Latest news with #reggae
RNZ News
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Nashville Babylon: Saturday 21 June 2025
This audio is not downloadable due to copyright restrictions. American musician Rickie Lee Jones Photo: Astor Morgan On this week's show there's soul from Sam and Dave, blues courtesy of Earl Hooker, a classic cut from Rickie Lee Jones, reggae from Junior Murvin plus a birthday tune for Kris Kristofferson. Music played: Artist: Rickie Lee Jones Track: Woody And Dutch On The Slow Train To Peking Composer: Kalish Album: Pirates Label: Warner Bros Artist: Booker T. & The MGs Track: Chicken Pox Composer: Jones / Cropper / Dunn / Jackson Album: Melting Pot Label: Stax Artist: Earl Hooker Track: Two Headed Woman Composer: Weaver / Dixon Album: The Blues Collection Label: Orbis Artist: Sam and Dave Track: Soul Sister Brown Sugar Composer: Hayes / Porter Album: Single Label: Atlantic Artist: Aretha Franklin Track: Spanish Harlem Composer: Leiber / Spector Album: Single Label: Atlantic Artist: The Delines Track: Maureen's Gone Missing Composer: Vlautin Album: Mr Luck and Ms Doom Label: Love Police Artist: Calexico Track: The Ballad Of Cable Hogue Composer: Burns Album: Hot Rail Label: Quarterstick Artist: OP8 Track: Sand Composer: Hazlewood Album: Slush Label: V2 Artist: Little Feat Track: On Your Way Down Composer: Allen Toussaint Album: Dixie Chicken Label: Warner Bros Artist: The Valentines Track: Gun Fever Composer: Grant Album: Trojan - Rude Boy Box Set Label: Trojan Artist: Junior Murvin Track: Police and Thieves Composer: Perry /Murvin Album: Police and Thieves Label: Island Artist: Kris Kristofferson Track: Sunday Morning Coming Down Composer: Kris Kristofferson Album: Kristofferson Label: Monument Artist: The Noveltones Track: Left Bank Two Composer: Wayne Hill Album: Single Label: DeWolf Music
Mail & Guardian
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
Lumanyano Mzi: From Cape Town to the world
Talking in tongues: Cape Town musician Lumanyano Mzi will be touring in South Africa after a spell in the US. Photo: Henry Schulz Lumanyano Mzi's life in music started almost as soon as he could hold a drumstick. Born in Cape Town in 1995, he grew up in Nyanga East and later Delft, surrounded by rhythm and melody. His father, a spaza shop owner by day and a founding member of the reggae band Mighty Ethiopians by night, established a template for communal music-making that would shape Mzi's life and career. 'My father's band ended up being one of those things where all my aunts would take all the kids to the band,' Mzi recalls with a warm chuckle. 'So, at some point, it became a family band. 'It was a really fun and incredible experience for us to actually be able to be under the leadership of my dad and learn so many things about music and performance.' Mzi was only six years old when he started playing drums in the Mighty Ethiopians. His first performance came at the Paarl Annual Reggae Festival, where he took the stage at the tender age of seven. 'I just remember that night I was sleepy and I had this one song to play. I couldn't reach the drum pedals,' he says, laughing. 'I hid behind different drums. But, you know, I made it work. It was really beautiful. I still remember that.' Those early experiences planted a seed that grew into a lifelong love affair with music. 'It's definitely something that developed later in life. So, I loved music for what it was to me,' he says. 'Everything about it, you know, just brought me joy. I immersed myself fully in the art form of every music, despite what my parents were playing at home, which was either reggae or gospel.' Music was his ticket to the world. At 14, he joined the band Azania and had the opportunity to travel across Africa to perform in places such as Gambia, Senegal, Mauritius, Côte d'Ivoire and Réunion Island. 'Yeah, I just finished primary and I was getting into high school. And also, can you imagine what high schooler is getting paid four grand a gig?' he remembers. 'Even though that was the case, you know, in my head, I was like, 'Oh, wow. I can actually then get to, you know, give some of that money to my parents, and I can get myself my own drum set as well.' It wasn't just the money or the admiration of his peers that drove him, though he'll admit the feeling of coming back from an international tour as a high school pupil was unbeatable. It was the thrill of playing, of creating something new in the moment, of connecting with others through rhythm. 'I'm, like, I'm getting my first passport in high school, you know, can you imagine? Can you imagine that street cred when you come back from a whole international tour?' he says, grinning. After high school, Mzi took a gap year, founding the Unity Band with three of his friends: 'I was just, like, 'Oh, yeah, call it the Unity Band.' Unity is the translation of my name.' That year, he enrolled at the University of Cape Town's South African College of Music, where his education broadened his horizons and deepened his love for jazz. At UCT, Mzi balanced two worlds: student and professional. 'Two things are happening during this time. I'm at university now. And at the same time I'm, I'm kind of a working professional,' he explains. 'I've got all these projects and things happening outside … Getting into UCT expanded my network of people I was playing with.' He found himself surrounded by musicians who were deeply interested in traditional jazz and he soaked up everything like a sponge. 'I love learning; I just love absorbing things,' he says. 