Yaadcore says reggae artistes need to increase presence locally

Selector-turned-artiste Yaadcore says reggae's presence, or lack thereof, is lacking in the streets locally and that could contribute to the support the genre receives as well as how it translates to the international audience.

"What's happening with reggae music is we nah get the same platform and support as the negative message in the music is getting. The next thing is, the reggae artistes of today are not servicing the business in Jamaica, on the ground," Yaadcore said in a recent interview with THE STAR.

"Reggae artistes not showing up at certain events as much as the dancehall artistes, as such the dancehall artistes have a greater presence [so] them music will get support more. In my opinion reggae artistes need to have more presence within the street and within the communities," he continued.

He said that it is still part of his mission to be among the generation of reggae entertainers who helps to make sure that the genre is represented "having noticed the need".

"The reggae artistes need to support the efforts locally as much as they do on the road for tours. That's what we did with Dubwise. It was about being in the road, playing reggae music of yesterday and of today and it was a big service to those reggae artistes of today. Sad to say, we don't have that again," Yaadcore shared.

In December 2013, he launched Dubwise, the weekly session which quickly became an attraction for foundation disc jockeys. Reggae stars like Protoje, who he worked with, Chronixx and Jesse Royal were among the earliest supporters.

When asked if there was any chance of Dubwise returning, Yaadcore said yes but said that the main challenge he was having to travel more as the main selector for Protoje. Additionally, he has committed to build a legacy as a reggae recording and performing artiste.

Yaadcore also said that reggae music should be the first thing people hear when they enter Jamaica, or 'Reggaeland' as he calls it.

"We need more support from the government where that is concerned. Dem turn dem back on our culture. Di youths dem fi have reggae programmes inna school, instead dem still deh pon di recorder. Nobody plays the recorder. The guitar or instruments signature to reggae should be taught more in schools," he said. "The very inspiration for my album Reggaeland is Jamaica being just that. When we land a Jamaica, dem fi have live reggae band a play we music. In other Caribbean islands, they have live bands that will play in the airports."