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October in Jamaica doesn’t only signal the end of the scorching summer heat, but also ushers in the reverence of Heroes Month. Growing up with stories of our national heroes woven into our identities, but how much of those tales are accurate and fair representations of these historical figures and their struggles. The insights we share will not be from the pages of a history book, but from a descendant of Paul Bogle. An interview with Junior Bogle on Caribbean Gateway’s YouTube channel introduces us to a narrative that feels both foreign and familiar. Junior, a direct descendant of the legendary Paul Bogle, unfolds a story passed down through generations that is markedly different from the tales we heard in our youth.

How It Really Started

We were taught about the rebellious deacon, who stirred a violent rebellion. But Junior paints a different picture. His ancestor, as per the familial recounts, attempted many peaceful protests long before the rebellion boiled over. Bogle was thorough, he penned petitions and pleas and sought change through the power of words and silent resilience, but his letters to Queen Victoria were met with disdain. In fact, the triggering event was a trial at the Morant Bay courthouse, where shots fired by the militia claimed innocent lives, plunging St. Thomas into chaos.

Bogle’s Ultimate Sacrifice

One detail, often glossed over in history books, was Bogle not just as a leader but a family man. The brutal response to the rebellion saw his family and followers hunted and slaughtered. Selflessly, Bogle surrendered himself. It is important to note that, contrary to popular narratives, he wasn’t captured but gave himself up to the Maroons. The bounty on his head being the highest in Jamaican history told of the British powers’ desperation to quell his indomitable spirit.

A Legacy Remembered

The rebellion’s vicious suppression and Bogle’s execution didn’t silence his voice. It echoed in the generations that followed, from Marcus Garvey to Malcolm X and Nelson Mandela. Each, in their unique way, carried the torch of resistance, equality, and dignity, making Bogle’s sacrifice not just a moment in history, but a living legacy urging us to remember the power of standing against oppression. We are reminded that history is often more intricate and personal than the generalized narratives in textbooks.

This October, as we celebrate Heroes Month, we’re not just honoring icons, but individuals who were family, friends, and community pillars. Our heroes are more than just words penned, they lived real lives, made real sacrifices and our existence and liberties today are a direct by product of those sacrifices.

Photo – @allisnharrisn

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The 2003 hit track by Jamaican Wayne Wonder, “No Letting Go,” has been streamed over 100 million times on Spotify just a year after being certified Gold in the United States. “No Letting Go” received its Gold certification in August 2022 from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Certified Gold

The Certified Gold designation is given to recordings that achieve sales of over 500,000 units.

In August 2022, the song was certified gold in the United States by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), commemorating sales exceeding 500,000 units. The CEO of VP Records, Christopher Chin, presented Wonder with the gold plaque from RIAA  in New York’s Central Park at the 2022 SummerStage concert. After receiving the plaque, Wonder said he was ‘humbled by this great recognition.” The track was also certified Gold in the United Kingdom in 2020 when its sales surpassed 400,000 copies.

Wonder’s Biggest Success

“No Letting Go” was written by Wonder and Steven “Lenky” Marsden, who also produced it. It was on the singer’s 2003 album, “No Holding Back.” The album, which was Wonder’s 11th studio album, received a nomination in the Best Reggae Album category at the Grammys in 2004, and the single reached Number Three on the UK Singles Chart. In the US, the track peaked at Number 11 on Billboard’s Hot 100. It is Wayne Wonder’s most successful single to date, and according to him, it was the US media personality Wendy Williams who brought the song to the attention of commercial radio. Her attention prompted deejays to boost its popularity. “No Holding Back” remains the singer’s only album thus far to chart in the US.

Diwali Riddim

“No Letting Go” was one of the hits from the riddim known as the Diwali Riddim, which was also produced by Marsden. It is considered one of the classic dancehall riddims and became popular with the “Greensleeves Rhythm Album #27” in 2002. It appeared on a number of hit songs by artists like Bounty Killer, Sean Paul, and Elephant Man, as well as on Wonder’s recording. The New York Times called the track “one of the most popular reggae rhythms of all time…If ever there was a beat that deserved its own ‘Behind the Music,’ this is it.” The album was also called the best reggae album released in 2002. The beat comprises syncopated clapping and was named “Diwali” in recognition of its Indian dance music influence.

Photo – Rose-Ann M. Bailey,  Facebook, Instagram

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A resurgence of Caribbean music on the global stage has prompted Billboard magazine to introduce a new monthly column to showcase the essential releases from the reggae and dancehall music scenes. The column, “Reggae/Dancehall Fresh Picks of the Month” will present a curated list of the artists working in Caribbean genres.

Pushing the Boundaries

Recently, artists like Byron Messia, Teejay, and Ireland Boss & Malie Donn have joined with iconic reggae stars like Bob Marley and modern releases from Shenseea and Masicka to signal an expansion of Caribbean music that pushes boundaries and combines genres in new ways. These artists demonstrate the lasting appeal of contemporary reggae and dancehall while building on foundations defined by music legends. They also incorporate elements of soca, calypso, Afrobeats, R&B, hip-hop, and gospel along with dancehall and reggae influences to fuel the creation of a new frontier in Caribbean music for audiences around the world.

Expanding Beyond Island Borders

The influence of modern fusion artists is successfully extending the reach of reggae and dancehall beyond the borders of the islands in the Caribbean. Descendants of Caribbean immigrants in big cities like London, New York, Miami, and Toronto are having an impact on recordings and blurring the lines between traditional forms. Tracks like “Gyalis” by Capella Grey and “Buff” by Cochise effectively showcase developing trends.

Enter Billboard’s Column

The column from Billboard provides a comprehensive review of new Caribbean music by highlighting the most prominent tracks within the reggae and dancehall system. Songs like “Slow Motion” by Bounty Killer, Cham, and Dexta Daps receive attention, while “Nyqui” by Popcaan is also recognized. Additionally, emerging artists are given their due: Valiant and Skeng’s “Loyal Gyal” is noted, and the upcoming talent of Najeeriii, whose single “Like Bob” featuring Skippa, has been singled out. The publishing of Billboard magazine’s monthly column is likely to impact the music culture of Jamaica and other spaces in the Caribbean as it promises to bring more artists recognition in the global music market and offers the potential for facilitation of cross-genre appeal every month.

Latest Column Highlights

These are the tracks currently firing up playlists from Kingston to New York and beyond:

Millbeatz & Lyrikal, “Blessed Day”

Skippa, Najeeriii & Sulfa Ge, “Like Bob”

Nailah Blackman & KANIS, “Follow Follow”

Bounty Killer & Cham featuring Dexta Daps, “Slow Motion”

Capleton, “Say Them Love You”

System32 & Lyrikal, “Stick On”

Popcaan, “Nyqui” with Anju Blaxx

Mr. Vegas, “God Out (Enuh)”

Skeng featuring Valiant & Jiggy D, “Loyal Gyal”

Nadia Batson, “Market”

Photo –

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