The Jamaica Observer reports that Jamaican reggae acts will be given a global audience thanks to a new television dance show called International Reggae Train. The show, which is similar to the once-popular Soul Train series, will feature live performances and dancers. The pilot episode was shot earlier last week in New York City.

In an exclusive interview with the Jamaica Observer, show producer Donovan Heslop, who is also the owner of the International Reggae Train LLC, spoke about the concept. “The concept is to create a show around Afro/Caribbean poly-rhythms with reggae as the driving force. The show is reminiscent of music shows that were very popular here in the US but would have an immediate global appeal. International Reggae Train will primarily feature live performances by international reggae artistes and incorporate the stylised dances created specifically around reggae,” said Heslop.

“There was a need for this show because it’s an idea whose time has come. Reggae has influenced pop, hip hop, reggaeton, and dancehall music genres, and yet impact in the mainstream has been minimal.”

The producer said he hopes to capture a wide demographic of viewers. [. . .]

Each season will come with 13 episodes. International recording artistes Shaggy; the New York-based New Kingston band, Easy Star All Stars; the Crown Jewels; Toots and the Maytals; Luciano; UK-based reggae artiste Princess; and dancers Blacka Di Dancer, Danca Family, and IRT Dancers were all a part of the pilot episode’s taping. [. . .]

For full article, see http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Reggae-Train-ready-to-roll_87313