Reggae in the South - Columbia, S.C. edition by casey ksau

May 2015

Columbia, SC edition Jahson & the Natty Vibez band History of Bob Marley Upcoming Events Q&A with Natural Vibrations (Columbia, SC)

Shoutout to my family who went with me to some reggae concerts and took pictures. Aunite Tina, Uncle Joe, Lance, Rikki and Junior. Special shoutout to the rest of the Carolina Fams, Jackson, AuntieTui, Uncle Reed, My mom (Carmen), Uncle Kal, Mamasan and Auntie Ginny.

Table of Contents Ads Created By: Savannah Taylor, Coryn Bajema and Brandon Brazell

o3 06

An Interview with the owners of Natural Vibrations located in 5-points, Columbia S.C.

o7 08

A brief history of the legendary Robert Nesta Marley, better known as Bob Marley.

o9 10

This is the found object page, an object that is related to the topic of reggae culture.

11 14

Local S.C., Columbia band Jahson and the Natty Vibez.

Interview with owner Jahson Wildes Interviewed by Casey ksau

Interview with

Natural Vibrations 1. What kind of business is Natural Vibrations? Natural Vibrations a.k.a. Natty Vibez is a reggae/rasta culture shop, also known as a “roots and culture shop”. 2. When did you start the business? Iley and I opened “Natty Vibez” on July 23rd, 1997. 3. Why was Columbia, SC chosen as the location for Natural Vibrations? We chose Columbia as the location to start the business due mainly to the fact that we both grew up in Columbia and the Five Points shopping village was a familiar location that we had good memories and loved. iley and I traveled and vended many of the things we carry in the shop at reggae and other festivals for a couple of years before opening a brick and mortar location. It seemed that Columbia and the surrounding areas needed and were ready to receive the type of vision we had for a business at that time. As well as being in I&I early twenties and having many friends who would become supporters of “Natty Vibez”; we never really gave opening the business elsewhere a thought. 4. I understand that reggae is not as big here in South Carolina compared to other states, what are the ups and downs of having Natural Vibrations in Columbia SC. When I&I opened up in 1997 reggae wasn’t very popular yet. Outside of underground 04

Bringing the â&#x20AC;&#x153;one loveâ&#x20AC;? vibez

since 1997! Natural Vibrations, your one stop reggae shop! 719 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205 (803) 771-4144

scenes in areas of California, Miami, and areas of NYC it was not in the peoples thoughts, especially in the south. Bob Marley was reggae for the overwhelming majority and most other reggae was only known by Rasta people or grassroots reggae supporters or enthusiasts. Since opening the shop and the coming of the internet radio and satellite radio,after the millennium, reggae as a genre has been on the rise. The direct and indirect influence weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had concerning reggae and Rastafari in the south has help make a big impact on these changes. Now reggae is being played on popular radio for the first time ever! As well as helping clear misconceptions and helping people be more educated on what Rastafari is about. This is one of the upsides of having this type of business

in Columbia, is the ability to work in our

7. I understand you are in a band. How has

hometown and help inform people of I&I faith

that been going?

and culture. Another upside of the financial

I have been in several reggae groups since

part business is the location. We are located

the mid nineties playing guitar and harmony

in the heart of Columbia beside the University

vocal until going solo in 2007 with the release

of South Carolina and near also to Benedict

of my first album “ Rootsman Rebel”. iley

and Allen as well. We have supportive

sings harmony and we perform together in

communities close by like, Shandon and

my band on special occasions. The band just

Rosewood neighborhoods who visit the Five

released the third album to date, entitled,

Points district often. As well as a small but

“Reggae Gathering” and we are doing shows

steady flow of tourist and visitors to Columbia

and promoting the album heavy right now. We

as well. The main down point to operating a

are preparing to do a mini tour in support of

business in Columbia is the fact that Columbia

the album this summer 2015. Be sure to check

is big town but still a small city in comparison

us out.

with Atlanta or Charlotte. This can make growing a business slower, but growth can be

8. Name 5 of your favorite reggae artists or 5

achieved through various means of marketing

artists you’ve been listening to currently.

and with the rising population of the city.

I have thousands of reggae cds and vinyl. I have supported conscious reggae from A

5. Do you have any future plans for expanding Natural Vibrations? As far as expanding, we have plans to one day expand the location but not necessarily to expand to new locations. 6. Can you describe the kind of customers you normally get? (reggae enthusiasts, college students, etc.) I&I customer base is an extremely diverse blend of all walks of life and culture.

to Z for over 25 years now so I have a lot of favorites! It’s easier to say what I have been listening to lately. Outside of the new “Reggae Gathering” album, here are a few I have been listening to: 1. Midnite (a Virgin Island roots reggae group) 2. Morgan Heritage 3. Jah Cure 4. Mykal Rose 5. The Congos

