John Masouri

I've always enjoyed writing for the German publication Riddim, which has long led the field of specialist publications across Europe. My contribution to this issue was a lengthy feature on Jamaican artist Keznamdi, currently celebrating his latest album Bl**d & Fyah.

This month's Echoes, the last of the year, has my tribute to the late, great Jimmy Cliff; a feature on Naya Rockers and a Round-Up Of The Year looking back on the highs and lows of 2025. It was a tumultous year for the music in so many ways, culminating in the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa and the sterling efforts to raise funds for the island's reconstruction.

I'd like to thank the organisers of the Miami Book Fair for inviting me to this month's event, and for making my visit so memorable. I enjoyed every moment, the arrangements were first class and there were so many stalls and events to share and inspire. My actual presentation on the final day was well attended, and fellow writer Randall Grass was the perfect host!

Many thanks to Lisa B and The Voice of the Caribbean radio for inviting me to share stories from my book Pressure Drop: Reggae in the Seventies. You were the perfect host!

Garage to Stadiums is a podcast for true music fans — the ones who want more than just headlines and hype. This show is for listeners who care about the full story behind the artists: their childhoods, musical influences, early gigs, personal battles, journey to stadium-level fame and the drama in between. This particular edition is devoted to Bob Marley, and draws heavily upon material included in my book Simmer Down: Marley-Tosh-Livingston, published by Jook Joint Press.

Many thanks to Real Rockaz Radio host Marlon Burrell for his insightful and well researched interview in Miami during my recent visit there. It was absolute pleasure reminiscing about my early days and sharing thoughts on reggae of the seventies in particular.