Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio brings Soca and African pop music to SiriusXM with two new streaming channels

Cedella Marley, CEO of Tuff Gong International, announced that the success of Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio has led to the expansion of its collaboration with SiriusXM in the form of two new streaming music channels, Bob Marley’s Tuff Soca and Bob Marley’s Tuff Beats.

The aptly named Tuff Soca and Tuff Beats channels will stream the best in Soca and popular music from the African continent, 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 and Tobago. It is a fusion of both African and 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 DJ 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.

Jamaican born with an international attitude and flavor, ZJ 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.

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.

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.