REGGAE RUNNINGS - 13 May 2009

By Jesse I


Controversial dancehall artist Ninjaman is back in the news, after being arrested in late March and charged with murder, conspiracy to murder and illegal possession of a firearm. His son Janile Ballentine has also been charged, over the death of 20-year-old Ricardo Johnson, who was killed by a stray bullet while standing at his gate on Marl Road in Kingston. It is alleged that several shots were fired at a third party who escaped, but Johnson was killed in the process. Ninjaman and son are currently awaiting trial. Ninja is no stranger to legal trouble, having served a year in 1999 for unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition, as well as previously beating charges of rape and murder.

Looking at recent releases, it appears that the Jamaican vinyl pressing plants are firing up again, after what was the quietest start to the year that I can ever remember. The European labels seem to be leading the charge as far as roots riddims are concerned, with recent highlights including the Strange Things riddim on Irie Ites (a remake of the riddim from the classic John Holt tune), the Real Rasta riddim on Jam Strong, and the Ras In riddim on Roots Survival. Shane Brown’s Juke Boxx label is still representing Jamaican reggae strongly, with the excellent Indiscretion riddim following the recent Dubwize riddim; while Don Corleon’s Changes riddim is his latest in the tradition of sweet roots riddims such as the Seasons and Secrets. On the dancehall side of things, it was great to finally see Birch’s dancefloor-favourite Baddaz come out on wax; but it’s Stephen McGregor’s Big Ship productions that are really dominating these days, with countless single tunes as well as riddims such as the Advocate and Boasty. For the digital download crew who don’t want to wait for vinyl, check out Fire Link’s latest riddim Streat Team - definitely one of the best new bashment riddims of recent times.

Some big news this month for the old-school More Fire fans who remember the glory days at Deep 11, with the announcement that the night will be returning to it’s spiritual home in July. The venue (beneath the Mercat Cross Hotel in the Vic Market) is still talked about with reverence, and although it will never be quite the same with today’s anti-smoking laws, I personally don’t think there’s a better space for reggae music in Melbourne - it’s certainly going to bring back lots of memories! Before then, Chant Down will blaze up Miss Libertine one more time on June 13, along with guest selectors Judgement (hailing from Waterhouse in Jamaica, via Sydney), Comrade Dubs, Glen Irie, Snow Lion, and Damajah on the mic.

This Friday night it’s all about the Heartical Hi-Fi at the Night Owl, featuring the most powerful custom-built reggae soundsystem in the country. Catch selection from Uptight (aka Stryka D) and Cassawarrior, plus the vocal stylings of Boover Banton. Saturday night it’s Traffic Jam at Workshop, featuring Comrade Dubs, Sista Sara, Sista Itations, Andy Ites, and Bellyas. The following Saturday 23rd May is Pressure Drop at Laundry, featuring Sista Itations, Troublemaker, Redbelly, Shi-Kung, Riff-Raph, Mars-E-Pan, and I. Ring The Alarm continues at Laundry every Thursday, with Major Krazy (aka Krazy Dayv) stepping up alongside Ras Crucial and I to replace Ranking Yoni. Also, dub-reggae band Sine are playing at the Evelyn every Tuesday this month, and entry is free.

Finally, PBS radio festival is coming up again in a couple weeks. The station is clearly the home of reggae music in Melbourne, so please show some support and become a member!