Lyrical genius from Kingston Jamaica
Get "Kontraband" Album now: www.kabakapmusic.com

BLVK H3RO (pronounced Black Hero) is one of Jamaica’s most exciting and original young artists, but he’s far from new to the scene. Over the past half-decade, he’s built an impeccable track record and fervent following with his uplifting and ambitious modern reggae sound, while collaborating with the likes of Bunny Wailer, UB40, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Anthony B and Skillibeng. Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, has even sung his praises, commending his song “It Nuh Easy” for its positive influence on Jamaican youth. The Grammys too have recognized his talent, with his appearance on Rocky Dawuni’s “Neva Bow Down” nominated for Best Global Music Performance at the 2023 edition of the world’s most prestigious music awards show.

Even if you haven’t heard his music, you may have seen BLVK H3RO in ad campaigns for Carhartt, Clarks, Karl Kani, Levi’s and The Elder Statesman, among other celebrated fashion brands. With his roots firmly planted in Jamaica’s rich musical soil, he’s ready to take his innovative sound and invigorating message to the world with His Devyt Album "On A Mission," released on Delicious Vinyl Island in 2023, showcases H3RO's expansive sound, blending reggae, dancehall, and afrobeats rhythms with touches of soul and R&B, and highlighting collaborations with esteemed artists, including Skillibeng, Demarco, Teejay, Dre Island, Kojo Funds, and Winky D.

Born Mikayla Simpson on February 16, 2000, Koffee’s mission is to preserve Jamaica’s roots and culture in music and to empower the youth of her generation through her musical journey across the world. “I want to make a better world for the generation that's coming up, to promote love and peace, and even though I’m young, I feel that the Creator has blessed me with talent and wisdom to get the job done”.  – Koffee.

 The story of UB40, and how this group of young friends from Birmingham transcended their working-class origins to become the world’s most successful reggae band is not the stuff of fairytales as might be imagined. The group’s led a charmed life in many respects it’s true, but it’s been a long haul since the days they’d meet up in the bars and clubs around Moseley, and some of them had to scrape by on less than £8 a week unemployment benefit. The choice was simple if you’d left school early. You could either work in one of the local factories, like Robin Campbell did, or scuffle along aimlessly whilst waiting for something else to happen.

By the summer of 1978, something else did happen, and the nucleus of UB40 began rehearsing in a local basement. Robin’s younger brother Ali, Earl Falconer, Brian Travers and James Brown all knew each other from Moseley School of Art, whilst Norman Hassan had been a friend of Ali’s since school. Initially, they thought of themselves as a "jazz-dub-reggae" band, but by the time Robin was persuaded to join and they’d recruited Michael Virtue and Astro – who’d learnt his craft with Birmingham sound-system Duke Alloy – the group had already aligned themselves to left-wing political ideals and forged their own identity, separate from the many punk and Two Tone outfits around at that time. The group had nailed their colours to the mast by naming themselves after an unemployment benefit form. Their political convictions hadn’t been gleaned second hand either, but cemented in place whilst attending marches protesting against the National Front, or rallies organised by Rock Against Racism.

By the time Chrissie Hynde invited them to tour with the Pretenders during the summer of 1980 and their debut single "King b/w Food For Thought" had sailed into the UK Top 5, all the essential elements of UB40 were already in place. Their line-up will remain unchanged for almost thirty years, and they will continue playing a mix of original material and inspired choice of reggae covers in a style that’s instantly accessible with its bright melodies and sweeping horn arrangements – one that’s allied to a formidable rhythm section, capable of holding its own with anything from Jamaica.

