Who Rule the Dance! – Sat 29 Apr
When: Saturday 29 April Where: The Grand - 69 Courtney Place, Wellington Jungle vs Reggae Clash! Reppin Momentum: Faction UKNW Art Vandelay Manaia Toa Bambi Reppin NiceUp: Antsman Steve the Hat Rudie…
Monkey Marc feat. Sizzla, Capleton, Fantan Mojah & Mista Savona – No Surrender
I’m not sure exactly where “No Surrender” won me over. Could it be the throbbing bassline, the catchy hook, the tough verses, or the enthralling vibe? Or choose your own explanation, all are valid.…
Israel Starr – The Producers Chair – Dancehall Vol. One
Now, I'm going to be honest here, I had no idea what to expect when I first put on Israel Starr's latest project 'The Producers Chair - Dancehall Vol. One'. After listening, I think it's very safe to…
Manaia Toa Mix for NiceUp
Manaia Toa has been in the game since the late-80s, bar managing at now legendary venues in Wellington and crewing at warehouse and one-off raves. One and a half years in London deepened his…
A Little Way Different – Steve the Hat Mix for NiceUp
Following on from his much-loved Revive mix for NiceUp, Steve the Hat is back with another unmissable instalment! This time he has taken a break from dropping strictly heavyweight rocksteady and…
High Smile HiFi 7”s feat. Speng Bond, Koa Aloy & S’Kaya
With three heavy-hitting conscious new 7”s – featuring vocals from Speng Bond, Koa Aloy, and S’Kaya – simultaneously released on their own Top Smile Records, Swiss digital enthusiasts High Smile HiFi…
Israel Starr Album Release Party – Fri 10 Feb
When: Friday 10 February Where: Bad Grannies - 195 Cuba Street 8pm till late, $10 door sales Come celebrate the release of Israel Starr's new album, 'The Producers Chair: Dancehall Vol. 1'. Hometown…
Red Robin Interview + Outta Road / Dem A Fraud 12” Review
Release date: 16 February 2017 In advance of the 80s-inspired debut release Outta Road / Dem A Fraud on his new namesake Jahtari sub-label, New Zealand’s own Red Robin (the host of “Reggae Rodeo” and…
Dennis Brown – Why Fools
Yvonne’s Special 7" / Thompson Sound 12" / Observer 7" (1981) As we approach what would have been Dennis Brown's 60th birthday, for this Track of the Week I've chosen a corker from 'The Crown…
Voices from Goa Sunsplash 2016
With the second annual Goa Sunsplash nearly upon us, The Groove Thief digs back into his archives to share these previously unpublished interviews from the inaugural event.
Foundation to Future Dancehall & Reggae with Grafta – Sun 8 Jan
When: Sunday 8 January Where: Laundry - 242 Cuba Street, Wellington Grafta reaches Welly, reppin Pressure Dem Records. The best in dancehall and reggae, new school and old school! More info: Grafta…
Lighters Up – Sat 7 Jan
When: Saturday 7 January Where: Afrika - 18 Cambridge Terrace, Wellington With DJ Grafta & Jnr Ranks