Article borrowed from http://www.bobmarley.com/history

History of the Legend

Bob Marley was posthumously inducted into

od Historic Trust and the Hollywood Chamber

the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994; in

of Commerce, in Hollywood, California. As a

December 1999, his 1977 album “Exodus” was

recipient of this distinction, Bob Marley joined

named Album of the Century by Time Magazine

musical legends including Carlos Santana, Stevie

and his song “One Love” was designated Song

Wonder and The Temptations.

of the Millennium by the BBC. Since its release in 1984, Marley’s “Legend” compilation has

In 2006 an eight block stretch of Brooklyn’s

annually sold over 250,000 copies according

bustling Church Avenue, which runs through the

to Nielsen Sound Scan, and it is only the 17th

heart of that city’s Caribbean community, was

album to exceed sales of 10 million copies since

renamed Bob Marley Boulevard, the result of a

“performers who during their lifetimes, have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording.” SoundScan began its tabulations in 1991.

campaign initiated by New York City councilwo-

Bob Marley’s music was never recognized with a

man Yvette D. Clarke. This year the popular TV

Grammy nomination but in 2001 he was besto-

show Late Night with Jimmy Fallon comme-

wed The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award,

morated the 30th anniversary of Bob Marley’s

an honor given by the Recording Academy

passing with an entire week (May 9-13) devoted

to “performers who during their lifetimes, have

to his music, as performed by Bob’s eldest

made creative contributions of outstanding arti-

son Ziggy, Jennifer Hudson, Lauryn Hill, Lenny

stic significance to the field of recording.” That

Kravitz and the show’s house band The Roots.

same year, a feature length documentary about

These triumphs are all the more remarkable con-

Bob Marley’s life, Rebel Music, directed by

sidering Bob Marley’s humble beginnings and

Jeremy Marre, was nominated for a Grammy for

numerous challenges he overcame attempting

Best Long Form Music Video documentary. In

to gain a foothold in Jamaica’s chaotic music

2001 Bob Marley was accorded the 2171st star

industry while skillfully navigating the politically

on the Hollywood Walk of Fame by the Hollywo-

partisan violence that abounded in Kingston throughout the 1970s.

Found Objects: C.D. of South Carolina Reggae Music Firstly, I’d like to say, that all the songs in this cd are used simply for a class assignment that requires “found objects”, I found music. It is not for sale or profit on my end, I have no rights to any of the songs and It was made with the goal of representing reggae music in the South, AS A CLASS ASSIGNMENT. With that said, I have only used bands that I have referenced on the last pages (15-16) of my magazine. I have provided contact information for each of them as well as links to their websites were they promote and sell their music.

Jahson

& the Natty Vibez

Jahson and the Natty Vibez are a group of musicians who come from many musical backgrounds, united by their common love and respect for reggae music. Founder and frontman, Jahson Wildes, has been a strong supporter and promoter of reggae music for over 25 years now; as well as a professional reggae guitarist and backing vocalist in several reggae groups since the nineties.

l ol o o h cho c s d ew s l o al a n e n cen o S i h t n t i i to rles a h Tradgae w. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;C g e e r itud att

W ith themes of love and unity , peace and harm ony, the goal and vision of th e music and message is to take the mind to school, the soul to church , and the body to da party!. It’s authentic RO OTS reggae music from a Ra staman who has lived the m essages in the music for ov er 20 years! Jahsons lyrical voice fits in naturally and ef fortlessly with the reggae ge nre and the N atty Vibez band ar e one

The album consists of authentic and conscious roots reggae tracks.

last but not wicked tight re ggae outfit! So least the title tra ck ‘Rootsman if what you look for in reggae Rebel’,with it’s soaring melod is bubblin’ drum y and basslines and Irie feel, ha ve gotten a go combined with od tight groovin’ responses, sin ce it’s release, riddims, classic reggae horns, from the Carol ina reggae sweet keys, ja mmin’ guitar, an scene and stro d ng support on conscious uplif a ting messages grassroots leve l! by an authentic voice, then look no further! This After the releas ba nd can move e of Jahsons’ any party, any follow up albu cr owd, any time! m, ‘Here I Com e The band is: St Again’ in April ra p Lacomas on 2011, he unite d drums, Tim Gan with some wel non on bass an l seasoned d vocal harmonie musicians from s, Jamal Hasan his region,who on keys and sa were also apar xophone, Carl t of the album D ill itt e on trumpet and vo project, and th cal ey formed the harmonies, an Natty Vibez Ba d Jahson W ild nd. What resu es lted on guitar and was a serious lead vocals. chemistry from the start! Playing bo th the popular original tracks off Jashons tw o album releases , as well as, countless clas sic and moder n reggae covers . Their music ha s been described as “traditional 13

Images and article borrowed from http://www.jahsonandthenattyvibez.com

Jahson first star ted his solo ambition in Su mmer 2002 with the release of an 5 songs Ep called “No Wat er Wasted” at Mad Cash Stud ios in Charlotte , NC. At that tim e Jahson was still working w ith other regg ae bands and artis ts in his region . It would be in Au gust of 2007 th at he started his solo career with the release of the Lp entitled, Rootsman Rebe l at Strawberry Skies Studio in Columbia, SC. The album cons ists of authentic and conscious roots reggae tracks. Songs such as: Jah Se e And Know, Le ar n, Ital Queen , and

roots reggae w ith a new scho ol attitude”, which highlights the bands youthful moder n roots reggae feel!

