Dubwise's 'International Essence'
The home of iconic director Perry Henzell (The Harder They Come), 10a West King's House Road, was once again the venue for the ever-expanding Dubwise. Founded by Protoje, Yaadcore and Jason Panton five years ago, the event has since taken flight, making its mark across the globe in traditional dub style. On Saturday, veteran disc jockeys King Jammy and David Rodigan, celebrating Rodigan's 40th anniversary in the business, blazed the 10a stage, enchanting the full-house crowd.
"They are legends, so it's always a blessing to be among the legends. We definitely foresaw that, but not with those acts. We wanted to bridge the gap between the elders and the younger generation coming up. The acts that we got are by chance and by blessing," Yaadcore told The Gleaner.
For the event, Red Stripe decorated the Dub Garden, fixed with a big screen, tables and chairs. Senior brand manager of Red Stripe, Nasha Douglas, told The Gleanerthat sponsoring Dubwise was a no-brainer. Recently, the beverage brand partnered with Jason Henzell for the opening of tourist attraction Lover's Leap in St Elizabeth.
"David Rodigan, King Jammy there's no way Red Stripe couldn't be a part of that moment." The majority of Dubwise fans opted to take in the show in front of the stage, transfixed by the masterful displays of the selectors. David Rodigan chose his music from an expansive collection, while King Jammy (with assistance from his son, Jam 2) dubs using two laptops (one for vocals, one for instrumentals), and a mixing board.
AN AWESOME JOB
"Dub Club is really what kick-started it. What Gabre [Selassie] did was really the catalyst that started everything. Gabre has done an awesome job for the culture and blessed us to pursue this. Sunday at Dub Club on the hill is great, but there needs to be something in Kingston City that people can go to," Protoje told The Gleaner.
"It started as weekly, but has done different things since that. It has grown a lot in the five years," the Sudden Flight singer said. The last staging of Dubwise Jamaica featured international reggae star Chronixx. The instalment also filled the Henzell property with patrons.
Yaadcore was booked on tours across Europe and Africa, and he took the event name with him. "Thus began the international essence of Dubwise," Yaadcore told The Gleaner. The event has travelled across the Caribbean and the United States. Panton is currently responsible for the weekly instalment of Dubwise Miami.
Jamaica Native Yaadcore Spins Spiritual Reggae Sounds
The rich DJ culture of Jamaica carries the essence and message of reggae music in the perfect selection of records. A talent and a skill, DJing involves commitment, passion, knowledge, and a spiritual connection to the music and the crowd. Reggae music is Jamaica’s national treasure and popular native DJ Yaadcore has emerged a brilliant devotee.
Yaadcore grew up in Mandeville, Manchester. His father was a DJ and owned a sound system, although he discouraged his son from the music industry because of his own struggles. Inspired nonetheless by the strong reggae aura of the island’s culture, today Yaadcore is DJ for renowned reggae artist Protoje, co-founder of the epic Jamaican club event Dubwise, and a strong advocate for the roots resurgence in reggae music.
If you need a new reggae fix, visit Yaadcore’s Soundcloud and “catch a fire.”
Leafly: When did you start spinning records and how did you become interested?
Yaadcore: I started to DJ in 2003 after learning how to beat match from a DJ that worked on my father’s sound system.
What kind of music did you play first and how did it influence your emerging style?
I was exposed to party music, anything that could get the “dance hall” hyped up. This consisted of dancehall, reggae, hip hop, rap, R&B, you name it. This style of DJing has helped me select songs more in a groove to tell a story. DJing is like being on a musical ride.
Who are your reggae heroes and why?
Bob Marley is one my heroes because he had vision to spread the music and the message of Rastafari without compromise or by any means necessary. This was done so well it has opened the door and set a standard to where the music is capable of reaching.
Mikey Dread is also one of my heroes because of his unique sound and style of rhymes. He was Jamaica’s first radio presenter to have a roots reggae radio show and did most of his own production. It’s kind of how I see myself, or the direction I’m heading.
Protoje, last but not least, is one of my heroes because of the role he has played in bringing back the awareness and relevance of reggae music in Jamaica and worldwide. After he rose to the forefront, the door was wide open for new reggae artist to get a listening here, or for even a DJ like me to be able to play straight roots reggae in a session.
Who are your DJ heroes and why?
Mikey Dread again because he was also a DJ!
Stereo Grav Sound System, their style of selections I love because they play the song, then the riddim version of that song for an artist to sing live on. I like this because it incorporates the DJ’s selection as well as the artist performing. This is an original Jamaican way of selection, but this sound system has managed to live throughout generations and still is alive today.
