Uplifting Roots Reggae Mix – Press Release

Uplifting Roots Reggae Mix – Press Release by Mr Topple for Pauzeradio.com.

Society and the world are unsettling places at present. With the impact of the coronavirus pandemic still reverberating across the planet, classism and racism on the rise and political and social leaders either bereft of ideas or wilfully ignorant – who do we turn to for emotional, philosophical and spiritual succour?

Family, friends and communities should be high up the list. But music should be also. It’s an art form that unites us as humans, regardless of our perceived differences. Roots is one such genre that has the ability to transcend our genetic and geographical variants; reaching out, talking to and inspiring people across the world – regardless of class, ethnicity or identity. It always has been a force for positive change in a world brimming with negativity.

With that in mind, DJ Gav Pauze is humbled and proud to have compiled the latest edition of the Unique Reggae Mix Show around the notion of “Uplifting Roots Reggae”: music that, while acknowledging the challenges and suffering we face as a species and planet, also offers messages of hope and resilience in times of unprecedented crises.

As always, the show is divided up into four separate parts. And listen carefully, because DJ Gav Pauze’s insightful mixing not only seamlessly links one artist to another, but also provides a rousing narrative throughout.

Part One opens with Worthy by Fikir Amlak; a powerful Roots opening which sets the tone for the whole show well. Then, there’s a selection of tracks from Micah Shemaiah’s forthcoming Lion of Judah Riddim (out on 18 September), the 2019 World A Reggae Riddim and Top Rankin’ Records 2020 Rebel Chant Riddim. The gorgeous Everything Bless from the late Akae Beka featuring Tiken Jah Fakoly and Zion I Kings/I Grade Records is a joy to behold – as is Light Tha Torch, from Arkaingelle, Kabaka Pyramid and Pressure – with Zion I Kings once again on productions duties. Part One’s selection from DJ Gav Pauze encapsulates the notions of spiritual confidence and faith, perfectly.

Part Two leads on well from this. DJ Densen and .MLND’s Lockdown Riddim features, with inspirational tracks from the likes of Lutan Fyah and Fabio Battista; the former also featuring at the end of Part Two across Yutman Record’s 2019 More Fyah Riddim. Several songs from General Jah Mikey’s 2014 showcase Jah Mission Is Timeless also feature – showcasing DJ Gav Pauze’s unique ear for tracks that still resonate today. The Lambsbread’s recent release, Lockdown, encapsulates the situation for many of us – and, like the whole of Part Two, offers a message of hope and resilience in the face of narratives about the state of the system and society.

Part Three of Uplifting Roots Reggae Mix sees DJ Gav Pauze selecting tracks which showcase the positive changes we can affect as individuals, as well as what we must also oppose from the system. Grebel Music’s Universal Riddim is one of the highlights, featuring pertinent tracks from Joseph Cotton and Edgar Rebel. Willi William’s Don’t Show Off is a humble lesson to us all – and A-Lone Productions reimagining of the Creation Riddim is strong. The irrepressible Irregular Roots have several tracks ‘showcased’ from their 2020 showcase – and Fred Locks and Sabolious are on powerful form, with a selection from their No To Racism EP; a fitting companion to the incomparable King MAS’s 2018 track Wake Up – something we all need to do, to become the change we want to see.

Finally, and Part Four sees a host of songs which embody what’s come before them, but also remind us that all is never lost – and we have the power to change things if we so wish. It opens with Black Am I’s stirring King of Kings, from Ghetto Youths International. Subajah recently delivered a powerful and compelling message across Back 2 Da Future, and here DJ Gav Pauze delivers a selection of tracks from this stellar artist. The moving Jah Neva Fail I from LawGiver The Kingson reminds us that we’re not alone on this journey. Royal Sound’s Global Pandemic Riddim offers a selection of narrative about how a virus can impact more than our health. But Part Four concludes with something fitting and special – the emotive and affecting Gonna Be Alright from Prince Blanco and Dubmatix. A closing which delivers a mantra for us all – that despite what the system throws at us, have faith and you, I and we will prevail.

As always, a link to the show is here: Listen To Uplifting Roots Reggae Mix Click Here. And many of the tracks are available to buy on vinyl in the Pauzeradio shop.

We also have some brand new and soon-to-be highly coveted vinyl stock in the online shop. The legendary Luciano’s recent album, The Answer, is a classic yet modern project filled with glorious Roots vibes coupled with delicate and subtle musical intricacies. With Oneness Records at the helm, the album delivered conscious, thought-provoking Roots-led music in droves. And what better way to hear what may well be Luciano’s seminal work than across vinyl? It brings added layers of class and emotion to your listening experience. You can read Mr Topple’s full review of The Answer here, and purchase the vinyl version of the album here.

With the warmest wishes and comforting thoughts,

The Pauzeradio Team

Stay uplifted. Stay safe. Stay blessed. Stay Pauzed.