Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears"

In Chapter 2 of "Crucifixion of the Ghetto" dancehall culture takes front stage. To get a hit "You haffe fit" loosely translated from Jamaican patios means to get a hit you have to be fit. During that fist year of recording at Studio K, those lyrics from the 1985 Black Uhuru song "Fit you Haffe Fit" had become a mantra, a catch phrase at the studio to always be alert, aware, attuned to both mental...

On the Season 7 prologue "Ghetto People Song," Host Henry K explores the profound connections between music, history, and identity, as he reflects on the tumultuous environment of Kingston, Jamaica, during the turn of the millennium. It begins with a personal narrative about producing reggae music amidst rising violence and crime, highlighting how the very essence of reggae emerged from the strugg...

Live and Direct from Kingston, Jamaica, The Rootsland Bonus Chapter "One man against the World" weaves a compelling narrative about music, resilience, and human connection. It opens with Henry K reflecting on the indomitable spirit embodied by Gregory Isaacs' anthem "One Man Against the World." This track, with its themes of perseverance amidst adversity, resonates deeply with the Henry, who recou...

"...Man to Man is so unjust..." but lucky for Bob Marley, he knew who to trust. Right by his side through the turmoil and adversity, through the joy and pain was his devoted friend, art director, advisor and confident...Neville Garrick. On this Bonus Episode of Rootsland, Henry K explores the profound themes of friendship, loyalty, and the impact of personal connections through the lens of legenda...

"Book of Rules" Builders for Eternity is a bonus Chapter of Roootsland that takes listeners on an enlightening journey through the intersections of reggae music, history, and philosophy, anchored by the iconic song "Book of Rules" by the Heptones . The host begins by exploring the song's origins, noting its release in 1973 and its subsequent popularity in Jamaica and beyond. The discussion reveals...

In the music business when a band or group releases a greatest hits project it usually marks the beginning of the end, unless you're the Eagles, but we are still early in the story. Maya Angelou said it best "You really can't know where you are going until you know where you've been." As we move forward to the next chapters in the Rootsland Saga scheduled for release in early December, things are...

On the Season 6 Chapter "Throw Down Your Arms," Host Henry K reads and replies to a letter from one of the members of the Rootsland Republic... Also last month reggae lost a powerful voice Rootsland , pays tribute to one of the most rebellious and underrated singers of our generation. Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studio Red Hillz, Jamaica Closing Credits: Downpressor Man perf...

  Chapter 6: Kingston Sessions "A Deadly Betrayal" Part 2 unfolds in a vibrant setting, celebrating Independence Day with a dazzling fireworks display that mesmerizes the guests, including Sia, a country girl from Jamaica. The episode artfully juxtaposes the glitzy life of Manhattan's elite and the struggles of Jamaican musicians, emphasizing the socio-economic divides that persist. As t...

 Chapter 5: Kingston Sessions "A Deadly Betrayal" In the fall of 1997 the legendary Jamaican Saxophonist Deadly Headley Bennett invited a young Sax player to Kingston to study under Headley's musical direction. Deadly brought the aspiring horn player Rich Prafder into the studio, where the 2 recorded a demo project under the name Saxsemilla...But then that little 5 song demo ta...

The blizzard continues in "Murder Love (B-side)" In the summer of 1993 there was no reggae song making people dance like the hip hip infused dancehall club banger titled Informer, and no reggae singer tearing up the international pop charts like a 24 year old white reggae rapper form Toronto Canada Darren Kenneth O Brian, better known as Snow. When the label decides to produce the follow up album...

In the summer of 1993 there was no reggae song making people dance like the hip hip infused dancehall club banger titled Informer, and no reggae singer tearing up the international pop charts like a 24 year old white reggae rapper form Toronto Canada Darren Kenneth O Brian, better known as Snow. When the label decides to produce the follow up album in Kingston, The stage was set for an Irish hoodl...

In the Season 6 Debut, Henry K explains the meaning and importance of "owning your masters" and why it's the catch phrase for a new generation looking to take creative control not only over their work, but over their lives. "Owning your masters," it even sounds powerful, like reckoning or reclamation, and it kind of is. It is the reason why 30 years ago the revolutionary singer Prince, wrote the w...

In the Season 5 Finale of "Redemption Song," Henry K comes to terms with the death of his friend Brian and confronts his future in the music business with a little help from his friends...both new and old. Closing Credits "A Change Gonna Come" Sugar Black & Lehbanchuleh Produced by Henry K Home | ROOTSLAND Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise "Wear Your Culture" Rootsland is produced by Hen...