UB40’s first album was released the following September, on Graduate Records. Their deal allowed them more creative freedom than if they had signed with a major label. The cover artwork memorably duplicated an unemployment benefit card, with the title "Signing Off" rubber-stamped in red, but it was the music that quickly worked its way into the affections of a young, mainly student crowd with its knowing lyrics, solid reggae rhythms and dubby, instrumental passages, offset by warm horn solos and Jamaican style scatting. There was nothing else like it at the time. As a multi-cultural band from Birmingham, UB40 weren’t drawn into trying to sound "authentic," and there was considerably more depth to their music than that of many punk and 2Tone bands. "I’m a British subject, not proud of it, whilst I carry the burden of shame," they sang on one of the tracks. Accepting the truth of their own situation amidst a sea of other reggae songs proclaiming black heritage gave us a valuable insight into where UB40 were coming from. They were unafraid to stand up and be counted, and British audiences instinctively loved them for it. "Signing Off" duly went to No. 2 in the UK and stayed on the nation’s album charts for 72 weeks.

On September 2nd, 2013, UB40 released their latest album ‘Getting Over The Storm’ on Universal/Virgin Records.

World of Reggae in one village: REGGAEVILLE
REGGAEVILLE.com is a online music magazine

KIOKO are a hard hitting Reggae band from Birmingham, UK, known for their infectious grooves and exhilarating live performances.

The band are heavily influenced by Jamaican and Caribbean music as well as the music of their multicultural heritage and take pride in the fact that their music is sociologically and politically relevant to today's ever changing society.

For Bookings contact: serena@earth-agency.com.

Jamar Rolando McNaughton, using the moniker Chronixx, has ignited a torch in people's hearts the world over and is confidently lighting the path for an entire generation of youths to rediscover roots and culture.

Born October 10, 1992, Chronixx was musically nurtured from an early age by his father, the artist Chronicle, and grew up surrounded by the likes of Burro Banton, Norris Man and Gregory Isaacs. This was before 'Little Chronicle' benefited from the mentorship of Danny Browne with whom he recorded his first tune in 2003. His remarkable ascension in the music industry was in full effect when he began harmonizing for artists such as Lutan Fyah and providing production assistance for tracks sung by Konshens, Munga Honorable, Popcaan and others.

Today, Chronixx is a respected artist in his own right after his career was stimulated by the unfortunate passing of both his blood brother in 2007 and his brother-in-arms, Lil' J.O.E., in 2010. He decided during that period of grief to bypass the difficulties of a young producer seeking external talent by, instead, channeling his energy wholeheartedly as a vocalist. Thankfully, early and unwavering support was received from Zincfence Records producer Romaine 'Teflon' Arnett, who was the first to urge Chronixx to sing the lyrics he was writing for others.

The first EP, Hooked on Chronixx, was released in 2010 and immediately put the budding artist on the radar of music lovers and industry heads alike. Among its 7 tracks, 'Start A Fyah,' 'Capitalist' (featuring Infinite) and 'Behind Curtain' stood out as a fan favorites, reaching far beyond Jamaican shores. Meanwhile, 'Warrior' became Chronixx's first official video and served to alert many more to his arrival.

Chronixx toured for the first time in 2013 when he went to Europe with his own band. Soon afterward, he bestowed a name upon this carefully assembled musical crew: Zincfence Redemption. Altogether, their fascinating stage presence has elevated the Chronixx experience to new and ever increasing heights.

Also in 2013, he and his team were Jamaica's only representation in Nairobi, where he performed as a Peace Ambassador ahead of Kenya's general elections. The next year, he found himself in New York City where he participated in a reggae and jazz series together with living legends Ernest Ranglin and Monty Alexander. By this time, Chronixx had established new and renewed working connections with Sly & Robbie, King Jammy, Leroy Sibbles and, again, Danny Browne.

The Dread & Terrible Project was released in April 2014 with seven tracks plus three dub versions, immediately topping both the Billboard and iTunes reggae charts. Neither an album nor an EP, the Project also includes a short film based on one of its tracks, 'Rastaman Wheel Out.' The film was directed by "The Guru" Ras Kassa and has received high critical acclaim. The hit single, 'Here Comes Trouble' can also be found on The Dread & Terrible Project.

With so much accomplished in so short a time, the world is bracing for greater wonders from this young man who walks with an old soul. For Chronixx himself, music is a mission and history is being made everyday still.

"Prepare your minds and hearts for this revolution."


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