Congratulations to Lavinia, winner of the Raggamuffin Festival New Zealand X ticket as well as the Prince album. And big ups to all those who entered the draw, thank you for your support. Raggamuffin X 2017 will be a significant one as its the last Raggamuffin for NZ. We encourage you to get your tickets now so you can come join the party, its going to go off! If you're feeling lucky, stay connected with GO FEET! Radio because, as those television ads say, 'but wait, theres more!' We have another Raggamuffin ticket up for grabs!! Details coming, plus artist interviews, and more great music so keep it locked to GO FEET! Radio.
Andrew McManus, the owner of Raggamuffin Fest NZ, explains the reason why Raggamuffin got moved from Rotorua to Auckland. This is a must listen so you know exactly why it happened. There's been a lot of negative chatty chatty by many know-it-all-experts as to what an expensive music festival should do. Well, well. Anyways, take a listen and take note so when you host a 10 year music festival in New Zealand you'll be better informed as to how you can keep it going. Big ups to Mai FM and DJ Sirvere for the interview.
Plenty of good new tunes in this episode. We dig them all! Enjoy.
Norman Jay is unquestionably one of the most respected and popular DJs in the world today. Co-founder of the legendary Good Times Sound System and London dance music station KISS FM, Jay fostered the ‘Rare Groove’ scene pushing the boundaries of the UK’s emerging club culture. Awarded an MBE for services to deejaying and music, he recently compiled his most eclectic compilation to date, ‘Good Times Skank & Boogie’, and is currently taking his legendary Good Times party to selected venues around the UK, continuing to convert generations of clubbers to the cause, championing new sounds, yet never forgetting his musical roots, thus guaranteeing nothing but ‘Good Times’. www.mustardmusic.com.au
Check Jay on tour in Australia and New Zealand over summer.
Al has DJed house music for 25 years in clubs, festivals, outdoor raves and anywhere that will hold a party. He learned the trade among the UK’s free party scene in the East Midlands playing in muddy fields with rows of bass bins and smiling faces.
His sounds is groovy, funky house and he likes to create something more than the sum of the parts using mixing and selection to get the vibe right.
Recent DJ highlights include Australia’s Lost Paradise festival, New Years Eve and Falls Festival Byron Bay, New Years Day. 2016 saw him play at Bohemian Beat Freaks Festival, Pollinate Byron Bay, the amazing Nudge Nudge Wink Wink parties, Coco-Republic, Bizarre Garden Festival, Love For Life Festival Cornwall UK and Gallery Sounds in Nottingham.
Al is also the founder of Sounds Good Sound System who with his crew and Funktion One system host parties wherever they can be they on the beach, or in a club and are always looking to bring good vibes and funky underground music. Their own Sounds Good parties in Byron are always sell-out. He is also resident at Coco Republic Byron Bay.
Al’s played clubs in the US, UK and Europe such as The End Up, The Top, Green Gorilla (San Fran), EarthTones Label party (LA), La Marocha (Beunos Airies), The Bomb (Nottingham) and too many muddy fields to mention and has also had a few releases on DiY Discs back in the 90’s and 2000’s.
Expect current and contemporary funky house music with soulful roots and a few old tunes thrown in.
This is the unlikely story of David Rodigan: an Army sergeant's son from the English countryside who has become the man who has taught the world about Reggae. As the sound of Jamaica has morphed over five decades through a succession of different genres - from Ska and Rock Steady, to Dub, Roots and Dancehall - Rodigan has remained its constant champion, winning the respect of generation after generation of Reggae followers across the globe.
Today, at the age of 63, he is a headline performer at almost all the UK's big music festivals, as well as events across the world. Young people revere him and he is a leading presenter on the BBC's youth network 1Xtra as well as a regular fixture at leading nightclubs such as London's Fabric and at student unions throughout the land. And he continues to go into the heartlands of Reggae, to the downtown dancehalls of Kingston and Montego Bay in Jamaica to compete in tournaments against the greatest sound systems.
And yet, for all of this, David Rodigan is the antithesis of the stereotype of an international dance music DJ. 'I look like an accountant or a dentist,' he admitted to The Independent a decade ago. A man of impeccable manners, Rodigan prepares for a big sound clash by retiring to his hotel bed with a Thomas Hardy novel before taking a nap and then a cup of espresso before heading to the club.
