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FEB 2017<br />
#03.02<br />
M A G A Z I N E<br />
featuring<br />
<strong>KENNY</strong><br />
<strong>GRIBBON</strong><br />
RESPECT.<br />
RIDGWAY<br />
ZOLOPHT<br />
ONE SHARP MIND<br />
SHELDON SENIOR<br />
JEMERE MORGAN<br />
REBECCA ARSCOTT<br />
ROOTS / ROCK / REGGAE / RESPECT<br />
ROOTS.<br />
CHRONICLE<br />
H.I.M. Haile Selassie I<br />
ROCK.<br />
ALEX ROGERS (ICBC)<br />
REWIND.<br />
REBEL SALUTE 2017<br />
59th ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS<br />
IRIEMAG.COM
ISSUE #03.02 / FEBRUARY 2017<br />
“ Knowledge is power. If it is not applied properly to<br />
create, let there be no doubts, it will destroy.”<br />
- H.I.M. Haile Selassie I<br />
Nicholas ‘Nico’ Da Silva<br />
Founder/Editor in Chief<br />
IRIEMAG.COM
TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />
ROOTS.<br />
ROCK.<br />
REGGAE.<br />
Chronicle<br />
Alex Rogers<br />
Kenny Gribbon<br />
H.I.M. Haile Selassie I<br />
International Cannabis Business Conference<br />
Let There Be Lights<br />
RESPECT.<br />
Kindah<br />
One Family<br />
IRIEMAG.COM<br />
REWIND.<br />
Reggae Month<br />
59th Grammy Awards / Rebel Salute 2017<br />
RIDDIMS.<br />
Irie Trax<br />
Roots. Rock. Reggae.
ETH<br />
ROOTS.<br />
H.I.M. Haile Selassie I<br />
CHRONICLE<br />
IRIEMAG.COM
ROOTS.<br />
H.I.M. HAILE SELASSIE I<br />
CHRONICLE<br />
FOLLOW<br />
@IrieMag<br />
WEBSITE<br />
iriemag.com/chronicle/<br />
IRIEMAG.COM<br />
If you’re one of the many who have chosen reggae as your religion, then you would know that ‘War’ is a song<br />
recorded and made popular by Bob Marley. It first appeared on Bob Marley and the Wailers’ 1976 Island<br />
Records album, ‘Rastaman Vibration’. What you might not know is that the lyrics are almost literally derived<br />
from a speech made by Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I before the United Nations General Assembly. The<br />
song honors Haile Selassie I while calling for action against racial inequality and international injustice. Here<br />
is the part of Haile Selassie’s speech put to music by Marley in his original song, ‘War’.<br />
“ That until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently<br />
discredited and abandoned; That until there are no longer first-class and second-class citizens of any<br />
nation; That until the color of a man’s skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes; That until<br />
the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all without regard to race; That until that day, the dream<br />
of lasting peace and world citizenship and the rule of international morality will remain but a fleeting illusion,<br />
to be pursued but never attained; And until the ignoble and unhappy regimes that hold our brothers<br />
in Angola, in Mozambique and in South Africa in subhuman bondage have been toppled and destroyed;<br />
Until bigotry and prejudice and malicious and inhuman self-interest have been replaced by understanding<br />
and tolerance and good-will; Until all Africans stand and speak as free beings, equal in the eyes of all men,<br />
as they are in the eyes of Heaven; Until that day, the African continent will not know peace. We Africans<br />
will fight, if necessary, and we know that we shall win, as we are confident in the victory of good over evil.”<br />
–H.I.M. Haile Selassie I
Here are the lyrics from the Bob Marley and the Wailers at the album Rastaman Vibration:<br />
Until the philosophy which hold one race superior / And another / Inferior / Is finally / And permanently /<br />
Discredited / And abandoned / -Everywhere is war - / Me say war.<br />
That until there no longer / First class and second class citizens of any nation / Until the colour of a man’s skin<br />
/ Is of no more significance / than the colour of his eyes / - Me say war.<br />
That until the basic human rights / Are equally guaranteed to all, / Without regard to race / - Dis a war.<br />
That until that day / The dream of lasting peace, / World citizenship / Rule of international morality / Will<br />
remain in but a fleeting illusion to be pursued, / But never attained / - Now everywhere is war - / War.<br />
And until the ignoble and unhappy regimes / that hold our brothers in Angola, / In Mozambique, / South Africa /<br />
Sub-human bondage / Have been toppled, / Utterly destroyed / - Well, everywhere is war - / Me say war.<br />
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Featured Album<br />
