ReggaeCalendar.com /// Reggae Sunsplash 1978-1998

It all started in 1979, when Java Immanuel-I started the first reggae/caribbean radio program in Philadelphia. Not even Java knew it was the start of an endless trail of promoting his roots and culture. Out of his radio program came his nonprofit organization Caribbe'. Then it was Caribbe' newspaper, then reggae Calendar, and now the book, Reggae Sunsplash 1978-1979.

At Temple University, he became the production director at WRTI-FM, news reporter; Jazz presenter, Caribbean music presenter, host and producer of an interview show titled. "Information Exchange."

The later provided challenges as he discussed intellectual topics with renowned professors and doctors active in their particular field, Java has also been instrumental in interviewing Bob Marley and Betty Wright in the studio of WRTI-90.1 FM. No doubt, this was one of Java’s most exciting interviews. According to Java, "No one walks away from interviewing Bob and don't find them self on a natural high."

One of java's outstanding project was the Caribbe' newspaper, which lasted over a year, and the paper went to a 10,000 monthly circulation. Two friends: Everton Scott, Jocelyn Hanson, and I started it with $50.00. "I wrote a proposal, he recalls, "Printed 100 copies, took it several Caribbean business establishments and raised $2,000.00 from them in order to bring out the first issue. We worked from my house most of the time. He said, "It was like pushing water up hill"; he shakes his head, sadly. "It took a lot of my time. Especially since I was going to school (Temple University) and I had to keep up my grades and at the same time produce and host a weekly radio program. Caribbe newspaper had a short life. Java concluded the launching of such a newspaper was more adventurous than one setting up a newspaper to earn a living from publishing, He said, our aim in starting the newspaper was to really and truly strengthen the Philadelphia Caribbean community".

Java Immanuel-I at WRTI-90.1 FM, Philadelphia, USA Bob Marley at The Impulse Night Club Philadelphia, USA

In 1982, he decided to publish a calendar title: Reggae Calendar. He noted at the time of publishing, cost for printing the calendar in color was astronomical, but he went on to publish the calendar in black & white. Then after a few years in producing and publishing the calendars, he decided it was best for reasons more than one that he could not go on publishing the calendar under such extenuating circumstances Simply put, he could not afford to print the calendar in color, so as to give him a competitive edge in promoting the calendar.

However, as reggae music industry grew and reggae music became more popular, Java once again started to publish Reggae Calendar. The calendar was well recived because it was more than just a calendar. It provided reader with important date in reggae music and African history on each month of the calendar. Reggae calendar was informative, unique, and quite attractive. Many saw this calendar like a history book and therefore would hold on to it even after the year ended. Java is one of the most respected people in the Philadelphia reggae community at large and is very knowledgeable about reggae, jazz, R&B, and soul.

He has intervened some of reggae greatest artist such, as Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Sly & Robbie, Judy Mowatt, Jimmy Cliff, and many other reggae stalwarts.

Hence, Java has not missed a beat in trading on the reggae highway; he has been consistent for the past 30 years. His thirty years in promoting reggae music has mainly been a labor of love. His passion and love for reggae music is endless. He believes reggae music has the power to heal the world. Therefore, it is not strange to hear him say that his work in reggae music is for the love of the music, not for wealth, he said. He believes that publishing the book, reggae Sunsplash 1978 -1998, is about documented an important segment in the development and popularization of reggae music. He feels strongly that to preserve reggae music part of doing so is to highlight its uniqueness, and its' outstanding artists and musicians.

Java's commitment to his roots and culture comes from his faith in Rastafari and reading his bible. "I read every day for inspiration and strength," he says. "Then I try to speak the words of truth and righteousness. Im a student of life. I do not put myself above anyone else."

Previous Issues of Caribbe's Newspaper