In 1975, Steel Pulse, a roots reggae band, was formed in Birmingham, England, in the inner city area of Handsworth. The founder of this band was schoolmates David Hinds, the song writer, lead singer and guitarist, Basil Gabbidon on guitars, and Ronnie "Stepper" McQueen on bass. All of them came from working class West Indian immigrant families, and none had much musical experience.  They had been nominated in Grammy and won only once but they were the only band to play a Presidential inauguration (Bill Clinton's in '93).

Formed in 1975, their first album was “Kibudu, Mansetta and Abuku” under a small independent label, Dip.  It was then followed by “Nyah Love for Anchor”.  At first, Steel Pulse had difficulty finding live gigs, because most club owners were reluctant to give them a platform for their "subversive" Rastafarian politics. But the group was able to have live performances.  They wound up as an opening act for punk and new wave bands like the Clash, the Stranglers, Generation X, the Police, and XTC.  This was also their first ever music festival in the spring.  They also built a broad-based audience in the process. 

Steel Pulse developed a theatrical stage show to keep with the spirit of the times.  Members of the band dressed in costumes that imitate British archetypes.  Riley was a vicar, McQueen a bowler-wearing aristocrat, Martin a coach footman are some examples.  They left a satirical humor to its audience.

Steel Pulse's first single for Island the classic "Ku Klux Klan” was considered tilt at the evils of racism and was often accompanied by a visual parody of the sect on stage. During this time, their group expanded adding new member.  These were Selwyn 'Bumbo' Brown on keyboards, Steve 'Grizzly' Nisbett on drums, Alphonso Martin on vocals and percussion, and Mykaell Riley on vocals. Despite the bands critical and moderate commercial success with their three albums, the relationship with Island Records remained tight. With the release of Caught You (released in the US as Reggae Fever) in 1980, Steel Pulse conquered and cracked the American market and toured even with Island’s objections.  They soon parted ways with the Island Record.

In 1994, the group headed some of the world's biggest reggae festivals and some of these are Reggae Sunsplash USA, Jamaican Sunsplash, Japan Splash and Northern California annual Reggae on the River Festival. Steel Pulse is particularly proud of their album "Rastanthology," a 17-song collection of Steel Pulse classics and was released on the band's own Wise Man Doctrine label. 

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Tags: reggae band, Steel Pulse

Katchafire is one of the best reggae bands in New Zealand. With an extraordinary double platinum album sale (about 30,000 copies) in their debut album, the band was set into the road of success. As the most loved band in the pacific, they continue to tap into the hearts of people with their uplifting songs. The front man and guitarist Grenville Bell started the journey with his sons Logan Bell (vocals) and Jordan Bell (drums). Ara Adams-Tematea (bass/manager), Haanai Totorewa (guitars/keyboards), Thompson Hohepa (guitars), Leon Davey (percussions), and Jamey Fergusson (saxophone/keyboards/guitars) later joined the crew to complete the eight-piece wonder. Formed in 1997, the band started to play songs from Bob Marley’s repertoire. After numerous sessions, they managed to make their own songs. The band’s influences come from a deeper traditional New Zealand harmony. From pre-European Maori ancestral hymns to cultural awareness, the band was able to fuse it with reggae music. It is something that makes Katchafire’s music come to life.

The humble beginnings of the band - playing flavorful reggae music inspired by Bob Marley and the Wailers in local pubs, paid off as their fans continue to grow. With their love for music and people in different cultures and affiliations, rumors spread about the talented reggae musicians. In 2002, a surprising single “Giddy Up” hit the airwaves with a massive appreciation from listeners. It was something that the band didn’t expect – it was the highest selling single that year. Followed up by their debut album “Revival” in 2003, the band was already carved into the country’s music history.

It was evident from the band’s record sales that Katchafire is already an icon in New Zealand’s music industry. Later that year, the band showcased their talents on nationwide tours – where most stadiums were filled with fans and reggae lovers. As years passed by, concerts became more often, earning the title of the busiest and the hardest working band in New Zealand.  The band’s gig in Fiji has become one of the memorable performances. Their tickets were sold out and songs played all over the Fijian radio stations. They became an inspiration to the Fijian reggae lovers.

