The Skatalites

2023 marks the 59th Anniversary of The Skatalites. The original members played on hundreds of recording sessions before forming the band in 1964.  Backing most of the vocalists in Jamaica at that time, including Bob Marley, Toots and The Maytals, Jimmy Cliff, Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe and many more The Skatalites secured their place in musical history early on. After disbanding in 1965 the individual members continued playing in various groups as the music evolved from ska to rocksteady to reggae.

In 1983 The Skatalites reunited to play Reggae Sunsplash in Montego Bay and subsequently in London at The Crystal Palace for the U.K version of The Sunsplash event. A few years later they began emigrating to the U.S.A and in 1986 the first US shows began at The Village Gate in NYC. The band supported Bunny Wailer on The Liberation Tour in 1989 and followed it up in 1990 embarking on their first-ever headline tour of The U.S.A.  The Skatalites have not stopped touring the world ever since and continue to be available for festivals, casinos, and intimate venue settings. Their unique infectious brand of authentic Jamaican ska excites audiences of all ages across the globe year after year.

“We hope you will enjoy listening to our music as much as we enjoy performing it for you.”

Hailing out of Jamaica, young natives formed what is now known as Royal KhaoZ. The unit’s sole purpose is to bring an energetic and raw vibe through their art, presently in the form of music. Why the name Royal KhaoZ? – “No revolution will be had without chaos, no change without disruption. From the crumbled standards and forms, a royal way of thinking will rise.”

The collective comprises of Jermaine “Bama” Williams, Andre “DreTegs” Hawthorne, Kavi “Coco” Forgie and Damion Hawthorne. The group, which officially formed in 2010 out of New York City, has evolved tremendously over the years as they continue to create music that delivers an empowering message to their audience, old and new listeners alike.