For the casual reggae fan, myself included, we can likely name all the reggae artists we know on one hand … and they all have the last name Marley. But there’s so much more out there, we’re just looking for a guide to handhold us through the best stuff. That’s where the Reggae Lover podcast comes in. Reggae Lover aims to curate your reggae experience by complimenting the music with their knowledge of the genre and artists. It’s a nice two-fold podcast, learning about the story of the music while also getting introduced to new music.

Produced by Highlanda Sound, and hosted by Highlanda co-founder, Khalil Wonda, Reggae Lover is an excellent podcast for existing reggae fans and newbies alike going much deeper than just Bob Marley. Wonda brings an approachable, yet knowledgeable format that’s great for all music fans. With top-notch sound quality (a must for music podcasts) and insightful history, research, and interviews, Reggae Lover sound be a must-listen for all music fans.

Discover Pods got a chance to meet Wonda and discuss the podcast, his inspiration, and why he chose to podcast. See below for our full Q&A.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher

Discover Pods: How’d you get into podcasting?

WONDA: I started podcasting in 2009 as a creative outlet and a way to reach new audiences after I had taken a 2 year break from nightclub DJ gigs. The two podcasts I launched were downloaded over 100,000 times and led to a slot as DJ/host of two live internet radio shows which I did for the next 5 years. During that time, I created podcasts from the live radio show recordings. I was also raising a young family, working in corporate America, doing DJ gigs, and promoting events so it was difficult for the 6 weekly hours of live radio to fit into my schedule. I found that the on-demand nature of the podcast platform was convenient for my listeners and producing pre-recorded content when I had time was more convenient for me. In addition, I enjoyed having total creative control and access to detailed statistics about my show’s performance and my audience’s demographic data. As such, I left the radio station to focus on creating new podcasts and Reggae Lover was born in 2014.

DP: In your own words, why should listeners check out Reggae Lover?

WONDA: Listeners will find Reggae Lover to be an uplifting breath of fresh air and food for the soul. The podcast episodes are clean, consistent, and produced with quality by a professional music curator specializing in the reggae genre. Interviews reveal untold stories and inspirational moments from the lives of reggae lovers. Enjoy a technically proficient DJ, able to create one-of-a-kind mixes with unique themes bolstered by informative, positive commentary.

DP: Are there podcasts that influenced Reggae Lover or that you wanted to model it after?

WONDA: I wanted to model Reggae Lover after business and celebrity podcasts in terms of the excellent sound quality and consistency in production. When I started out, I did not know of any purely reggae podcasts meeting that standard though there were a few radio shows such as Robbo Ranks and David Rodigan’s shows on BBC Radio and Sound Chat Radio’s Rumble Talk program. Max Glazer and Kenny Meez of Federation Sound on Red Bull Radio have also been doing great work for years.

DP: Are there specific episodes you’re particularly proud of?

WONDA: Actually, with over 100 now I love every episode and I’m thrilled when listeners love them too. As such, I was glad to see tens of thousands of people listening to my artist features of Luciano, Freddie McGregor and Spragga Benz. Now with the addition of interviews I am excited to have great conversations with awesome people who credit reggae music with changing their lives for the better.

DP: Where do you want to take your podcast?

WONDA: I want to heal and inspire people and my podcast is my way of reaching the masses all over the world.

DP: What’s the most difficult part of podcasting for you?

WONDA: Since I want my podcast to be an interactive venture and a positive impact on listeners, waiting for feedback to come in was the most difficult part when I first started. Getting emails, comments, reviews and ratings is the best part!

DP: What podcasts are you listening to now?

WONDA: There are two new podcasts on my radar that I have been checking out: Reggae Talk, which is centered around intellectual discussion about the state of dancehall and reggae, and How Mi Sound, a podcast from the perspective of a Jamaican living in America.

DP: Anything else you’d like to add?

WONDA: One of the things I want to accomplish is to dispel common myths about reggae and the people who listen to it. Therefore I would encourage anyone who typically does not consume reggae music to give my podcast a try and let me know how you feel after listening. Thank you!

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