Until 2007, the band has been on numerous tours and produced albums “Slow Burning” (2004), “Homegrown Dub” (2006), “Party Pack” (2007), and “Say What You’re Thinking” (2007). After a decade of successful albums and concerts, Katchafire’s latest album “On the Road Again” talks about the band’s journey from a young cover band to a chart topping reggae artist. The carrier single and also the album title talks about the touring experience of the band, not only in the pacific but also nations like Europe and US. It’s also a big collaboration from the artists they met on tours.

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Tags: katchafire, reggae band

The island of Cebu has been the place for the Caribbean vibe of reggae music for years. Being named as the reggae capital of the Philippines, it is the home for outstanding reggae bands these days - one of them is Junior Kilat (the name was inspired from a 70's Cebuano band "Leon Kilat"). Composed of members Errol "Budoy" Marabiles on vocals, bass guitarist Tiano Evangelista, Archie Ybanez on lead guitar, Gina Pentano on keyboards, Diana Freese on drums, Cleofas Quijano on trombone, with the unlikely mix of turntables by Bangin atienza, the band is set for the reggae invasion all over the 7000+ islands of the Philippines. With their playful yet brilliant repertoires, we can only expect a bigger, better and bolder Junior Kilat for years to come.

Formed in 2000, the band was able to set a new trend in the music scene with their funky, humorous and modern approach on reggae. With their influences such as Sly and Robbie, Eek-A-Mouse, Prince Far-I, Lee Scratch Perry, and popular novelty artists Yoyoy Villame and Max Surban, they were able to introduce an ear catching vibe - RnB (Reggae na Bisaya) delivered in a very humorous way. As the band set foot on local performances, they instantly made a big name in Cebu with the hit single "Ako si M-16" (a song for guns) - the rumors about the young band reached as far as the metro.

Having a unique vibe and rhythm, their songs "K-Fyne", "Original Sigbin" and "Kling Klang" was succesfully included in compilation albums "Island Riddims" and "Island Krismas" released in 2004. In the 2005 NU Rock Awards, Junior Kilat received the Song of the Year award after which they released the album "Party Pipol on Dub TV" on Galaxy Records.

The "Buwad Suka Sili" album was their response to their growing number of fans. In 2006, Budoy Marabiles joined the reality show Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition where he wrote songs "Maligo na Jam" and "Budoy Ako" - the Visayan version of the show theme song "Pinoy Ako", which were also used in the program. It was quite controversial since the rising band's progress was placed in hiatus and people are clueless whether Budoy are on to his personal career or just making a way to promote his band. After Budoy's eviction, the Cebuano band was active again to pursue their careers as reggae artists. 

The recent album of Junior Kilat is "Enrique de Malacca". As the name suggests, it’s filled with awareness of Philippine history - Spanish colonization, traditions, indigenous, pagan, and religious beliefs. It's what makes Junior Kilat unique - being able to incorporate culture and beliefs through their lyrics and songs in a modern taste of reggae music.

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Tags: homegrown talent, jr kilat, junior kilat, Pinoy Reggae, Reggae, reggae band, sigbin

It is a usual scenario for every amateur bands to go through many difficulties that may break them or bring them up in the music industry. For the Hemp Republic, it is something that made them strong and succeed as artists. Nowadays, they're being looked up as one of the pioneers in the Philippine reggae scene.

Hemp club is a product of UP Los Banos. In 1999, most of the band members were very active in the university organization UP Jammer's Club and they had their own bands then. Mags Gahol (rythm guitars), thought about putting up a reggae band since reggae wasn't that popular before. Unfortunately, it never materialized until Bunny Liwanag (vocals) and Tonton Hatol (lead guitars) came into a serious decision of putting up their own regae band in 2000. After the jam sessions with Mabs Tolentino (bass), Al Sese (Drums), Alfred Pagsuyuin (keyboards), and supposed-to-be band front runner Mags, the band was able to come up with the song "Hey Body Rock".