DJ Wayne (Wizzle) from Irie FM is one of Jamaica’s best DJ’s in my eyes. His mixes are so seamless, with the best selections flowing every time! Hosting his radio show with vibes like no other.
What are your favorite elements of reggae music culture?
My favorite elements of reggae music are the feeling it can give when the right message is blended with the right sounds. It can be a very spiritual and uplifting music. The only music on the mainstream market singing praises to the creator. Musically, the bass line, drum patterns, soothing melodies really resonate with the body’s chakras very well.
What is Dubwise?
Dubwise is a style of mixing that can be done when making an original track or to remix an original track with different effects such as reverb, delay and distortion, etc.
Dubwise is also a roots reggae event done by friends Jason Panton, Protoje, and me that we started in Jamaica. It has now become an international event held in Miami every Wednesday, as well as other places such as Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Bermuda, a few places in U.S., such as New York, Atlanta, Washington D.C. and has also toured in Europe and Africa.
What kind of DJ setup do you rock?
I’m rocking a Serato setup, preferably used with turntables, but I don’t mind CD players or controllers.
How do you prefer to enjoy your cannabis?
I prefer spliffs, then a bun chalice, similar to a bong, then there is the steam chalice, which is similar to a vaporizer.
What kind of strains do you like to smoke?
I love anything Purple. And, Sour Diesel, best I had was from Seattle. OG’s are good too!
How do you think legalization can change the world?
Legalization could change and impact the world the same way it has in those places it has been now legalized, only on a higher scale. Less crime, less use of other hard drugs, less people in jail, more sick patients being cured, more jobs for people, and more love in the air.
Reggae music has been popular for over 50 years now. How does the genre continue to be so important and stay popular?
Reggae music can never die because of the positive message that it brings. It gives life and mental stability to people worldwide facing oppression and injustice. It is in lights of the same marijuana plant. The healing of the nation! Just like marijuana has been facing struggles and fights, reggae music has also and still is. I give thanks to this platform to share energy.
Check Yaadcore and Protoje out on the Leaf-a-lize it tour this winter. Watch them perform at the following locations:
- January 12: The Music Box in San Diego, CA
- January 15: The Independent in San Francisco, CA
- January 16: The Mystic Theatre in Petaluma, CA
- January 18: Echoplex in Los Angeles, CA
- January 25: Domino Room in Bend, OR
- February 7: Belly Up Aspen in Aspen, CO
STUDIO 17 WITH SILENT ADDY AND YAADCORE LAUNCHES
New York, NY- VP Records is excited to announce today’s launch of an exclusive mix show about reggae and dancehall culture titled “Studio 17”. Featuring popular DJ’s Silent Addy & Yaadcore as hosts, the show will offer a platform for fans to discover and vibe to the latest & hottest music in the culture. Listeners will also be able to enjoy interviews and guest performances from key tastemakers in the industry. The show’s title “Studio 17” pays homage to the recording studio above 17 North Parade, the record store located in Downtown Kingston, from which VP records originated.
Silent Addy, known for pioneering the modern dancehall scene in South Florida and bringing out the likes of music icons such as Diplo, Sean Paul, and Ape Drums will bring the dancehall flavor to the show. On the other spectrum, Yaadcore, co-founder of Dubwise, Protoje’s tour DJ and first person to ever play Chronixx on the radio, will deliver the roots/conscious reggae vibe to the show. Listeners will get a solid 360-degree look at Jamaican music and lifestyle with artist interviews, guest sets and performances. The one-hour episodes will be available exclusively on the VP Records Soundcloud & YouTube channel.
On the launch of the show Yaadcore states “I am here to preserve the old and serve the new because without youths the genre has no future, at the same we can’t forget the foundation. Organize and centralize, much respect to VP Records for this initiative and including me.” Silent Addy also expressed his sentiments, “I’ve grown up on Dancehall/Reggae and it’s such an honor to be part of the Studio 17 mix series, not only because of my love for the music but also VP’s history and connection to the genre.”
“We wanted to create a place for people to turn to for the latest and greatest in the culture. A trustworthy source that is unbiased, genuine and authentic,” said Stephen Chin, Project Manager at VP Records. “There couldn’t be more perfect hosts than Yaadcore & Addy as they are two of the greatest pioneers whose sole purpose and passion in life is this music & culture. What more could you ask for?,” he concluded.
The show launched today at 11:30am ET/2:30pm PT at https://Studio17.lnk.to/Ep001.
