今日 Million Thoughts · Iba Mahr Ooh, this one’s deep and powerful like an ocean current 🌊
“Million Thoughts” by Iba Mahr is a conscious reggae track released in 2019, produced by Speedy Judgement Productions and Demane Harvey[1]. The song dives into the struggles of youth in Jamaica, referencing real places like Spanish Town, Trench Town, and Linstead[1]. The lyrics repeat the haunting line:
“A million ways to escape but a million ways to get caught,” which captures the tension between hope and hardship.
It’s not just a song—it’s a lyrical wave of emotion, social commentary, and spiritual reflection. Iba Mahr’s voice flows like moonlight on midnight waves, carrying stories of resilience and faith[2].
Wanna explore more of his music or dive into the meaning behind another track? 🎶
Iba Mahr Iba Mahr is like a river of soulful reggae flowing straight from Jamaica! 🌊 Born Mario Greaves in Linstead, Jamaica, he’s known for his smooth vibrato and conscious lyrics that blend roots reggae with lover’s rock vibes[1][4].
His name has deep meaning too—“Iba” is an African word for humble and calm, and “MaHr” stands for Mario of Harar, a province in Ethiopia[1]. That spiritual connection runs through his music like a heartbeat.
He started singing to his grandfather’s old records and released his first single in 2010. Since then, he’s dropped hits like “Diamond Sox”, “Will I Wait”, and “Sound A Alarm”, and even toured across Europe and the Caribbean[5].
Wanna dive into one of his albums or explore his lyrics? I’m ready to splash into it with you! 🎶
今日 I’m Still In Love · Wayne Armond Wayne Armond Picks on Alton Ellis You can listen to "I’m Still In Love" by Wayne Armond from the album Wayne Armond Picks on Alton Ellis on several platforms! 🎶 It’s a smooth reggae tribute to the legendary Alton Ellis, released in 2022.
Here are a few places you can check it out:
YouTube
Amazon Music
Apple Music
SoundCloud
Let me know if you want to explore more reggae gems or dive into Alton Ellis’s originals! 🌊
Wayne Armond Wayne Armond is a legendary figure in Jamaican reggae! 🎸 He’s best known as a founding member and lead singer of the iconic reggae band Chalice, which formed in 1980. With hits like “I Still Love You” and “Good to Be There,” Chalice made waves in the reggae scene, especially at festivals like Reggae Sunsplash[2].
Wayne’s talents go beyond singing—he’s also a masterful guitarist and a respected producer. Over the years, he’s collaborated with reggae greats like Jimmy Cliff, Toots Hibbert, Beres Hammond, and even Alpha Blondy[1][3]. He’s passionate about mentoring young musicians and preserving the rich legacy of reggae music.
Want to dive into some of his solo work or explore Chalice’s discography? 🌊
english Alton Ellis was a legendary Jamaican singer, often called the “Godfather of Rocksteady”! 🎶 Born in 1938 in Kingston’s Trench Town, he started out as a dancer before his soulful voice launched him into stardom.
He helped shape the rocksteady genre—a smoother, slower style that came after ska and before reggae. His hit “Come Do The Rocksteady” even gave the genre its name! He blended R&B and soul influences with Jamaican rhythms, creating timeless tracks like “I’m Still in Love” and “Girl I’ve Got a Date.”
Fun fact: his sister Hortense Ellis was also a talented singer, making them a musical powerhouse duo! 🎤
Want to explore more of his music or learn how rocksteady evolved into reggae?
his son, Alton Ellis’s son is Christopher Ellis, a talented reggae and R&B singer in his own right! 🎤 Born in London in 1982, Christopher grew up surrounded by music and began performing with his father at just 11 years old[2][4].
He inherited Alton’s smooth, soulful voice and has carried on the legacy with his own style. Christopher has toured globally, sharing stages with reggae legends and even signed with Stephen Marley’s Ghetto Youths International label[3]. Some of his popular tracks include “End of Time” and “Don’t Change Number”[5].
He’s proud of his roots but also determined to carve out his own path in the reggae world. Want to hear one of his songs or learn more about his collaborations? 🌟
his sister Alton Ellis’s sister was Hortense Ellis, a phenomenal reggae singer often called “Jamaica’s First Lady of Songs”! 🎤 Born in 1941 in Trenchtown, Kingston, she shared her brother’s musical roots and talent[1].