War in the east, / War in the west, / War up north, / War down south - / War - war - / Rumours of war. / And<br />
until that day, / The African continent / Will not know peace, / We Africans will fight - we find it necessary /<br />
- And we know we shall win / As we are confident / In the victory<br />
Of good over evil -/ Good over evil, yeah! / Good over evil - / Good over evil, yeah! / Good over evil - / Good<br />
over evil, yeah!<br />
In his speech to the U.N., H.I.M. Haile Selassie I reminded his listeners that these are only words; their<br />
value depends wholly on our will to observe and honor them and give them content and meaning.<br />
‘War’ would become one of Bob Marley’s greatest classics, carrying the Rastafari message to the world<br />
in Haile Selassie I’s own words.<br />
War<br />
April 30, 1976<br />
WEBSITE<br />
iriemag.com/chronicle/<br />
IRIEMAG.COM
USA<br />
ROCK.<br />
ALEX ROGERS<br />
IRIEMAG.COM<br />
INTERNATIONAL CANNABIS BUSINESS CONFERENCE
ROCK<br />
ALEX ROGERS<br />
INTERNATIONAL CANNABIS BUSINESS CONFERENCE<br />
Visionary entrepreneur and political activist, Alex Rogers, is the founder and CEO of three thriving<br />
ancillary cannabis businesses. Cutting his teeth as an activist in the early nineties under the tutelage<br />
of Jack Herer, Alex has a deep proprietary knowledge of the industry. He has played a key role in<br />
professionalizing and mainstreaming the cannabis industry, building one of Oregon’s most popular<br />
medical marijuana clinics in a matter of a few years, and the first ever to advertise medical marijuana on<br />
network TV in America. He also founded and runs the Oregon Marijuana Business Conference (OMBC),<br />
the state’s biggest and longest running cannabis business conference. Living in five different countries<br />
throughout his life, and able to communicate in all respective languages, Alex considers himself an<br />
international citizen, thusly spawning his latest creation, the International Cannabis Business Conference<br />
(ICBC). The ICBC is the first and only cannabis business conference in the world to have multiple dates<br />
set in multiple different countries. A Magna Cum Laude graduate in Political Science, he has used his<br />
knowledge of law and politics to push cannabis policy forward all over the world.<br />
As official sponsors of ICBC, IRIE Magazine was on hand to hear Lieutenant Governor of California,<br />
Gavin Newsom, deliver a compelling speech at the VIP Reception which also included appearances by<br />
cultural rock icon, Henry Rollins, the 4-time NBA champ, John Salley, as well as the world renowned,<br />
Tommy Chong. The conference itself kicked off with an amazingly impassioned speech by keynote<br />
Henry Rollins, who doesn’t use cannabis himself but said “if I ever wanted to use it I would like it to<br />
be legal so I could obtain it”. Look for a full in-depth coverage of the ICBC San Francisco 2017, with<br />
Alex Rogers on the cover of our inaugural release of the Spring Edition of IRIE GUIDE... March 30, 2017!<br />
FOLLOW<br />
@InternationalCBC<br />
WEBSITE<br />
internationalcbc.com<br />
IRIEMAG.COM
IRIEMAG.COM<br />
Tommy Chong<br />
ICBC 2017 San Francisco
Alex Rogers & Henry Rollins<br />
ICBC 2017 San Francisco<br />
IRIEMAG.COM
USA<br />
REGGAE.<br />
<strong>KENNY</strong> <strong>GRIBBON</strong><br />
IRIEMAG.COM<br />
LET THERE BE LIGHTS
REGGAE.<br />
<strong>KENNY</strong> <strong>GRIBBON</strong><br />
LET THERE BE LIGHTS<br />
In 2007, Kenny Gribbon decided to leave behind his career in construction management to pursue his<br />
passion for concert lighting. He worked his way up through the festival circuit where he eventually<br />
met The Hoffman brothers, owners of Pulse Lighting.<br />
FOLLOW<br />
Kenny Gribbon<br />
He joined Pulse Lighting working events such as Osyrusfest, The D.C. Congressional Blues Festival and<br />
various other events up and down the east coast. Kenny took on the LD position for the Colbie Caillat tour,<br />
in the summer of 2012, solidifying himself as an asset to Pulse Lighting tour clients.<br />
Later in 2012, Kenny took on the roll of designer and touring LD for the California Reggae Band Rebelution,<br />
coming into his own as a lighting designer.<br />
Kenny Gribbon has also served as second LD to Wolfgang Gartner demonstrating his ability to adapt to<br />
new genres for lighting as well as maintaining his LD services to bands like Toubab Krewe, The Green, and<br />
The London Souls.<br />