'As much as I did not know the techniques or this or that, you know, to me, yes, imposter syndrome. But, at the same time, I'm just, like, 'I don't have an expectation of what it's like in a music school. So I'm just gonna take whatever they give me.'' He grew Unity Band from a trio into an eight-piece ensemble. Their debut album Fabric won Best Newcomer in Jazz at the Mzantsi Jazz Awards in 2019. Their second album Breaking Bread was written and recorded in just seven days during the pandemic in 2020 and released in 2022. The album's title spoke to Mzi's philosophy — music as a shared meal, a communion of souls. In 2017, Mzi landed a gig in the revival of the legendary King Kong musical in Cape Town. It was during this period that he was introduced to his future wife Namisa Mdlalose — a playwright and singer who was also working on the play. 'I met Namisa when I was working for her sister, Spha Mdlalose, on her tour in Cape Town,' he says. 'She booked me for a gig and I kind of booked her sister for life.' By 2018, Mzi had set his sights on Berklee College of Music in Boston in the US. Several of his UCT lecturers, including his drum teacher Frank Miller, had encouraged him to apply. 'They were all saying this phrase to me for some reason. You know, it's like, 'Man, I think you'd be great at Berklee, you know. Do you know Berklee?'' he says. At first, he didn't. But he quickly learned. Although he was accepted in 2018, he couldn't secure enough funding — $7 000 a year wasn't enough to cover the $24 000 he needed for tuition and living expenses. So, he put it aside. It wasn't until 2021, with support from private companies, friends, family and Berklee itself, that he finally made the move to Boston. 'It happened so quick,' he says. 'Friends, family, Berklee — people showed up and supported, you know, it's definitely straight out of a dream. It's just a miracle, you know. And, yeah, definitely God was with us in this journey.' He and Namisa moved to Boston together, and Mzi blazed through the four-year programme in record time. Last year, they relocated to New York, where he's been working as a session musician, while refining the music for his debut solo album. In early November, Mzi recorded that debut album over two days in New York — a culmination of years of work and exploration. Now 30, he's finally bringing it home. Next month, Mzi will return to South Africa to tour the album, performing in Makhanda for the National Youth Jazz Festival, then in Cape Town at the Young Blood Africa Gallery and at Untitled Basement in Johannesburg. 'I have Ciara Moser on bass from Vienna, Austria, and I have Isaac Romagosa on guitar from Spain. 'And I have my brothers from home, Simon Manana from Johannesburg on alto saxophone and Jean Strauss from Cape Town on tenor saxophone and Kevin Harris from the United States on piano. 'I also have some incredible guests who are going to be sharing the stage with us,' he says, his voice alive with excitement. 'Some members from the Unity Band. My lovely wife will be joining me in Johannesburg.' Music, for Mzi, has always been a family affair, whether by blood or by spirit. 'The greatest joy is to actually play music with family,' he says. 'Because also what ends up happening, all the musicians we play with become family, you know?' From the boy who couldn't reach the pedals at the age of seven to the man about to launch his first solo album at 30, Lumanyano Mzi's journey has been one of joyful dedication. He returns home not just as a celebrated drummer, but as a keeper of the rhythms that have carried him from Cape Town to the world stage — and back again.
Globe and Mail
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
Minna LaFortune Drops Dance With Me Volume II – Live Celebration Concert on Facebook, June 7
Get ready to dance, feel, and celebrate—because Minna LaFortune is back with a powerful new album, Dance with Me Volume II, dropping June 7. A force in the reggae scene, Minna blends reggae, Afrobeat, dancehall, and amapiano into an electrifying mix of rhythm and soul, bringing messages of love, unity, empowerment, and social justice straight to your speakers. "This album is my heart, my roots, and my hope for a better world—where music unites, heals, and uplifts," says Minna LaFortune. "I want fans to move, to feel, to connect. Let's dance together!" With influences spanning rocksteady, ska, dub, Afrobeat, and dancehall, this album is more than just music—it's a movement. A standout track, The Black Star Liner, pays tribute to Marcus Garvey's vision of African unity, delivering a soundscape that resonates across generations. Dance with Me Volume II features an unforgettable lineup of songs, each carrying deep meaning and infectious grooves: - Don't Drink Your Sorrows – A soul-stirring anthem of resilience and hope - Reggae Music is Love to Me – A heartfelt tribute to the transformative power of reggae - The Black Star Liner – A musical journey toward pan-African solidarity - Shine di Light – A call for awakening and economic justice - Baby Baby I Love You – A romantic ballad filled with passion and tenderness - Global Warming & Global Warming Dub – An urgent message about climate change - This is the Time for Me – A fierce declaration of self-empowerment - Dance to the Afro Beat (Afrobeat) – A pulsating celebration of African heritage - Cease Fire & Cease Fire Dub – A compelling plea for a stop to gun violence in urban communities - The Message – A tribute to reggae legends and their lasting impact - Weekend Vibes (Amapiano) – The perfect feel-good party anthem Watch, Listen, Experience! Several of the album's songs feature lyrical videos available now on YouTube, immersing fans in the powerful storytelling behind the music. Cease