Dutch Reggae Museum

By the mid 1970s reggae music had reached a high level of popularity in The Netherlands.

The first reggae artists coming to perform here live on stage, following Bob Marley's electrifying performances in 1976 (Amsterdam) and 1977 (Den Haag), were mainly British acts like The Cimarons, Merger and Steel Pulse. By late 1978 and on followed by most major Jamaican reggae groups and singers.

During the following decade or so, dozens of reggae shows were broadcasted (some even integral) on Dutch radio programs like VARA's Live Concert, VPRO's Moondogs, KRO's Rocktempel and VARA's Poppodium. They were of course (and luckily) recorded by many home tapers!

A significant number of those legendary live recordings were airplayed again in later years, in programs like KRO's Legendarisch Live & Zomerfestival and VPRO's Night Train and 3voor12.

Here you will find a wide selection of memorable radio recordings - also from more recent years. All coming from private collections.