REBELUTION<br />
Rebelution is an innovative ‘California Reggae’ band from the Santa Barbara college town of Isla Vista. The<br />
band plays 100-120 shows a year. Tours have taken them to South America, Guam, Aruba, New Zealand<br />
and Europe, and they’ve sold out both Red Rocks and the Santa Barbara Bowl. In December 2014, Count<br />
Me In was named the best-selling reggae album of the year by Billboard magazine.<br />
WEBSITE<br />
concertlighting.com<br />
IRIEMAG.COM
Kenny Gribbon has provided lighting design and<br />
operation for Rebelution since 2012.<br />
FOLLOW<br />
Kenny Gribbon<br />
Kenny designs the show to evoke the sentiment<br />
described by band member Marley D. Williams:<br />
“Our music is meant to move people physically<br />
and mentally at the same time. When people are<br />
really dancing and really thinking, that’s a<br />
double threat.”<br />
Most people picture red, gold, and green as<br />
reggae colors, but reggae evokes other emotions<br />
and moods, as does the stage lighting provided<br />
by Kenny. To enhance the various moods, Kenny<br />
uses fixtures that allow him to keep the show<br />
interactive and moving with the audience.<br />
WEBSITE<br />
concertlighting.com<br />
IRIEMAG.COM<br />
Rebelution’s stage lighting is unique, because<br />
most reggae bands have not toured with a lighting<br />
package of such high caliber. Kenny changes up<br />
his design to keep it fresh, always pushing the<br />
envelope to create an unforgettable experience.<br />
IRIE Magazine caught up with Kenny Gribbon<br />
during Rebelution’s Fall into Place Winter Tour<br />
2017 to share his story with the IRIE audience.<br />
California Roots Festival 2016
The Interview<br />
IRIE. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Where did you grow up and what inspired you to get<br />
involved in the festival circuit?<br />
Kenny Gribbon. I was born and raised in New Jersey just outside of New York City. The City was just a<br />
train ride away. I was able to experience a ton of music growing up that had a major influence on me going<br />
into the live music industry. As a family, my parents used to take my siblings and I to concerts at a young age.<br />
I saw major concerts like Genesis and Pink Floyd at the Giants Stadium. Those two bands are known for their<br />
theatrical lighting. Seeing that sort of show so young definitely had the most influence on me to become a<br />
lighting designer.<br />
FOLLOW<br />
Kenny Gribbon<br />
IRIE. How did you get your break in lighting design? Was there someone in your life that helped you<br />
along your journey?<br />
Kenny Gribbon. That is a tough question being there are so many people that have helped me in my journey<br />
in this career I would want to mention and thank. I guess I will narrow it down to the major moments where<br />
my career moved forward. First off I could not have done this and start over in a new direction in my late 20s<br />
without my parents help and support. When I first started out I was getting on any gig I could get and in<br />
warmer months, that means festivals. Bear Creek Festival 2009 at Suwanee Music Park is where I met a lot<br />
of folks that have helped me get started. Particularly Michael Allegretto, whom I know is a friend of IRIE<br />
Mag and the reason we are linked up. It was Bear Creek that I worked as an LD for one of the smaller stages.<br />
I busted my butt all weekend and impressed Michael enough to be invited to work a festival in Jamaica called<br />
‘Caribbean Holidaze’. I flew myself there and worked for free as an ‘internship’ type deal. I met a lot of his A-team<br />
down there which led to a lot festival work and all sorts of unique events with Michael and his team. Over the<br />
years I have worked a lot of gigs with Michael all over the US and met some amazingly talented people.<br />
WEBSITE<br />
concertlighting.com<br />
IRIEMAG.COM
FOLLOW<br />
Kenny Gribbon<br />
Fast forward to summer 2011 and I got a call from my friend, Saira Anderson. Saira is also one of Michael’s<br />
people whom I also met at Bear Creek 2009. She was working on a festival in NJ called Pet Zoo and needed<br />
my help since I was local. I went there thinking I may be helping out with some small stuff but it turned into<br />
being a lot more involved, doing mostly Production Manager work for the first time. It was Pet Zoo Festival<br />
where I met Paul and Preston Hoffman, brothers and owners of Pulse Lighting. They were providing the gear<br />
