This summer’s accelerating selection of Jamaican artists coming to Finland hit a real high note last Sunday when Komposti Sound’s Reggae Sundays at club YK welcomed the wonderful dancehall artist Mr Vegas on it’s stage. I was blessed enough to see his last gig at Reggae Sundays in Redrum two years ago and to able to photograph this one.
It was a hot and happening show with masses of energy and excitement. The atmosphere was positive and joyful. Junior Reid popped in as well after his earlier Flow gig.

This summer Helsinki has really been great place to be for fans of reggae and dancehall music. We’ve seen a wide selection of roots artists like Jah Mason, Fantan Mojah, U-Brown, Peetah and Gramps Morgan, as well excellent dancehall shows from Busy Signal, Elephant Man and Mr Vegas.
I personally want to give out big respect to all the people working hard behind the scenes, bringing these artists to the country and keeping the scene alive. Or better yet constantly growing.

And late congratulations for the 10 years to Komposti !

Kallio Block Party the other week truly proved that when people come together with an open mind for positive change they can make what ever dream into reality.
My favourite Finnish rapper duo Niko & Tapsa, was performing, as well as the ever-wonderful Super Janne and Jesse.

Niko & Tapsa lyrics say all I feel about Kallio Block Party, in case you know Finnish. If you don’t, ask someone to translate this, I promise it’s worth the trouble:
“Joku rohkenee astua pimeään, nousta ajatuksen voimalla ilmaan, ehdottaa maailmasta pyöreää, päättää mikä on itselle liikaa. Joku uskaltaa murskata ikoneita, maalata taivaita vihreiksi, lähettää rakkauskirjeitä, toivoa heikkoina hetkinä ihmeitä.”
Niko & Tapsa, Ihmeitä, 2011

Niko & Tapsa: Täydellistä Soundia feat. Saurus

I took some pics from the gig -

Last Wednesday left no dancehall friends in Helsinki cold as the crowd at The Circus welcomed Jamaican Elephant Man aka Energy God with Bramma the Bommer. The place was buzzing the whole night and exploded when Energy God took the stage and proved worthy of his name. There was no shortage of color, bling or beautiful, dancing people, it really was a perfect dancehall party. Big up Matti Patanen for organising the event ! Big up Forward Squad, Pouta Sound, Komposti Sound, Bubblin’ crew and all the wonderful people at the party !

Here’s some pics of the colorful night -

ROOTS & CULTURE THURSDAYS opening party 4.8.2011 @ Pacifico, Kallio was full of positive vibes, great selections by WATERHOUSE LION & JAHVIBRATION SELECTA, joyful dancing friends and a fantastic performance by the talented JORGE BLESS.
Big up everyone who came to support us !! If you had a good time, share the message with your friends so next time we get new followers and remember 18.8.2011 ROOTS & CULTURE THURSDAYS with RAS HENRY. Welcome !!

This week Wednesday I experienced hands down the best gig of the Helsinki summer 2011 so far, when the legendary Jamaican singjay U-Brown performed at Selecta Andor’s Reggae Stomp in Mascot, Kallio. The atmosphere was amazing - creative, inspirational, joyful and filled with dancing people, good vibes, positive teachings + pure roots music.
I have to say that I personally, most definitely have ultimate respect for big artists like mister U-Brown, who was so full of appreciation, humbleness and unconditional love for the people. He continued until 6am at the after party in the park and personally thanked everyone for attending when he finally finished. These are the kind of people I want all my future teachings from. More love, more fire !
Big respect for Selecta Andor for organising the best parties in Helsinki right now as well as Papa Zai, Waterhouse Lion and others on the mic at the party in park. And of course bless up all the people who were there to share the joy, never forget the people, we are the ones who really make the atmosphere happen !

This for me was truly a pleasure to document, I hope the pics deliver all the goodness -

Last week Helsinki reggae fans got a real pampering when Peetah & Gramps Morgan from the legendary Morgan Heritage had a gig here. I was fortunate enough to get to photograph the event and here’s the result.

Big up Masta Lion for organising the event, all the musicians, djs, performers - Deejay Kush, Selecta Andor, Resu-Pekka, Punky Reggae band, Sing-A-Teh Rise and of course everyone who attended !!!