 

The band preferred cover songs at first, most of it are from the "Jamaica Me Groovy" compilation album (a pirated one). Since then, they were on the way for gigs that'll define them as a band. The band's first performance was in fromt of a live audience together with the local band Sucker Fish. They were also able to play in a bar somewhere in Las Pinas that was called Z-bar. On their way to play some more gigs, they found a bar in Quezon City where they get to play a set which was quite inconvenient since they have to drive for hours to get there. The band got a little lucky when the school year started in UPLB. With the small bars near the campus, they were able to produce their own gigs usually by selling tickets and creating posters of their own. It was an opportunity for the band to mature as musicians with the additional member Caio Cadiz (percussions).

The band's affiliation with Put3ska's Bing Austria was quite a blessing - they were able to play in Freedom Bar for one of Club Ska's gigs. The dream of playing regularly in the metro is already coming true as they were booked by Bing in several occasions. After numerous auditions and rehearsals, they were finally given a regular gig on Mayrics - a place where most popular bands started, alongside the pioneer of the reggae music in the Philippines - CocoJam. In 2001, the opening of Xaymaca (now closed) in Timog Avenue opened the doors for the band to enter a much larger music scene as they shared the stage with established bands like the Brownman Revival. A year later, Glober Calambro (trumpet) and Arjo Ayende (trombone) joined the crew to add some spice in the band's reggae music.

"Welcome to Hemp Republic" was the shutout of the band's first album. The album's success paved way for music videos for the songs "Sabihin Mo" and "Fireflies" - The marker that Hemp Republic is already making a name in the Philippine music industry. Although there were some changes in the band lineup - Eggy Mallary (bass) and Jeck Cenidoza (trombone), the band is still committed to promote reggae music in the country. They are hopeful that someday, Filipinos will not only jive to their songs but also dig deeper into the essence of reggae music.

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Tags: hemp republic, homegrown talent, Pinoy Reggae, Reggae, reggae band

The music events in Bicol has been paving way for young artists to showcase their talents all throughout the region.  Some of the local bands have already reached a whole new level in the music scene and new bands are hopeful to earn a place in the country’s music industry. A few years ago, a local band from Albay was featured by Francis Brew of NU107 – the reggae band Stolen Shots, which was included in the 20 track compilation album “Musicmax Bicol” – featuring eight bands in Bicol from various genres Centerfold (alternative pop), Pepsi Paloma Experiment (Euro pop), Pentacle (rock), Pandora’s Box (Heavy Metal), Idle Pitch (alternative pop), Black Gulaman (alternative rock), and Buckyard Boyz (hip-hop). The album was officialy launched in 2008 in a concert produced by Rebolusyon Rekords in Naga and Legazpi city.

Stolen Shots is a local band from Albay that is composed of members Prime Ramo (vocals), Noel “Nhoy” Dollentas (bass), Lemon Brondial  (drums), Ryan Pasamba (trombone), Irle “Payirl” Sabdao (trumpet), and guitarists Ley Otilano and Jhoe Perez. Together they mix rock and reggae in an upbeat rhythm of ska. The fun loving band started performing in 10 years ago and they’ve been doing acts in schools, universities, festivals, and even band competitions. Soon they are already sharing the stage with other established local bands like Mudflow, Childsplay, and Pepsi Paloma Experiment.  The songs composed by the band guitarist Leo Otilano made a big difference the band’s success. The Song like “Chocolate Brown Coffee” was the talk of the town as the most energetic reggae beat you can listen to these days. With that, it was featured in the Standout Track of The Week in Nu107’s In the Raw program for two weeks in a row as a part of Musicmax Bicol album compilation. The band’s live performance is also one thing that sets them apart from other reggae bands you know of – they’ll pump you up with the beat they’re playing. Their exceptional showmanship truly is, one of a kind.