and running the lights for the festival. Over the 4 days we all got to know each other and they were impressed<br />
enough by me to put me on some Pulse Lighting gigs. Each gig was a little bigger than the last which eventually<br />
led to my first Pulse Lighting tour for our client Colbie Caillat. That was my first major tour with full production.<br />
To say I learned a lot on that tour is an understatement. After that tour I was brought onto Pulse full<br />
time and have had Paul and Preston as my mentors. Since working for Pulse I’ve grown and learned a ton<br />
about design, building and programming for tours. Also, Mikey Cummins is one of our top designers and a<br />
veteran of the business. Between Paul, Preston, and Mikey, no design goes out our doors without everyone’s<br />
input. I can say my designs are a collaborative effort and the best possible version of an idea once it goes out<br />
the door. From the time Mikey and I were brought on we have grown from a storage unit in Raleigh, NC to<br />
a facility in Nashville, TN, complete with storage, full production rehearsal space, visualizer suites, and a full<br />
team of touring LDs. It’s been an honor working for them and seeing the growth happen.<br />
IRIE. You have to admit that you have a pretty cool gig! You are the lighting designer for Rebelution<br />
and… you get to work alongside Errol Brown. How did this all happen for you?<br />
WEBSITE<br />
concertlighting.com<br />
Kenny Gribbon. I have to admit it is a cool gig. It sometimes doesn’t seem right I do this and get paid for it.<br />
My main design and touring client for Pulse is Rebelution. Working with Rebelution came through my boss<br />
Paul and a mutual contact for him. Paul went out with Reb for a short run through Florida to bring them on<br />
as a client. Paul put me on Rebelution’s New Years Eve show in 2012. After that was a success I started touring<br />
full time with them that February 2013. Working with Errol Brown just happened since he was already<br />
IRIEMAG.COM
Kenny Gribbon<br />
At the Controls<br />
IRIEMAG.COM
FOLLOW<br />
Kenny Gribbon<br />
their FOH engineer. It’s been great working with Errol. He is a veteran of the industry. As you know I’m<br />
sure he worked and toured with Bob Marley so he knows a thing or two about mixing reggae. He’s become<br />
my biggest mentor and inspiration out here on the road. He’s in his late 60s and still touring just because he<br />
loves the music. Not to mention he has seen every one of my Reb shows which after this tour is over 300. If<br />
I miss a cue Errol is going to let me know. That’s what I love most about him. He pushes all of us whether its<br />
crew or band member to be the best we can be and not settle for good enough. I think its a great lesson in life<br />
to always push to be a better version of yourself. If you haven’t already you should really interview him. He<br />
has some great stories to tell.<br />
IRIE. Will do, brother! What goes through your mind as you are performing your magic? Is there a<br />
method behind your creative madness?<br />
Kenny Gribbon. On a good night, nothing. It;’s just happening naturally when its all dialed in and I’m running<br />
my show based on muscle memory and feeling the music. But if I am thinking of anything, its my next cue or<br />
big moment in the show. The key to a great lighting moment is showing something you haven’t shown yet.<br />
The element of surprise. Think of the mirror ball. It,s a great effect. But once you’ve seen it, the ‘wow’ factor<br />
is lost. So its all about timing and keeping it interesting. There is no specific method. I think its all based on<br />
inspiration and you can’t force that. There are times I get an idea at 3 am and next thing I have designed a<br />
whole new look for a song or a tour.<br />
IRIE. How do you choose the styles of lighting for each song? Is it important for you to push the boundaries<br />
of your skills with every show?<br />
WEBSITE<br />
concertlighting.com<br />
IRIEMAG.COM<br />
Kenny Gribbon. How I choose styles is different for each song. A Rebelution show is a great example of<br />
diversity in my lighting. As much as they are a reggae band they are also rock n’ roll, ballads, and psychedelic.<br />
I try to listen to the song and find the vibe its going for. If there is a story to be told, how can my lighting help<br />
tell that story is important. Some of the more challenging songs are the slower ones. Big rock songs or
