Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears"

In this bonus episode, Henry K and Sia tackle the pressing need for accountability and authenticity within the reggae community, lamenting the lost opportunities for meaningful dialogue and action due to the pervasive influence of gatekeeping practices in digital spaces. They recount instances of censorship, such as the removal of petitions advocating for justice for Peter Tosh, which highlight th...

After a Season of murder, conspiracy, and darkness. Henry K decides to take listeners on a positive journey for this Bonus Episode. "Healing of the Nation" is the inspiring narrative of Sandy G, a woman who epitomizes resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Sandy's story serves as a poignant reminder that true freedom and dignity are attained not through shortcuts, but through stead...

In the finale of Wanted Dread or Alive "Peter Tosh vs. Babylon" Host Henry K recounts his personal journey to Tosh's birthplace during the Peter Tosh Festival, which serves as a backdrop for a deeper investigation into the circumstances surrounding his untimely death. He confronts the unsettling realities of how narratives surrounding Tosh have been manipulated, highlighting the societal tendency...

Episode 8 "Mark of the Beast" unearths the complexities of Tosh’s existence, showcasing his financial struggles despite his international fame. Host Henry K takes a critical look at the socio-economic disparities that characterized the era, vividly illustrating the stark contrast between the privileged elite and the struggling populace. Peter Tosh emerges as a complex figure, his life marked by bo...

In "Babylon's Cross-Hairs" , Host Henry K takes a close look the history of reggae music and its intertwined relationship with Jamaica’s sociopolitical landscape, focusing on the iconic One Love Peace Concert . Henry K recounts his experiences at Tuff Gong Records , where the essence of reggae was not merely a genre but a movement that encapsulated the struggles and aspirations of a nation. This e...

In further unraveling the mythos surrounding Bob Marley's death, Host Henry K critically analyzes the proliferation of conspiracy theories, particularly the infamous 'poison boot' narrative that posits nefarious intent behind his rare form of melanoma. Through expert testimonies and thorough investigation, the episode dismantles these urban legends, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing fac...

On this episode " Bullets and "Blood ," Host Henry K takes a close look at the harrowing events surrounding the assassination attempt on reggae icon Bob Marley in December 1976, an incident that profoundly impacted not only Marley's life but the socio-political landscape of Jamaica. Following a violent shooting at his home, Henry K paints a vivid picture of the scene at Marley's residence, where t...

On Episode 4 " Good Cop, Bad Cop " Host Henry K takes a close look at the harrowing events surrounding the assassination of Ludlow Campbell, a key witness against corrupt police officers in Jamaica. The episode reveals the chilling connections between Campbell's murder and the earlier assassination of reggae icon Peter Tosh , suggesting a systemic pattern of violence perpetrated by those sworn to...

On " The Getaway Driver" Host Henry K updates the narrative surrounding the individual known as Dennis Lobban, infamously referred to as Leppo, as he explores the hauntingly intricate web of conflicting stories that have emerged since his purported death in 2018. Within the broader context of Jamaica's tumultuous history, Henry K then focuses on the legacy of the late Sybil Hibbert, a pioneering j...

On Episode 2 of "Wanted: Dread or Alive" The narrative surrounding the murder of reggae icon Peter Tosh is revealed, focusing on the Supreme Court's ruling regarding the appeal of Dennis "Leppo" Lobban, the only individual convicted in this notorious crime. This case is emblematic of the broader societal issues in Jamaica, where power dynamics intertwine with music, politics, and street justice, r...

On the debut of Herb and Legends Season 1 "Wanted Dread or Alive" The tragic tale of Peter Tosh, a seminal figure in reggae music, unfolds amidst the backdrop of a violent night in Kingston, Jamaica, on September 11, 1987. Host Henry K explores the harrowing events surrounding his assassination, which not only claimed the life of an influential musician but also raised profound questions regarding...

Preview "Herb and Legends" the new series where Award Winning Host Henry K brings insights gained from decades spent in Kingston, Jamaica. Part "Murder Mystery...Part, Music history" Henry highlights the rich oral traditions that permeate the music scene, emphasizing how these stories contain the heartbeat of the culture. Season 1 Peter Tosh "Wanted Dread or Alive" touches on the unresolved myster...

The Finale of Rootsland explores the emotional and sociopolitical landscape following a tumultuous presidential election. The hosts, Henry and Sia, reflect on a letter from a devoted listener named Lorna, who expresses her devastation over the election results and her fears for the future of her family. Their conversation highlights the struggles many face in the aftermath of political shifts, emp...