The band has gone through many hardships but it never stopped them from playing the music they love and entertaining people with their unique style and repertoire. Just last year, they’ve performed in the annual Ska Festival held at Mogwai Café, showcasing their music with popular bands such as Jeepney Joyride, The Marcos Cronies Conspiracy, Pinkcow, and Skabeche. They’re also performing as regular front act for established bands and artists in concerts help in Legazpi City.

Still, the young band has a lot to face in the future. With the opportunities provided by the local music industry, we can only expect the young bands nowadays to showcase their true talent and be successful artists in the future.

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Tags: homegrown talent, Pinoy Reggae, pinoy ska, Reggae, reggae band, ska band, stolen shots

Usual bands come in three or four members. Now, imagine what it sounds like to mix a number of awesome talents into one unique band. Skabeche may be unusually huge with its ten members but it somehow creates a big difference in the Philippine music scene. As flavorful as the Filipino cuisine Escabeche – a sweet and sour dish of dried or poached fish, Skabeche offers a mix of blues, punk and jazz through the dance beat of ska. The humorous way of addressing political and cultural awareness in their songs captivated the hearts of many fun loving Filipinos.

The proud band from Bulacan, is composed of members Michael “Dadi Mike” Santos (vocals/guitar) – also a guidance counselor and professor, Noel Salonga (percussion), Kim “Kympwet” Patawaran (drums), Leonardo “Monz” Castillo (guitar), Daniel Quintero Jr. (bass), Lester San Juan (vocals/alto saxophone), Billy Adap (trombone), Mark “JR” Ibanez (trumpet), Roberto Santiago (tenor saxophone), and Roberto Villegas Jr. (baritone saxophone). Surprisingly, they were able to combine their talents and musical influences into one awesome vibe, Ska – the band’s common interest which is closely related to reggae with an upbeat pattern. Officially formed in 2000, the band came up with many names until they settled with Skabeche – derived from the usual Filipino dish “escabeche”. Years later, they are  already sharing the stage with other popular artists with the tag – “Ang pambanSkang banda ng bayan”.

The unconventional band has gone through many struggles as many other mainstream bands did, but their catchy music kept listeners wanting for some more. May it be recorded or live performance, you’ll be dancing to their rhythm. The humor embed in the songs such as “Lamok” and “Good Day”, is something that Filipinos can relate to – being able to address political and social issues in a very funny way. Earning the place in the hearts of the community is something that they’re very proud of. As a result, the proud Bulakenyos succeeded in the Philippine mainstream being considered as one of the best independent artists in the country. They’ve been performing acts for many years in different parts of the country and they’re also they mainstay in the cooking show “Ka-touque” aired in GMA News TV as live performers. Their songs are often heard in radio stations grabbing a place in the most played bands in the airwaves.

For the past 11 years, the band accomplished many things that earned them a place in the Philippine music industry and internationally as well. With that, they also share their success through the band’s album “Skabeche: Table for Ten” where part of its proceeds will go to the beneficiary called Earnest Support for Underprivileged Children Charity Association Inc. (E-SUCH) – a non-profit organization that offers education opportunities for underprivileged children of Bulacan

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Tags: homegrown talent, Pinoy Reggae, pinoy ska, Reggae, reggae band, ska, skabeche

The city of smiles has been haunted by the great Mount Mayon for many years. As the young unnamed band was on its way for an act in Legazpi City, a road sign “Mudflow ahead” caught them by surprise – they already have the name for the band. Their idealism in the music that they play keeps them active until today. 

The surprising fusion of the popular Bicol novelty song “Sarung Banggi” (One Night) of Potenciano Gregorio – a renowned composer of novelty songs, and reggae melody was a huge success for the band – Mudflow. The reggae band from Sto. Domingo, Albay is composed of Abraham Defeo (vocals), Ray Gerard Marquez (drums), Fidel Balin Jr. (bass), and guitarists Mark Andrew Ortiz and Fidel Balin III – all related by blood. In their early years, they shared various music influences but their passion for reggae and ska went on. The reggae band was officially formed in 2002 and played gigs all over the region of Albay with the goal of promoting the culture of their fellow Bicolanos.