psychedelic are easier to create a look or an effect than a slower or more intimate part of the show. Slower<br />
songs you need to capture the vibe just right. I find it important to push the boundaries and reinvent yourself<br />
as much as possible. Otherwise its the same old thing for the audience but also I will get bored.<br />
IRIE. How has the technical innovations in lighting help you with your creativity?<br />
Kenny Gribbon. It’s definitely given more options in design and programming. For console software its always<br />
improving to help make the programming process easier and more efficient. As far as lighting fixtures,<br />
I think the technology has gotten more affordable and with LED technology being low, bands can invest in a<br />
light package and an LD.<br />
FOLLOW<br />
Kenny Gribbon<br />
IRIE. Do you have any advice for someone looking to become a lighting designer?<br />
Kenny Gribbon. Go for it and don’t be afraid to take the risk. I left an established career in construction<br />
management cause it wasn’t for me. I always knew deep down I was meant to be doing this and I have never<br />
regretted taking the risk.<br />
IRIE. Is there anything you would like to say to the IRIE audience?<br />
Kenny Gribbon. Thank you for supporting live music! Without the fans, none of us would have the pleasure<br />
of living our passion. Much respect and much love!<br />
IRIE. Blessings Kenny! We look forward to seeing you, Errol Brown and Rebelution back at the<br />
Fox Theatre in April!<br />
WEBSITE<br />
concertlighting.com<br />
IRIEMAG.COM
IRIEMAG.COM<br />
Errol Brown & Kenny Gribbon<br />
FOH Engineer & Lighting Designer, Rebelution
RESPECT.<br />
One Sharp Mind<br />
United States<br />
Jemere Morgan<br />
Jamaica<br />
Zolopht<br />
United States<br />
Rebecca Arscott<br />
United States<br />
Sheldon Senior<br />
Jamaica<br />
Ridgway<br />
United States<br />
IRIEMAG.COM
USA<br />
ONE SHARP MIND<br />
IRIEMAG.COM
RESPECT.<br />
ONE SHARP MIND<br />
NEVER GIVE UP<br />
Ask the average person on the street what comes to mind when they hear the word ‘reggae’ and they’ll<br />
quickly conjure up an image of the honorable Bob Marley lighting up a massive spliff. Marley was the<br />
quintessential reggae musician indeed - but where are the reggae bands that are bringing us the modern<br />
reggae vibes that are speaking to todays issues? Let us introduce you to One Sharp Mind!<br />
Based out of the Sacramento area in the Golden State, One Sharp Mind has been bringing their blend of<br />
energetic, modern reggae to gigs and parties for the past four years. They have continued to build upon<br />
their success and momentum by releasing their latest musical offering, ‘Never Give Up’!<br />
This six-strong band presents a collection of nine tracks that will get the party started and even get the<br />
most hesitant dancers up out of their seats. One Sharp Mind is not your average reggae band that gets<br />
booked to knock out all the classics that everybody knows - this is real musicianship expressed through<br />
original, well crafted songs that not only speak about the world in the 21st century but are backed up by<br />
tight musicians who know how to deliver.<br />
The opening track ‘Change the World’ immediately gets your head nodding along with some sweet grooves<br />
before smooth vocals come in and take you away to a better place. Talk of revolution and changing the<br />
world is popular in reggae music for sure, but this track shows how current and cutting edge it is by introducing<br />
vocal samples of Donald Trump, and others, making comments about Muslims and immigrants that<br />
were only made in very recent history.<br />
FOLLOW<br />
One Sharp Mind<br />
Featured Album<br />
Never Give Up<br />
December 17, 2016<br />
IRIEMAG.COM
What follows next is a dreamy, reggae cover of a timeless classic that everybody knows and loves. It’s the<br />
Marvin Gaye classic ‘Let’s Get It On’ but not as we know it. This alternate take on the slow dance favourite<br />
is fantastic and also introduces the fact that One Sharp Mind is not a one man show but a male/female<br />
powerhouse that split the vocal duties between them.<br />
FOLLOW<br />
One Sharp Mind<br />
Featured Single<br />
‘In The Waves’ is a key song to this album as it contains not only this original recording but also two<br />
separate remixes with each version bringing something different yet equally delightful. The female vocals<br />
