Dre Island’s journey in modern reggae music is about embracing the challenges and the opportunities, prioritizing the lessons as a messenger of a higher power. Trained on classical piano from a tender age, shaped by a home rich in love, and refined by years of producing before embracing his calling to be a performing artist. He explains how his name came from being “an island” … [Read more...] about Dre Island, Piano Prodigy To Reggae Messenger, Talks Timeless Music
Naomi Cowan: How A Hit Song Became An Album And A Love Letter To Reggae
Photo by Destinee Condison Reggae has always been more than just the riddim; it’s a living archive of time, struggle, celebration, and faith. In our conversation with Naomi Cowan about her album debut Welcome to Paradise that lineage feels tangible. Her album shaped as a love letter to Jamaica, to her parents, and to the music that made her. The record’s title, Welcome … [Read more...] about Naomi Cowan: How A Hit Song Became An Album And A Love Letter To Reggae
Voicemail’s Kevyn & Qraig talk Dancehall Roots with Global Reach
Few groups capture the spirit of dancehall’s golden energy while navigating modern music’s shifting ground like Voicemail. Their story begins with five voices learning to blend harmony and attitude, then tightens into a trio determined to reshape their sound without losing heart. The spontaneous origin of their name mirrors the spark that drives their work: a chance moment at … [Read more...] about Voicemail’s Kevyn & Qraig talk Dancehall Roots with Global Reach
2025 Caribbean Music Awards Unpacked
The Caribbean Music Awards aired on BET network, marking a significant milestone for Caribbean music and culture. This was the third staging of the awards show, but the first time it aired on BET, expanding its reach to viewers across the United States and international locations. The broadcast represented a major step forward in bringing Caribbean music to mainstream audiences … [Read more...] about 2025 Caribbean Music Awards Unpacked
Roots, Rock, Reggae, Souls: Jessica Shaw Talks New Music Documentary in the Works
In a crossover episode of Carry On Friends, Style & Vibes and Reels & Riddims, listeners are invited to our conversation with Jess, a documentary filmmaker with deep Jamaican roots, joins the conversation to unravel the musical tapestry of Kingston and her journey to create the documentary "Roots Rock Reggae." Jess, born in New York, Jess was raised in Kingston, … [Read more...] about Roots, Rock, Reggae, Souls: Jessica Shaw Talks New Music Documentary in the Works