"We’re not into the soul-stirring business. We are here, live and direct, to unapologetically throw down some serious SOULSHAKIN’."

From the political turmoil of 1970s Jamaica to the global stage, Jahmark is a living bridge between the golden era of Roots Reggae and the modern digital frontier. As a singer, songwriter, and global ambassador of Rastafari culture, his journey is woven directly into the fabric of reggae history—forged alongside the genre’s greatest legends and echoing across four continents.

[IMAGE 1: Vintage 80s / Kingston photo]

CHAPTER I: THE HOUSE THAT BOB BUILT

Jahmark’s musical foundation wasn't built in a classroom; it was built around reggae royalty. Following the Caribbean exodus of the late 70s, his path anchored in Miami, Florida, where he became intimately connected with the Marley family.

By 1979, he was a regular at the home of Cedella Booker ("Mother B," Bob Marley’s mother). He was in the room at 2:00 AM witnessing Bob Marley write tracks that would later become staples for the Melody Makers, and sat in on impromptu jam sessions with The Wailers.

In late 1980, Jahmark witnessed the tragic return of Bob to Miami after his collapse in New York. “That is the only time I had ever seen brother Bob look even the least bit unsettled,” Jahmark recalls. “He always maintained an air of confidence and was so full of life.” In 1981, as a prayer for the legend’s recovery, Jahmark painted a massive 20-foot mural of "The First Supper" in Mother B’s kitchen. After Bob’s transition to Zion, Jahmark made a vow: Keep Rasta Music Alive.

CHAPTER II: THE HEAVYWEIGHT YEARS

Through the early 80s, Jahmark cut his teeth on the stage. He formed the group Rockstone, sharing bills and backing up heavyweights like The Mighty Diamonds, Brigadier Jerry, and Josey Wales. It was during this era that Jahmark’s magnetic live energy caught the attention of world-renowned jazz bassist Jaco Pastorius, cementing his reputation among top-tier musicians.

By 1983, Jahmark relocated to New York City to form the Redemption Posse, managed by Gilly Dread (the legendary Ital chef and road manager for Bob Marley & The Wailers). Their momentum was unstoppable. In 1986, they returned to Jamaica to perform at Sunsplash and dominated the National Arena in Kingston, taking home the prizes for Best Performer and Best Songwriter. For Jahmark, returning from exile to conquer his homeland was a triumph.

[IMAGE 2: Live stage shot / Tokyo era]

CHAPTER III: THE GLOBAL EXPANSION

After their victory in Jamaica, a performance at Manhattan’s legendary S.O.B.’s caught the ear of international promoters. Jahmark was invited to Tokyo, Japan, sparking a multi-year residency that would birth Jahmark & The Soulshakers.

Taking Japanese ska and punk musicians and schooling them in the deep art of Roots Reggae, the "Far East Crew" became a high-energy sensation. This era peaked at the iconic CBS-Sony Studios, where Jahmark recorded the smash single "Unity" alongside the legendary rhythm section Sly & Robbie, and Wailers' keyboardist Tyrone Downie.

Relocating to Los Angeles in the 90s, the "West Coast Massive" was born. Jahmark & The Soulshakers became a staple of the California reggae explosion, sharing the stage with Jimmy Cliff, Third World, Eek-A-Mouse, The Skatalites, and Lucky Dube.

His songwriting soon bled into Hollywood, securing massive sync placements on the Weekend at Bernie's II soundtrack, Miami Rhapsody, and the cultural touchstone TV series, Miami Vice.

[IMAGE 3: Grateful Dead era / Live shot]

CHAPTER IV: THE DEAD & THE DUB

You can't manufacture stage magic. In 1998, while on tour in Kansas City alongside original Steel Pulse bassist Ronnie "Stepper" McQueen, Jahmark crossed paths with the Grateful Dead during soundcheck. What began as a conversation ended with Jahmark and his brethren being invited on stage mid-concert. What started as a Grateful Dead show became a legendary, house-bringing Soulshakin’ experience.

As the millennium turned, Jahmark refused to slow down. He expanded his sonic footprint, collaborating on chart-topping techno/dance tracks in the Hollywood Hills, and later achieving the ultimate roots milestone: the unprecedented 31-song double album, Book Of Redemption I & II. "This album is about edu-tainment," Jahmark stated. "In these times, conscious music is not a choice, it’s a necessity."

THE GOLDEN DAYS

Today, the momentum is higher than ever. Following the #1 global chart success of his Happiness album during the 2020 lockdowns, and a legendary 2021 collaboration album with the Dub Master himself, Scientist, Jahmark’s catalog is a platinum mine of roots history.

Now partnered with Ten Fathoms Records, Jahmark is preparing for his biggest chapter yet. With a remastered back-catalog and the highly anticipated summer anthem "Golden Days" (co-released with Roots veteran Ras Dave), the mission remains exactly the same as it was in 1979:

Bringing the people together with sweet reggae music. Let the journey continue, for we have only just begun. JAH LIVE!