Although the tracks sounded really great, the very first album of Mudflow - the product of the band's creative juices, was only backed up with a desktop computer. Being new to the music industry, they never had the chance to have it distributed by an established label. With the help of their friends and supporters, they were able to reach the farthest sides of the Bicol region. Aside from the novelty hit “Sarung Banggi”, other songs like “Ay Naku Po” - composed by Ace Thomas (a band relative), and “Paraisong Panaginip” - a song that talks about environmental awareness, are also being played in local radio stations of the region.

Earning the title of Magayon Festival Band Competition later that year, Mudlfow reached a new horizon in the local music scene. The band was talked over in local airwaves and performed in many places in Southern Luzon. They were found in festivals, universities, and campus tours. They also performed as a front act for artists such as Slapshock, Kamikaze, the defunct Orange and Lemons, MYMP, and their fellow reggae band – Tropical Depression. Soon enough they've reached the reggae bars in Metro Manila like Xaymaca, Tiendesitas, and One Love Bar.

Mudflow somehow succeeded in reaching the mainstream music industry as their novelty song “Sarung Banggi” was included in Jam 88.3's compilation album entitled “Doobie Nights” in 2006 under Galaxy Records. Still, the band is hopeful for appreciation in the Philippine music scene by promoting regional diversity through their spicy taste of reggae music. With Mudflow's self-titled album last 2006, reggae lovers from different parts of the country awaits for the band's next album release.

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Tags: homegrown talent, mudflow, Pinoy Reggae, Reggae, reggae band

SOJA (Soldiers of Jah Army), a reggae band from Washington DC, has a lot to offer when it comes to reggae music. They are committed on spreading the word of love and peace through their music, inspired by the great Bob Marley. Active on both mainstream and counterculture music, SOJA definitely earns a place with the top performers around the world averaging 150 shows in a year.

Jacob Hermphill (lead vocals and guitar) grew up in Virginia with the love for hip-hop and rock music. With the same interests, he and Bob Jefferson (bass) went to school as best buds. In their high school years, they met their drummer, Ryan Berty, keyboardist Patrick O'Shea and percussionist Ken Brownell and later formed the band SOJA. Although the band loved rock and hip-hop, they wanted to make a different impression in the music scene – through reggae music.

The young band was fortunate to have Jim Fox, a renowned sound engineer, in accomplishing their very first album “Soldiers of Jah Army EP” back in 2000.  Without enough money to back up their recording plan, Jim made up discounts for the band. With the successful first album, they were able to make the second album “Peace in a Time of War” a couple of years later. SOJA finally made a name in the local and international reggae scene with hit songs “Rasta Courage”, “True Love”, and the album carrier single

By 2006, SOJAs popularity tremendously grew as they made a breakthrough for the band to achieve variations in style and melody, along with the rich context in lyrics in their second album. It was a huge success that their concerts grew larger with the massive support given by their fans all over the US. The success of “Get Wiser” album released in 2007 was a gesture for more tours. The band swam across Brazil, Argentina, France, Costa Rica, and other countries where reggae is loved the most. In the first quarter of 2009, the band released a DVD documentary “SOJA live in Hawaii” that showcases their success on the Hawaiian tour they made in 2008. Moving forward, the band added some more flavor in their music with the addition of horn musicians, Rafael Rodriguez and Hellman Escorcia. They are already performing acts with other popular reggae artists such as Matisyahu, Damien Marley, Citizan Cope,  and Ben Harper.

From being unknown to a successful reggae band that's being looked up by new artists in the music scene, SOJA remains faithful to their fans with the message they ought to tell the world. They're committed to create songs that'll matter for everyone; young or old, rich or poor, black or white – their message is clear and speaks to everyone.

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Tags: Reggae, reggae band, SOJA, SOJA band, Soldiers Of Jah Army, US Reggae