MUSIC VOYAGER : JAMAICA ROOTS ROCK REGGAE

SYNOPSIS

Jamaican reggae hit the world like a hammer in the 1970s, but where
did reggae come from? How did this appealing, soulful sound
develop, and where do the roots of this powerful tree extend?
In this
episode, Edgar explores the history of Jamaican music, from its
African roots to the cusp of the reggae revolution. Edgar heads to the
jungle for an entrancing
kumina
drumming session with the
Akwaaba
Drummers
, that reveals the African underpinning
of the island’s
music.
Edgar is joined by Reggae Sunsplash founder Ronnie Burke
on a journey across the island to Negril to meet
Gilzene and the
Blue Light Mento Band
, who set up in a picturesque beachside
setting to play some classic Jamaican mento. Alo
ng the way, Burke
and Edgar stop at the Peter Tosh Memorial for a conversation on the
life and legacy of this reggae revolutionary. Back in Kingston, Edgar
connects with guitar legend
Ernest Ranglin
for a lesson on the
development of ska and rocksteady, an
d an all
-
star jam session with
Sly Dunbar
and other greats. The episode ends at the magnificent
Strawberry Hill resort for an intimate concert with
Marcia Griffiths
, a
member of Bob Marley’s band and a star in her own right.