Rodigan is the inside story of this apparent paradox. It tells how a boy from Kidlington has become an admired international ambassador for a music form that remains as proud as ever of its African roots, a sound that emanates from and fiercely represents the ghetto poor. He now reaches across the age groups, from teens through to those of his own vintage. At the pinnacle of his career, Rodigan has become the DJ for all generations.
Leo Dub serves up some platter that matter. Hear this!
Featuring: Willie Lindo, Jackie Mittoo, The Wailers, Ken Boothe, The Heptones, Soul Vendors, Carl Bradley, Augustus Pablo, Junior Marvin, Sylvesters, Mighty Diamonds, Leggo Dub, Burning Spears, The Upsetters, Toots and The Maytals, Joe Gibbs.
In a bittersweet announcement today, Andrew McManus, the creator and driving force behind New Zealand’s iconic Raggamuffin Music Festival has said that Raggamuffin X, the tenth anniversary of the much-loved people’s festival, will be the final festival in Auckland at The Trusts Arena on Saturday 18 February 2017.
Having commenced in Rotorua in 2008, Raggamuffin captured the imagination of not just New Zealanders but international visitors who have travelled year in year out to enjoy some of the world’s biggest reggae stars including the inaugural line-up of UB40 (full band) Maxi Priest, The Wailers and Arrested Development. The festival has since featured other luminaries including Miss Lauryn Hill, Billy Ocean, Damian, Stephen and Ziggy Marley, Eddy Grant, Jimmy Cliff, Mary J Blige and Ali Campbell.
In making today’s statement McManus said Raggamuffin found its home in New Zealand 10 years ago, filling a major hole in the reggae landscape. “Along with Ali and the other original members of UB40 we all thought it would be a great idea to start a purpose-built reggae festival and the result was the birth of Raggamuffin. The culture and peaceful vibes of the Kiwi people ensured New Zealand was the obvious place to start and home Raggamuffin.”
McManus added that Raggamuffin has been an amazing journey and he was proud it had been an iconic part of New Zealand’s summers for so many years. But, he said, all good things must come to an end and this year’s Raggamuffin Festival will be a celebration of 10 years of love, peace and harmony – the mantra of Raggamuffin which has seen so many great moments and people grace the stage, internationally and locally.
“Let’s all come together and farewell this piece of New Zealand music history, celebrate what has been an amazing 10 years and enjoy the massive line up of reggae royalty from local superstars Six60, The Black Seeds and House of Shem to international icons including Shaggy, Diana King, The Wailers with Julian Marley playing a full tribute to Bob Marley, Ky-Mani Marley and many more!”
Information and tickets for Raggamuffin X are available through www.raggamuffin.co.nz
Trojan Records in conjunction with (world-famous) The London International Ska Festival continues its long-standing undertaking of presenting the very best in ska, rock steady and reggae sounds with its first UK tour in 4 decades.
Now, with a brand new line-up and after a 7 year hiatus, Pama International return in fine style with their ‘Love & Austerity’ album which sees release this spring on the Record Kicks label and comprises of no less than 8 singles! The group's reworking of Martha Reeves & The Vandellas' soul classic 'Heatwave' has already picked up airplay from BBC1xtra (David 'Ram Jam' Rodigan: “premier rocksteady”), BBC6 Music’s Craig Charles'Funk & Soul show‘Best of 2016’ (“as ever, their productions and taste is faultless”), and of course on GO FEET! Radio where it made the best of 2016 playlist.
Appearing alongside Pama International on the tour will be the ever excellent DJ Mistah Brown (Tighten Up crew) as well as a number of regional guest DJs.
13 London Electric Ballroom part of The London Intl Ska Festival 2017 +The Spitfires & more
14 Liverpool O2 Academy
Get along and see them if you can, it'll be an evening of blistering hot ska, rock steady and reggae sounds as they celebrate the most iconic reggae label in the world!
Alrighty then, who wants to win themselves a Raggamuffin X ticket PLUS a copy of Prince's last album, Hit N Run (Phrase Two)?
To enter the draw is very simple, however, we're going to make you work for this one! We think it'll be worth it. Follow the 3 steps below to enter the draw.
Step 1: Subscribe to our blog by email (see top, right hand side of this blog for subscription details) and be sure to activate the subscription email to complete the subscription process. Step 2: Complete the 4 questions below and email your answers AND YOUR NAME with the same email you used to subscribe to our blog. Step 3: Like our GO FEET! Radio Facebook page and tag a friend in the competition post (look for post with same photo, pinned at top of our news-feed) .
