Episode 6

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Published on:

22nd Mar 2021

Chapter 6: “Unchained"

Broadcasting from the rolling red hills on the outskirts of Kingston, Jamaica, Host Henry K reflects on his time working in Kingston, his interactions with local characters and the profound impact of reggae music on the island's people. In this Chapter of Rootsland Henry describes his routine in Kingston, highlighting the balance between comfort and danger in a city vibrant with life yet fraught with challenges. The episode details his companionship with Tex, a tough yet humorous "Rude Boy" gangster who helps Henry navigate the complexities of Kingston. A reggae concert in Port Royal punctuates the narrative, where Henry, alongside friends like Brother Nelson and Romie, emphasizes how music serves as a cultural cornerstone, fostering resilience and hope among Jamaica's working class and beyond.

Rootsland "Reggae's Untold Stories"

cover photo Tex & Crew Brian Jahn (@brianjahnphoto) • Instagram photos and videos

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

Introduction by:  Michelle "Kim" Yamaguchi

Additional Voices:  Patrick "Curly Loxx" Gaynor

Featured song: "Living One Day at a Time(Extended Mix)" by Sugar Black & Lehbanchuleh

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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.