Bio
JUBBA WHITE
“Music is a universal language, and Reggae, as a genre represents so much of what we are facing globally.” Jubba White/White Stone Productions
Many artists grow their talent as young adults. Jubba White entered the world banging on kitchen pots and exercising his dynamic lungs at three years old. Born in the rural area of May Pen, Clarendon (Jamaica), Jubba learned to sing and play drums in church, where his mother was a foundation member and sang in the choir.
During high school, Jubba and his childhood friends, Rohan (guitar), joined forces with Phillip (keys) and Veron (bass) to form a powerhouse quartet. These four talented young men quickly made an impact on the local scene. Jubba was first to enroll in the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (Kingston), and began studies in Caribbean, Latin American, and Jazz music. Soon the entire band enrolled. In 1997, the band was approached to take further their career under the name Ruption Kru. This opportunity resulted in numerous tours across Europe, supporting reggae icons such as the Mighty Diamonds, The Heptones, Big Youth, and more. That same year, they performed on their first professional studio album by The Ethiopians (Tuff Gong Studios), entitled ‘Tougher than Stone.’ More tours were added.
In 1998, Jubba and some bandmates became the personal support band for Bushman, and in 1999, for Junior Kelly. Both were premier rising stars at the time. Jubba and the band played an instrumental role in some of their recordings, and live shows for both artists. References may be found in the notes of albums such as Signs (Bushman); Smile & Tough Life (Junior Kelly).
The band then decided to explore living in other parts of the world (Europe) and became backing musicians for double platinum-selling, French Reggae artist, Pierpoljak. Jubba co-created and co-produced two of Pierpoljak albums. That’s when the musical partnership between Jubba and Stone found its roots.
Returning to Jamaica, Jubba and band members found themselves once again at Tuff Gong Studios. During the years 2001-2007, they recorded with various artists and worked with top-notch producers such as Clive Hunt. The ‘I Swear Riddim’ released by 5th Element Records, and the Overstand Riddim by Pow Pow' records stand out. Jubba proudly mentions his performance in 2003 on several tracks on Burning Spear’s Reggae Grammy-nominated album, Freeman.
Between 2002 - 2003, Jubba, Stone and Phillip embarked on a new journey. While recording and touring, they began producing their own materials. This became the foundation of Dubtonic Kru. They recorded dub instrumentals with spoken words leading to the release of singles Trap’ ‘Ocean Blue’ and ‘Back to Africa in 2006. The full-length album entitled Jungle Fever was released in 2008.
In, 2007, Jubba released his first riddim production, Tantrum Riddim featuring the works of other talented artists; a mission Jubba keeps close to his heart. One of the artists later became one of two lead singers of Dubtonic Kru. The year 2007, marks the first time the name Dubtonic Kru was announced on an international stage. Jubba, Stone, and Winta opened and supported reggae artists U-Roy and Junior Murvin on a European tour. By the time the debut Dub album was completed (featuring Jubba & Stone), new members were included on three of the album’s tracks prior to release.
In 2008, Dubtonic Kru hit the road as a five-member band. Rototom Sunsplash's main stage (Italy) was the highlight of that tour, with a great response to the new revolutionary single, on the Tantrum Riddim, “Hold on Still” produced by Jubba.
Without any doubt, Dubtonic Kru’s hard work and touring worldwide, contributed to the development of modern roots reggae while focusing on their unique blending of genres, dub, jazz, and reggae. They received awards and accolades, and in 2010, the album ‘‘Dub Tonic’ was released.
Jubba’s vision to highlight talented artists with ‘Dubtonic Kru’ continued to unfold. Returning to Jamaica after the 2008 tour, Jubba was inspired to initiate a new public platform, “Bands Incorporated.” The goal was to fill the absence of self-contained bands that dwindled over the years. The first event sponsored by Di Kru productions was the “Born Jamaican Showcase” attracting famed artists such as Max Romeo and others. At that time, there weren’t enough bands to expand a revival of ‘band culture.’
Professional young musicians from Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts began to emerge. After the third staging of the event, the Jamaican Observer stated: “There are three events that are promising for the future of Jamaican Music; Rebel Salute, Bands Incorporated, and Jamnesia.”
Another event, Plug N’ Play evolved, as solo artists began requesting their own showcase. Kenya Don, of Steppin Razor Productions, partnered with Jubba and arranged the use of the Jonkanoo Lounge for a weekly event. The vision was to match veteran artists with young upcoming talent performing with live bands. The line-up included Damian Marley, Toots and the Maytals, Max Romeo, Chronixx, Protoje, Dub Incorporated, Polish reggae pop star Kamil Bednarek and more. Special events grew the showcases through record launches, birthday parties, award celebrations, and more. It was the place to be and the place to play!
In 2012, Jubba moved to Oregon and formed White Stone Productions. Stone soon took a break from the business to follow other pursuits.
Jubba’s motivation was to produce handcrafted reggae music with international appeal incorporating conscious, uplifting messages. Dubtonic Kru remained a staple in Jubba’s journey but he continued producing enticing music projects, highlighting other skilled artists. “In Our America” by Aaron Nigel Smith is one example. The album entered the Reggae Billboard Chart at #1 in March 2019.
White Stone Productions have produced a few major projects, promoting
a blend of talented voices including Tantrum Riddim, and No Disturbance Riddim.
White has continued to record and tour in recent years with some of the top names in music.
Since the pandemic, he has released some of the most crucial singles and albums; including Jubba White - "Be A Light" featuring Kumar (former lead singer of Raging Fyah) + Monty (C-Sharp), the Sweet Reggae Music riddim, Freedom (The Declaration of Rights) riddim, YOU ("You Got Me Going On") various artists album project and produced and performed on 2021 summer's hit Solar Riddim album with DJ Colonel (SimmerDown Sounds) including the lead single "Rise and Shine" (feat. Frassman Brilliant and Arturas).
His 11-track debut album My Random Thoughts was released on October 15 on the White Stone Productions label distributed by Tuff Gong International. It shows the depth of talent that Jubba White manifests with collaborations by a host of global contributors.
“I love working with unique sounds and blending voices. My friends and colleagues are from across the globe and music is my favorite way to bring them together.”