Simple aye! Okey dokey, what are you waiting for?
Be sure to enter the draw by 25th January 2017. Good luck!!
(Previous ticket winners can not win again)
Questions
1. A band in this year's lineup had one of their songs feature on the trailer for an English drama series featuring John Simm. Which band is it?
2. What brand of shoes is Crysa wearing in this video with Conkarah?
3. How did GO FEET! Radio get its name?
4. Name three bands/artists that you would like to see perform at a future Raggamuffin festival (NZ).
Australia’s leading reggae and dancehall producer and accomplished pianist, Mista Savona (aka Jake Savona), has gathered some of Cuba and Jamaica’s most influential musicians in the one recording studio to create a world first album.
Despite their huge respective global appeal and geographical proximity, there has never been a full length album that unites the unique sounds of both Jamaican and Cuban music - till now. This is a truly groundbreaking record and project that honors both islands' incredible musical foundations and legacies while inspiring and creating something entirely new. Drawing from the styles the islands are best known for - roots reggae, dub and dancehall on one hand and son, salsa, rumba and Afro-Cuban on the other - 'Havana Meets Kingston' sees an incredible team of musicians come together to bend and twist genres effortlessly, and the results are exceptional.
Havana, June 2015 (photo by Lara Merrington)
Savona's main intention is to bring Jamaican sound-system and bass culture together with Cuba's electrifying and virtuosic Afro-Cuban and jazz traditions, and this is where the album excels and is unique in musical history. Energetic and passionate vocals in Spanish, English and Jamaican patois twist and turn over the distinctly Cuban rhythms and melodies, while the deep bass-lines that Jamaica is best known for pulse underneath, unifying the music of both cultures and creating something fresh, bold and exciting.
'Havana Meets Kingston' brings together established and emerging Cuban and Jamaican musicians in an album of mostly original songs, as well as covers of classic Cuban material. The main recording sessions took place over 10 days in June 2015 at the famous Egrem Studio in Havana, Cuba. Savona personally flew seven Jamaicans into Havana for these sessions, including Sly & Robbie and Bongo Herman among other greats. Since this time he has traveled to Jamaica, Cuba and the UK numerous times to complete the recordings. The caliber of artists on this two part album project speaks volumes.
The full album is due for release in April 2017.
To add to this already grand project, acclaimed filmmakers Rick Mereki (of MOVE, EAT, LEARN fame), producer Lauren Rosa Beck and photographer Lara Merrington travelled to Cuba and Jamaica to capture every moment on film. They will be providing an independent documentary which will celebrate the music and stories of the artists involved against the backdrop of three diverse nations.
Congratulations to Christina for winning our latest Raggamuffin Festival New Zealand X ticket via the Facebook competition (dated 28 Dec 2016). And big thanks to all who entered the competition.
Don't go far, we have more giveaways for Raggamuffin Festival New Zealand. We think you'll like the next competition. If you have subscribed to our blog you'll be first to know about it and have a head start. If you haven't yet subscribed what are you waiting for!? Head over to https://gofeetradio.blogspot.co.nz/ and subscribe to GO FEET! Radio by email.
Be sure to activate your subscription email from us. If you get stuck and need assistance just hola!
AN UNFORGETTABLE CONCERT OF MARLEY MAGIC IN THE GARDENS, PERFORMED BY AN A-LIST OF KIWI TALENT.
Tiki Taane, Boh Runga, Logan Bell, Ria Hall, Laughton Kora, Warren Maxwell, Anna Coddington, Fran Kora and Jayson Norris will perform Bob Marley's biggest hits including Get Up Stand Up, 3 Little Birds, Stir It Up, Redemption Song, Turn Your Lights Down Low, Buffalo Soldier, Punky Reggae Party, Exodus, No Woman No Cry, One Love and many many more.
They will be backed by the NZ All-Stars band, featuring musicians from Katchafire, The Black Seeds, Kora, L.A.B and Supergroove. Grenville Bell, guitar, Haani Totorewa, keyboards and Leon Davy, percussion, Fran Kora, bass and vocals; Lucien Johnson, sax and Barrett Hocking, trumpet; Paul Russell, drums; Joel Shadbolt, guitar; Shelton Woolright, guest drums and Godfrey de Grut, keyboards, with our very own I-Threes on backing vocals, Boh, Ria and Anna.