365 EXCLUSIVE: YAADCORE TALKS MISCONCEPTIONS OF REGGAE MUSIC, TRANSITIONS AS A DJ AND MORE!!!
As the official tour DJ for Protoje and opting to only accept work where he can play organic roots reggae after taking a sharp departure from to Hip Hip and other genres, Yaadcore has been an integral part of the Reggae Revival! He has toured the world internationally and in a day and age when DJs don’t necessarily care about the themes being portrayed in the music they play, it’s refreshing know that Yaadcore plays music that supports conscious messages, love and peace. His beliefs are endemic to the Rastafari lifestyle.
We recently caught up with him to discuss his transitions as a DJ, the misconceptions of Reggae music and more! Check out the #365Exclusive now and listen to his new mixtape Reggae Aroma Volume 4 HEREnow featuring music from Protoje, Chronixx, Sizzla, Damian Marley and more!
Check him out on the JamRock Reggae Cruise alongside some of the biggest names in Reggae music! It’s not too late to take a well needed getaway! Buy Tickets HERE!
Chronixx to give toast at Dubwise
This Saturday, Jamaica will see Chronixx as never before. Many were preparing to witness the 'Skankin' Sweet' singer perform in Jamaica for the first time since the Capture Land Tour (March 2015), on December 1 and 2 as part of his Chronology tour. However, roots reggae selector and producer Yaadcore has bumped up the date, booking Chronixx to perform as toastmaster at Dubwise Jamaica.
Yaadcore, who also acts as Protoje's resident DJ, is the founder of the popular Dubwise weekly event. What began in Kingston as a weekly Wednesday night dub session grew into an internationally touring brand. Currently, Dubwise features a weekly 'vibration' in Miami, and has visited other places like Washington DC, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Bermuda, Hungary, Romania, Malta, Germany, Kenya, and Ethiopia. The nomadic style of the event continues as Yaadcore hosted Dubwise in Brooklyn as recently as October 20, and again in Atlanta on October 29.
The purpose of this serial event is to re-ignite interest in the foundation dancehall practice of toasting.
"The art of toasting is well received internationally. People all over the world love the sound system culture," Yaadcore told THE STAR. On its return to Jamaican soil, this edition of Dubwise will feature reggae star Chronixx 'inna sound system style'.
With Yaadcore at the turntables, along with guest selectors Big One and Lion Trod, this edition of Dubwise Jamaica will provide selections to showcase the latest songs from the Chronixx's debut Chronology album and more.
Dubwise Jamaica will take place on Saturday, November 4, at 10A West Kings House Road in St Andrew. Tickets cost $1,500 presold and $2,000 at the gate.
Yaadcore on the Highway with Leafly
Yaadcore links up with Leafly!!!
Look out for a 1968 Airstream trailer up and down the West Coast to camp out at dispensaries in California, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, and Washington.
What’s this HighWay tour all about? Leafly is celebrating cannabis. Last November, their community made a statement, “Cannabis is here to stay.” So, they're taking off across five legal states to bring cannabis education and entertainment by Yaadcore to the masses.
Tune into Leafly’s & Yaadcore's social media channels or click on our “Road Stories” at the top to keep up with the HighWay Tour's activity.
Kaya Fest Recap
On April 22nd, 2017 Yaadcore performed at the first annual Kaya Fest in Miami, Florida.
Watch the recap here...
Reggae Aroma Vol. 4
Kingston, Jamaica – April 20, 2017 –The waiting is over. Yaadcore’s Reggae Aroma Mixtape Vol. 4. is in full effect.
This compilation, the fourth in the successful Reggae Aroma Series is dubbed “Nuh Fenke Fenke” and is released in harmony with International Marijuana Day, more popularly known as 4/20.
“Raspec to everyone that has the #Reggae Aroma 1, 2 & 3,” says Yaadcore, “Nuff raspec to all the artist who help strengthen Yaadcore”.
A tantalizing collection of scintillating sounds, Reggae Aroma Vol. 4is blended with vocals from next-generation Jamaican creatives including the likes of Xana Romeo, Lila Ike, Shanique Myrie, Runkus & Fari Di Future; to the seasoned reggae heavyweights such as Damian Marley, Jah 9, Protoje, Kabaka Pryamid & Chronixx.
Take a whiff of the fragrant aroma of “Nuh Fenke Fenke” mixtape which mixes together the hottest culture hits and upcoming conscious roots, rock reggae tracks, and exhale while sonically digesting the flavourful, bubbling medley of sounds.
