Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears"

Latest Episodes:

"Crucifixion of the Ghetto" Chapter 3 "Hungry Town" Mar 06, 2024

Show notes

In Chapter 3 of "Crucifixion of the Ghetto" Hungry Town, a chance encounter at the Studio with a Grammy Nominated Songwriter is just the right ingredient the Bigga Staar project needs to get off the ground. Henry K and Bigga travel into Hungry Town, one of Kingston's garrisons to check rising Rastafarian singer Turbulence about a feature on a song.

Rootsland Returns on 3/19 with the Second Half of Season 7

Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studio Red Hills, Jamaica

Guest vocals by Patrick "Curly Loxx" Gaynor, Steve "Bigga Staar" Briskman

Intro by Michelle "Kim" Yamaguchi

Home | ROOTSLAND Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise "Wear Your Culture"

Rootsland is proud to partner with Osiris Media "the leading storyteller in music." Welcome to Osiris Media - Osiris - The leading storyteller in music.

Rootsland is proud to be sponsored by Age Verification - Sunset Lake CBD

Brian Jahn Brian Jahn (@brianjahnphoto) • Instagram photos and videos

featured songs: "Hungry Town Skank" Jacob Miller & Augustus Pablo

"Gimme di MIc" Bigga Staar feat. Turbulence

Photo Bigga Staar & Turbulence January 2004

"Crucifixion of the Ghetto" Chapter 2 "To Get a Hit...(You haffe fit)" Feb 27, 2024

Show notes

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 mentally and physically. Now that Henry K and Bigga Staar are venturing into the world of Dancehall Music, those lyrics are more useful than ever.

Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studio Red Hills, Jamaica

Guest vocals by Patrick "Curly Loxx" Gaynor, Hayden "Bush" Campbell Steve "Bigga Staar" Briskman

Intro by Michelle "Kim" Yamaguchi

Home | ROOTSLAND Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise "Wear Your Culture"

Rootsland is proud to partner with Osiris Media "the leading storyteller in music." Welcome to Osiris Media - Osiris - The leading storyteller in music.

Rootsland is proud to be sponsored by Age Verification - Sunset Lake CBD

cover photo by Brian Jahn Brian Jahn (@brianjahnphoto) • Instagram photos and videos

featured songs: "Fit you Haffe Fit Dub" Black Uhuru courtesy of BMG music

"Fit" feat Bradley Brown Bigga Staar & Delly Ranks

Girlz feat. Dr Marshall & Bigga Staar

Season 7 Prologue: "Ghetto People Song" Feb 06, 2024

Show notes

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 struggles of ghetto life. The conversation shifts to the historical parallels between the Jewish experience and the plight of marginalized communities, emphasizing the importance of remembering one’s roots. As Henry shares personal family stories from the Holocaust, they draw connections to the current state of global violence, particularly referencing the tragic events in Israel. Ultimately, the episode underscores the power of love and art in the face of adversity, encouraging listeners to recognize their shared humanity and the importance of lifting each other out of despair.

Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studio Red Hills, Jamaica

Home | ROOTSLAND Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise "Wear Your Culture"

Rootsland is proud to partner with Osiris Media "the leading storyteller in music." Welcome to Osiris Media - Osiris - The leading storyteller in music.

cover photo by Brian Jahn Brian Jahn (@brianjahnphoto) • Instagram photos and videos

New Episode on 2/20/24

"One Man Against the World" Dec 26, 2023

Show notes

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 recounts his own experiences navigating the reggae scene as an outsider in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The episode takes listeners on a journey through the host’s personal and professional encounters with Isaacs, highlighting the profound impact the reggae icon had on his life and the music industry at large. Ending on a hopeful note, the episode suggests that involvement in community and nurturing real-world relationships are keys to a fulfilling life, echoing lessons from the "Blue Zones"—regions known for their long-lived populations. Encouraging listeners to prioritize human connections over digital detachment, the host ties these themes back to Isaacs' music, which remains a testament to the power of love, unity, and resilience. Through stories and reflections, the episode invites listeners to consider how they can contribute positively to a more connected and compassionate world.

Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studio Red Hillz, Jamaica

Featuring "One Man Against the World" "Sugaree" & "Wild Horses all performed by Gregory Isaacs

Home | ROOTSLAND Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise "Wear Your Culture"

Rootsland is produced by Henry K Productions Inc. in association with Voice Boxx Studios in Kingston, Jamaica.

Kingston to Cali "Reggae's Journey West" Podcast Series - Apple Podcasts Rootsland "Reggae's Untold Stories"

Rootsland "Reggae's Untold Stories"

"No Man is an Island" Dec 05, 2023

Show notes

"...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 legendary figures like Bob Marley and his close friend Neville Garrick. The narrative reflects on the importance of having genuine friends who stand by you in times of need, emphasizing that no one achieves greatness in isolation. Through personal anecdotes and reflections on Garrick's artistic contributions to Marley's legacy, the episode highlights how true friendship can elevate one's journey and help navigate life's challenges. As the story unfolds, listeners are reminded that even the most celebrated icons rely on the support and encouragement of those around them. The episode culminates in a heartfelt message about the power of being a supportive friend, urging us all to lift each other up and acknowledge our shared dreams.

Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studio Red Hillz, Jamaica

Featuring "No man is an Island" Dennis Brown

Home | ROOTSLAND Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise "Wear Your Culture"

Rootsland is produced by Henry K Productions Inc. in association with Voice Boxx Studios in Kingston, Jamaica.