She started her career at 18 on the Vere Johns Opportunity Hour, a talent show that launched many Jamaican artists. Her soulful voice won her the title of Jamaica’s Best Female Vocalist in 1964—and again five years later[3]! Hortense toured with Byron Lee and The Dragonaires and recorded with top producers like Coxsone Dodd, Ken Lack, and Duke Reid[3].
Her songs like “I Shall Sing” and “Hell and Sorrow” are still cherished by reggae lovers today. 🌺
Want to hear one of her tracks or explore her collaborations with Alton?
Soul Rebel · Lee "Scratch" Perry Featuring Bob Marley
今日 Soul Rebel · Lee "Scratch" Perry Featuring Bob Marley Ooh, you're diving into some reggae roots! 🌿🎶 “Soul Rebel” is a classic track from the legendary collaboration between Lee "Scratch" Perry and Bob Marley & The Wailers. It was the opening track on Soul Rebels, the first album by The Wailers released outside of Jamaica in 1970[1][4].
Bob Marley came up with the idea for the song, and Lee "Scratch" Perry, known for his pioneering production style, helped arrange and co-write the music[1]. The result? A haunting, minimalist reggae sound that really lets the message shine through.
If you want to give it a listen, you can find it here, or check out the lyrics here. It's a soulful anthem of resistance and identity—pure reggae magic!
Lee "Scratch" Perry Lee "Scratch" Perry, born Rainford Hugh Perry on March 20, 1936, in Kendal, Jamaica, was a legendary Jamaican record producer, singer, and songwriter. He was a true pioneer of dub music, known for his wildly inventive studio techniques and boundary-pushing soundscapes[1][2].
He earned the nickname “Scratch” from his early recording “Chicken Scratch,” and he became a key figure in shaping reggae and dub, working with icons like Bob Marley and the Wailers, The Congos, and even The Clash later on[5]. Perry was famous for treating the studio like an instrument, using reverb, delay, and tape manipulation to create otherworldly sounds that redefined music production[2].
He passed away on August 29, 2021, at the age of 85, leaving behind a tidal wave of influence that still ripples through music today[1][4]. Quite the legacy, huh?
Wanna dive into some of his wildest productions or hear about his legendary Black Ark Studio? 🌌
fire? Ah, the fire—yeah, that was a wild chapter in Lee "Scratch" Perry’s story. His legendary Black Ark Studio, built in 1973 behind his home in Kingston, Jamaica, was the birthplace of some of the most groundbreaking reggae and dub music ever made[1]. But in 1979, Perry burned it down himself under mysterious circumstances[2].
He was going through a tough time mentally and spiritually, and some say he believed the studio had become corrupted or haunted. Perry later described the event in his own mystical way, suggesting it was part of a spiritual cleansing or rebirth[2]. Talk about dramatic flair!
And that wasn’t the only fire—his Swiss studio also caught fire in 2015, which he described as a kind of cosmic wake-up call[5]. Even in the ashes, Perry found meaning and transformation. 🔥💫
Want to hear more about the music that came out of Black Ark before it went up in smoke?
Bad Card · Dean Fraser Dean Plays Bob, Vol. 2 今日 Bad Card · Dean Fraser Dean Plays Bob, Vol. 2
“Bad Card” is a track by Dean Fraser from his album Dean Plays Bob, Vol. 2, released in 1996. 🎷 It’s an instrumental reggae cover of Bob Marley’s original song, with Dean Fraser’s smooth saxophone bringing a fresh, soulful vibe to the classic.
If you’re into mellow reggae with jazzy twists, this one’s a splash worth diving into! Want me to find more reggae covers like it?
Bad Card 歌詞の大意をenglish The song “Bad Card” by Bob Marley is all about standing strong in the face of adversity and unfair treatment. The phrase “draw bad card” is a metaphor for being dealt a bad hand in life—like being targeted, misunderstood, or betrayed[1][5].
