Rootsland "Reggae's Untold Stories"

This week "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 through Henry’s interactions with seminal reggae fig...

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 from Colorado, Henry explores the poss...

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 colonization. The Rootsland journey ...

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 perspective on Marley’s enduring influence ...

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 with challenges. The episode detail...

This Chapter's richly woven narrative takes listeners on a journey through the streets of Jamaica, capturing the essence of its vibrant culture and the darker shadows of its societal challenges. The story unfolds with a morning walk through the city, where an encounter with local hustlers escalates into a tense confrontation, underscoring the harsh realities faced by those perceived as outsiders or different. This incident serves ...

Chapter 8 "Legalize it, Don't Criticize it" recounts host Henry K's adventurous road trip through Jamaica on his way to attend Reggae Sunsplash, a legendary music festival that serves as a meeting point for diverse groups of people united by their love for reggae. The narrative examines the complex relationship between the Jamaican authorities and the Rastafarian community, shedding light on the persecution faced by reggae artists...

In the heart of Jamaica, amidst the pulsating beats of reggae and the vibrant energy of Kingston, Henry K. embarks on a journey of self-discovery and cultural immersion. At its core, the episode is a meditation on choice and consequence, as Henry grapples with the tension between his responsibilities and his desire for artistic freedom. Dialogues peppered with Bob Marley quotes and Rastafarian philosophy underscore the existential...

The Season 2 Debut of Rootsland begins as Host Henry K recounts the dramatic and pivotal moment in Bob Marley's life when he survived an assassination attempt in 1976. Amidst the chaos of gunfire at his home in Kingston, Marley and his band faced a life-threatening situation that would forever change their trajectory. The narrative highlights Marley's extraordinary courage as he chose to perform just days later, despite his wounds,...

Host Henry K reflects on his humble origins in the music business sweeping floors and packing boxes working at Island records for the Music Icon Chris Blackwell. The episode serves as both a tribute to the artistry of reggae music and a critical examination of the industry’s often exploitative nature. Listeners are i...

There is a saying in NYC real estate the 3 most important things are "location, location, location." When Island moves offices from 4th and Broadway into the swank new open floored penthouse at 400 Lafayette Street, Henry's new location happens to be the desk right across Bonz Malone. known as the "Hunter Thompson of Hip Hop." The former gang member who found redemption through the power of words, and a never say die menta...

Henry learns that being in the game, means getting to know the players. One of the most important job qualifications at Island was having a rich father who was friends with the owner. Fortunate sons like Billy D an arrogant white Jamaican screw up , with a dark personality and an unhealthy obsession with dancehall music’s seedy underworld was just one of many characters at the office. On a dark New York City afternoon all Henr...

In the Spring of 1991, Henry drives from Kingston to Ochos Rios in order to attend a concert hosted by Sister Rita Marley commemorating the 10th Anniversary of Bob Malrey's passing. For the Kush Danai, the Rasta in the passenger seat the only thing on his mind was the murder of his friend Peter Tosh. Henry tries to keep the conversation upbeat, but Kush is concerned and justifiably so... reggae music and it's artistes are un...

Henry finally gets the "chance of a lifetime", an opportunity to meet his boss Chris Blackwell founder and President of Island Records. Blackwell had recently sold his label to Polygram Entertainment for half a billion dollars, a lucrative deal that made him the world's richest music executive. By contrast, there stood Henry, a 25 year old entry level t shirt salesman, anxiously awaiting a chance to break into the music bu...

In the Season 2 Finale: Brian tries to convince Henry that it's the right to move to Jamaica while chilling out in NYC's Washington Square Park. Before Henry's willing to make the move, he books some time at one New York's most iconic recording studios to hear Brian "rock the mic."

You can support the Show by purchasing The Rootsland (Original Podcast Soundtrack) featuring timeless reggae tracks performed by Wayne Armond...

The Rootsland Republic is truly a global family. These stories about reggae music and Jamaica have connected with so many people form diverse backgrounds and far away places. 2 of places where we have family and listener are Ukraine and Ethiopia, 2 places that under siege form outside and within, and as usual in these unnecessary and bloody political conflict ordinary people like you and me get caught in the middle, So in the spe...

On April 3, we commemorate the anniversary of Rev. Martin Luther King's "I've Been to the Mountaintop" Speech, given 54 years ago in Memphis. In this Bonus Episode of Rootsland, host Henry K explores if Moses, Bob Marley and MLK all packed the same essentials for the journey to the Promised Land.

You can support the Show by purchasing The Rootsland (Original Podcast Soundtrack) featuring timeless reggae tracks performed...

People Get Ready and Enjoy the Season 3 Trailer of Rootsland to start off this Bonus Episode. Once the vibe is nice, kick back and listen to our tribute to Reggae Superstar Bob Andy. The show features special guest Wayne Armond live at the Rootsland Studios, performing his rendition of the song "I've got to go Back Home" the Bob Andy classic. Wayne is the singer/guitarist for the band Chalice, celebrating 40 years t...

As Henry and Brian are touching down, in Kingston so is an army of foreign invaders. Record Companies, music executives, publishers, mangers all looking to cash in on dancehall's recent waive of international popularity, Most were opportunists looking to take advantage of what they perceived as uneducated 3rd world artistes. Yet as greedy and ruthless as these international companies were, they had no idea of what kind of ...