The Lost Reggae Tapes’ Film Premiere

The NYC premiere of Studio 17: The Lost Reggae Tapes took place at the new Bronx Music Hall this past weekend, with cultural legends from the reggae and Hip-Hop communities convening to celebrate the film’s release.

Kicking off Black History Month and Reggae Month, the sold-out event was hosted by Grammy-nominated Latin jazz musician Bobby Sanabria, the Bronx Music Hall’s co-artistic director, on Saturday (Feb. 1).

The documentary focuses on the evolution of Randy’s, an iconic Jamaican record store, into Studio 17, the central hub for many of the most influential and impactful artists and producers across the reggae landscape during the 1960s and subsequent decades.

Drawing the likes of Bob Marley and the Wailers, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Peter Tosh, Gregory Isaacs and Dennis Brown through its doors, Studio 17 is regarded as a cultural landmark, with its story told in the film through the eyes of record producer Clive Chin, reggae artist Carl Malcolm, and other luminaries and historians.

Produced by Reshma B, Studio 17: The Lost Reggae Tapes has received rave reviews from critics and was hailed by late musician and producer Quincy Jones, who called the documentary one of his favorites prior to his death.

Beginning with a screening of the film, followed by a Q&A session and reception, all proceeds from the Studio 17: The Lost Reggae Tapes premiere were donated to the Bronx Music Hall and its efforts as a cultural center for the local community.

Attendees included Chin, Malcolm, DJ Kool Herc, Video Music Box creator Ralph McDaniels, Dick Clark Productions executive producer Datwon Thomas, author Rob Kenner, and more, with sounds provided by DJ Madout and eats courtesy of 2 Girls & A Cookshop, adding to the island-tinged vibes.

An additional screening of Studio 17: The Lost Reggae Tapes will be held on Feb. 21 at the Cinema Arts Centre in Long Island, NY.

Tickets for that event can be purchased here.

VIBE takes a glimpse inside the Studio 17: The Lost Reggae Tapes film premiere through photos.