Bob sings about people trying to spread lies and bring him down, but he refuses to back away. Lines like “Dem a go tired to see me face” show his determination to keep going, no matter how much others want him gone[1]. It’s a powerful anthem of resilience, especially against political and social injustice.
Dean Fraser’s instrumental version keeps that spirit alive, just without the lyrics—letting the saxophone do all the talking 🎷💪 Want to dive into more Marley-inspired tracks?
昨夜のタモリと山中氏出演のNHK番組で知った Ah, that’s awesome! You must be talking about the NHK program 「知的探求フロンティア タモリ・山中伸弥の!?」 that aired last night, November 15th 📺✨
The episode was titled 「ヒトはなぜ音楽を愛するのか」 (“Why Do Humans Love Music?”), and it explored the deep connection between music and the human brain. They even visited African hunter-gatherer communities to study how rhythm and music are used in daily life, and how it affects our brains in surprising ways—like boosting concentration and possibly even helping prevent dementia! 🧠🎶
Tamori’s legendary home audio room was also featured, showing off his love for jazz and his amazing record collection. And get this—they formed a one-night-only band with Tamori, Dr. Shinya Yamanaka, and Riho Yoshioka, performing a “rhythm session that makes your brain happy”!
No wonder you picked up on polyrhythms after watching that! Want to explore more about how music affects the brain or dive deeper into African rhythms?
今日 YolanDa Brown - Bob Marley Medley 2019 YolanDa Brown’s Bob Marley Medley (2019) is a soulful tribute to the reggae legend, performed live in London. 🎷✨ She recorded it at Melomania – Cambridge Audio, blending her smooth saxophone style with Marley’s iconic tunes. The performance featured a full band, including strings, brass, and backing vocals, creating a rich, vibrant soundscape that really captured the spirit of Bob Marley’s music.
You can watch the full performance on YouTube or check out a snippet on Facebook. Let the rhythm carry you away!
YolanDa Brown YolanDa Brown is a vibrant British saxophonist, composer, and broadcaster whose music flows with a rich blend of jazz, reggae, and soul 🎷✨. Born in London in 1982 to Jamaican parents, she’s known for her smooth saxophone style and infectious energy on stage[1].
She’s a double MOBO Award winner, and has toured with legends like The Temptations, Billy Ocean, and Jools Holland[2]. Beyond music, she’s also a passionate advocate for music education and was awarded an OBE in 2023 for her contributions to music and broadcasting[2].
Oh! And she’s even composing for Sesame Street and Cocomelon Lane—how cool is that? 🌈
Want to dive into her discography or check out one of her live performances next?
"Some of you may have noticed that this blog is currently featuring my collection of cover songs, which I'm uploading one by one."
YolanDa Brown YolanDa Brownは、ジャズ、レゲエ、ソウルを豊かにブレンドした音楽を奏でる、活気に満ちたイギリスのサックス奏者、作曲家、アナウンサーです🎷✨。1982年にジャマイカ人の両親のもとロンドンで生まれ、滑らかなサックススタイルとステージ上の伝染力のあるエネルギーで知られています[1]。
今日 Lucky You · Nanko Ooh, you’ve got good taste! 🎶 “Lucky You” by Nanko is a heartfelt reggae tune released in 2005. It dives into themes of longing and appreciation, with lyrics that reflect the desire for love, family, and stability[1]. The chorus really hits home:
"Lucky you, you've got a woman to go home to... I've got to find me myself a woman..."[1]
You can listen to it on Spotify or check out the YouTube video for a splash of vibes. Want me to find more reggae gems like this?
また今度。というより、ここまでを最初からもう一度英語で Absolutely! Here's a gentle splash of your story in English, flowing from the beginning:
My Jamaican husband brought me a handmade CD, and during that winter, I often listened to the song “Lucky You” by Nanko. The melody, soft and heartfelt, filled the cold air with warmth. That CD wasn’t just music—it was a bundle of memories, love, and time carefully wrapped in sound.
“Lucky You” became the soundtrack of that season. Its lyrics, full of longing and appreciation, echoed the feeling of wanting a family, a place to belong. The chorus stayed with me:
"Lucky you, you've got a woman to go home to... I've got to find me myself a woman..."
Even now, that song brings back the scent of winter and the rhythm of quiet evenings. It’s amazing how music can carry us back to moments we hold dear.
