Resident Simmer Down selector MarcusIyah is a serious enthusiast of conscious reggae. He has been listening to and collecting reggae music for over twenty-five years. “I started listening to reggae around 1986 with an introduction by my sibling to Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer. From there, I was introduced to some foundation dancehall artists like Eek-a-mouse, Brigadier Jerry, Halfpint, Gregory Isaacs and more through big reggae shows that passed through, like Reggae Sunsplash.”
When he moved to Chicago in 1995, MarcusIyah continued to grow his roots and culture collection and expanded toward modern conscious roots, early dancehall, rocksteady and more. He explains his affinity for the music as follows: “Reggae music has been an integral part of my identity as it was the first genre of music that I got into as a youth, as my identity began to form. Moreover, it was the revolutionary message, the fighting against injustice, and wrongdoing and ultimately, the upful message of unity and love that drew me to this form of music.”
In 1998 MarcusIyah linked up with DJs Stranjah of São Paulo, Brasil and John Bless of NYC to form the Moa Anbessa Sound System and pursue one mission: to mash up the dance! Their first weekly Sunday night event at Subterranean in Chicago spread conscious roots and dancehall reggae music to the massive and included sessions with DeeJay/singer Jah Skoob and other friends who would nice up the mic. Moa Anbessa expanded to Chicago clubs like Lava Lounge, Cafe Lura, The Note, Danny’s and Sonotheque. Since Stranjah has relocated to Brasil and Jon to NYC, Moa Anbessa’s signature sound has traveled to their new homes and as far beyond them as Korea and Europe. In 2016, Simmer Down Sound hosted their reunion, celebrating their eighteen years together.
MarcusIyah can be heard regularly on WLUW 88.7FM with legendary reggae selector, Slacky J on the Reggae Vibes Show, which airs Friday nights, from 8:00 to 10:00 pm. In his residency at Simmer Down, MarcusIyah continues to embrace the spirit of reggae consciousness and to use it as his revolutionary banner, saying that “reggae, similar to punk, hip-hop, and other socially conscious music, has the power to bring awareness to the social injustices and modern day challenges that face various societies and cultures. What other genres of music promotes brotherly love, culture, confidence, equality, love, honoring mama and papa, natural living, positive mindfulness, empathy, in such a stylish fashion? Reggae music!” At Simmer Down, we tilt our hats to MarcusIyah’s enthusiasm, and we can’t wait to celebrate our fifth anniversary with him, Saturday, May 13th at Subterranean!
