NewzPittsburgh, Pennsylvania is not known for having a large reggae scene. For 33 years, Errol Wizdom has been the music’s standard bearer in that city as leader of the World Beat Reggae Band. The Jamaican singer/guitarist will mark the milestone with an event on October 10 at LIT Cigar Lounge.
His six-piece band are the featured act, with several guest artistes expected to support him throughout the evening. “This is a very big deal for me, because it represents more than just another performance. It’s about bringing people together through reggae, soul, culture and live music, and continuing to build a stronger reggae community here in Pittsburgh,” Wizdom told Observer Online.
He co-founded the Errol Wizdom World Beat Reggae Band in 1992 with American guitarist Greg Hampton, who is still a member. They gig throughout Pittsburgh and surrounding areas, playing mainly reggae with a spattering of classic rock songs. The band is currently recording songs for Reggae Dancehall, its third album, which Wizdom expects to be released this year.
Three songs projected for that set — Cherry of My Life, Jamming on The Mountain, and the title track — were released in 2025. Major reggae acts like The Wailers, Stephen and Damian Marley and J Boog have performed in Pittsburgh during the past year. The Kingston-born Wizdom (real name Errol Williams) and his band have opened shows there for The Wailers, Freddie McGregor and Jimmy Buffett.
“I’ve seen the reggae scene change quite a bit over the years. When I first came around, the scene had a different feel. There were more places where musicians could build their name by performing regularly, and reggae had a strong underground following,” he disclosed.
“Some of the venues from those early days are no longer around, but the love for reggae never disappeared.” — Howard Campbell
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