Roots & Culture 109 Items

First single from Ekowmania's upcoming album "Dr. Afrodub" is the grand Roots/Reggae track "Kwame Nkrumah". This Jimi Tenor production is simply a classic Roots track thatmight have it all; tight big horns, riding drums, a strong voice and magnificent backing choir support elegant and Class-A song writing rarely surfacing in our days. B-side of this 7" is a DJ Sotofett Mix where only the vocals, choir and horns are used for full effect choral version. Ekowmania aka Ekow Alabi Savage from Ghana is the drummer and percussion player in KabuKabu who plays with Jimi Tenor since almost 20 years. Also he is one of the founding members of one the first Afro-Reggae bands in Germany back in 1982. Album released by Ronet Records later in 2024.

Years ago we were lucky enough to get an incredible and uncredited Acetate with a deep instrumental cut of Satta Massagana , long story short after few weeks we got it the plate totally cracked and became unplayable. We managed to send the plate to Rome at Vinyl restoration who made a little miracle and somehow fixed it well enough for us to export a digital crackling recording of it to keep in our archives. Few years later , we played the noisy recording to the great musicians from Dig This Way All Stars and we decided it was absolutely the case to attempt a modern remake of it. Thats how Abeng , Sere and Monz made the structure of the Riddim , than Rootikal Horns handled the Trombone and Sax version , Nicola Gallo did the Organ part and Jonny De Ambassador played the percussions! The final touch is done by Yakka who mixed a couple wicked dubwises of it and Pressure Mastering that made it sounds proper! The 45rpm is pressed in 250 black copies.

master bag

Limited edition original 7" single - only 250 copies!

Limited edition original 7" single - only 250 copies!

Another inferno is ignited by the legendary producer Jack Ruby in the next installment of the reissue series. Once again, featuring the iconic Tyrone Taylor with "Birds of a Feather," whose vocals soar above a foundation of pure roots reggae, originally recorded in 1976. The heat doesn't stop there, as for the first time on 7-inch vinyl, we unleash the fury of "Death Before Dishonour," an instrumental by Jack Ruby's militant Black Disciples backing band with seriously blazing horns that leave an undeniable mark. This is the first time ever that "Birds of a Feather" and its instrumental counterpart are paired together.

Black Redemption is back with a fresh 12inch featuring the iconic Scion Success on vocals. A tune entitled ‘My Father’s House’ aka ‘Love & Hate’, two different cuts, each with a dub. One side features Kheru Jahman Dan on the riddim and mixing duties in an uptempo steppers style, the other side Keety Roots in a heavy one drop style. Deep roots and culture music for your stereo!

Here comes a special tribute to Hamburg’s dub and sound system history of the 90s - an important chapter for dub and reggae music in Germany on a whole. One of the local veterans, Pensi, also known as the man behind Ire Hi-Fi, meets Dub Me Ruff at the Sound Navigator Studio. An unearthed gem from that era entitled ‘Generation Of Change’. The infamous ‘Dub Me Ruff System’-dubplate-mixtape from the 90s, which was run heavily on cassette by fans and collectors alike, featured a vocal cut and one dub. This and some dances at the time were the only way one could hear the tune. We just had to get in touch with Pensi directly, and carefully inquire if there could be a chance to release it after all those years properly. To our joy he was excited about the project and went back into his archive and found the original DAT-tapes and some lost mixes. We are honored to now present to you, transferred from those DATs at Soon Come Studio (a project run by Pensi and a collective of Hamburg producers nowadays) and freshly remastered and cut at Star Delta in the UK, this first ‘90s salute’ from 1995 on 12inch vinyl. Vocal plus three wonderful dub excursions crafted by Danielle ‘Yell’ Mommertz, with her going heavier on the fx with each mix - from ‘gentle’ to ‘Iration style’. The lyrics could not be more fitting today and seem to not have lost any relevance almost 30 years after they were written. A powerful message on an uncompromising roots riddim à la dub me ruff.

Peak 1987 all time, top tier digital reggae. Killer one-away rhythm and awesome militant vocal from Hopeton Lindo. One of our all time favorite politically conscious reggae tunes, still relevant today. Better still, this release is taken straight from the original master tape and is nearly a full minute longer than the original release, wherein Hopeton drops a bit of our favorite dancehall vernacular. Real hardcore DKR heads will know when they hear it.

