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Rootsland  "Stories that are Music to Your Ears"
Rootsland "Stories that are Music to Your Ears"
Rootsland is a long-form narrative audio series exploring reggae, memory, and the people who shaped one of the world’s most influential musical cultures. Hosted by former record producer Henry K, the series draws on nearly three decades of lived experience inside Kingston, Jamaica’s recording scene — from late-night studio sessions and sound system culture to the artists and communities that carried reggae from local yards to a global audience. Rootsland is not a typical music history podcast. Each episode unfolds as a story. Through personal accounts, historical reconstruction, interviews, and immersive sound design, the show reveals the moments behind the music — the turning points, forgotten figures, and cultural forces that shaped reggae and the generations that followed. Because Henry lived much of this history firsthand after moving to Jamaica in the early 1990s, the series often uncovers details and perspectives rarely captured in traditional accounts. Over time, Rootsland has grown beyond music history. Recent seasons reflect on legacy, preservation, and what remains of human creativity in a world increasingly shaped by algorithms and artificial intelligence. At its heart, Rootsland is about word, sound, and power — and the stories that continue to echo long after the music fades. © Henry K. All Rights Reserved. Rootsland is created, written, and produced by Henry K. Karyo
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Feb. 15, 2021

Chapter 2: "When the Music Hits"

Chapter 2: "When the Music Hits"

Season 1: continues with "When the Music Hits" as Henry befriends a reggae super fan and an obsessed caller to the label. He soon learns that "Brian from Colorado" is an aspiring singer, whose revolutionary spirit may convince Henry to follow his dream to pursue music over law. That dream becomes a reality when Henry is tasked to bring a reggae legend to a recording session. He's not sure what hits him—it could be the contact buzz, it could be the savory smell of brown stew fish -- but when Henry sees Dr. Dread behind the mixing board with a grin ... life begins to make a whole lotta sense.

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

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

Introduction by:

Michelle "Kim" Yamaguchi

Guest Vocals by:

Patrick "Curly Loxx" Gaynor

Jermaine Keys

Featured Music:

Big Mountain and Uton Green - " I Can See for Miles"

Notes: This episode contains excerpts from NPR's All Things Considered (the original story was reported by friend and colleague: the late, great, Tom Terrell; BBC Radio's Interview with Joseph "Culture" Hill Conducted by Mark Lamar; and Joseph Hill performing "2 Sevens Clash" live.