Documentary to Feature Gentleman and Alborosie

"Journey to Jah" filmmakers seek funding to finish the project

Directors Noël Dernesch and Moritz Springer have spent over six years on their “Journey to Jah” documentary which follows the journey of two reggae singers -   German-born Gentleman and Italian-born Alborosie – on their search for faith and spirituality in Jamaica. The two foreign-born reggae artists found visions of a better world in the faith and rites of an originally black culture: in Rastafari and its counterpart, reggae music.  Read more... (207 words + 1 image)

Grandmothers Will Share Their Wisdom About Sustainability

Berkeley/Oakland - April 21 & April 22, 2011

The International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers, a group of women who represent a global alliance of prayer, education and healing for Mother Earth, is featured in a documentary called “For the Next 7 Generations.” The documentary, which took four years to make, is the story of these thirteen women coming together and their work to protect diverse cultures: lands, medicines, language and ceremonial ways of prayer, and ways to raise children. The film was shot in many locations across the globe – from Africa to the Amazon, Alaska to Nicaragua.  Read more... (292 words + 2 images)

Untangling the Reggae from the Weed

Brace yourself. I’m about to say something that is quite unpopular. So here it goes – I’m not a huge fan of the herb. There, I said it. It’s definitely about the control freak in me, but that’s a tangential story.  Read more... (913 words + 3 images)

Prison Rastafari Center Seeks Resources and Community

Angola State Prison, Louisiana

The Universal Order of Jah Rastafarian Healing Center was founded at the Angola State Prison in Louisiana. Inmates in the Center have no access to the Internet, and are looking for resources like books, music and DVDs to fortify the Center.

Bob Marley at 61

February 2006

“The spirit of community, is the greatest feeling of humanity” –Bob Marley

Bob Marley’s story is one of the 20th century’s most powerful and compelling human dramas. A profound songwriter and a prolific musician, Marley died at age 36 from melanoma cancer. His meteoric rise to international cultural importance and musical significance made him one of the most significant contributors to world culture.  Read more... (2141 words + 2 images)

Queens of Africa

By Paliani-Gomani Chinguwo

I now reminisce that were it not for my dire quest for profundity in African studies as part of my extra-curricular knowledge, I would possibly have been very ignorant of the prowess, glory, splendor, greatness, charm, might and valiance displayed by key women of African descent whom I refer to as the “Queens of the Mother Continent.” Though it seems posterity has almost thrown them into oblivion, their names will never be erased from the pages of history. To quote one of the great sons of Africa, Nelson Mandela, “A history of the people may be distorted but it can never be destroyed!”  Read more... (890 words + 2 images)

Reasoning with Luciano and Mikey General 2001

Chico, California

Luciano

There’s a fine line between fan and journalist. Cameron Crowe tackled the dilemma in his latest film, “Almost Famous,” when his main character sets off on tour with his favorite band, reporting the story back to Rolling Stone Magazine. Does he report the “real” story and face scrutiny from his “friends” in the band? Or does he appease his newfound friends, making the band look flawless and angelic?  Read more... (3426 words + 2 images)

The Rastarenes on the Rise

Not many adjectives do justice to the female vocal trio, the Rastarenes, but young, talented, confident, beautiful, spiritual and open-minded give you a rough idea. The R.A.S.T.A.R.E.N.E.S. (Rasta, Always Spreading Truth And Rights Everywhere Naturalizing and Ensuring Spirituality) are a breath of fresh air in the male dominated reggae industry.  Read more... (520 words + 3 images)