Live Reggae is still aLIVE
Reggae – the genre of music that started in Jamaica in the late 1960’s which was made popular by the likes of Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Peter Tosh amongst others is now believed by many critics to be dying. Reggae was once used as the broad genre to define all Jamaican music (ska, dancehall, mento, rocksteady, etc), however, authentic Reggae is the successor of Ska and Rocksteady. This authentic Reggae is composed using live instruments dominated by drums and bass.
What The Critics Have To Say
Some people are of the belief that the introduction of technological interference and lack of creativity has deprived reggae music of its authentic roots sound. I agree, it can be hard to find a modern reggae act that consistently records music with real live instruments. However, I’m happy to say that the search for good authentic live reggae music has come to an end for me. Apart from the likes of Tarrus Riley, Richie Spice, Damian Marley and a handful of others, it used to be quite a feat to find some emerging acts that compose music embedded with positive energy and relevant messages like pioneers like Bob Marley and Dennis Brown did in the past.
A Testimony Live Reggae is Alive
Live reggae is re-emerging from Jamaica after an era of computer infested, less authentic reggae. This new breed of reggae has not yet emerged into mainstream Jamaica yet, not to mention the world. For the most part, this soothing authentic reggae that made Bob Marley and Dennis Brown popular can be found in Jamaica, but is very much underground and under supported. Below are a few modern ambassadors that I have watched honed their talents this year by playing at free shows almost every week at venues like Jamnesia and the more recent Wickie Wackie, both in Bull Bay, St. Thomas, Jamaica.
Jolly Boys
For nearly sixty years, the Jolly Boys have been integral to the fabric of 
Port Antonio’s musical landscape and cultural heritage. Masters of mento, one of Jamaica’s original musics, this band has rocked innumerable private soirées, charmed the traveling elite and toured the world, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who has heard them. Their new album, Great Expectation, introduces a new sound and direction, making them more unforgettable than they have ever been.. read more
Website: www.jollyboysmusic.com
No-Maddz
No-Maddz was formed as a Dub Poetry group at their alma mater Kingston 
College in 2000. Comprising of Sheldon Shepherd, Everaldo Creary, Christopher Gordon and O’neil Peart. On the eve of their tenth anniversary the group recorded their debut album “The Trod” which is regarded as the first Jamaican produced Live Reggae album of the Millennium.
Facebook: No-Maddz
Rootz Underground
Rootz Underground has been blessed to be able to be amongst the return and rise of the band format coming out of Jamaica, at a time when dancehall and hip-hop are in the forefront they found themselves as a group performing
lyrically conscious original ‘roots’ reggae music. Over the last decade they have won their fans and the respect of their contemporaries one explosive show at a time showcasing and projecting a collective energy that captivates audiences with its pure intention… read more
Rootz Underground – Herb Fields LIVE
Website: www.rootzunderground.com
Protoje
Protoje is the fresh face with the freshest lyrical delivery, still having a feel of vintage reggae music but being a suitable update for the present time. Indeed Marley’s mantra was to “free the people with music”. Protoje’s mantra is to free the people with art. Music his appointed contribution to the artistic revolution – is only one of the many distinct art forms. He takes up the mantle of spokesperson for the movement and represents the evident unity among a large group of talented musical, literary, visual artists who have silently and patiently developed under the radar and are about to march together into a new era of prosperity for all… read more
Protoje – J.A.
Protoje – Dread.
Website: www.protoje.com
Raging Fyah
This divine unit consists of five talented musicians from five different parishes across Jamaica. Raging. Though their versatility enables them to
Raging Fyah Band
play all genres of music, most of their songs – influenced by passion, purpose and life experiences- assume a roots rock reggae flavour. They write their own songs and ensure that every word touches the soul of the listener, uplifting and motivating people from all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. The resulting melodies have been commonly likened to legendary artistes such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Third World..read more
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Protoje Interview with Avah Taylor: Part 1 | Part 2
Raging Fyah is the band for this century, if you think i am joking take them in live and you will see exactly what i man a talk bout…. Best reggae band since Bob Marley….
I love browsing your site because you can always bring us new and awesome stuff, I feel that I should at least say thanks for your hard work.
- Rob
I’ve been visiting your blog for a while now and I always find a gem in your new posts. Thanks for sharing.
I promise to do my utmost best to be consistent on this path..
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You’re both welcome. Keep live reggae alive! Support the music..
Wonderful ..thanks a lot for posting a good informitive blog
liking this article…..love that the music samples are on the page too.
Its very important that we keep our music roots alive in Jamaica