Hasidic Jew converts many to reggae music

Everything will be 'irie' at CTICC March 26, 2007

By Jane Mayne

Considering we've become accustomed to seeing the likes of dreadlocked heroes such as Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer at the forefront of reggae music, Hasidic Jew Matisyahu's appearance on the "skanking" scene has come as something of a surprise.

Many stalwart reggae fans have been, understandably, slightly resistant to this relative newcomer who doesn't quite fit the Jamaican mould.

But, after listening to this iconoclast's "irie" songs, there have been many converts in the house.

Named by Jewish newspaper, The Forward, as one of the five most influential Jews in America, Matisyahu is currently the US's most popular reggae singer. His lilting rhythms and quasi-Jamaican vocals are both appealing and accessible, hence the good reception among lovers of this genre.

Since 2004, Matisyahu has released three studio albums, as well as one live album . Then there are two remix CDs and a DVD which also features a live concert and some interviews.

Last year's breakthrough on-stage album, Live at Stubb's, sold half a million copies and his second studio outing, Youth, went in at No 4 on the Billboard charts. In short, Matisyahu is something of a phenomenon in modern music, and his showing of hip-hop, rock, and Jewish themes could prove interesting. Despite his obvious identification as a religious Jew, Matisyahu's message is not only about Judaism, or any religion in particular.

His mission is to promote a message of peace.