Episodes

  • Ep. 10: Dr. Dread - Building the RAS Records Empire (Gregory Isaacs, Steel Pulse & More)

    Ep. 10: Dr. Dread - Building the RAS Records Empire (Gregory Isaacs, Steel Pulse & More)
    Apr 28 2025
    Maximum respect, Native Wayne here on Rebel Rockers, down in beautiful Ocho Rios, Jamaica! It was a serious honour to sit down with a true reggae legend, the great Dr. Dread, founder of the iconic RAS Records. Man, the stories this producer shared covering decades of crucial reggae history! We talked about everything – how he started the label after literally walking across Jamaica, bringing Israel Vibration back together, the absolute genius of artists like Gregory Isaacs, Steel Pulse, and Bunny Wailer (that Blackheart Man album!), the unexpected success of the Reggae For Kids series, and even the time he remixed Bob Dylan featuring Sly & Robbie. If you love reggae and want deep insights from the man who helped shape the sound and bring so many artists to the world, you have to check this reasoning. Yeah man! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 mins
  • Ep. 09: Million Seller at 15: Sly Dunbar's Journey from Yard Broom to Reggae Icon

    Ep. 09: Million Seller at 15: Sly Dunbar's Journey from Yard Broom to Reggae Icon
    Mar 5 2025
    It was a true honour sitting down with the legendary drummer, Sly Dunbar, right here in One Pop Studios. We journeyed through decades of reggae history, starting from his early days with bands like Yard Brooms and getting that first hit, "Million Seller," as a youth, right up to the revolutionary sounds created at Channel One Studio and the iconic Sly & Robbie partnership. Sly shared incredible stories about touring and recording with greats like Peter Tosh, developing the unique sound of Black Uhuru, the magic of the Compass Point sessions with Grace Jones which birthed hits like "Pull Up to the Bumper," and the creation of timeless rhythms including "Murder She Wrote" and the "Party Next Door" riddim (heard on Chaka Demus & Pliers' tune). Big up the drumming legend Sly Dunbar for sharing his deep insights into reggae production and his massive impact on music worldwide! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 mins
  • Ep. 08: Leon - From Cool Runnings to Reggae Rhythms

    Ep. 08: Leon - From Cool Runnings to Reggae Rhythms
    Feb 17 2025
    Greetings and maximum respect! In this crucial episode, we're honored and blessed to have the mighty, wicked, and dangerous actor, musician, producer, and director, Leon, joining us all the way from Jamaica. We dive deep into his experience at the Beres Hammond and Buju Banton concert, his close friendship with Beres Hammond, and the reggae artists who have influenced him. Leon also shares insights into his iconic roles in "Cool Runnings," "The Five Heartbeats," and "The Temptations," revealing his meticulous research process. We explore the challenges of balancing acting and music, his dream projects, and his surprising status as a meme king. This episode is packed with stories, laughter, and reflections on a remarkable career, highlighting the importance of staying true to yourself and where you come from. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    27 mins
  • Ep. 07: Nick Hexum of 311 on Reggae's Influence and Musical Legacy

    Ep. 07: Nick Hexum of 311 on Reggae's Influence and Musical Legacy
    Jan 27 2025
    In this episode of Rebel Rockers, Native Wayne chats with Nick Hexum, frontman of the iconic rock-reggae band 311. Hexum reflects on 311's journey from Omaha to global fame, crediting reggae legends like Bob Marley, The Clash, and King Tubby for inspiring their signature fusion of rock, reggae, and dancehall. He shares memories of Jamaican sound system culture, collaborations with producer Supa Dups, and crafting hits like All Mixed Up and Come Original. Hexum also dives into their latest album, Full Bloom, which blends reggae roots with modern dancehall and psychedelic sounds. Highlighting the unifying power of reggae, Hexum celebrates its global influence and 311’s ongoing mission to innovate while honoring the genre’s rich heritage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    35 mins
  • Ep.06: A Journey Into Reggae History with Roger Steffens