Killer combination roots tune from these two legends. Released in 1986, but the music sounds more in a 1980-81 Roots Radics style. Backed with hard dub version.

Here's the inaugural release in a new series from the archives of the late great engineer & producer Philip Smart. Philip's resume is impeccable - early friend and collaborator of Augustus Pablo, radio host and dj, first apprentice of King Tubby, and founder, producer and engineer at one of the major reggae studios of New York City history, Hc&f. Many years back our brother label Goldshop did a series of 45 reissues of the dancehall classics from Philip's Eclipse label. We always wanted to go deeper, but time moves fast, and unfortunately, Philip left us in 2014. But everything in due course, and now with his estate we've gone thru the archives to assemble a fantastic series of releases. This first release is a must - produced by Philip during his time as engineer at Tubby's studio, this is an awesome rockers style take on the moody Paragons classic. The flip features a classic blueprint mid 70s Tubby's style dub, HPF in effect with the first Prince, Philip Smart at the helm. Originally released thru Brooklyn's legendary Keith's record shop back around the time it was recorded.

We've been overdue to let off a modern gem from the Wackie's vaults, so here we go. Another of our favorite 12 Tribes related artists, the late great Judah Eskender Tafari, on a hard and moody but uplifting digital stepper straight from the Bronx. B-side features a great ghostly raw rhythm version from Bullwackie.

company sleeve

"Congo" by Nkrumah is a hypnotic slice of deep roots by Nkrumah aka Toronto's Kwame Salmon. The city that was home to Johnny Osbourne, Leroy Sibbles, Jackie Mittoo and countless other Reggae legends has produced another artist following this great lineage, a singer with a voice unlike anyone else. Originally released in miniscule quantities as a self produced dubplate/lathe cut, the 45 caused a sensation among Djs and sound system operators world wide. This official release features a different mix with an extended version and a spare, mesmerizing Dub version by Toronto's Heavy Manners crew reminiscent of late 90s/early 2000s Rhythm and Sound releases.

Two killers dj tools for 45 Djs ! Twice disco tracks, A side is a Disco Rap for 80, B side is a big classic Disco punched with phat drums and la little pitched up. As usual its a sure shot on 7inch.

Next on deck, straight from Producer Dan Ubick’s Lions Den Studio, comes two more re-imagined soul classics from Los Angeles’ own Night Owls. First up, we have soul phenom Eli “Paperboy” Reed taking on Ray Charles’ classic “You Don’t Know Me” and Rocksteady champions Jr. Thomas & The Volcanos, laying their beautiful soul harmonies to Eddie Kendricks’ timeless “If You Let Me.” For Side A’s “You Don’t Know Me,” Ubick had a tough assignment - find someone who could bring his own innate soulfulness to a song sung by “The Genius” in his prime. The answer came from Massachusetts-bred Eli “Paperboy” Reed, who moved to Clarksdale, Mississippi at 18 to cut his teeth singing in juke joints all over the Delta. Then, moving on to spend a year as minister of music at Chicago’s Southside church of Soul legend Mitty Collier (Chess Records) and relocating back to the East Coast to record for Capitol Records, Warner Brothers, Colemine Records, and now Yep Roc, Dan had found his man. On “You Don’t Know Me,” Reed’s voice ranges from belted lows to soulful highs that perfectly sets the stage for this more upbeat and Roots Reggae-infused rendition. With a tip of the hat to Jamaican legend and producer Bunny “Striker” Lee, Night Owls take Charles’ classic soul and R&B standard to new territory. On Side B is Eddie Kendricks’ “If You Let Me” feat. Jr Thomas & The Volcanos (Colemine Records), re-done here with a nod to another legendary Jamaican singer, songwriter, and music producer, The Techniques’ own Winston Riley (Johnny Osbourne, Dave & Ansel Collins, etc.). Originally debuted on Eddie Kendricks’ post-Temptations 1972 masterpiece People…Hold On (Tamla/Motown), Night Owls create a decidedly more moody and dubbed-out tone here, laying into a bass-heavy one-drop feel that perfectly sets the stage for Jr Thomas’ soulful lead and Volcanos members Alex Desért (Hepcat, The Lions) & John Butcher’s (The Expanders) spot on backing harmonies. While keeping much of the original harmonic language, Night Owls bring this much-loved classic to new heights, primed for the dance floor.

