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1999 Reggae Year in Review

© Ryan A. MacMichael

It's hard to believe it's been over eight months since I started writing the reggae column at Suite101. One of the reasons I took on the job was because Reggae Report had been out of print for quite a while, and I was really missing writing about reggae on a regular basis. Though I'm a relative newcomer to this wonderful music (I've been listening for about nine years), it holds a very special meaning to me -- it often gives me feelings that no other music can. That's why it's hurt in recent years to see the trend going towards cookie-cutter dancehall, an opinion I can tell many of you don't share judging by your article ratings where I attempt to deride the mainstream dancehall train. In any event, while I love dancehall music, especially the early days, the roots started slipping away in the mid-90's. Fortunately, thanks to people like Anthony B and Sizzla, it's clear that there are plenty of young artists taking us into the century inna roots and culture stylee.

There's been some wonderful music this year. My favorites have included:

• Anthony B: Seven Seals (roots lives on)
• Half Pint: Closer to You (the master returns with a killer record)
• Luciano: Sweep Over My Soul (his best yet)
• Jacob Miller: Chapter a Day (wonderful collection)
• Morgan Heritage: Don't Haffi Dread (incredible stage show)
• Augustus Pablo: Valley of Jehosephat (classic final album)
• Prince Malachi: Jah Light (a great hidden treasure)
• Sizzla: Be I Strong (it's grown on me)
• Various: Hidden Treasures (Sugar Minott and Easy Star come wicked)
• Various: Total Togetherness Volume 10 (old time roots and culture)

I had a much harder time this year limiting my favorites than in recent years. All signs point towards a bright and powerful future for reggae music in the 21st century.

Unfortunately, this past year also saw a painfully high number of deaths in the reggae community. Respect due to all those who have passed into the hands of Jah:

• Junior Braithwaite
• Dennis Brown
• Joseph Higgs
• Henry "Junjo" Lawes
• Curtis Mayfield
• Augustus Pablo
• Don Taylor

Three web sites deserve special notice this year. First, the web site with the most staying power: Niceup.com. Mikey continues to provide one of the most essential reggae pages on the Net, even after five years. Secondly, the crew over at Reggae Source have improved their site so greatly, that it is now one of the most crucial pages, providing a wealth of capsule reviews, graphics, and sound clips as well as a brand new reggae store with the best interface I've seen yet (note that there are a number of other good reggae stores on the Net as well, listed here on Suite101). Lastly -- and this one just snuck in under the wire -- IRIE-FM out of Jamaica is now broadcasting live in Real Audio.

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