x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears"

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

music music history

All Episodes

15:08

"What Remains" The Road to Zion (Part 1)

Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears" ·

2026/03/04

"What Remains" The Road to Zion — Part 1While boarding a flight from Fort Lauderdale to Kingston, Rootsland host Henry K receives a call from longtime friend and artist Patrick “Curly Loxx” Gaynor of the Jamaican duo Twin of Twins.Patrick’s young son Zion is dead.By the time the plane lands in Kingston, a story begins to unfold — one that moves through memory, fatherhood, and the uneasy silence surrounding a child’s death in the streets of Kingston 13.The first chapter of the Rootsland mini-series

en

18:00

"What Remains" One Take

Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears" ·

2026/02/05

ONE TAKEIn this episode of Rootsland, Henry K explores what happens when life doesn’t give you a second chance.Through a chance encounter in a supermarket aisle, memories of his childhood, and moments inside the recording studio, he reflects on planning versus instinct, control versus improvisation, and the power of mistakes that can’t be edited out.From handwritten shopping lists to old-school reggae sessions where the tape never stopped rolling, this is a meditation on imperfection, presence, and

en

23:11

"What Remains" A Song of our Own

Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears" ·

2026/01/22

SEASON 10 What Remains · EPISODE 1 — A Song of our Own In the Season 10 premiere of Rootsland, Henry K traces how scent, sound, and song carry us back to what truly shaped us — from Sunday night barbecues on Long Island, to a first Grateful Dead show at Madison Square Garden, to the unlikely bridge between reggae and American counterculture.As we enter a post-Babylon digital world driven by speed, systems, and artificial intelligence, What Remains asks a quieter question:What is worth carrying

en

21:09

"Resistance" Babylon by Bus

Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears" ·

2025/12/30

In this powerful Rootsland Season 9 Finale Henry K guides you from the abandoned farmhouses of early American country music… to the zinc fences of Trenchtown, and straight onto a tour bus rolling through London, Paris, Copenhagen, and Amsterdam. We follow how songs became passports — how Bob Marley didn’t escape Babylon, but infiltrated it… carrying truth through the system instead of running from it. And just when the past feels far away — the story comes crashing into right now. AI bands

en

18:59

"Resistance" The Vibes Man

Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears" ·

2025/12/11

In this episode of Rootsland Resistance Henry K lifts the curtain on the unsung heroes of Jamaican music — the vibes men, the background innovators who lit up dancehall without ever chasing the spotlight.We remember the legendary dancehall icon Joe Lickshot, and Henry K recounts an unforgettable This American Life story about a kid from Jersey named Luis who willed himself into greatness. A show about sound, struggle, joy… and the people who make the stars shine. Support Rootsland "Reggae's

en

22:44

"Resistance" Every time I plant a Seed

Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears" ·

2025/10/23

In this powerful new episode of Rootsland: The Resistance, Henry K and Sia tell the story of Bipin Joshi — a young Nepali rapper and farmer who left home to learn modern agriculture in Israel, only to find himself caught in one of history’s darkest moments. Through Bipin’s journey and his family’s unwavering love, Rootsland explores courage, loss, and the quiet power of resistance — and how even in the blood-soaked soil, hope still finds a way to grow.Support Rootsland "Reggae's Untold Stories"

en

21:05

"Resistance" The Tan Umbrella

Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears" ·

2025/10/10

Rootsland: Resistance – Episode 1: “The Tan Umbrella”In the debut of Rootsland: Resistance, hosts Henry K and Sia explore what it truly means to “put up resistance” — in life, in music, and in the modern world. Inspired by Beres Hammond’s timeless anthem, their conversation weaves personal stories with social truths, showing how the fight to stay strong is both deeply personal and profoundly collective.Sia’s reflections as a cancer survivor bring the theme to life, revealing quiet acts of courage

en

27:56

"30 Minutes to Zion" Finale

Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears" ·

2025/09/04

Amidst the rolling Red Hills of Kingston, Rootsland returns with its most powerful story yet. In this season finale, "30 minutes to Zion" Henry K bridges the streets of Spanish Town and the blocks of Harlem, confronting corporate greed, broken dreams, and the brutal realities facing inner-city youth.Drawing on his own journey through reggae’s trenches and the lessons of Geoffrey Canada’s Harlem Children’s Zone, Henry reveals the staggering difference that just thirty minutes of reading a day can

en

25:51

"Let Babylon Burn" Bonus Episode

Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears" ·

2025/08/07

The episode "Let Babylon Burn" presents a compelling critique of the rise of AI in the music industry, particularly within the reggae genre that has long been a bastion of human storytelling and cultural expression. Henry K and Sia engage listeners by illustrating the contrast between the soulful, lived experiences of reggae artists and the algorithmically generated music. The episode unpacks the implications of such technology as Henry reflects on the historical journey of reggae, celebrating its

en

17:45

"American Dreamland " Bonus Episode

Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears" ·

2025/07/03

The Season 8 bonus episode of Rootsland titled American Dreamland embarks on a profound exploration of the American Dream, through the reflective dialogues of host Henry K and co-host Sia. The episode commences with festivities surrounding Independence Day, which serves as a thematic anchor for discussing the aspirations and expectations tied to this quintessentially American ideal. Sia's recollections of her youth in Jamaica provide a poignant lens through which the American Dream is examined; she