"Rough and Rugged sees Toronto Reggae Don Nkrumah pairing up with the analogue production wizards behind the enigmatic Local Dish label for a wild, synthy Dub excursion. Sounding something between 80's Dancehall and a late 70's Cabe Verde grail, Nkrumah's cool baritone rides this deeply funky, synth soaked analogue riddim. Originally released as a lathe cut 7" in miniscule quantities this is an edition of just 500 copies. Just wait until you hear the Dub!"

company sleeve

300 copies

All Nations Records present a new 12" with 2 original instrumental tracks, followed by their own dubs.
Thoses 2 tracks are the result of a collaboration between Higher Meditation and Simon Nyabinghi.
Simon sent the drum patterns to Addis from Higher Meditation, for him to play the rest of the instruments. A task he accomplished brilliantly!
The stunning melodies and bass fit perfectly with the raw drums.
Side A offers "Conquering Dub", a stepper tune that will surely be played on sound system sessions, as it has all the ingredients selectors and massives need when the dances get hot.
On B Side you will find a different groove, a tune called "Lion Dub", more down tempo, but as interesting as the first track.

Reissue from 1989, amazing leftfield Lovers Rock featuring extended dub version - emotional love bomb. Re-mastered and restored.

Get ready for a double dose of roots fire with the next Jack Ruby reissue! This 12" packs a serious punch on both sides. First up, the legendary Tyrone Taylor with "Move Up Black Man." Originally recorded in 1976, this anthem for empowerment is finally getting its rightful release as a single. Next up, for an absolute deep roots experience, we have "Free Rhodesia" a monumental instrumental on the "Rockfort Rock" rhythm featuring the full lineup of the Black Disciples backing band. Jack Ruby himself introduces the band one by one, and for those who remember, this track gets a mention in the iconic film "Rockers," where Ruby requests the drumming talents of the one and only Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace.

picture sleeve / 500 numbered copies

“Gun The Man Down ” by Dice The boss aka Pama Dice was first released in 1969 on the Trojan sublabel Joe with the track “Thief” by Joe Mansano on the B side. “Thief” is also reissued by us on a separate single dedicated to Joe Mansano. “Your Boss DJ” was also released in 1969 on the Joe Label with the track “Read The News” by Joe All Stars on the flip. Both titles are skinhead reggae classics that have never been reissued and are very much demand.

“Skinhead Revolt” by Joe The boss aka Joe Mansano was first released in 1970 on the Trojan sublabel Joe as a B side to the track “Tony B’s Theme” by Joey’s All Stars. “The Thief” was released in 1969 on the Joe Label with the track “Gun The Man Down” by Dice The Boss on the flip. “Gun The Man Down” is also being repressed by us on a separate single. Both titles are British Boss Reggae classics that are very much demand.

Pat & Roxie's "Way Of Fortune" begins flowing from the impactful theme of the Skatalites. The duo vocals are not as slick as those of the Blues Busters, but the mood is stylish. The original release was on Jamaica's Down Beat label, and the UK version was never released. Rare ska vocal that fetched over 150,000 yen at the Drum & Bass Recoreds auction.

"You'll Never Know" was released as a coupling to "In The Mood For Love" on Ska Beat in the UK. Everything from the intro to the lyric and rhyme scheme is beautiful. Tanamo is good at calypso style singing, but the sad tune also suits him well. The coupling song, "I Love You Truly", is a wonderful song with a fast and furious performance of the Skatalites in their heyday and Lloyd Knibb's powerful drumming. Lord Tanamo's Lovers Ska, Double Sider!

"Lock And Key" was written by popular Trinidadian singer Lord Bryner. The chorus will stay in your head all day, and it is rare to find an original calypso that is so pop. The coupling is by Orville Alphonso. The melody has the smell of the Caribbean, and the ska vocals are sure to be a hit with calypso lovers. Two songs full of Caribbean moods are coupled.

