The popularity of Tuff Gong Radio’s weekly Soca Afro Beats mix show leads to spin-off channels

World Class Caribbean and African Selectors DJ Jel,

ZJ Sparks, and Brooke Bailey Join the

Tuff Gong Radio Team as Curators

Cedella Marley, CEO of Tuff Gong International, announced that the success of Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio on SiriusXM has led to the expansion of its collaboration with the North-American media powerhouse in the form of two additional SiriusXM streaming music channels. Tuff Soca and Tuff Beatswill launch March 25th online and on the SiriusXM app.

The aptly-named Tuff Soca and Tuff Beats channels will stream the best in Soca and Afrobeats music, respectively.

“The story of three generations of Marley music isn’t properly shared without including the full scope of the music of the Caribbean and African diaspora,” said Cedella. 

Soca is a genre of music that originated in Trinidad & Tobago. It is a fusion of both African & East-Indian influences that are reflective of the culture of the country and by extension the Caribbean. It is also the official music of the carnivals that attract millions to the islands annually for days of nonstop high-energy street parties and costumed road marches. Curated by superstar selectors DJ Jel (Trinidad) and ZJ Sparks (Jamaica), Tuff Soca will showcase the hits and history of the genre with music from Machel Montano, Alison Hinds, Adam O, Mr. Killa, Skinny Fabulous, and more.

With the emergence of Afrobeats, the fusion of jazz with the traditional drum beats and melodies of West Africa (initially pioneered by Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti) has been reimagined by a new generation. The result is a rising tide of hits that has brought African pop stars to the airwaves and dancefloors of America and Europe. Curated by Ghanaian-born deejay Brooke Bailey, Tuff Beats has the latest and greatest in Afrobeats, from its origins with Fela straight through to the contemporary hits of Burna Boy, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Rotimi, and more.  

The new streaming channels came about due to the huge popularity of Tuff Gong Radio’s weekly show, Soca Afrobeats Mix, which debuted with the channel last December.

Marley expresses that “One of the goals of Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio is to give listeners in North America a true taste of the energy and spirit of our heritage.”

Cedella and her team reached out to the region’s massive community of deejays and media personalities to create exclusive mix shows for the channel. Iconic club and radio selectors Squeeze, DJ GQ, ZJ Sparks, and DJ Jel help to round out the cast of recurring mix show hosts anchored by none other than the CEO herself. Cedella Marley’s Nice Time is an hour of musical niceness hosted, curated, and (sometimes) mixed by Marley.

“It’s exciting that the team at SiriusXM continues to recognize the power of Caribbean music and culture and work with Tuff Gong to provide such a great platform.”

For more information on Tuff Gong Radio programming visit HERE.

Fans can listen to Tuff Gong Radio on SiriusXM radios, online and the SiriusXM app.

About Tuff Gong International

Founded by cultural icon Bob Marley, Tuff Gong International is the legendary home of reggae music. The Jamaican born singer/songwriter’s life and music made a global impact that continues to influence pop culture to this day. Tuff Gong’s Kingston headquarters is a reflection of its founder’s vision to use music as an instrument of inspiration and empowerment. The landmark compound includes a recording studio, music production, and distribution offices as well as the lone vinyl record pressing plant in the region.

About ZJ Sparks

Jamaican born with an international attitude and flavor, Sparks is a top media professional and her name says it all. Whether igniting a new passion or exciting an audience, SPARKS makes it happen. A fervent ambassador for pushing Caribbean culture worldwide, Sparks aka D’Wildchild stitches music of all genres together like a master bespoke tailor, pumping up audiences as a radio, party and touring DJ.  A professional host who informs and entertains, her capabilities cover a wide range of talents.

About Brooke Bailey

Born to a Ghanaian father and Belgian mother, Brooke Bailey started deejaying in 2008 at the urging of friends who bemoaned the serious lack of women in the business. Focusing on Afrobeats allows Bailey to express her love and pride for her African heritage. She has played in 30 different countries from Sweden, Cyprus, Dubai, Oman and the USA to Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa. She frequents some of the biggest West-African clubs such as Quilox (both in Nigeria as abroad as part of the Quilox World Tour), 57 and Pablo in Nigeria, and Carbon in Ghana.

About DJ JEL

DJ JEL is an International Soca DJ. Known for his tagline, “The Soca Boss,” DJ JEL is focused on his mission to take soca music global. His performance style sets him apart as he incorporates music that isn’t always in the popular rotation. Being of Trinbagonian descent, DJ JEL has shared his love for soca music in various stages across the globe including cities such as Sydney, London, Miami, Toronto, Edmonton and Houston to name a few.