OMG Digital Magazine | 275 | Thursday 7 September 2017 • PAGE 35
The US based LargeUp , a global platform for Caribbean music , arts , and culture , has collaborated with Trinidadian Yakub and Asfa Charles of the Lion Twin Sound System to produce the reggae mixtape “ Trinidad Roots ” for their monthly Mix Series .
“ Lion Twins reached out to be featured by us . They came with great ideas that were perfect for our monthly mixtape series . Together , we decided on an all-Trinidadian reggae project so we put a list together of artistes we loved to feature and got to work ,” says editorial director Jesse Serwer .
There are no pre-recorded vocals . The 100 percent local mixtape produced by Lion Twin who are the sons of the infamous Kenneth “ Lion King ” Charles consists of exclusive dubplates and specials from reggae stars including Isasha , Marlon Asher , Black Loyalty and Buzzrock .
Trinis love good reggae . This island boasts internationally acclaimed sound systems such as Black Chariot and Lion King Sounds as well as notable artistes such as percussionist Wadi Gad and singer Marlon Asher . Around 2006 , it seemed as if reggae was taking over the country and lovers of the genre rejoiced but a few short years later , reggae had again been relegated to Rasta dances and weekly club reggae nights .
However , there seems to be a revival of the movement in our nation with the presence of new blood like Lion Twins and a growing interest in the content Trinidad has to offer .
“ We are aware that Trinidad has a vibrant reggae community that a lot of people elsewhere may not be aware of . Working with Lion Twin who was literally born into the reggae community of the island was a great way for us to showcase this ,” he said .
LargeUp is also a featured curator on Apple Music and the first to exclusively feature music from the Caribbean .
Photographer | Stephen Doobal