Dennis Brown's roots classic "Milk and Honey" freshly remastered, complete with Clive Hunt's original "Bitter Sweet" dub (under his Azul moniker) on the A Side. On the B side, Jay Glass Dubs unfolds a skewed and deconstructed contemporary dub. Strictly limited-edition white label vinyl.

Kazufumi Kodama is a Japanese trumpet player and producer for some of Japan's earliest and most influential dub groups. His claim to fame is the work he did with the group Mute Beat in the late 80s, many articles citing this group as the very first dub group to exist in Japan. Even if this isn't true, he certainly pushed the genre to its most popular in the country. His current band "Kodama And The Dub Station Band" released their first cover album "Tomoshibi" in 2023 from P-vine, and now some finest songs are released on 7inch ep! "You’ve Got A Friend" was written by Carole King for her album "Tapestry" in 1971, and Kodama & Dub Station band arranged the masterpiece as a dub song.

Kazufumi Kodama is a Japanese trumpet player and producer for some of Japan's earliest and most influential dub groups. His claim to fame is the work he did with the group Mute Beat in the late 80s, many articles citing this group as the very first dub group to exist in Japan. Even if this isn't true, he certainly pushed the genre to its most popular in the country. His current band "Kodama And The Dub Station Band" released their first cover album "Tomoshibi" in 2023 from P-vine, and now some finest songs are released on 7inch ep! This 7" ep includes a cover of Bob Marley's classic 'Is This Love' which inspired Kodama to make a covers album. Bob Marley's positive vibrations are arranged as an instrumental song and made into a dynamic and excellent cover.

Fully remastered and licensed, ltd to 500 copies. Reissued here for the first time, in an extended version, the UK reggae band’s only album, originally released on Ball Record in 1978. One of the best-kept secrets of the late 70’s/mid 80’s British reggae scene who, with Steel Pulse, competed for the title of best reggae band in Birmingham. The album includes these eight tracks plus both sides of the bands final single and a brace of previously unreleased tracks.

Reissued for the first time on vinyl, here's Jamaican reggae singer George Faith second album, originally released on Hollywood Records in 1979. Amazing soulful reggae melodies backed by the likes of Sly & Robbie, Aston "Family Man" Barrett, Tommy McCook, Earl "Chinna" Smith and more. Produced by the one and only Bunny Lee at Harry J Studios, and mixed by Scientist at King's Tubby's Studios!

Singer-songwriter Haruno is releasing the long-awaited 7-inch version of "Spring Has Come," a collaboration song for the Technics Eah-az80 Wireless Earphones! The theme of the album is spring, and was produced in collaboration with Taku Inoue, who has written songs for Ado, ano, and Hoshimachi Suisei, among others. The B-side features a remix by "pas TASTA," a six-member Jpop project that uses the Internet as a medium to transcend national borders.

City Pop / Reggae singer "Natsu Summer" releases new album in 2024! Produced by Cunimondo Takiguchi from Ryusenkei. Natsu Summer's latest release is a blend of danceable lovers' rock and soothing city pop, with ama-piano rhythms and steppers. Produced by Cunimondo Takiguchi of Ryusenkei, the album is not just reggae or city pop, but also throws out some new ideas. The cover of a hidden Japanese Lovers Rock song from the 90's, which is not easily released on record due to rights issues, is sure to attract attention!

Wise Records is thrilled to announce the release of the EP 'Max Romeo Sings Classics'. The EP includes newly recorded versions of "Kingston Town", "Man Next Door" and "No Place Like Home", recorded with Max's touring band during a break between gigs on tour in France, and mixed by legendary producer Dennis Bovell.

As many artists before them (Gainsbourg, Snoop Dogg, Lavilliers, Sinead O'Connor…), DA Break embarques us to revisit their best tracks “Inna Reggae Vibe”, and invites us listeners to rediscover their repertoire with a more than ever “Roots” sound. An enchanted break that will seduce the early fans as well as reggae connoisseurs; A suspended moment with a band on their new musical quest, assuming a different side of their DNA. The idea of an “old school reggae auto remix” had bloomed for quite a long time, with the will to dive into the 60s & 70s sound esthetics and to pay tribute to this reggae culture - this unique cultural temple they love and respect so much. DA Break concerts are always rich and intense musical moments, thanks to a crew of solid musicians, so the choice to record Live, all in the same room, was quite obvious; with “vintage” instruments and microphones, to enjoy this warm and authentic sonic texture. The result is a “Roots & Rock Steady” album without electronics, leaning towards sweaty and rough Jazz, tropical Soul or even Gospel with sand between the toes… definitely Reggae! DA Break remains DA Break, with its inner light, this time looking towards the Caribbean musical culture. Given the historical influence of Jamaican Sound Systems on the American Block Parties, it seemed logical for DA Break to pay tribute to the artists that influenced them since day one, and still do today: Bob Marley & the Wailers, Jimmy Cliff. Culture, Toots & the Maytals, Burning Spears, The Gladiators, YellowMan, Israel Vibrations, LKJ & Mad Professor, Ub40, Shaka Demus, Peter Tosh... Just to name a few.

