From genres like Reggae, Dancehall, Soul, Tropical, and Blues, Melbourne has a rich diversity of artists and Deejays that can take you on a whole new level with their high creativity. Many of these independent artists have been making music for a long time. We bring you only eight acts from a wide selection of many in this feature.
ARTIST: BOB SIMON
Hailing from Pakenham, Victoria is the multi-faceted singer, songwriter, music director, guitarist, and father BOB SIMON, that has held the reggae music flag flying high on the Australian music scene.
With a sound that can be traced back to the popular Jamaican heritage, singer Bob Simon has created yet another whole new vibe mixed with a speck of diversity and originality that every lover of Reggae will relate to. The gifted artist has featured on the music scene for quite a long time. His discography grew all the way back from the early 2000s.
Singer Bob Simon has featured on a couple of music album compilations and playlists put together by famous music enthusiasts. In 2005, he featured on the “Fried Glass Onions – Memphis meets the Beatles” mixtape on which he was featured with various other artists, including Eddie Harrison, Charlie Wood, and many others.
Like any other creative artist, Bob Simon’s music has been regarded as soul-searching and regenerative in a way that it will breathe new life into your past worries. His latest solo, titled “Reggae Unites People,” released back in 202,1, has turned into an anthem on many Reggae for its rich message that has brought about unity in the music business. Many Reggae artists today regard Bob Simon as one of the Reggae die-hards that will aid you in nurturing your love for this kind of music. His lyrical ability and creativeness are on another level and can be clearly seen in all the music that he releases.
On March 12th, Bob Simon was one of the headliners at the Jamaican Music & Food Festival that happened at Seaworks, Williamstown, together with other notable acts.
To check out Bob Simon’s music, follow the links down below;
Instagram: https://instagram.com/bobsimon_official_ig?utm_medium=copy_link
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClrqyVPSSlfKp36NlQDl_GA
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-312621468
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/de/artist/bob-simon/91247022?l=en
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5zBMMT6Q2qbU1cJRoS2nWS?si=RCe68OtWS82pOhCuAKFbrQ
ARTIST: SHOTTAZ
The Afro Dancehall duo “Shottaz” is based in Melbourne and has created a buzz in the dancehall and Reggae scene of Australia for the past four years.
Comprising of MCs Hlats and Max Shotta, the duo started making music back when they were still known as “Yung Shottaz.” I.”2018, the talented dancehall acts relocated to Melbourne, where their presence became more evident, and their music started featuring on the front stage. This was when their present-day alias “Shottaz” came to life.
Since the duo took center stage in Melbourne’s dancehall scene, their music has been regarded to be funky, full of good vibes, and diverse in sound. The lyrics in each of their songs are mind-boggling and full of positive energy. The crew was nominated in the Music Victoria Awards in 2019 to recognize their contribution to the local dancehall and Reggae scene.
Dancehall has been considered a musical genre that governs the dance floor and party mood in many cities for a long time. No party should happen without featuring the hard-core beats of dancehall music. In this same spirit, the duo “Shottaz” has been lined up to perform among other Reggae and Dancehall artists at the Jamaican Music and Food Festival in Seaworks, Williamstown. For music that is enriching and entertaining at the same time, you wouldn’t want to suffer FOMO by missing to watch these great acts live in action.
With impressive tracks that have existed for a while, Shottaz has an expansive discography that every lover of the dancehall genre should be on the lookout for. In the year 2021, the duo released several singles, including collaborations with other renowned dancehall acts worldwide. If you are looking for the spice in Dancehall music, this duo is definitely your kind of taste.
Check out their social media and music streaming platforms to get free access to their music.
Instagram: https://instagram.com/theshottaz?utm_medium=copy_link
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/shottazmusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theShottaz/
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/de/artist/shottaz/530508491?l=en
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0KlXrunCBXMLpsTuOBOmFI?si=Y8xHKPzgQbiCJIimfS4zVg
ARTIST: QUASHANI BAHD
A whole new voice of a generation is the multi-diverse solo artist QUASHANI BAHD whose signature style of Reggae and Blues music has birthed a new genre she calls “Regglues.”
The Versatile artist, who is also identified by her unique fashion sense and a strong heart for community, has continued making her mark on the Melbourne music scene with her vast discography of distinctive tracks. Her mellow voice has led to songs like “Two Wrongs,” “Last Dance,” “Head High,” an EP titled “Bahd Gyal Rhymes,” released last year, among a few other singles in her collection.
Quashani Bahd was born in Zimbabwe but later moved to Melbourne, where she found her new home. Being an artist from the southern part of Africa, her rhythm for music was inborn. Bahd debuted with Dub Vyze Sound at the acclaimed Oz Soul’Collective back in February 2011. Showcasing her rare style of Regglues, many lovers of Reggae and Blue music were astounded by how the gifted artist was able to blend the two genres of music and come up with one sound. Her music was infused with a touch of soul that only a creative artist can create.
