Fonso Black keeps reggae in the zone
BRITISH broadcaster Fonso Black is helping to highlight Jamaican reggae culture across the United Kingdom with his weekly show The Fiery Zone. Broadcasting on UK-based UVC Radio (United Vision Connect), the three-hour show seeks to educate listeners about Jamaican music.
“The reception has been very interactive with listeners and artistes have been interviewed on a weekly basis sharing their stories of their history and transition of reggae music, which gives listeners a better appreciation and understanding of the reggae industry,” he told the Jamaica Observer.
The programme — which kicked off in October 2019 — airs Friday from 5:00- 9:00 pm, UK time.
The first segment of each show starts off with a featured foundation artiste who has made a significant contribution to the development of reggae music.
“The objective of the show is to help maintain the integrity and legacy of reggae music by highlighting foundation artistes and to give our fans a true sense of the history of reggae and it has worked out very well. It is also to help the younger artistes emulate some of these foundation artistes with the intention to preserve the reggae culture,” said Fonso Black, whose given name is Ezekiah Alphonse.
Currently residing in the UK, he grew up listening to reggae music and became fascinated with the Rastafari culture.
“The dreadlocks always captured me and the music came with the dreads. I have a special love for reggae music and had the opportunity to be associated with a number of reggae bands,” he added.
Fonso Black — who resided in Jamaica between 2001-2003 — said his favourite reggae artiste is Peter Tosh, a founding member of The Wailers which also comprised Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer.
He has interviewed prominent artistes, including as Yellowman, Third World, Julian Marley, Cutty Ranks, I-Octane, and The Wailing Souls.
“I’m at a point where I want to go deeper in reggae; I plan to present and promote reggae music that can be enjoyed by families while educating, uplifting and bringing back that love,” Fonso Black added.
