“Always striving to provide a platform for good reggae music, which all can enjoy is our
aim and this year we strongly feel we hit the mark. Tickets go on sale tomorrow we urge
everyone to purchase tickets early” says Jamaica Dave co promoter of Reggae in the
Park.
Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley
The youngest son of Reggae legend Bob Marley, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley garnered his
own place in music history when he became the first ever Reggae artist to win
a GRAMMY outside of the Reggae category, taking home an award for Best
Urban/Alternative performance for his title single, “Welcome To Jamrock.” The
acclaimed 2005 breakthrough disc Welcome To Jamrock, also won a GRAMMY for Best
Reggae Album. Marley has been shaking up stages all over the world for the past few
years, first in conjunction with his Distant Relatives project., and then when he went on
to partner with Skrillex for their groundbreaking track “Make It Bun Dem”, which
Rolling Stone called “a monster mash up of dubstep and dancehall.” Damian is also
working with his brothers Stephen and Julian under their Ghetto Youths International
Label, to discover, develop and sign gifted artistes by applying their musical talent and
vast experience to create new and different styles of music. Damian is currently in the
studio working on his upcoming solo album.
Stephen “Ragga” Marley
Eight-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter/musician/producer Stephen
Marley will release his fourth solo album “Revelation Part II: The Fruit of Life,” the
second installment in a two part series, following his critically acclaimed 2012 Best
Reggae Album Grammy recipient “Revelation PartI: The Root of Life.” Whereas “The
Root of Life” is a celebration/preservation vehicle for the powerful messages, enriching
spirit and live instrumentation that is the essence of roots reggae, “The Fruit of Life”
utilizes a diversified sonic palette in its expression of the far-reaching impact Jamaican
music has had on various genres, especially hip-hop. Like The Root, which premiered
atop the Billboard Reggae Album chart, following the Grammy Award winners “Mind
Control” (2007) and “Mind Control Acoustic”(2009), making three consecutive number
one Reggae tally debuts for Stephen, “The Fruit of Life” will be released on the Marley
family’s label Ghetto Youths International.
Morgan Heritage
Having fully recharged their momentous journey in the past year and a half, and having
unquestionably established themselves as the premiere live group on the reggae circuit,
Morgan Heritage is now on another phase of their indomitable mission. The Royal
Family of Reggae, has taken the impressively significant step forward by releasing their
upcoming album, Strictly Roots. According to Gramps, “Strictly Roots, our 10th studio
album is particularly significant. It represents our first album released independent of VP
Records, on our very own label CTBC Music Group. VP has been great for the group and
we’re grateful for our years with them. We just felt it was time to approach the release of
our music differently.” Possessing that unmistakably authentic Morgan Heritage organic
roots sound with an expansively eclectic mix that takes it seamlessly into hybrid valleys
and mountains, Strictly Roots interestingly pays homage to the elders, while ironically,
also blazes the trail towards the exciting future of roots.
Tarrus Riley
Tarrus Riley is among the leading ambassadors of modern day Reggae Music from
Jamaica. The singer’s commanding vocals, intuitive lyrics and vibrant personality have
combined to create a formidable artiste with authentic credentials in Reggae music. His
rising catalogue has been described as ‘healing’ music, and has brought adoration and
acclaim from leading music luminaries from across the globe. His fifth studio gem, Love
Situation, was released with huge anticipation in February 2014, and it debut at number
one on the Billboard Reggae Album chart and I Tunes Chart. The 17-track album again
features a powerhouse behind the production that has produced consistently admirable
work over the decades. Tarrus Riley considers himself as a voice of the people, and has
set himself apart as someone who sings for the people. He defines himself as one who
makes thought-provoking music about Black consciousness and experiences with the
intention to open people’s minds and let them think.
