The soundwaves just experienced a much-needed re-up with the entrée of border hopping, Reggae/Dancehall musicologist Charly B. The Italian-born Francophile flexes a rootsy mix of patois stylus with complex French rap choruses and big-minded beats. His inspiration is as far-reaching as it is specific. Citing everything from classical composers to Jamaican heavyweights such as Anthony B, Capleton and Bounty Killa, Charly B borrows from the greats while inventing his own lyrically muscular stew.

His musical studies in Canada, long stays in Jamaica, and time spent living in France form the cultural triumvirate from which Charly B draws his artistic vision. He has performed alongside the dancehall legends Capleton, Kiprich, DeMarco and Anthony B, not to mention taking home first prize for best Singjay in Geneva’s 2002 Reggae competition, first prize for best Singjay of Switzerland in 2005, and more recently his track “My Sound” won the best song competition for the Reggae Europe 2009 contest. Charly B is nothing if not a purveyor and mouthpiece of a uniquely fortified style. Not only is he a rated and recognized artist, he’s beholden to his muse, to a lifeblood passion that sees him forging a brave new sound.