Some conversations become part of reggae history.

In this heartfelt episode of the Reggae Hour Podcast, producer, bandleader, and Reggae Powerhouse Band founder Leroy Scarlett returns to celebrate the release of Reggae Powerhouse Band & Friends Series 2 while sharing decades of wisdom gathered from a lifetime devoted to reggae music.

Rather than simply discussing a new album, Leroy reflects on preserving reggae's cultural foundation, the importance of honoring the pioneers who built the music, and why today's generation must never lose sight of roots, love, and community.

Throughout the conversation he speaks candidly about:

• The inspiration behind Reggae Powerhouse Band & Friends Series 2

• Gregory Isaacs' lasting influence on his life

• Why reggae is "medicine" for the people

• The responsibility of preserving reggae's legacy

• Working alongside reggae legends

• The importance of culture over commercial trends

• Passing wisdom to future generations

One message echoes throughout this conversation:

Whether you're a lifelong reggae listener or discovering these stories for the first time, this episode celebrates the people, purpose, and passion that continue to keep reggae alive.

Reggae Powerhouse Band & Friends Series 2

Available now on all major streaming platforms.

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/album/11cV33odRv5eL2Zwq5FBX4

https://www.ReggaeHour.com

Leroy Scarlett Returns to Reggae Hour | Reggae Powerhouse Band & Friends Series 2

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Watch the full Young Garvey interview on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/O3AgEOMMgRE

Read the Young Garvey feature article on Reggae Hour:

https://www.reggaehour.com/2026/07/fabian-findley-young-garvey-carrying.html

What happens when music becomes more than entertainment?

In this episode of the Reggae Hour Podcast, conscious reggae artist Young Garvey shares the personal journey that shaped both his music and his mission. From his childhood in Kingston, Jamaica, to discovering the deeper meaning behind the name "Young Garvey," this conversation explores identity, history, faith, Pan-African consciousness, and the responsibility of using reggae music to inspire change.

Young Garvey reflects on the life-changing experiences that transformed his perspective, explains why reggae must continue to speak for the people, and discusses how Marcus Garvey's philosophy continues to influence his work today.

The conversation also explores his work with One Nation Music, the vision behind his upcoming album Reincarnation, and the importance of keeping authentic roots reggae connected to community, African history, and purpose.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

- Growing up in Kingston, Jamaica

- Faith, family, church, and early musical roots

- The origin of the name "Young Garvey"

- Marcus Garvey's lasting influence

- Reggae as education, healing, and empowerment

- Conscious reggae as a mission, not just entertainment

- Working with reggae legends

- Building a legacy through One Nation Music

- The vision behind Reincarnation

Reggae Hour is where music meets history, culture, and conversation, celebrating the people whose stories continue to shape reggae around the world.

Subscribe on YouTube for more artist interviews, roots reggae stories, Jamaican music history, and conscious conversations:

https://www.youtube.com/@ReggaeHourPodcast

What happens when an artist values purpose over popularity?

In this special Reggae Hour conversation, Jamaican roots reggae artist Kleva Roots joins us for a powerful discussion about music, spirituality, discipline, and the responsibility of conscious artists in today's world.

Rather than chasing trends, Kleva explains why every song should become another "building block" in a legacy that uplifts people instead of simply entertaining them.

Throughout this conversation we explore:

• The journey that led Kleva Roots into reggae

• Why authentic music still matters

• Reggae as culture—not just entertainment

• The influence of Rastafari philosophy

• Remaining independent in today's music industry

• The future of reggae music

• International Reggae Day

• Africa, liberation and cultural identity

• Avoiding the traps of "Babylon"

• Why discipline is essential for artists

Kleva also performs an exclusive live version of "Sweet Reggae Music," giving listeners an early taste of one of his uplifting songs.

00:00 Introduction

03:15 The Journey into Reggae

09:48 Building Positive Music

17:12 Does Reggae Have a Responsibility?

27:40 International Reggae Day

35:08 The Future of Reggae

45:10 Babylon & Staying Authentic

56:40 Africa, Liberation & Purpose

1:08:15 Live Performance – Sweet Reggae Music

1:17:20 Final Thoughts

If you love roots reggae, conscious conversations, and artists who still believe music can change lives, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Subscribe to Reggae Hour for more interviews exploring reggae history, roots culture, and the people preserving reggae's message around the world.

Celebrate International Reggae Day with a powerful conversation featuring South African reggae artist Don Dada (Menelik Nesta Gibbons) on Reggae Hour.

In this inspiring interview, Don Dada reflects on his journey from Forward We Continue to his SAMA32 Best Reggae Album nomination while sharing powerful insights on mentoring young artists, creating opportunities for women in music, preserving African identity, building communities, and using reggae as a force for peace and unity.

The conversation also explores the future of African music, International Reggae Day, the importance of music education, and why success means lifting others as you rise.

Whether you're a reggae fan, independent artist, or someone passionate about culture and social impact, this episode offers timeless wisdom rooted in reggae's message of One Love.

Read the companion article and watch the full feature:

https://www.reggaehour.com/2026/06/international-reggae-day-special.html

What does it mean to be Proud To Be Black in today's world?