Welcoming in to the Hamilton shows are two new additions to the All-Star line-up, Warren Maxwell (Trinity Roots) needs no introduction to NZ music lovers. An incredibly gifted and innovative song-writer, composer and music mentor, Warren was a founding member of Trinity Roots, leader of the psychedelic folk band, Little Bushman and a past member of Fat Freddy’s Drop. He has collaborated with many fellow musicians, including the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and we are thrilled he can join the NZ All-Stars for the Hamilton concert.
Kaitaia born, London based Jayson Norris combines his love of singer-songwriters, indigenous music and all things rock, to create his distinct sound of acoustic, roots-rock. Based in London for over a decade, and as one of the original loopers, Jayson Norris' live show continually wows audiences across the globe. His EP release in October 2016 ‘Eroded’ (Engineered and Co-produced by Paul Matthews of I Am Giant) went straight to the charts being the highest selling NZ album at #7 on the iTunes album charts, peaking at #2 on the rock album charts, plus he also broke in to the top 50 in the UK iTunes album charts. Jayson will be returning to his home region to open for and appear in the Marley NZ All-Stars.
Set in the beautiful Rhododendron Lawn, and backed by a band that’s the crème of NZ music, this concert’s going be legendary.
“Let’s get together and feel alright” – Bob Marley
Live music lovers, take a deep breath. New Zealand’s greatest music talents are coming to Hamilton to pay homage to one of the greatest influences on NZ music – Bob Marley.
Marley – NZ All-Stars Celebrate the Legend will be one of the unforgettable events of summer!
**Also catch MARLEY in Kerikeri on 17 February**
**And get the soundtrack: Stir It Up - Aotearoa's Tribute To Bob Marley**
Happy New Year everybody! Heres the first episode of 2017. Let us know what you think. Plenty of ska, reggae and off-beats in this mix. Have you entered the Raggamuffin Ticket Giveaway on our Facebook page (posted 28th Dec), times running out so enter now if you haven't already. And PLEASE keep it locked to GO FEET! Radio for more special announcements of upcoming giveaways for a massive NZ reggae festival, hmmmm, wonder what festival that is?
Tommy McCook - Two for One
Natty - No, No, No_Natty
Pannonia Allstars Ska Orchestra - Imperial Reggae (Star Wars)
Teddy Garcia with Big Youth - Nico's Walk
The Black Seeds - Good People (Get Together)
King Huggy & The Calypso Combo - The Calypsower
The Phantoms - The Juice
Yellow Umbrella - Hooligans Of Love
Etana - Selassie Is The Chapel
Caz Gardiner - The Ruler
The Lee Thompson Ska Orchestra - Bite The Bullet
NST & The Soul Sauce - Heaven is Here
Peter Tosh with The Upsetters - Brand New Second Hand (Version 2)
"Please share it with as many as you can, do your part and know that no matter what, it is time for the vision of love, peace, equality, justice and our true human potential to be the reality. Listen out for more new music soon. Love #IAMAHUMAN"
Here's my take on this ... I think its great how Ziggy is able to use his talents, fame, fortune, and the support of others to promote 'positive vibrations'. And if you're waiting for my 'but', I'm sorry there isn't one. If he has a political agenda I'm not aware of it (even though I've heard it said, 'everything is political'). Ziggy is talented and good on him for putting this message out there.
What I find interesting is how over time one generation's focus can change to something different for the next generation. It was only 40 odd years ago that Ziggy's father, Bob Marley, was singing (or preaching - call it what you like) about being a Rebel, a Rastafarian, and a Revolutionist. All things seemingly denounced in this new song by Ziggy Marley.
Truth: we don't have to be like our fathers, we have freedom to chart our own course in life.
GO FEET! Radio first broadcasts from a community radio station in Hamilton, New Zealand called FreeFM89.0 then is podcast at http://gofeetradio.blogspot.co.nz/. Your hosts are: Nate Ness Monster & Windy City Sound System (Chicago). GO FEET! Radio started as a means to promote Jamaican influenced music to the world. When Nate told Dave Wakeling of The English Beat that the show's name was a spin off The English Beat's early recording label, Go Feet! Records, Dave was thrilled. Since then GO FEET! Radio has delivered weekly shows crammed with Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae, Skinhead Reggae, Dub, Soul and a little bit of good time!