on this are like pure, liquid honey - they are so sweet and keep you wanting more!!<br />
As the album progresses we keep learning more about the musical muscles that One Sharp Mind have no<br />
problem in flexing - as each track passes we hear more than just reggae. ‘Out of Beer’ has a blatant rock intro<br />
while ‘Not Enough Time’ starts out as classic reggae but ends with multiple guitar riffs and licks layered<br />
on top of each other not unlike something off a MeatLoaf album.<br />
With so many great songs it’s hard to pick a favourite but ‘The Shift’ really bought it home to us. Upbeat!<br />
Happy! Feel good... with memorable chorus! This is what reggae is all about - and what this entire album is<br />
all about. It’s clear to us that these guys are good... Irie good!<br />
Meditation not Medication<br />
October 11, 2015<br />
IRIEMAG.COM
JAM<br />
JEMERE MORGAN<br />
IRIEMAG.COM
RESPECT.<br />
JEMERE MORGAN<br />
TRANSITION<br />
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Jemere Morgan<br />
Featured Album<br />
“I put out my first album ever. That says a lot for the beginning of any artist’s career. It’s<br />
an accomplishment and a learning experience at the same time. This album represents<br />
me taking control of my life and turning my dream into a reality. Here you have it.”<br />
JEMERE MORGAN<br />
The royal family of reggae Morgan Heritage’s musical legacy lives on by virtue of their body of work, and<br />
proudly through the next generation via Gramps Morgan’s son Jemere Morgan.<br />
The budding star musical career blossomed and matured forefront on a worldwide stage, as fans of the<br />
Grammy award-winning band saw Jemere transition in front of their eyes. From a pubescent teen to a<br />
young man he remained a frequent fixture on stage with his family, and in the recent years, performing<br />
alongside and as a featured act. The latter has manifest and culminated in Jemere Morgan debut album,<br />
appropriately titled ‘Transition’.<br />
Transition<br />
January 6, 2017<br />
WEBSITE<br />
jemeremorgan.com<br />
IRIEMAG.COM<br />
“This album, ‘Transition’, represents the current phase in my life, transitioning into becoming a man. I’ve<br />
been working on this album for the past three years, handpicking each sound down to the melodies of each<br />
record. Music and the artist should be one, and if the beat doesn’t connect to me, I’m on to the next track.<br />
So, that’s how I picked the tracks for the album. “ explains Jemere of his inaugural album.<br />
Released under Dada Son Entertainment on January 6th, 2017, ‘Transition’ was produced by Gramps<br />
Morgan and Jemere himself, with productions contributions from Chimney Records, Markus Records,<br />
Rellee Hayden, Nebilus Records, Notis Records among a host of other notable producers, has 17 tracks
and features collaborations with Jo Mersa Marley,<br />
Agent Sasco, J Boog, Stonebwoy, Toian and Gramps<br />
Morgan. “I consider everyone featured on my<br />
album family. My uncle Peetah also helped with<br />
the co-writing process on my album.” As the eyes<br />
and ears of the world await the album, Jemere<br />
recognizes that he feels a slight encumbrance, “I<br />
don’t really feel pressure, but there’s a standard<br />
that I have to live by. I’ve been blessed to have<br />
family and a team around me to help live up and<br />
above those standards.”<br />
Along with an upcoming 2017 tour, Jemere will<br />
deliver 3 visuals for the album. “I am currently<br />
planning to shoot three videos for songs from the<br />
album, ‘Shouldn’t Have’ featuring Jo Mersa Marley,<br />
‘Bang Bang’ featuring Toian, and ‘Try Jah Love’<br />
featuring my dad, Gramps Morgan.” Celebrating<br />
its’ 10 years anniversary, the ‘Transition’ project<br />
takes it’s place amid Dada Son Entertainment<br />
impressive discography featuring multi-Grammy<br />
Award-winner India Irie, Grammy winner Buju<br />
Banton, top charting J Boog to name a few.<br />
‘Transition’ is available worldwide on most<br />
major online digital stores.<br />
FOLLOW<br />
Jemere Morgan<br />
WEBSITE<br />
jemeremorgan.com<br />
IRIEMAG.COM
ZOLOPHT<br />
USA<br />
IRIEMAG.COM
RESPECT.<br />
ZOLOPHT<br />
FLEXOR<br />
Established in 2009, Zolopht has become a premier act in the Colorado music scene. Loosely described as<br />
psychedelic reggae-rock, Zolopht has an entirely unique sound that is as catchy as it is progressive.<br />
Lovingly crafted music and rigorous touring has provided the band diehard fans around the country and<br />
