Cerca:rothadam

*2026 repress - with new labels and small hole. NOTE NEW CATALOGUE NUMBER! One of Shella’s most popular reissues, “Rebel” by Jamaican Canadian roots maestro Rothadam is finally back in stock! Pressed with a small hole (as opposed to the 2017 re-issue with the jukebox punch-out). Supported by King Shiloh, Gilles Peterson and countless others, Rothadam’s “Rebel” is one of the deepest and most sought after roots 45s to ever come out of Canada. “Rebel” evokes Black Ark studio wizardry with Rothadam’s delicate yet defiant vocal, thunderous bass and a massive horn section. This release is a monster double-sider: Two different versions of “Rebel” were recorded in Toronto circa 1975, 76 by different producers (Sid Lovejoy at LMP and Ron Lewis at Half Moon) and backed by different bands. The “Rebel” message in Rothadam’s music is obvious, but more than anything the song is a call for peace and unity reflecting on his life in Trenchtown, Jamaica. Rothadam explains: “…..because where I was living , It’s hard to don’t get involved. It wasn’t an easy thing to just live and just be happy….. Hard life man, hard life…most of my friends when they were doing things that aren’t right…Not me. So in other words, I was born to be a strong man.” Rothadam passed away in 2026 but was delighted with the new audience his music had found. This latest reissue is dedicated to his eternal memory.

Leroy "Heptone" Sibbles
Garden Of Life (Horns cut)

This raw, deep roots grail by Heptones and Studio One legend Leroy Sibbles has been near impossible to find, until now.
Most reggae fans will be familiar with the Heptones’ Lee Perry sessions including their outstanding “Garden Of Life” from 1979.

Few but the most grizzled collector knew that Sibbles had recorded a deep roots cut in Toronto several years earlier in 1975 while living in Canada.
Urgent, soulful and raucous with its killer horns section and bubbling organ, this version of Garden Of Life is actually Leroy’s favourite.
The dub version transports us right into the converted garage/studio in 1975 as snatches of conversation between musicians are immortalized on wax.

One of 3 official releases showcasing Sid Lovejoy's Toronto productions including the long out of print “Rebel” by Rothadam and the roots missile “King Kong Man” by Sid Lovejoy.

Available for the first time since 1976 the official reissue of Sid Lovejoy’s roots missile “King Kong Man” puts this absolute gem back in circulation.

Bursting out of the gate with psychedelic lead guitar, the track pares down to roots militancy followed by a monstrous Channel One dub.
Originally released on Toronto label “G Clef”, “King Kong Man” was a very tough pull until now.

The song’s mastermind Sid Lovejoy, was a singer, musician and producer who ran a record store, studio and label at 917 Bathurst St in the beating heart of what was then Toronto’s “Little Jamaica” community.
50 years on, Sid’s rallying cry to stand up to tyrants, bullies and oppressors is as relevant as ever.
Sid Lovejoy passed away in 2025 in Jamaica, this release is dedicated to his eternal memory.

One of 3 official releases showcasing Sid Lovejoy's Toronto productions including the long out of print “Rebel” by Rothadam and the impossible to find horns version of “Garden of Life” by Leroy “Heptone” Sibbles.