In addition to her rare talent, Quashani Bahd is also the founder of Bohochic and carries a strong heart for her community. The prodigy has featured on several charities and community events organized all around the world. In 2011, she performed at the Festival of Refugees (Act For Peace), Kingston for Human Rights, and Sisters for Sisters. These are just a few of the appearances she has made over the past years, even though there are many more others.
As a crowd pleaser and great performer, Bahd is also set to be part of the Jamaican Music and Food Festival headliners slated for 12th March at Seaworks, Williamstown.
If you are a lover of Reggae, Soul, Blue, or Reggblues, Quashani Bahd is an artist to look out for. Check out her music on all her music platforms and follow her on all social media platforms.
Instagram: https://instagram.com/quashanibahd?utm_medium=copy_link
Twitter: https://twitter.com/quashanibahd
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/de/artist/quashani-bahd/1097087671?l=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtJrh6Q46VdNMH9QYw4yz9Q
Sound Cloud: https://soundcloud.com/quashanibahd?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OJFZySXApHMXfvwYQPKEq?si=RmOQx2QzQPOiWugsKv3xxw
ARTIST: RAS JAHKNOW
Originally from the heart of Cape Verde, West Africa, but currently residing in Australia, is musician/band RAS JAHKNOW whose music has blazed new soul and fresh rhythms into the rich roots of Reggae music.
Artist RAS JAHKNOW was the initiator of the band that breathed to life in late 2010. Since their debut in the Reggae music scene, the band has cemented themselves as one of Melbourne’s most profound Reggae ensembles and performed on several festivals, including the 2014 Antenna Awards.
Ras Jahknow band made their album debut in 2014 after releasing their “Jah Sta Li” album in May. By then, the band was made up of artists, including; Ras Jahknow (Lead vocals), Riccardo Barbarulo (Keys), Steven Ramanado (Guitar), Zelalem Negatu (Drums & Back vocals), Ben Caruana (Bass), Ted Kazan (Trumpet), Joel Plymin (Sax), Jono James (Trombone), and Jason Heerah (Percussions & Backing vocals). This fourteen-track album emerged as a display of the band’s ability to create an innovative Reggae style that drew worldly sound from various countries, including Ethiopia, Brazil, Malaysia, & Australia.
The Reggae music scene of Australia has recognized musician/band Ras Jahknow for its contribution great towards the Reggae culture. The band has received numerous awards for their music, including; Best Performer/Band of the year 2015/16 at the Australia Reggae Radio Music Awards, Excellence Artistic Talents (Music/Reggae) in 2018, Award of excellence for support the Community Talents in 2019, and a 2018 Music Victoria Award nomination for Best Reggae and Dancehall Act.
Each time Ras Jahknow takes the stage, their organic sound is clearly noticed through their diverse talent portrayed within all the band members. All the members that make up the band are multi-instrumentalists and come from professionally skilled music backgrounds.
Whether at an event or in-studio, the ensemble always displays a high passion for Reggae music, making tracks that create a change and positively motivate the world.
This celebrated band will be part of the Jamaican Music & Food Festival happening on 12th March. Be sure to check out their performance and follow them on all their social media and music streaming platforms.
Instagram: https://instagram.com/rasjahknow?utm_medium=copy_link
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rasjahknow?s=21
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/de/artist/ras-jahknow/577357277?l=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/rasjahknow
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ras-jahknow?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
ARTIST: DJ LADY ERICA
Hailing in Melbourne, Australia, is Erica Myers-Davis, aka DJ Lady Erica, whose long served career on the turntables has crowned her the title of Australia’s First lady of Garage, Grimme & Bass.
With over 30 years of experience as a Vinyl DJ, Lady Erica has cemented herself as one of the best in UK Garage, Bass, Dubstep, & in other genres of Soul, rare grooves, and Reggae. The prodigy started her career under the alias “DJ Venus,” playing on UK pirate radio station Fantasy FM alongside DJ Felix back in 1991. She moved to Melbourne in 1995, a city known for its diversity in culture and amazing nightlife. Lady Erica started getting popular on the Australian music scene in 1998 when her UK Garage sound started getting popular. The talented DJ performed alongside renowned DJs and Producers, including MJ Cole, Roots Manuva, Stanton Warriors, EZ, Deadboy, and many other acts. Her mind-altering performances developed one of the longest-running UKG nights in Oz.
Gifted and unique in every way, Lady Erica is an entertainer and a holder of a doctorate of Business Administration from Victoria University, Australia. Her multi-faceted character has put her ahead of the game with performances across Australia and Europe.
On 12th March, DJ Lady Erica will be part of the Jamaican Music & Food Festival acts at Seaworks, Williamstown, and is expected to embrace the Yard stage.
For more about DJ Lady Erica, visit her website (https://www.ladyerica.com) and all her other social media and music streaming pages.
Instagram: https://instagram.com/dameerica?utm_medium=copy_link
Twitter: https://twitter.com/djladyerica?s=21
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DJLadyErica/featured
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/dj-lady-erica?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
ARTIST: DJ SELEKTAH
An Entrepreneur, Entertainer, and Deejay, all in one name; DJ SELEKTAH.