    Ep.06: A Journey Into Reggae History with Roger Steffens
    Jan 13 2025
    Dive into the vibrant world of reggae with the Rebel Rockers podcast hosted by Native Wayne, featuring Roger Steffens, the world's leading authority on reggae and Bob Marley. With over 50 years of expertise, Steffens shares his unparalleled archive of reggae history, his personal encounters with Bob Marley, and his extensive global lectures on reggae's cultural impact. This episode unveils his plans to establish a permanent reggae museum in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and explores reggae's profound influence through rare stories and anecdotes. Tune in for an insider’s perspective on reggae’s legacy, its roots, and its evolution into a global movement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • Ep. 05: Red Red Wine and Revolution - UB40’s Reggae Legacy

    Ep. 05: Red Red Wine and Revolution - UB40’s Reggae Legacy
    Dec 23 2024
    In this episode of Rebel Rockers, Native Wayne dives into the legendary story of UB40, one of reggae’s most iconic bands. From their humble beginnings as a group of unemployed friends learning to play instruments, to their meteoric rise with hits like Red Red Wine and I Got You Babe, UB40’s journey is a testament to the power of music to unite and inspire. Wayne shares personal anecdotes, including his decades-long friendship with lead singer Ali Campbell, their collaborations in Jamaica, and the band's incredible global impact. Ali reflects on their early days, creating music with minimal resources, their revolutionary decision to start their own label, and their dedication to staying true to reggae roots. With timeless hits and socially conscious lyrics, UB40 continues to captivate audiences worldwide, proving that reggae’s message of peace and unity is as powerful today as ever. Stay tuned for more untold stories from reggae’s rebel pioneers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    34 mins
  • Ep. 04: Long Beach Legends - The Roots of Sublime’s Greatness

    Ep. 04: Long Beach Legends - The Roots of Sublime’s Greatness
    Dec 9 2024
    On this episode of Rebel Rockers with Native Wayne, we honor Sublime, the groundbreaking rock reggae trio from Long Beach. Blending punk, reggae, and hip-hop, Bradley Nowell, Eric Wilson, and Bud Gaugh crafted a sound that redefined music, with hits like "Date Rape" sparking their meteoric rise. Sublime's legacy endures through Sublime with Rome and the next generation led by Bradley's son, Jacob. Their DIY ethos and soulful authenticity created a timeless influence on music. Sublime inspired artists like No Doubt’s Gwen Stefani, Sugar Ray’s Mark McGrath, and Michael Franti. Their genre-defying music, led by Bradley’s unique voice and powerful songwriting, remains a blueprint for rock reggae bands like Stick Figure and Rebelution. From underground gigs to chart-topping hits, Sublime’s story is a testament to their artistry and the Long Beach roots that shaped them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    23 mins
  • Ep. 03: Keith Richards on Reggae, Rastafari, and His Jamaican Soul

    Ep. 03: Keith Richards on Reggae, Rastafari, and His Jamaican Soul
    Nov 25 2024
    Greetings and maximum respect, Rebel Rockers! In this electrifying episode of Rebel Rockers with Native Wayne, we dive deep into the heart of reggae with none other than the legendary Keith Richards from The Rolling Stones. Join us as Keith reminisces about his Jamaican adventures, his honorary Rastaman status, and the profound influence of reggae on his music. From recording at Dynamic Sounds to cherished collaborations with reggae giants like Peter Tosh, Justin Hines, and Gregory Isaacs, Keith gives us a first-hand look at the rhythms and stories that have shaped his iconic career. Tune in as Keith shares the magic behind the Grammy-nominated Wingless Angels albums and his unforgettable encounters with Jamaica's musical titans. With anecdotes that range from retrieving a wheel-less Range Rover with Peter Tosh to the mystique of handcrafted drums that took 25 years to reach perfection, this episode is a treasure trove of reggae lore. Don’t miss out as we take you on a musical journey through the eyes of one of rock's greats, revealing the soulful beats that continue to inspire. Keep tuning in to Rebel Rockers and experience the rich tapestry of Jamaican music from around the globe. One love, always! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    20 mins
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