Fire already has an official music video, and the video for Global Warming is set to premiere June 18—a must-watch moment. Be Part of the Celebration – Live Concert June 7 on Facebook To mark the release, Minna LaFortune is hosting a live concert on Facebook on June 7—a spectacular event filled with high-energy performances, exclusive insights, and a deep connection to the music. How to Get the Album Dance with Me Volume II will be available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and all major platforms. Want a physical copy? Preorder your CD today by sending your order to the email: minna154@ About Minna LaFortune A bold and soulful voice in reggae, Minna LaFortune is known for her passionate storytelling, socially conscious lyrics, and irresistible rhythms. She brings music that inspires, unites, and energizes, proving that reggae remains a powerful force for change. Watch on Youtube. For more details, visit Media Contact Company Name: Minna LaFortune Music Contact Person: Minna LaFortune Email: Send Email Phone: 9177717935 Country: United States Website:
ABC News
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
'Keep sailing on': Stanleyson Antas on music, legacy, and life in Vanuatu
Ni-Vanuatu reggae legend Stanleyson Antas joined Nesia Daily in the studio to reflect on his journey performing across Vanuatu to re-imagining his songs on a new acoustic EP, Akoustic Volume 1 (Play On). Stripping back to just guitar and vocals, Stanley shared that creating the EP allowed him to reconnect with the heart of songwriting and "focus on the lyrics." Throughout the show, he performed three live version of the songs Sailing, Justice, and No Worries. Also in the program, we checked in with Nesian Footy co-host, Tinirau Arona for a recap of the weekend's NRL matches, and Sose Fuamoli for a preview of this week's On The Record episode.
The National
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Wayne Wonder talks peace, the Middle Eastern music scene and Sean Kingston's legal troubles
One of Jamaica's best-known reggae and dancehall artists sang at my desk recently, sharing his call for peace in the region. He sang over a Zoom video call, but Wayne Wonder put so much energy and passion into the impromptu performance of the song White Flag, he might as well have been there in person. The No Letting Go singer was in Dubai this month to perform at the Reggae Beachfest, which has been held since 2013. More than 4,000 people attended this year's event at Barasti Beach. 'I just want to spread love and unity. Peace and love to humanity. There is so much going on right now. Love is lovely, war is ugly,' he said. He has two new singles out and performed one of them, Sweet, at the festival. He is also working on new EP with famous producer Tony Kelly, known for his collaborations with Shaggy, Sean Paul, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Shabba Ranks and others. Wonder has been singing for more than three decades. Last year, No Letting Go was certified platinum in the UK, as the slow burner still has a following 23 years after its release. Other artists at the festival included South African Khalil Harrison, who is riding high on the viral success of his song, Jealousy. London DJ Skyla Tylaa featured Harrison, alongside Tyler ICU, Diamond Platnumz and others, on her new song Bombshell that marks her debut as a producer. Wonder said the music scene in the Middle East is booming. 'Music is growing. A new generation and the classics are rotating. It's just like a melting pot of music,' he said. "I went to the club a few nights ago, and there were all different types of music." Reggae Beachfest has evolved over the years to incorporate other genres, one of the organisers, Saif Al Naji, said. 'We've always embraced the full spectrum of Caribbean sounds – reggae, dancehall, and soca. But in recent years, we've started incorporating Afrobeats and amapiano into the mix. With its global rise and energy, it blends perfectly with our vibe and adds another layer of excitement to the festival line-up,' Al Naji added. The organisers are already working on their next event and have big dreams to turn the event into a regional fixture. 'We've been cooking up something very special for the upcoming season,' said Al Naji. 'While we can't reveal too much just yet, let's just say there are some bold moves and big names in the works. Our long-term goal is to build the biggest reggae festival in the Middle East — one that stands proudly alongside global icons like Reggae Sumfest in Jamaica, Summerjam in Germany, and City Splash in the UK. 'We're aiming for a two-day Reggae Beachfest experience with over 20,000 fans in attendance. We truly believe we're on the right track, and we're already planning toward making that vision a reality.' Jethro Nyandoro, one of the DJs who has taken part in the festival over the years, said it has hosted some of the most in-demand artists and built a loyal fan base. As Wonder performed in Dubai, another Caribbean artist, Sean Kingston, was enduring legal trouble in the US. The singer is awaiting sentencing after his conviction, along with his mother, in a $1 million federal fraud case. Wonder said there were lessons in the case for everyone. 'It's just an unfortunate situation. You just have to walk a straight line. Each and every one of us, not just artists. Just try to do your best,' he said. 'It only takes one mistake to mess you up. I tell my son all the time. One mistake can mess up your whole life.' 'In this age of social media, you've just got to be careful. You have to be skeptical of your circle, because trust is very hard to find.'