The Melbourne-based DJ has his roots in the South of Africa, Zimbabwe, where he lived before relocating to Australia. Selektah has created a trademark for himself as one of Melbourne’s most profound multi-genre Deejays and has featured on several events, including the concluded “The Hot Caribbean Koko Vibz” event that happened at Fika Island on 19th February. Selektah featured alongside other DJs; AmadeusX, Kudoh, and Kase.
A maestro in genres of Reggae, Afrobeat, Dancehall, Soca, and Tropical Vibz, DJ Selektah also adds a speck to his craft by extending the fun to your event in full blast. The gifted deejay doubles as the founder of Stallion Entertainment, an event warehouse under which he hires sound equipment for weddings, corporate events & parties.
When it comes to putting a smile on one’s face, we all agree that DJ Selektah is that one guy who will turn your mood around. His live sets are simply unique, and his skill on the turntable can’t be contested.
Follow DJ Selektah on his Mixcloud account to check out all his previous mixes. He is also planning to appear at the Jamaican Music & Food Festival happening at Seaworks, Williamstown. Be sure to check him out at the Jamaican Jankunu stage.
Mixcloud: www.mixcloud.com/stallionsounds
Instagram: https://instagram.com/selektah67?utm_medium=copy_link
ARTIST: DISUN FUTURE
Born on Christmas Day (25th December), DISUN FUTURE is a Ugandan singer and songwriter based in Melbourne Australia.
Since his entry in the musical sphere back in 2011, Disun has created music that has broken boundaries and spread worldwide. His sound is described as earth-shuttering with lyrics that are filled with a message of elevation, support and love. From his early days, singer Disun started out as a dancehall artist back in the suburbs on Kampala. No body could tell by then that his music and fame would evolve him into an internationally nominated star.
A hustler in every way, Disun Future left Kampala, Uganda in search of a better life and promising future. He relocated to Dubai, where he had the chance to release some of his first projects, including his famous single “Gulawo.” This song received massive airplay on both international and local media houses around Dubai. The prodigy later returned to Uganda and pursued a degree in Economics. He, later on, joined Dimaru World music, under which he recorded a couple of tracks that propelled him to even greater heights.
Disun Future has been featured on several shows all around the world. The adept dancehall and Reggae artist has toured in Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Ethiopia, and many other countries. For a downtown youth from one of the suburbs of Africa, this is a dream and encouragement to many other young artists out there that everything is possible as long as you set your mind to it.
On 12th March 2022, Disun will be performing live at the Jamaican Music & Food Festival, taking place at Seaworks, Williamstown. He is expected to embrace the Yard Stage alongside other great Reggae artists like Bob Simon.
Be sure to check him out and also follow his music on all streaming platforms and his social media pages.
Instagram: https://instagram.com/disunfuture_music?utm_medium=copy_link
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/de/artist/disun-future/1314134502?l=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWOAzG-Lmqeo7bXCjwYbjkg
Soundcolud: https://soundcloud.com/disunfuture?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
ARTIST: DJ JESSE I
JESSE I is a Reggae and Dancehall DJ, radio presenter, podcast show host, and music promoter based in Melbourne, whose long thriving career has led to the rise of superstars on the international scene and in Australia.
The multi-talented Deejay rose back in 1991 through his outstanding skills on the Mic and on the Turntables. Through his radio show segment “Babylon Burning” on PBS 106.7 FM, Jesse I has had the opportunity to feature many renowned Reggae and dancehall acts from Jamaica and all over the world. His radio show specializes primarily in Jamaican reggae music ranging all the way from the rocksteady of the late 60s Jamaica, through the 70s, to the hardcore sounds of the early 80s. Here, he also features new releases in genres of Reggae and Dancehall.
When you mention about the hidden roots of Reggae music in Melbourne, the first name that sounds is JESSE I. The original reggae dancehall crewbreathed to life when Jesse I linked with longtime reggae selector Ras Crucial. Jesse also pioneered the Chant Down play in contemporary Jamaican style, mixing the freshest reggae hits and dancehall together with vintage classics and live MCing. This creativity created a buzz in Australia and turned into one of the longest-running reggae sessions. The gifted DJ has hosted almost every international reggae act on his shows, including Third World, Lucky Dube, The Gladiators, Jr Reid, Michael Rose, Chaka Demus & Pliers, Jah Mason, and Gappy Ranks. His shows are aired in Australia and also internationally.
DJ Jesse, I will also be at the Jamaican Music & Food Festive at Seaworks, Williamstown, on 12th March. Together with other DJs and artists, he will be live on the Yard stage.
Follow his social media handles and on Soundcloud & Spotify to listen to some of his previous work.
Instagram: https://instagram.com/morefireblaze?utm_medium=copy_link
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chantdown
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chantdown
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/chantdown?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7MRzuLAcZU5AACalThpwHH?si=f41a0e82e5d64315
