If you came of age back in the early 2000s, you might have attended a gig by Otautahi-based dub and reggae pioneers Dubwize. Consisting of members from across Aotearoa to Africa, US and the Caribbean, Dubwize was instrumental in laying the foundation for soundsystem-based reggae and dancehall in NZ, with founder Messenjah (Gabriel Calcott) behind the decks and on production duties, alongside Confucius (Paul Bimler, known these days as Midnight Dubs and vocalists David Papa Levi, Little Jah, Iya Fari & Raggadon. Touring regularly around Aotearoa and Australia, Dubwize built a solid following, known for their heavy basslines and catchy melodies.

To mark the 20th anniversary of the release of their iconic second album Reality Chant, the first two Dubwize albums are being re-released. To The Control Tower, their first album, introduced the group to the world, with tracks like Roots Philosophy and Honour Bound getting dancefloors moving across the country and receiving significant radio play.
The second full-length album from Dubwize, Reality Chant provided the group with a future name, and features an international cast of vocalists. Tracks include Dancehall State of Mind (ft. David Papa Levi), Look To The East (ft. Raggadon), and Blinded by Babylon (ft. Iya Fari). The album was well-received at the time, and the re-release also features a previously unreleased bonus track, ”Champion Sound.”

Dubwize evolved over time into Reality Chant Productions and have continued to release music since then, working with an impressive range of vocalists such as Luciano, Mikey general, Jah Mason, Cornell Campbell, Louie Culture and many others. The music is meticulously crafted reggae, dub and dancehall with a strong conscious Rastafari message. Lyrical themes deal with naturality, a return to a simpler way of life, and the injustices of modern society.
The video for Dancehall State of Mind (from the second album, Reality Chant), featuring David Papa Levi, is also being rereleased.
So if you didn’t know before, now is the ideal chance to get acquainted with a group who played a significant part in spreading Aotearoa roots consciousness!