The French producer, Manudigital, behind the now iconic "Digital Sessions," announces a new season which this time highlights the UK scene! After exploring the streets of Kingston, New York, Mexico, and even Trinidad & Tobago in search of ambassadors from the golden age of digital reggae and dancehall, Manudigital has now turned his attention to the vibrant metropolis of London.
Armed with the legendary Casio MT40 keyboard, or "Sleng Teng Keyboard," Manudigital has connected with singers and MCs who have written the history of the UK scene rooted in Jamaican culture: ragamuffin, jungle, grime, drum & bass, stepper, and more. All the developments in Jamaican music born in England over the last thirty years are represented here by a "who's who" of those who have shaped and continue to shape this exciting scene.

“Born to Skank” is the title of the second album by Mister Leu & the Nyabinghers which follows“Born to Reggae”.10 original titles of which Mister Leu & the Nyabinghers are the authors, composers and performers.An album dedicated to ska that could be listened to at Jamaican dances in the 60s.It was recorded in several transfers in the Pyrénées Orientales during the year 2023 inRecord It studios, Les Fauteuils Rouge and La Casa Musicale by Chromatic Records.Twelve artists were brought together on this album influenced by The Skatalites, New York Ska Jazz, JazzJamaica, Toots & the Maytals, Laurel Aitken.The 1st Title “We are the Nyabinghers” played to the Nyabinghi/Burru rhythm. A tribute toLloyd Knibb, legendary drummer for the Skatalites.Secondly, “Good Thing” was commissioned by the American label Stubborn Records, requestingto the Nyabinghers to reinterpret one of their productions for the compilation Still Stubborn Volume5.Coming third is “Rooster Company”, a ska jazz instrumental, with organ colors.Hammond.Follows in fourth “Give Me Fire” already present on the 1st album. A rocksteady that the band hadwant to re-record electric version.Coming in fifth, “C’est comme ça”, a committed Blue Beat in French.Here we are in the middle of the album with “If I were a rich man”, a calypso inspired by Mento“Rich man” by Stanley Beckford, to make you jump.We continue in seventh, with S.K.A. A song in French, with melodica to makeskanking rude boys and rude girls on the beach while enjoying a cocktail.Very heavy for this 8th title, entitled “Hornet ska”. Recorded in a big band in the colors of JazzJamaica. Tribute to trombonist Rico Rodriguez.We embark for South America with, in 9th grade, “Dieguito”. A Latin Ska that speaks of afootball legend. Duber by Eole Dub as guest.And finally, in 10th, “Skolumbo”. A ska with a brass section and big band choirs andan ultra grooving rhythm, homage to Prince Buster. Ska has always been influenced bytelevision series, gangster films or westerns. There, it's Columbo.

Jonathan Holness popular known as Zion Head is a Jamaican born independent reggae music recording artist that is base in France. Zion Head is starting to be a house hold name in Europe, and around the world as a genuine reggae music artist. His first Ep Jah Watching, as showing that he has the voice, the sound and lyrics to be come one of reggae music standout artist. His song Show Love, from that album Jah Watching, as been featured on the Jamaican Central Express Ronmuschette 10 ten music count down cart. Zion Head is extremely happy to announce is now first album (Mount Zion) which consists twelve tracks including four collaboration with the light's of some of reggae music icons such as Macka B, Anthony B, Yasus Afari, and Stranger Miller & Cento P.Zion Head is heading for greatness with his lyrical content and his unique style gives you a types of feeling that you just want to dance and listen to some good positive motivation. Conscious irie reggae music, in this album you will definitely fine 3 or more songs that you will fall in love with, in fact may be all the songs. Zion Head sing about Education, he sing about the struggle people go through in life, he sing about going back to Israel to fine the truth, he sing about smoking weed and alot more. You just have to go check this album out,