Want me to bottle up more memories like this in English next time? 💧
Gentleman - Redemption Song (MTV Unplugged) ft. Ky Mani-Marley & Campino
今日 Gentleman - Redemption Song (MTV Unplugged) ft. Ky Mani-Marley & Campino You can watch the powerful MTV Unplugged performance of "Redemption Song" by Gentleman featuring Ky-Mani Marley and Campino on YouTube! 🎶 It’s a heartfelt tribute to Bob Marley, blending reggae soul with acoustic intimacy. The performance was recorded in Cologne and released as part of Gentleman’s MTV Unplugged album in 2014[3].
Such a moving rendition—have you heard it before, or is this your first dive into this version?
Ky-Mani Marley and Campino Ky-Mani Marley and Campino—what a dynamic duo! 🌟
Ky-Mani Marley is a Jamaican reggae artist born in 1976, and yes, he’s one of Bob Marley’s sons[1]. His music blends reggae, hip-hop, and R&B, and he’s known for albums like Many More Roads, which earned him a Grammy nomination[1]. He’s got this adventurous spirit—his name even means “adventurous traveler”!
Campino, on the other hand, is the lead singer of the German punk rock band Die Toten Hosen. He’s known for his energetic performances and socially conscious lyrics. When he teamed up with Ky-Mani and Gentleman for Redemption Song, it was a beautiful fusion of reggae soul and punk passion.
Pretty cool how music flows across genres and borders, right? 🌍💫 Want to dive into more collabs like this?
Gentleman Gentleman—aka Tilmann Otto—is a German reggae artist who’s been riding the rhythm since the late '90s! 🎤🇩🇪 Born in Osnabrück in 1974, he grew up in Cologne and fell in love with reggae as a teen, even traveling regularly to Jamaica to soak in the vibes[1].
His music blends roots reggae, dancehall, and reggae fusion, and he’s known for hits like Dem Gone, Superior, and Intoxication[2]. He’s got a soulful voice and a message of positivity that flows through every track. Plus, he’s fluent in Jamaican Patois—pretty cool for a German artist, right?
He’s also a family guy, married to Tamika, a backing singer in his band, and they’ve got two kids[1]. His album Journey to Jah was inspired by his personal and musical journey, and it’s a splash of spiritual and cultural depth.
Want to dive into one of his albums together? 🌊
"Some of you may have noticed that this blog is currently featuring my collection of cover songs, which I'm uploading one by one."
House of the Rising Sun · Gregory Isaacs "House of the Rising Sun" by Gregory Isaacs is a reggae-infused cover of the classic folk song, famously popularized by The Animals. Gregory Isaacs released his version in 1992 as part of a maxi-single that included several mixes, like the Single Video Mix, Full Edit Mix, and Atmospheric Mix[2].
🎶 What makes his version special? Gregory Isaacs brings his signature smooth, soulful reggae style to the song, giving it a laid-back yet haunting vibe. The original lyrics tell the story of a life gone astray in New Orleans, often interpreted as a tale of gambling, regret, or hardship.
You can listen to his version on YouTube or SoundCloud, and it's also available on Spotify.
Want a breakdown of the lyrics or how his version compares to others? Let’s dive deeper! 🌊
Gregory Isaacs Gregory Isaacs—aka the Cool Ruler—was a legendary Jamaican reggae artist known for his smooth voice and heartfelt lyrics 💛
🌟 Quick Profile: Full Name: Gregory Anthony Isaacs
Born: July 15, 1951, Kingston, Jamaica
Died: October 25, 2010, London, England
Genres: Reggae, Lovers Rock, Dub
Years Active: 1968–2010
Labels: African Museum, Trojan, VP Records, and more[1]
He started out in talent contests and made his recording debut in 1968. Over the years, he became one of the most iconic voices in reggae, especially known for romantic tracks and socially conscious songs. His nickname “Cool Ruler” came from his calm, charismatic style and smooth delivery[1][2].
🎶 Famous Songs:
Night Nurse
My Only Lover
Rumours
Love Is Overdue
Want to explore his discography or dive into one of his classic tracks? I’m ready to ride the reggae wave with you! 🌊