The reggae music scene in Glasgow

In late 1960s Jamaica, reggae music rose in fame to become the country's most popular genre of music. Derived from ska music which came about around the late 1950s, reggae is a unique style of rhythm and blues music with a heavy focus on the beat, distinct tone and sound system. An example you may have heard is a recently made popular reggae classic “Pass the Dutchie” by Musical Youth which resurfaced in popularity due to its appearance in Netflix’s Stranger Things. Since then, a new, younger generation of reggae fans have begun to evolve all throughout the world with those interested beginning to learn more about its unique and incredible history. Looking for events in their local community where they’re able to learn more and enjoy such an impressive form of art.  

Reggae Lane located in Toronto, Canada. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Kevin McLaughlin from local Glasgow reggae band Kiaora Punjanna has been heavily involved in the reggae scene since the early–mid 2000s and was able to give a knowledgeable insight into where reggae began in and around Glasgow, and where it is now.   

“If you want to get a look into the early stages of proper reggae sound systems in Glasgow you need to look into Kenny Bass Warrior. He was the one who brought it all here and brought communities together. He was just such a nice guy and was the type that remembered everybody's name, you’d bump into him after 10 years and he’d still remember you.” 

 Kenny from the Bass Warrior sound system DJed in Glasgow from the mid-1990s. Although there was already reggae in Glasgow at the time, he introduced and popularized the use of sound systems in the city. He was an iconic name for such a niche group of musicians at the time and had a huge following of people who felt seen and represented by him and his music.  

McLaughlin said: “Without Kenny, reggae music and sound systems definitely wouldn’t be as big, I don’t know if they would even have a following.” 

In the 90s, reggae was not a popular genre of music. During its early years, the UK was still home to a lot of racism and stereotypes. Unlike today, the world has become far more accepting of different cultures and customs, people were quick to judge reggae and refused to listen to it purely based on prejudice. 

McLaughlin said: “Our first reggae kind of flavour band was called Papa Pajama in the 2000s and at the time it wasn’t received very well by crowds, and our following weren’t actually a lot of reggae fans. You would go to shows and the crowd would be filled with loads of different people from different races, and racism was definitely a big factor in why people weren’t accepting the music. You’d overhear all sorts of names and slurs being hurled at people just trying to enjoy the music. 

“It was weird to me because even in the 80s you had Rock Against Racism shows which heavily featured reggae, but that bigotry didn’t go away until recent years.” 

Rock Against Racism was a movement that ran from 1976-1982. It was founded by Red Saunders, who at the time was disgusted with the racist and fascist actions that rock superstars like Eric Clapton and David Bowie were getting away with so openly at the time. It feels very close to home with the recent Black Lives Matter protests, which are often protesting similar actions by people in similar levels of power. It was a movement now almost forgotten in time but holds great relevance to the world we live in now. With reggae making a huge resurgence in recent years it's important to remember that it wasn’t always easy for performers and fans. 

McLaughlin said: “Now you have places like the Berkeley Suite who’ve been running ‘Walk n Skank’ for years, it’s probably the most popular reggae, dancehall, dub night in Glasgow and it’s on every Thursday. You’ve also got Eden Festival which is huge, and other small reggae and ska nights. You’re always going to have fun at a Skaledonia gig.” 

‘Design My Night’, a website which focuses on reviewing different club nights in Glasgow described Walk n Skank as “a filthy cranking club night” which “brings a discerning, know-their-stuff crowd to The Berkeley Suite every Thursday for a dub and reggae dancehall session.” It's often hosted by legends in the Glasgow reggae scene such as Mungos Hi-Fi, who the site describes as “local legends.” 

Skaledonia are one of the biggest local ska bands in Glasgow. They come from East Kilbride and perform often in pubs such as the Scotia and the Clutha. They have a huge following which they have held since the 90s. They are one of the few ska bands in the city, along with others like Abraskadabra.  

McLaughlin said: “Reggae nights are way more popular now, but I’m less involved than others. We [Kiaora Punjanna] run a reggae gig on the first Thursday of every month in the Clutha. It always has a good turnout; I think the community is just constantly growing and more young people are getting involved. 

“It’s just always a feel-good crowd because it’s feel-good music. It’s an amazing community.”