Kultural Grooves is thrilled to unveil Shakedown Unlimited’s inaugural album, a masterpiece crafted amidst the vibrant cultural backdrops of Italy and Spain. This album is a testament to the eclectic talents that are part of the contemporary European Reggae, Funk, Soul, and Jazz scenes. Steering this sonic expedition are the adept Michal “Michu” Krygiel, also known as Baodub, and the inventive Davide “Deez” Di Sauro. Michu, a stalwart in the dub sound system and electronic scene, not only anchors the album with his foundational drum beats but also takes the helm in mixing and recording. Davide, with his creative spark, orchestrates the album’s arrangement and composition, weaving in his unique bass rhythms that echo his past work with The Officinalis and Napoli Rockers Syndicate, alongside the pulsating beats of Afrodesia’s ‘Episode One’. Their artistry is amplified by the spirited strumming of guitarists Andrea Farias and Alessandro “Sugar / Papa” Rizla, and the percussive precision of Giosuè Perna, whose collaborations with Periodica Records and Aloe Vera have refined their collective harmony, enriching the musical journey with a diverse palette of auditory hues. The album’s vocal prowess is delivered by Payoh Soul Rebel, whose voice stands unrivaled in the European reggae and soul landscape. The icing on the cake is undoubtedly the presence of Andres Balbucea, the singer, composer, and pianist of the breakout Disco/Afrobeat band, Parlbleu. A fellow member of the Napoli Rockers Syndicate, like the pianist Giulio Neri, Andres is entrusted with the entire composition of the organ sound for this album—an indispensable element of offbeat music—imbued with his unmatched touch. The brass arrangements, a soul-stirring element of the album, are the brainchild of jazz maestro Enrico Fumo, with the alto saxophone melodies woven by the esteemed Jah Wind, a name synonymous with reggae aficionados. The fusion of these musicians and their diverse styles, rooted in a strong reggae foundation yet infused with Soul, Funk, Latin, and Jazz, is visually encapsulated by Riccardo Corda. Corda, a visionary designer whose work has graced albums like ‘The Mauskovic Dance Band’ by Soundway Records and ‘Bar Mediterraneo’ by Nu Genea, lends his artistic signature to this album, further solidifying its place as a modern classic. The trumpet and trombone are in the capable hands of the Valencian duo, Jonas Sanchez and Manuel Pardo, masters of brass who bring a vibrant soul to every note. Shakedown Unlimited’s debut is more than an album; it’s a musical journey enriched by the essence of the Mediterranean, a reggae anthology that resonates with the soulful rhythms and vibrant influences of its heritage. We are beyond delighted to present this auditory treasure, a testament to the enduring spirit of reggae and its universal appeal.

HHV exclusive vinyl edition on multi-colored vinyl, limited to 100 copies. Only available at hhv.de!

Joe Yamanaka, born in Yokohama, was of mixed descent. His father was a US Army soldier who hailed from the Caribbean. He played Psychedelic Rock with the Flower Travellin' Band. He was also a philanthropist, travelling around the world to help people in countries where conditions aren't great. He himself was raised in harsh conditions as well, being born in a brothel and growing up in an orphanage. In post-war Japan, it was not easy for him to grow up looking racially different from his peers. Joe Yamanaka joined The Wailers after Bob Marley had passed away and recorded with them 'Reggae Vibration'. The very first track is also called 'Reggae Vibration' and can be seen as his introduction to the genre, being a Rock artist in his home country. You will still hear a strong Rock influence in his songs. 'Reggae Vibration' was Recorded And Remixed At Tuff Gong Studios, 56 Hope RD Kingston Jamaica, In April 14th 1982 ~ April 30th 1982

Gecko Tone, Youthie's 3rd album, is now available on vinyl LP! Roots, World & Groovy Reggae with an organic vibe, tinged with Jazz, Latin & Afrobeat accents."Gecko Tones is a colourful reggae/dub album with a positive vibe!