It’s been twenty-five years since LA promoter Quie Anthony aka QBwoy began promoting his first reggae nightclub at Kingston 12.
Looking back it’s safe to say, after all he has given to the Los Angeles Reggae scene, it would have been another 25 years of straight PUM PUM if not for the Covid 19 shutdowns.
In 1993 QBoy’s selectors played a mix of 75% HipHop and only 25% Reggae.
“The most famous Hip Hop group we broke was the “Black Eyed Peas” as we helped them land a record deal with Interscope Records in 1994,” said QBwoy.
In 1995, the owner of The Kingston 12, Dale O’Brian talked to QBwoy about starting a new promotion at The Kingston 12. On June 25th, 1995 JAMAICAN GOLD was born.
As QBwoy’s reggae night began to catch a fire, fond memories of a diverse crowd helped grow his event very quickly. But, the grind to keep up with safety regulations demanded Quie find the space he needed to accommodate his growing crowds of about 650 guests.
After Kingston 12 was forced to close in 1996 Jamaican Gold was moved to Hollywood’s The Martini Lounge and then onto Santa Monica’s Dragonfly.
“The first night at the bigger location, The Dragonfly where we clocked in about 650 people, was incredible.”
Within the first month it became actor Wesley Snipe’s weekly Sunday night hangout and the talk of the town.
Jamaican Gold was always known for being a 420 friendly event. After all, the name Jamaican Gold is a Marijuana strain from Jamaica like Hawaii’s Maui Wowie.
QBwoy throws events to bring the whole city together, no matter what color, religion or status (we guess the ganga helps).
“If we can party together, we can live together. Love is the only solution. Humanity over everything,”
Once QBwoy outgrew The Dragonfly in 1997 he decided to relocate to The Key Club (Now 1 Oak) on Sunset but not before launching a new Thursday Night at The Dragonfly called “Jamaica Live”, which was a more of a hardcore version of Jamaican Gold.”
With the stage of The Key Club they really got known for braking new Reggae and Dancehall acts in LA such as Beenie Man, Red Rat, and many more.
It didn’t take long to outgrow The Key Club and in 1998 QBwoy moved Jamaican Gold to the 1,500 capacity world famous “Century Club” in Century City.
Jamaican Gold was the largest Dance Hall function in on the West Coast with 500 capacity Irie smoking Patio, live reggae bands and Dj’s, a 500 capacity reggae dancehall with 2 half-hour HipHop sets, a 300 capacity Tropical Room for Soca and World Music, and a 250 capacity loft for rare Groves, R&B and HipHop classics.
“We were responsible for transforming thousands of urban HipHop fans into becoming die-hard Dancehall fans.”
Wheeeel UP !
QBwoy’s all-stars selectors have included Dj White Lightning, Zulu Nations, Dj Mark Luv, Mc Prince Whipper Whip, and occasional Star-Studded Reggae, Dancehall, and HipHop performance. Today, Jamaican Gold is one of the biggest promotions on The West Coast.
Reggae/Dancehall artists Sean Paul, Damian Marley, Elephant Man, Tanya Stevens, Mr. Vegas, Cham, and many more would have their first live performances at Jamaican Gold, along with Maga artist Shabba Ranks, Buju Banton, Shaggy, Mad Cobra, Ricky Bell Of New Edition, KRS One, Nice And Smooth, The Guru, Mos Def, and so many more have graced the stage – as documented in the new “Jamaican Gold Movie” on DAILYMOTION.com”
Access!!!
www.RootzRockReggae.com to find out more about the online clothing store and new dance television ideas.
June 28th was supposed to be Jamaican Gold’s 25th year anniversary party with coordinators planning on an All-Star Line-Up event scheduled in the downtown area.
“Unfortunately due to the COVID-19 crisis we have locked down the event, and it has to be postponed until further notice.”
“Before March 2020 I was talking about a new club night, a new live concert series, possible international tour with the Shabbaaaaa.LA Sound Crew. But with this shut down I have been looking at clothing line options, writing screenplays, and working on a documentary titled “Who is QBwoy”?,”
Who is QBwoy to Downtown Weekly LA?: The California Rasta that has dedicated his life to use the sounds of our culture to help bring harmony without prejudice.
