Producer wants more respect for reggae locally

Record producer Conroy Smith has expressed doubt that reggae music is getting the attention it deserves in Jamaica.

"You hardly hear reggae music on the radio in Jamaica or at parties. People in Jamaica pay scant regard to reggae music, but when people overseas take it up and run with it, they complain," he said. Smith is currently promoting his new reggae rhythm compilation album, Reggae Still Alive.

The 16-track album features songs from several popular artistes, including Luciano, Natty King, Yaksta, Yasus Afari, Ginjah, and Nature Ellis.

"We did this project to show the world that reggae music is still alive and well. Every artiste on the album was carefully chosen for the project because we wanted to record top-quality songs. Based on the feedback we are getting, this mission was accomplished. The album is receiving strong support from DJs in Jamaica, Africa, the US, Europe, Canada, and the UK," said Smith.

Several up-and-coming artistes, including Sunshine Velvet, King Muziah, and Sycure Gyani, who recently died in a motorcycle accident, are also featured on the album.

Reggae Still Alive was released on the Love Star Music label on January 6.