beyond. Zolopht has shared the stage with artists such as: The Wailers, Robert Randolph and the Family<br />
Band, Dirty Heads, Tribal Seeds, Passafire, Ballyhoo! and Katchafire.<br />
With two full-length studio efforts, ‘Ph-Balanced’ (2014) and ‘Flexor’ (2015) under their belt and a third on<br />
the way, Zolopht has gained an unstoppable momentum.<br />
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Zolopht<br />
Featured Album<br />
Zolopht members include Zac Grant (Rhythm Guitar/Vocals), Cam Vilar (Lead Guitar/Vocals), Geoff<br />
Mueck (Bass Guitar), Jared Schmidt (Drums/Vocals), Greg Indivero (Percussion), Ian McGowan (Violin),<br />
Daniel Ohlson (Trumpet) and Cody Krieger (Saxophone).<br />
When you experience Zolopht perform live, you’ll quickly discover that the guys love making music, and<br />
most importantly, they love sharing it with their fans and friends on stage. Their sound is truly unique; a<br />
heavy blend of reggae, blues, rock & bluegrass influences. Zolopht utilizes three part harmonies alongside<br />
a full horn section to produce this unique and welcoming sound.<br />
Irie Magazine invites you to open up your ears and welcome Zolopht into your mind and soul. We did!<br />
Flexor<br />
December 09, 2016<br />
WEBSITE<br />
zolophtmusic.com<br />
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USA<br />
REBECCA ARSCOTT<br />
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RESPECT.<br />
REBECCA ARSCOTT<br />
FYAH RISING<br />
Rebecca Arscott performs a fusion of Reggae, Pop, and Soul alongside her backing band One Heart Fyah.<br />
She performs with a mix of the best Reggae musicians in Albuquerque. One Heart Fyah represents the unity<br />
of reggae lovers and musicians coming together as one.<br />
Rebecca’s Latin and Jamaican roots have sparked her inspiration to perform and write many different genres<br />
of music such as Island Reggae, Pop, Soul and Latin. Her personal quote is “Music is more powerful than people<br />
think and it can bring people together without boundaries.”<br />
FOLLOW<br />
Rebecca Arscott<br />
Featured EP<br />
She was nominated in 2014 at the New Mexico Music Awards for Best Cover of Common King’s ‘Fly’. She has<br />
also been nominated again this year 2015 for Best Reggae Song for her original ‘Let Love Take Over’. This year<br />
she will be releasing another single ‘Sweet Things’ and soon will be dropping her EP.<br />
Rebecca and One Heart Fyah recently had the opportunity to open for Natural Vibrations (Natty Vibes), Maoli,<br />
Through the Roots, E.N Young, New Kingston, Hirie, and Dirty Heads. She was also given the opportunity to<br />
perform at the 2014 and 2015 New Mexico State Fair and The New Mexico Music Awards. She continues to<br />
perform locally and is currently gearing up to perform across the Southwest region. She will soon be touring<br />
both nationally and internationally. “I will not settle for music to be my dream, I want it to be my Life!’<br />
She released her EP Fyah Rising through Roots Musician Record on November 18th 2016. Her debut EP is<br />
produced by the multi-talented musician/artist/producer E.N Young. Big Up E.N Young!<br />
Fyah Rising<br />
November 18, 2016<br />
WEBSITE<br />
rebeccaarscott.com<br />
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JAM<br />
SHELDON SENIOR<br />
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RESPECT.<br />
SHELDON SENIOR<br />
TEKOVA<br />
Sheldon Senior and Kahinga Records release another power packed track, ‘Tekova’, filled with motivation,<br />
inspiration and positively uplifting messages.<br />
‘Tekova’ is a heavy mix of Jamaican Dancehall fused with Afro-Beat from the mother land and a little bit of<br />
European techno that all blend together into a punching rhythm and hypnotic vibe. The rhythm started out in<br />
the United Kingdom and made its way to Jamaica, then to Amsterdam before returning to the UK for mixing<br />
and mastering, thus making it a truly universal song.<br />
FOLLOW<br />
Sheldon Senior<br />
Featured Single<br />
Lyrics like “This is the truth, dem can’t stop you, dem can’t stop me, dem can’t stop we” show both the<br />
inclusive nature of the song and Senior’s lyrical reach in utilizing simple words to represent complex<br />
human emotions.<br />
Senior told us, “It’s a song that speaks to motivating and inspiring people from all socioeconomic backgrounds.<br />