Reggae Aroma Vol 4 “Nuh Fenke Fenke” will officially be released on April 20 (4/20) and is available for streaming at https://soundcloud.com/yaadcore.
Official Reggae Aroma Vol. 4 Nuh Fenke Fenke Artwork by Nickii Kane.
Yaadcore @ Art Basel 2016
Yaadcore announces 2 appearances in Miami during Art Basel 2016 week. See below for details and RSVP info.
DUBWISE Miami presents Protoje alongside Yaadcore and Corey Chase live inna sound system style! Wednesday November 30th at Coyo Taco Dub Lounge in Wynwood Art District. $15 RSVP, limited space available.
Yaadcore On Tour NEW DATES Announced!
NEW RELEASE - Yaadcore Presents "Mercy Please" by Xana Romeo
Yaadcore Launches NEW Shop!
Yaadcore Greetings
There is an exciting resurgence of conscious, organic music in Jamaica and industry experts and observers agree that Protoje is playing an important role in what is becoming known as the "Reggae Revival."
Leading the militant band - The Indiggnation - this powerful songwriter and philosophical thinker articulates the righteous anger of an emerging generation. Protoje reports for duty, re-establishing the standard for the decaying art of socially responsible, mentally stimulating lyricism.
Yaadcore for Kings with Style
For those of you that live under a rock, Yaadcore is a roots, reggae, dub DJ (Selecta). He also happens to be the DJ for reggae artist Protoje. My first time hearing Yaadcore play sound was at this event called “Dubwise”. The set was beyond amazing, as Kartel would say “bare vibes” and the best part it was all conscious music. Dubwise got so popular that the vibes had to be spread around the world. Yaadcore stops everywhere from NYC to Europe bringing the positive sounds with him.
Yaddcore In toronto
YAADCORE
Words by Jesse Serwer
Photos by Martei Korley and Kolya Barnes
Strictly roots and culture vibrations, with no slackness. Tunes played in a dubwise style, for their full duration, with messages of upliftment delivered live over the mic.
In December 2013, Yaadcore, the Jamaican selector known for his Reggae Aroma mixtape series, began holding a weekly, Wednesday-night session inside Kingston’s Whitebones Grill with the principles listed above.
Though it wasn’t the only series in town driven by a similar mission (it was inspired by Kingston Dub Club, Gabre Selassie’s Sunday night session in uptown Kingston, at which Yaadcore had been a frequent guest) Dubwise Jamaica quickly became a magnet for similarly-minded selectors, including such foundation DJs as Rory Gilligan of Stone Love and Danny Dread of Stereo Marsand Volcano sound system fame. Jamaica’s young reggae stars Chronixx, Protoje, Kabaka Pyramid, Jesse Royal and Micah Shemaiah were among its earliest supporters, passing through both as performers and just to hol’ a vibes, and it soon attracted veteran artists like Lutan Fyah, Mikey General and even Ninjaman, as well as international acts like Pressure Busspipe (St. Thomas) andZiggi Recado (St. Eustatius).
A year and a half after its launch, Dubwise Jamaica has become an international brand representing what many see as a return to a more pure and natural style of playing reggae (as opposed to the fast-paced juggling style preferred by most of today’s Jamaican DJs). Last month, Yaadcore teamed with selectors Corey Chase and DJ Rampage to launch Dubwise Miami, a weekly session at Coyo Taco in the Wynwood Arts district. Although Yaadcore’s schedule only permits him to appear in Miami about once a month, each Wednesday night the backroom of the fashionable taqueria becomes the “Coyo Dub Lounge,” attracting a loyal crowd as well as fellow DJs (house DJ Armand Van Helden is a regular) and artists (Kabaka Pyramid dropped in last Wednesday to perform).
“It’s kind of been dub church for the loyal patrons,” Chase says of Dubwise’s introduction to Miami. “It’s not about bashment, it is about holding a communal meditation with like-minded individuals. The glue is a positive vibration and energy.”
Fresh back from Europe, Ethiopia and Kenya, Yaadcore is bringing Dubwise sessions New York City, Washington DC and Puerto Rico (San Jaun, Santurce and Rincon) over the next few days, before relaunching Dubwise Jamaica in a new location following a brief hiatus. In a sense, these are tour dates for a DJ who is currently in high demand. That would be one way of looking at it. In Yaadcore’s view, he’s laying a foundation for a movement that can spread consciousness and upliftment through roots music whether he’s in the building or not. Ahead of tonight’s launch ofDubwise New York (at 326 Butler St., in Brooklyn) with DJ Gringo, we spoke with Yaadcore about the Kingston session that’s become a worldwide movement.