Amidst the backdrop of Jamaica's lush landscapes, a heartfelt narrative emerges, intertwining Host Henry K's personal stories with the legacy of reggae music. The episode opens with a casual conversation among friends, setting the stage for a journey that leads to Negril. As they discuss their travel plans, the mention of Toots Hibbert's music serves as a poignant reminder of the cultural signific...

Both the Grateful Dead and Reggae have evolved from music into movements, communities centered around Love, Respect, Unity, and Awareness. Perhaps the most overlooked connection boils down to one Word "Rebellion," The Grateful Dead and Reggae were both born out of separate counter cultures embroiled in the same universal struggle, the fight against the status quo, against injustice and intolerance...

By 1994 Henry K had started to earn his stripes in the business, after spending years as a foot soldier patrolling the streets and lurking the studios of Kingston town. in addition to hustling "Henry K"records out of the trunk of his Neva, he partnered up with friend and producer Delroy "Dr. Marshall" Harrison, Gussie Clarke’s hotshot young engineer to form a dancehall label called "One Up Music."...

In Chapter 4 "Life is One Big Road ," We join Henry K for a day in the life of a young Reggae Producer...from Jamaica's iconic record shops to his de facto headquarters at Bob Marley's Tuff Gong Music. The road he travels, is about to get much bigger, when Bob Marley's daughter makes Henry an offer he can't refuse. Rootsland Returns On March 14, with the second half of Season 5 Closing Credits "Li...

After all the parties, the stage shows, the wining and dining; At 2:00 AM on Thursday nights in Kingston a "who's who" of reggae and dancehall arrive at to the local hot spot House of Leo for late night set of the Stone Love sound system. Tiger, Terry Ganzie and Buju Banton rock the airwaves and Carlene and Bogle rule the dance floor. A mysterious "Lady in Red" invited Henry for a dance, as he app...

Season 5 continues with Henry K's long awaited meeting with veteran reggae singer Ed Fitzroy at the JBC compound in Halfway Tree. As they discuss their potential upcoming project, Henry quickly learns there are going to be expenses incurred that were not accounted for in the budget. Henry will have turn to an unlikely source for help...and it's a long shot. Home | ROOTSLAND Reggae Music, Podcast &...

The Season opener "Brian the Lion" is heartfelt tribute to host Henry K's friend Brian, whose untimely death from addiction leaves a profound impact on Henry's life. The narrative begins with a harrowing phone call that brings the devastating news, capturing the shock and grief that follows. Henry K reflects on their friendship and the moments spent together in Jamaica, a place that symbolizes bot...

On this Bonus Episode of Rootsland, Henry K pays tribute to Public Radio and the local DJ's and Broadcasters that are responsible for preserving and protecting roots and indigenous music. Henry also plays highlights from his August and December 2022 appearances on South Florida's Public Radio Station 93.1 WLRN as a guest on Micheal Stock's Folk and Acoustic music program. Wayne Armond was also a g...

You've heard the stories behind the music... Now it's time to hear the songs that inspired the stories. Join Henry K as he "plays the tracks and recounts the facts" from the early recording sessions where the journey began. Bob Andy, Halfpint, Deadly Headly Bennett, Sugar Black, Dominic & Snakeman... all the favorite Rootsland personalities like you have never heard them before. Rootsland Retu...

In the Season 4 Finale, Henry tries to tie up loose ends and inspire Sia by telling her an inspirational story involving reggae superstar Bob Andy. It may motivate her, but will it be enough to save their relationship? Rootsland will return January 3rd with a Bonus Music Mix Home | ROOTSLAND Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise "Wear Your Culture" Rootsland is produced by Henry K Productions In...

This Chapter of Rootsland "Pass the Kutchie" offers an enlightening and personal look into the world of reggae music through host Henry K's friendship with Headley Bennett, a saxophonist whose artistry has shaped the genre yet remains largely unrecognized. Listeners are introduced to Bennett's early life at Alpha Boys School, a pivotal institution in nurturing Jamaica's musical talent, and learn h...

Negril was originally named Xtabi: "The meeting place of the Gods," by the Arawaks one of Jamaica’s native Taino Tribes. Cut off from the rest of the island by wetlands, and tidal marshes with dense waterlogged soil. Xtabi was a secluded paradise , where the Arawaks lived in harmony with "the land of Wood and Water..." a land they inhabited for thousands of years and felt a deep spiritual connecti...