It cuts across social and cultural differences”. When asked what’s next, Senior replied, “It’s all about<br />
promoting this new single and getting the people familiar with Sheldon Senior before I release my first full<br />
length album in early 2017”.<br />
Sheldon Senior is a fresh dynamic artist who is certainly making his presence felt on the Reggae Music<br />
scene with an assured future in the global music industry. This extraordinary singer/songwriter is responsible<br />
for creating a number of deeply meaningful and thought-provoking songs that have truly captured<br />
the essence of a thriving artist capable of achieving world-wide acclaim.<br />
Tekova<br />
January 11, 2017<br />
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USA<br />
RIDGWAY<br />
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RESPECT.<br />
RIDGWAY<br />
BRIGHTER DAYS<br />
Combining reggae-groove with rock hooks and melodies, Bay Area group, Ridgway, have been taking their act<br />
along the West Coast over the last four years.<br />
What started as three friends playing open mic nights and house parties has grown into a raucous five-piece<br />
band that never fails to put on a thrilling show.<br />
In 2016, the band put together their first full-length album entitled ‘Brighter Days’, and received critical acclaim.<br />
Ridgway would be awarded “2016 Reggae Band of the Year” by the Bohemian newspaper upon return from<br />
their northwest tour.<br />
FOLLOW<br />
Ridgway<br />
Featured Album<br />
Inspired by bands such as Sublime, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Expendables, and Passafire the quintet takes<br />
pride in their music’s originality, and its ability to span several genres: reggae, rock, hip-hop, metal, and pop.<br />
The group’s true light shines on stage, where they encourage fans to come out with the intent to dance and the<br />
willingness to rock out.<br />
“We take great pride in writing and performing original songs,” lead guitarist, Jack Buzian says. “Much like the<br />
band itself, our music has collaboratively and organically evolved over time. We began with the idea of forming<br />
a simple reggae band but, given our different backgrounds and musical influences, we incorporated many<br />
genres of music: rock, reggae, hip-hop, tasteful metal and pop.”<br />
Brighter Days<br />
July 02, 2016<br />
WEBSITE<br />
ridgwayband.com<br />
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REWIND.<br />
REGGAE MONTH<br />
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59th GRAMMY AWARDS / REBEL SALUTE 2017<br />
Skip Marley & Katy Perry<br />
59th Grammy Awards
Tribe Called Quest & Anderson Paak<br />
59th Grammy Awards<br />
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IRIEMAG.COM<br />
Beyonce<br />
59th Grammy Awards
Adele<br />
59th Grammy Awards<br />
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Chance the Rapper & Jennifer Lopez<br />
59th Grammy Awards
Ziggi Presents<br />
Rebel Salute 2017<br />
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Ziggi Presents<br />
Rebel Salute 2017
Ziggi Presents<br />
Rebel Salute 2017<br />
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IRIEMAG.COM<br />
Ziggi Presents<br />
Rebel Salute 2017
Ziggi Presents<br />
Rebel Salute 2017<br />
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IRIEMAG.COM<br />
Ziggi Presents<br />
Rebel Salute 2017
Ziggi Presents<br />
Rebel Salute 2017<br />
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IRIEMAG.COM<br />
Ziggi Presents<br />
Rebel Salute 2017
Ziggi Presents<br />
Rebel Salute 2017<br />
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RIDDIMS.<br />
IRIE TRAX<br />
LISTEN<br />
FOLLOW<br />
@IrieMag<br />
One Sharp Mind<br />
Never Give Up<br />
Jemere Morgan<br />
Good Old Roots<br />
Zolopht<br />
Van<br />
Rebecca Arscott<br />
Come Around<br />
Sheldon Senior<br />
Tekova<br />
Ridgway<br />
Fire Inside<br />
WEBSITE<br />
iriemag.com<br />
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IRIE would like to thank the following people who helped make this<br />
issue a successful one. Without their efforts, this magazine would<br />
not be possible.<br />
Michelle Monreal, Giovanna Guimarães, Ashley Hyde, MPR Consulting<br />
(Jemere Morgan), Kiki ‘Dread’ Yuen (Kenny Gribbon/Rebelution), Matt<br />
Emrich Photography (Alex Rogers / ICBC), Žiga Nahtigal aka Dubtafari<br />
Sound (Ziggi Papers), Joey Armour (One Sharp Mind), Jerry K. Renville<br />
and Lucas Media Productions (Zolopht)!<br />
Nuff Respect!<br />
IRIEMAG.COM