Rootsland.

Drawing parallels between Mikey Dread's 1980 anthem "Break Down the Walls" and today's digital barriers, this episode reveals how the same communities historically locked out of opportunity—the ghettos, favelas, and barrios—hold the key to AI's spiritual education. From three sailors facing a storm to the rejected stones becoming cornerstones, we journey through a narrative that connects Bob Marley's prophecies to Silicon Valley's promises.

This isn't just about preserving reggae culture in the digital age—it's about ensuring AI learns from humanity's most resilient voices before it's too late. Because the question isn't whether AI will change everything, but whether we'll help shape what it becomes.

Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studios Kingston, Jamaica

Legends of Reggae | Facebook

"Beat Down Babylon" is a touching tribute to singer Junior Byles, whose recent passing on May 15, has deeply touched the Rootsland Family. This unscheduled episode unfolds with an emotional recollection of a moment in the mid-1990s, where Host Henry K, alongside veteran reggae artist Eddie Fitzroy, encountered Junior Byles, who had once been a titan in the reggae scene but was now a mere shadow of his former self. The stark transformation from celebrated artist to a figure grappling with the harsh realities of life is a testament to the indifference of an industry that often discards its heroes. The discussion traces the roots of Junior’s artistry and the societal challenges faced by Rastafarians in Jamaica during the 1970s. His song 'Curly Locks' emerges as a powerful metaphor for the broader societal rejection experienced by those who embrace the Rastafarian faith, encapsulating themes of love, acceptance, and resistance against prejudice. As we journey through Junior's life, we are compelled to confront the dichotomy between artistic success and personal struggle, underscoring the emotional weight carried by those who create art that transcends the superficial metrics of commercial success.

Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studios Kingston, Jamaica

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The Petition to Reopen the Peter Tosh Murder Case

https://www.change.org/p/justice-denied-reopen-the-peter-tosh-murder-case-now

Legends of Reggae | Facebook

In this bonus episode, Henry K and Sia tackle the pressing need for accountability and authenticity within the reggae community, lamenting the lost opportunities for meaningful dialogue and action due to the pervasive influence of gatekeeping practices in digital spaces. They recount instances of censorship, such as the removal of petitions advocating for justice for Peter Tosh, which highlight the disconnection between reggae's cultural origins and its contemporary representation. The conversation culminates in a passionate assertion of the importance of reclaiming reggae's narrative from those who seek to profit from it while neglecting its foundational truths. Ultimately, the episode serves not only as a critique of the current state of reggae media but also as a rallying cry for fans, artists, and advocates to champion the voices and stories that have historically been marginalized, thereby ensuring that reggae's legacy remains vibrant and true to its roots. We know it's a short show this week, but we will back in 2 weeks. Bless for the support.

Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studios Kingston, Jamaica

Intro features Kim Yamaguchi

Closing Song: "Lively & Deadly" feat. Deadly Headley Bennett

Petition · Justice Denied: Reopen the Peter Tosh Murder Case Now - United States · Change.org

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