en

22:23

"Searching for Sister Jean" Bonus Episode

Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears" ·

2025/06/19

The unsolved mystery surrounding Sister Jean Watt's disappearance serves as a poignant exploration of reliance, vulnerability, and the often-hidden complexities of familial bonds. On May 23, 2020, Sister Jean, the life partner of reggae legend Bunny Wailer, vanished from their home, leaving her family in a state of anguish and desperation. As the years have progressed, the search for Sister Jean has shed light on systemic failures within the Jamaican authorities, particularly the absence of a

en

19:45

"Beat Down Babylon" Bonus Episode

Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears" ·

2025/05/29

"Beat Down Babylon" is a touching tribute to singer Junior Byles, whose recent passing on May 15, has deeply touched the Rootsland Family. This unscheduled episode unfolds with an emotional recollection of a moment in the mid-1990s, where Host Henry K, alongside veteran reggae artist Eddie Fitzroy, encountered Junior Byles, who had once been a titan in the reggae scene but was now a mere shadow of his former self. The stark transformation from celebrated artist to a figure grappling with the harsh

en

19:16

"Healing of the Nation" Bonus Episode

Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears" ·

2025/05/08

After a Season of murder, conspiracy, and darkness. Henry K decides to take listeners on a positive journey for this Bonus Episode. "Healing of the Nation" is the inspiring narrative of Sandy G, a woman who epitomizes resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Sandy's story serves as a poignant reminder that true freedom and dignity are attained not through shortcuts, but through steadfast commitment to one’s goals and the refusal to be defined by circumstances. Throughout the show

en

32:41

"Wanted Dread or Alive" Peter Tosh vs. Babylon

Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears" ·

2025/04/24

In the finale of Wanted Dread or Alive "Peter Tosh vs. Babylon" Host Henry K recounts his personal journey to Tosh's birthplace during the Peter Tosh Festival, which serves as a backdrop for a deeper investigation into the circumstances surrounding his untimely death. He confronts the unsettling realities of how narratives surrounding Tosh have been manipulated, highlighting the societal tendency to transform victims into villains. This reflection serves as a critical lens through which Henry

en

27:24

"Wanted Dread or Alive" Mark of the Beast

Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears" ·

2025/04/10

Episode 8 "Mark of the Beast" unearths the complexities of Tosh’s existence, showcasing his financial struggles despite his international fame. Host Henry K takes a critical look at the socio-economic disparities that characterized the era, vividly illustrating the stark contrast between the privileged elite and the struggling populace. Peter Tosh emerges as a complex figure, his life marked by both artistic brilliance and profound vulnerability, a reflection of the systemic failures that plagued

en

25:02

"Wanted Dread or Alive" Babylon's Cross-Hairs

Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears" ·

2025/04/03

In "Babylon's Cross-Hairs", Host Henry K takes a close look the history of reggae music and its intertwined relationship with Jamaica’s sociopolitical landscape, focusing on the iconic One Love Peace Concert. Henry K recounts his experiences at Tuff Gong Records, where the essence of reggae was not merely a genre but a movement that encapsulated the struggles and aspirations of a nation. This episode takes a look at historical significance of the One Love Peace Concert held in April 1978, a

en

34:21

"Wanted Dread or Alive" The Alibi

Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears" ·

2025/02/20

On Episode 2 of "Wanted: Dread or Alive" The narrative surrounding the murder of reggae icon Peter Tosh is revealed, focusing on the Supreme Court's ruling regarding the appeal of Dennis "Leppo" Lobban, the only individual convicted in this notorious crime. This case is emblematic of the broader societal issues in Jamaica, where power dynamics intertwine with music, politics, and street justice, revealing a landscape where the official accounts often mask deeper truths. Host Henry K

en

28:27

"Wanted Dread or Alive" Belly It

Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears" ·

2025/02/13

On the debut of Herb and Legends Season 1 "Wanted Dread or Alive" The tragic tale of Peter Tosh, a seminal figure in reggae music, unfolds amidst the backdrop of a violent night in Kingston, Jamaica, on September 11, 1987. Host Henry K explores the harrowing events surrounding his assassination, which not only claimed the life of an influential musician but also raised profound questions regarding justice and the political landscape of the time. We explore the complexities of Tosh's legacy,

en

19:13

Season 7 Finale "Lift Up Your Head"

Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears" ·

2024/11/14

The Finale of Rootsland explores the emotional and sociopolitical landscape following a tumultuous presidential election. The hosts, Henry and Sia, reflect on a letter from a devoted listener named Lorna, who expresses her devastation over the election results and her fears for the future of her family. Their conversation highlights the struggles many face in the aftermath of political shifts, emphasizing the need for community support and resilience. Throughout the episode, the hosts draw on

en

20:34

Season 7 Bonus "Yellow Tape: Crime Scene"

Rootsland "Stories that are Music to your ears" ·

2024/08/30

On a special Labor Day episode of Rootsland, Henry K pays tribute to the extraordinary life and tragic death of Gerald "Bogle" Levy, legendary street dancer and ghetto choreographer that forever changed the dancehall game. Find out why many think that Bogle was the Bob Malrey of the Dancehall genre Rootsland "Reggae's Untold Stories"Subscribe Now to Kingston to Cali Easily listen to Kingston to Cali "Reggae's Journey West" in your podcast app of choice Produced by Henry K in association with

en

23 results

Similar Podcasts

Pasquale Maassen Soundcloud

Pasquale Maassen

Marian Klose

Marian Klose

sevenism

sevenism

Dean Delray"s LET THERE BE TALK

Cactus Radio Network

Word In Your Ear

Mark Ellen, David Hepworth and Alex Gold