Episode 5

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Published on:

15th Mar 2021

Chapter 5: “Money Can’t Buy Life”

Hanging out on the edges of Kingston, Jamaica, Henry and Bob Andy chat about how music, culture, and the complex political scene all come together.. Henry reveals the turmoil and power struggles following Bob Marley's death, painting a vivid picture of legal battles and family dynamics. The listener is taken on a journey through boardroom conflicts and street realities, providing a unique perspective on Marley’s enduring influence and the challenges of preserving his legacy. Meanwhile, a chance meeting at a hotel bar with a local gangster named Rude Boy Tex, may prove to be Henry's most valuable Kingston connection.

Rootsland is produced by Henry K in association with Voice Boxx Studios in Kingston, Jamaica.

Rootsland "Reggae's Untold Stories"

Introduction by:  Michelle "Kim" Yamaguchi

Additional Voices:  Patrick "Curly Loxx" Gaynor

You can support the Show by purchasing The Rootsland (Original Podcast Soundtrack) Home | ROOTSLAND Reggae Music, Podcast & Merchandise "Wear Your Culture"

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About the Podcast

Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears"
A podcast about reggae, resistance, and what endures
Rootsland is a long-form storytelling podcast about music, resistance, and what remains. Hosted by Henry “K” Karyo — one of the first American producers to move to Kingston, Jamaica — the series blends first-person memoir with cultural history, tracing a journey into reggae’s underground world and far beyond it.
Set inside reggae culture but driven by human story, Rootsland explores creative survival, unlikely friendships, and the deeper truths music carries long after the noise fades. These are stories about craft, community, and memory — the things that don’t scale, can’t be optimized by algorithms, and still require us to sit still and listen.
Stories that are music to your ears.
© Henry K
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About your host

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henry karyo

Henry K: Henry K is a storyteller, creative director, and reggae enthusiast deeply integrated into the world of Jamaican music. Through his show "Rootsland," Henry shares narratives that blend music, culture, and life lessons, often drawing from his extensive experiences working with renowned artists and navigating the intricate layers of the music industry. His passion for authenticity and creative expression shines through in every episode.