In this special Reggae Hour Podcast conversation recorded during International Reggae Day, Mr. E sits down with Jamaican-born, Toronto-based reggae artist Iyagrade for a wide-ranging discussion about identity, conscious music, reggae culture, the African diaspora, resilience, and why artists have a responsibility to leave a legacy.

Iyagrade shares the deeper meaning behind his name, explaining that it represents Higher Upliftment and reflects his mission to create music that is positive, healing, educational, and rooted in purpose. Rather than chasing trends, he discusses blending reggae with hip hop while remaining true to his Jamaican identity and cultural foundation.

The conversation explores:

• The message behind Proud To Be Black
• Why reggae is a vehicle for healing and resilience
• Building on the legacy left by previous generations
• The importance of knowing your roots
• Jamaica's influence on Canada's reggae community
• Black identity across the global diaspora
• Why unity is stronger than division
• How every person's talent contributes to preserving culture
• Creating music that motivates people instead of simply entertaining them
• Why conscious reggae still matters in today's world

One of the most memorable moments comes when Iyagrade reflects on the importance of using individual talents to serve others. Inspired by a speech from Lauryn Hill, he argues that broadcasters, artists, photographers, and creators each have a role in preserving culture and making history together rather than competing against one another.

He also discusses why his music focuses on uplifting listeners, carrying messages of resilience, and encouraging people to know their history while continuing to build upon the foundation laid by previous generations.

This episode is part of Reggae Hour's ongoing mission to preserve reggae history through conversations with today's artists while documenting tomorrow's cultural archive.

• Iyagrade Interview
• Proud To Be Black
• Conscious Reggae
• International Reggae Day
• Black Identity
• Jamaican Culture
• Canadian Reggae
• Reggae Music
• African Diaspora
• Legacy Building
• Healing Through Music
• Roots Reggae
• Conscious Music
• Independent Reggae Artists
• Reggae Hour Podcast

If you believe reggae is more than entertainment and serves as history, healing, education, and resistance, subscribe to Reggae Hour and join us as we preserve the voices shaping reggae culture for future generations.

Every interview is another chapter in the living archive.

One Love. One Voice. One Culture. One Legacy.

Freedom was won.

But what happens next?

Mr. E, Judah Lion, and Zionya explore Juneteenth, liberation, culture, history, and the responsibility we owe future generations.

LONG DESCRIPTION

Freedom was won.

But what happens next?

In this special Juneteenth 2026 edition of Reggae Hour, Mr. E, Judah Lion, and Zionya take listeners on a journey through history, culture, identity, community, and responsibility.

Through thoughtful discussion, humor, reflection, and reggae music, the panel examines the legacy of Juneteenth and asks what freedom truly means in today's world.

Topics include:

• Freedom vs Liberation

• Juneteenth and Emancipation

• Historical Memory

• African American History

• Economic Empowerment

• Cultural Preservation

• Community Responsibility

• Building for Future Generations

• Reggae as Resistance

• Identity and Self Determination

Featuring music from:

• Burning Spear

• Chronixx

• Protoje

• Third World

• Culture

Featured Voices:

Mr. E

Judah Lion

Zionya

Read the companion article:

https://www.reggaehour.com/2026/06/juneteenth-freedom-was-won-what-happens.html

Freedom was won.

The work continues.

Listen.

Learn.

Reflect.

Act.

CATEGORY

Society & Culture

SUBCATEGORY

History

SECONDARY CATEGORY

Music Commentary

KEYWORDS

Juneteenth,

Juneteenth 2026,

African American History,

African Diaspora,

Black History,

Freedom,

Liberation,

Reggae Podcast,

History Podcast,

Marcus Garvey,

Burning Spear,

Chronixx,

Protoje,

Third World,

Culture,

Community,

Identity,

Self Determination,

Reggae Hour

EPISODE TAGLINE

Freedom Won.

What Happens Next?

History does not live in books alone.

It lives in memory.

It lives in culture.

And sometimes, it lives in music.

In Season 2 Episode 5, Mr. E and Zionya travel back to a pivotal moment in Jamaican history to explore the rise of ska—the energetic, optimistic sound that laid the foundation for rocksteady, reggae, and everything that followed.

As Jamaica moved toward independence, questions of freedom, identity, dignity, and self-determination were being asked throughout the Caribbean and across the world. In that environment, a new sound emerged.

A sound that reflected hope.

A sound that reflected movement.

A sound that reflected Jamaica itself.

Together, we explore how global events, local culture, sound systems, and the aspirations of a young nation combined to create one of the most important musical movements in modern history.

🎺 The origins of ska

🇯🇲 Jamaica's journey toward independence

🌍 The global climate of the 1950s and 1960s

✊ Freedom, dignity, and self-determination

🔊 Sound system culture

🎵 The foundation of rocksteady and reggae

📖 Why music reflects historical moments

🦁 How culture preserves memory

🎵 Prince Buster – Madness

🎵 Additional selections highlighting the evolution of Jamaica's early sound

Most people know reggae.

Far fewer understand the world that made reggae possible.

To understand reggae, we must first understand ska.

Because every sound carries the fingerprints of the people who created it.

📖 Read more at:

https://www.reggaehour.com

🌍 https://www.reggaehour.com

🎙 Spotify

🍎 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Amazon Music

📺 YouTube

What is the most important ingredient in reggae's story: Ska, Rocksteady, or Reggae itself?

Let us know below.