Yaadcore Biography:
Yaadcore, also known as Rory Cha, born in 1989, is a Jamaican reggae artist and selector (DJ) who has made waves in reggae and dub. Coming from Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica, he first encountered reggae at an early age. Bob Marley, Mikey Dread, and Protoje have all had a significant influence on Yaadcore. Even from a young age, he was involved in the music and culture of his father’s sound system, Love People International.
The start
Yaadcore started his musical journey in his teenage years, when he began mastering his DJing skills by performing at local parties and events. He rapidly attracted notice for his diverse assortment of roots reggae, dub, and dancehall music, establishing himself as a very talented curator in Jamaica’s music industry.
The emerging reggae revival movement, which aimed to rejuvenate the conscious and roots-focused style of traditional Jamaican reggae, captured him during the mid-2000s. Yaadcore, along with the likes of Chronixx, Protoje, and Kabaka Pyramid, have played a huge role in broadening the appeal of roots reggae among younger audiences in Jamaica and around the world.
Career development
Yaadcore has achieved various milestones and accomplishments throughout his career. In 2011, he developed “Reggae Aroma,” a well-received event series in Kingston that included live performances by up-and-coming reggae artists and offered an opportunity for veteran acts to engage with their audience.
In 2014, he achieved international acclaim when he debuted his radio show “Riddim Salut” on Irie FM, a prominent reggae radio station in Jamaica. The show rapidly established itself as a fundamental part of reggae culture, showcasing Yaadcore’s distinctive combination of thought-provoking lyrics, dub remixes, and obscure tracks from reggae’s most influential period.
His impact went beyond radio broadcasting when he launched his “Dubwise Jamaica” event series in 2015. The event, which took place in Kingston and various other places in Jamaica, showcased the roots and dub culture through live performances and quality sound systems.
Philosophy and activism
In addition to his musical pursuits, Yaadcore is renowned for his unwavering dedication to social and environmental advocacy. He is an advocate for the legalisation of cannabis in Jamaica, highlighting the plant’s therapeutic uses and its cultural importance within the Rastafarian community. He uses his music and platforms to advocate for unity, spirituality, and social justice, aligning with the core principles that define roots reggae.
Partnerships and initiatives
During his professional career, Yaadcore has collaborated with a variety of artists, producers, and musicians from Jamaica and around the world. His career includes collaborations with renowned reggae figures such as Damian Marley, Protoje, and Kabaka Pyramid, as well as global artists like Major Lazer and Chronixx.
Not only has he hosted radio shows and performed live, but he has also produced numerous mixtapes and albums that highlight his distinctive fusion of reggae, dub, and dancehall. Critics highly praised the artist’s first album, “No Fenke Fenke,” upon its release in 2017. The album had collaborations with both up-and-coming and well-known artists from Jamaica’s reggae scene.
Significance and influence
As of 2024, Yaadcore is a prominent figure in Jamaica’s reggae music industry, captivating audiences with his love for music and his commitment to safeguarding reggae’s abundant cultural legacy. He consistently promotes the enduring sound of roots reggae through his DJ sets, radio appearances, and live performances. Additionally, he advances the genre by engaging in creative partnerships and producing unique music.
Reserved
Despite his prominent public image, Yaadcore maintains a very reserved stance in his personal life. He is renowned for his unwavering attachment to his origins in Kingston, where he consistently engages in the local music community. Beyond music, he is a passionate proponent of environmental sustainability and social justice. He uses his platform to generate consciousness about the challenges impacting Jamaica and the world.
In conclusion, Yaadcore’s trajectory from a young DJ in Kingston to a globally recognised figure in reggae is inspiring. He has solidified his reputation as a torchbearer for reggae’s enduring message of love, peace, and harmony, thanks to his unwavering efforts to preserve Jamaica’s musical history and his strong commitment to social engagement. As he progresses as an artist and activist, his impact on Jamaica’s cultural scene and the worldwide reggae community is bound to continue for future generations.
As a regular feature in the Unique Reggae Mix Show here on Paueradio, Yaadcore’s unique style takes our radio shows to the next level. High-quality production and heartfelt and meaningful lyrics fit in perfectly with our ethos.
We can all take a lot from this inspiring selector and artist, as Yaadcore so very well stated: “Reggae music can never die because of the positive message that it brings. It gives life and mental stability to people worldwide facing oppression and injustice.”
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Yaadcore Biography by Gav Pauze / Pauzeradio PR Services (3 April 2024).