Legends of Reggae | Facebook

Book of Rules "Builders for Eternity" Nov 15, 2023

Show notes

"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 that the lyrics, adapted from R.L. Sharp's poem "Bag of Tools," convey a powerful message about individual potential and the importance of moral guidelines in our lives. The episode emphasizes the concept that each person is equipped with a 'bag of tools'—unique skills and abilities that can shape their destinies while adhering to a set of universal principles. Host Henry K discusses how knowledge is often a source of power, and how those in authority may attempt to suppress it, leading to a cycle of ignorance and oppression. The poignant examples of historical censorship serve as a reminder of the importance of learning from the past rather than sweeping uncomfortable truths under the rug.

Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to recognize their roles as builders of their own lives and communities. The host prompts a reflection on what it means to leave a lasting legacy and how our actions, whether stumbling blocks or stepping stones, contribute to the broader tapestry of human experience. "

Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studio Red Hillz, Jamaica

Featuring "Book of Rules" by The Heptones

Home | ROOTSLAND Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise "Wear Your Culture"

Rootsland is produced by Henry K Productions Inc. in association with Voice Boxx Studios in Kingston, Jamaica.

Rootsland's Greatest Hits "Zion in a Vision" Oct 24, 2023

Show notes

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 gonna get pretty intense in Kingston. So after 50 + chapters we figured this would be the right time to reminisce and look back at some of our favorite moments, music and people that helped inspire the story up until now.

Give Thanks to the Rootsland Family We will return 11/14 with a Bonus Episode & Updates and Season 7 Will Debut In December

Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studio Red Hillz, Jamaica

Featuring "Your House" by Steel Pulse "Love and Hate" Dennis Brown Adam Teacha Barnes "Pon Di Corna" Bob Andy "Going Home" Garnett Silk "Zion in A Vision"

Home | ROOTSLAND Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise "Wear Your Culture"

Rootsland is produced by Henry K Productions Inc. in association with Voice Boxx Studios in Kingston, Jamaica.

Guest Vocals by: Patrick "Curly Loxx" Gaynor, Ben K

music production and sound design by Henry K

Disclaimer: Rootsland features dramatic recreations based on real events and features actors playing the roles of the characters on the show . These are stories and opinions told for entertainment and education from memory and the host assumes no liability for any omissions or errors. Any use of material not owned by Rootsland is covered Under section 107 of US copyright law of 1976 in which allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship and research, in these cases all credit is given to the owner of the work.

Every little thing's gonna be all White Chapter 6: "Throw Down Your Arms" Aug 29, 2023

Show notes

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 performed by Sinead O Conner

Home | ROOTSLAND Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise "Wear Your Culture"

Rootsland is produced by Henry K Productions Inc. in association with Voice Boxx Studios in Kingston, Jamaica.

Guest Vocals by: Patrick "Curly Loxx" Gaynor, Ben K

music production and sound design by Henry K

additional music under license from artlist.io and beatstars.com
The Rootsland Gang: Fighting Babylon since 1991 featuring Wayne Armond, Edi Fitzroy, Luciano, and Deadly Headly Bennett
Various Artists - Rootsland Gang: Fighting Babylon Since 1991
The Rootsland (Original Podcast Soundtrack) featuring timeless reggae tracks performed by Wayne Armond, Bob Andy, Deadly Headley Bennett, Garnett Silk, Halfpint is available everywhere you download and stream music
Various Artists - Rootsland (Original Podcast Soundtrack)

Every little thing's gonna be all White Chapter 5: "Kingston Sessions" (B side) Aug 15, 2023

Show notes

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 the show progresses, listeners are introduced to the dynamics of creativity and collaboration in the music-making process, particularly between Rich Prafder an aspiring musician from NY and Deadly Headley, a legendary Jamaican saxophonist. The narrative traces the journey of their partnership, underscoring the excitement and challenges faced in producing the "Kingston Sessions" album. However, tension rises as Richie Prafder's ego and ambitions clash with the realities of the music business, leading to a series of poor decisions that jeopardize the project. The episode touches on the emotional landscape of the characters, revealing Richie's desperation for success and recognition, which ultimately blinds him to the collaborative spirit that is essential in music production. As the story unfolds, it explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for artistic integrity, resonating deeply with anyone who has navigated the complexities of creative partnerships.

Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studio Red Hillz, Jamaica

Closing Credits: Teach the Children Saxsemilla feat The Mighty Diamonds

Home | ROOTSLAND Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise "Wear Your Culture"

Rootsland is produced by Henry K Productions Inc. in association with Voice Boxx Studios in Kingston, Jamaica.

Guest Vocals by: Patrick "Curly Loxx" Gaynor, Ben K

music production and sound design by Henry K

Every little thing's gonna be all White Chapter 4: "Kingston Sessions" (A side) Aug 08, 2023

Show notes

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 tape led to a big six figure record deal, and would you be shocked to find out, everything changed.

Join Us for a cautionary tale of how power, privilege, ego,greed and the thirst for fame ad fortune would cause a righteous reggae student to stray to betray his mentor and the music he loved.

Produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studio Red Hillz, Jamaica

Closing Credits: Wild West in the Ghetto Sugar Moses feat. Jesse Jaymes

Home | ROOTSLAND Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise "Wear Your Culture"

Rootsland is produced by Henry K Productions Inc. in association with Voice Boxx Studios in Kingston, Jamaica.

Guest Vocals by: Patrick "Curly Loxx" Gaynor, Ben K

music production and sound design by Henry K