Henry K

Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears"

Music EN ↓ 106 episodes

Rootsland is a long-form narrative audio documentary created and hosted by Henry K. Set against the backdrop of Jamaica and its music culture, the series blends memoir, documentary storytelling, history, and lived experience to explore friendship, ambition, faith, loss, identity, and the moments that change our lives. Drawing on nearly three decades living and working in Jamaica, Henry K takes listeners beyond the headlines and into the lives of artists, dreamers, hustlers, visionaries, and everyday people whose paths intersect in unexpected ways. While reggae often provides the soundtrack, Ro...

Author

Henry K

Episodes

Chapter 6: “Unchained" 22.03.2021 20:33

Broadcasting from the rolling red hills on the outskirts of Kingston, Jamaica, Host Henry K reflects on his time working in Kingston, his interactions with local characters and the profound impact of reggae music on the island's people. In this Chapter of Rootsland Henry describes his routine in Kingston, highlighting the balance between comfort and danger in a city vibrant with life yet fraught w...

Chapter 5: “Money Can’t Buy Life” 15.03.2021 19:02

Hanging out on the edges of Kingston, Jamaica, Henry and Bob Andy chat about how music, culture, and the complex political scene all come together.. Henry reveals the turmoil and power struggles following Bob Marley's death, painting a vivid picture of legal battles and family dynamics. The listener is taken on a journey through boardroom conflicts and street realities, providing a unique perspect...

Chapter 4: “Ghetto Stays in the Mind” 01.03.2021 26:08

Welcome to the vibrant and turbulent world of Kingston, Jamaica, as experienced by Henry Karyo a passionate American welcomed into the storied halls of Tuff Gong Studios, Bob Marley's record label. Guided by the iconic Bob Andy, Henry traverses the beauty and heartbreak of Jamaica while learning about its rich musical traditions and tragic social and political landscape carved out by years of colo...

Chapter 3: “Welcome to Jamrock” 22.02.2021 30:36

In this captivating chapter of the Rootsland podcast, journey into the heart of Kingston, Jamaica, where dreams and reggae rhythms intertwine. Henry, a disillusioned justice student turned music enthusiast, embarks on an adventure that leads him to the iconic Tuff Gong Records . Influenced by the legendary Bob Marley's philosophy of self-reliance and the unwavering support of friends like Brian fr...

Chapter 2: "When the Music Hits" 15.02.2021 24:15

On this week's show "When the Music Hits" , host Henry K takes listeners on an evocative trip through his college days and the formative experiences that shaped his love for reggae music. We hear about his unique experiences as an intern at the iconic RAS Records, where he was mentored by music pioneer Doctor Dread, and his friendship with a young Jamaican named Carson. The narrative weaves throug...

Chapter 1: "Catch a Fire" 15.02.2021 22:05

In the poignant debut of Rootsland, host Henry K reveals the transformative journey of himself and friend Brian, who set out to change the world through their music. Moving to Kingston, Jamaica in 1991, they rented a house in the hills of Armour Heights, turning it into an artistic sanctuary that attracted talent from all over. Amidst this vibrant mix of culture and music, Brian immersed himself i...