John Masouri

Many thanks to Robert Elms of Radio London for having me as a guest on his show and helping promote Steppin' Razor Remaster - my latest book with Omnibus Press, and a welcome new edition of my 2013 biography of the late, great Peter Tosh.

It was an absolute pleasure interviewing Runkus for the cover story of this month's Echoes. His latest album Supernova is a genre defining example of progressive reggae/dancehall and I was fascinated by the accounts of his collaborative work with mixed media artist Tavares Strachan. Both are clearly highly gifted individuals. Elsewhere we celebrate Harlesden Bassline's success in honouring twelve of London NW10's finest musical talents - Janet Kay, Aswad, Ruff Cutt, the Cimar

My deepest thanks to David Rodigan for his generous comments about my latest book - Steppin' Razor Remaster - on BBC 1 Xtra the other Sunday. David's articles in Black Echoes during the early 1980s were the original inspiration for me wanting to write about reggae music and his thoughts and opinions about my own work still mean the world to me.

Heartfelt thanks and praise to my co-hosts Don Letts and Danniella Dee and to everyone who attended the launch of my latest book Steppin' Razor, which is a Remastered edition of my 2013 Peter Tosh biography. The Servants Jazz Quarters in Dalston was packed that night, and an enjoyable time was had by all!

My contributions to this month's Echoes - the second issue of its 50th Anniversary year - include a full length interview with New Zealand reggae band Six60; a list, complete with short descriptions, of 50 key reggae and dancehall albums (one for each of Echoes' half century as a thriving UK music publication) and finally, a fulsome tribute to the late Sly Dunbar, who I was proud to call a friend, and whose passing inspired Mick Jagger to post "The world has lost its rhythm.

Many thanks to Jamz Supernova for being the perfect host on her Radio 6 Music show, broadcast on 18 February 2026.

This is the official launch of the Steppin' Razor Remaster edition, where I shall joined by Don Letts and host DJ Danniella Dee at SJQ in Dalston, London N16.

On 12 March I'll be at the Con Club in Lewes, East Sussex celebrating the life and times of Jamaica's most controversial reggae starr, Peter Tosh, and the launch of a revised edition of my Peter Tosh biography Steppin' Razor. It'll be an evening of music, film and lively discussion, hosted by Brighton Radio Reverb presenter Mark Johnson, and featuring stories galore about the charismatic Bush Doctor.

Echoes celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and this is the first issue of 2026. The reggae content includes an obituary of Third World guitarist Cat Coore centred around tales of he and the band's early years; a trip round the UK reggae scene circa 1976; the story of Randys (forerunner of VP Records) and the usual pages of singles and album reviews. As well all the essential soul and jazz happenings of course...

I've always enjoyed writing for the German publication Riddim, which has long led the field of specialist publications across Europe. My contribution to this issue was a lengthy feature on Jamaican artist Keznamdi, currently celebrating his latest album Bl**d & Fyah.