Season 7 Bonus Chapter "Say a little Prayer" opens with the celebration of Rootsland's nomination for the Signal Podcast Awards, setting a tone of gratitude and reflection. The highlight comes from a listener's letter, read by Ian, who shares his journey from Zimbabwe to South Africa, detailing how the podcast has opened his eyes to the realities of racism and classism. Ian articulates how listeni...

In this bonus episode of the Rootsland podcast, hosts Henry K and Sia discuss the evolving narrative and future plans for the show. The discussion kicks off with Henry reflecting on his recent interview on the podcast "A Conversation in Dub," A Conversation in Dub Podcast - Listen on YouTube, Spotify - Linktree emphasizing the importance of maintaining authentic and meaningful connections in the r...

A special Labor Day episode of Rootsland, is an emotional tribute to the legendary dancehall figure, Gerald "Bogle" Levy. The show examines the tragic news of Bogle's death in 2005, recounting his influence as a dancer, cultural icon, and the circumstances surrounding his shocking murder. As Curly Locks breaks the sad news to Henry K, listeners are taken on a journey through the life and legacy of...

Much to the dismay of Co-host Sia, Henry K breaks down the biggest story in Jamaican music...Dancehall Artist Vybez Kartel's recent release from prison and what a "Kartel Comeback" means to Reggae Music. While social media has exploded with delight, others are not so elated. "Choose your Murderer Wisely," shines a light on the complexity of artist Vybez Kartel and his hardcore band of followers. R...

This week's episode "Not like Us" examines the high-profile feud between rap titans Kendrick Lamar and Drake, dissecting the tensions between maintaining artistic credibility and achieving mainstream popularity. Through this lens, the host Henry K reflects on the importance of genuine, impactful artistry in genres like reggae and hip hop, drawing parallels to cultural appropriation issues. With re...

The Rootsland podcast pays tribute to the late reggae legend Desi Jones, one of the most technically and musically proficient drummers in the genre's history. Host Henry K reflects on Jones's significant contributions to reggae music and his dedication to mentoring the next generation of Jamaican musicians. The episode also explores the challenges of fatherhood, with Henry sharing heartfelt storie...

On the Bonus Chapter of Rootsland we explore the profound significance of a mother's love, beautifully illustrated through a touching narrative shared by the host, Henry. As the episode unfolds, we hear from Sia and Henry, who celebrate Mother's Day and reflect on the deep bonds and sacrifices made by mothers. Henry recounts a poignant story about a friend, "Piano Man," whose conversation with Hen...

Righteousness is a central theme that resonates throughout the episode, capturing the essence of reggae music's spiritual and cultural influence. The host, Henry K, takes listeners on a journey through the legacy of Bob Marley and the enduring power of reggae music. The breakout success of "Praise Jah in the Moonlight," performed by YG Marley, grandson of Bob Marley, is highlighted as a testament...

On the Season 7 Finale of "Crucifixion of the Ghetto" Henry K meets Curly Loxx's little son Zion and discovers Curly's true incentive for wanting to escape the ghetto. A call from an old friend alerts Henry K that there are people in Jamaica more dangerous than the Island's notorious Gangsters and Dons, and now is the time for him to choose sides. Stay Tuned for an announcement regarding our New P...

Chapter 5 of Season 7 has Curly Loxx explaining to Henry K how a chance encounter with a successful businessman at a graduation party and the career advise he offered would provide the inspiration needed to help him escape the ghetto. Next Week is the Season Finale, Stay Tuned for Exciting News regarding our New Show. Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studio Red Hills, Jamaica Gue...

Before heading back to Florida, Henry K is given the grand tour of Kingston's ghettos by The Twin of Twins, including stops at their childhood home on Ricketts Ave, their fathers auto shop in Waterhouse, and the garrison community of Payne Land where their childhood friends reside. Henry braces for some jarring news upon his return home. Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studio Re...

In Chapter 3 of "Crucifixion of the Ghetto" Hungry Town, a chance encounter at the Studio with a Grammy Nominated Songwriter is just the right ingredient the Bigga Staar project needs to get off the ground. Henry K and Bigga travel into Hungry Town, one of Kingston's garrisons to check rising Rastafarian singer Turbulence about a feature on a song. Rootsland Returns on 3/19 with the Second Half of...