s club g in t ook eas b h t r u fo e so ble h a t l i in Ava vals i t nd s o e f y e and db n a s 014 ilde in 2 W y r) t: Ile c a t age n n a o m nc ing Mai k .com o o o o ah d/b 1@y s (ban e b alvi r u t na

South Carolina Reggae Bands Traversing the world wide web I found that there were many reggae bands in South Carolina, from original roots music style, dancehall, ska as well as many artists that combined reggae with rock, punk, dub, blues and many others. The lists of bands on these pages are just some of the South Carolina reggae bands who I felt were current and had the information I needed. A lot of the content and information are not my own but borrowed from the bands actual sites, reverbnation.com and reggaemusic.us. Also, I don’t want to guarantee that the contact information are all correct, so please don’t hold that against me. The point of this list is to show that there is a legitimate amount of reggae music here in the South, specifically in South Carolina.

Jahson & the Natty Vibez

Lance Starr

Columbia, SC (Reggae / Roots Reggae / Dub Reggae)

Charleston, SC (Reggae / Rock)

Jahson and the Natty Vibez are a group of musicians who come from many musical backgrounds, united by their common love and respect for reggae music. Just released a new album called “Reggae Gathering”.

Lance Starr has toured all over the world and shared the stage with many prominent artists such as Gerald Levert, Third World, Ziggy Marley, Yellow Man, The Wailers and many more.

Contact: I-ley Wildes | Ph: 803.771.4144 naturalvibes1@yahoo.com http://www.jahsonandthenattyvibez.com

Contact: Monique Mills | Ph: 843-343-7255 moniquemills14@gmail.com boogiedred@gmail.com http://www.lancestarr.com

Reggae Infinity

Da’Gullah Rootz

Columbia, SC (Reggae / Roots Music)

Charleston, SC (Reggae / Roots & Toastin / Roots & Dub)

ReggaeInfinity plays authentic Roots Reggae! Though based in Columbia, SC, the band members hail from various Caribbean Islands plus the US.

Gullah Geechee Stylee are brought together in a live original mix by Da’Gullah Rootz. General Top Rank’n, Rome-G, Jaboo And Jah’D are the foundation that produce the original sounds.

Contact: April Steyert | Ph: 828.230.1723 thatreggaewoman@aol.com https://www.facebook.com/thatreggaewoman

Contact: Aston Wills | Ph: 843-327-0405 gullahrootz@gmail.com http://dagullahrootz.com

Mystic Vibrations

TreeHouse

Gaston, SC (Reggae)

Charleston, SC (Reggae / Alternative Reggae Jam Rock)

Mystic Vibrations has appeared at many venues over the past twenty one years. These include parks, festivals, night clubs, weddings, private parties, television and radio performances and interviews.

TreeHouse released its debut album in June of 2011 and began touring continuously from North Carolina to Florida. By 2012, the band was performing at regional conferences, events, and festivals across the Southeast.

Contact: Ric Williams | Ph: 803-926-8994 mysticvibrations@hotmail.com http://www.mystikmuzik.com

Contact: Jeremy Anderson | Ph: 843-360-9815 JeremyAndersonMusic@gmail.com http://www.treehousetheband.com

The Dubplates

Lefty at the Washout

Charleston, SC (Reggae / Dancehall)

Columbia, SC (Reggae / Rock)

Backing Tanya Stephens and Zumjay, The Dubplates are a traditional reggae riddim band; Playing behind several artists a night. That means knowing all the classic and popular instrumental versions.

Lefty at the Washout which includes Barry Hicks (drums), Rob Grookett (saxophone/ keyboards), Jay Foster (bass), Jonohn Taylor (turntables) and Stan Laraque (guitar), plays a sun-soaked blend of reggae and rock. But there are also some heavier rock songs.

Contact: David Brisacher | Ph: 843-303-3623 bighairproductions@me.com http://thedubplates.com

Contact: Rob Grookett | Ph: 803-730-5675 rob@leftyatthewashout.com https://www.facebook.com/LeftyattheWashout

See Water

Kingston Dread

Charleston, SC (Reggae / Ska / Punk)

Charleston, SC (Reggae)

See Water is the love child of reggae and punk rock. This up-and-coming band from Charleston, SC will take your ears on a rollercoaster ride through laid-back jams and hard-hitting rock riffs.

Kingston Dreadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new album, still untitled, promises to deliver even more of the classic roots reggae and innovative style that they have come to be known for.

Contact: Riley Randall | Ph: 703-946-8834 seewaterband@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/SeeWaterBand

Contact: Mista Dread | Ph: 813-449-2531 kingstondread420@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/kingstondread