John Masouri is a well respected author, journalist, reviewer, broadcaster and research consultant, writing about a range of different music, but specialising in reggae and its many off-shoots including roots, revive and dancehall.
As a reporter Echoes, he’s covered reggae music in all of its forms for over 25 years, interviewing and writing about many of its greatest and most influential figures.
Other publications to feature his writings include Mojo, Music Week, The Guardian, The Observer and NME, as well as magazines in the US, Holland, Italy, Japan [RM] and the Caribbean. He remains a regular contributor to magazines in France [Reggae Vibes] and Germany [Riddim].
In 2008 he completed an authorized biography of Bob Marley and The Wailers, Wailing Blues: The Story of Bob Marley’s Wailers for Omnibus Press, which Roger Steffens described as “the best book ever written on Bob Marley,” and “a fan’s dream come true.”
He is also a co-author of the Guinness Book Of Reggae and Virgin Encyclopedia Of Reggae. His latest book is the first-ever biography of reggae singer Peter Tosh, entitled Steppin’ Razor: The Life Of Peter Tosh, again for Omnibus Press.
In addition to book readings and festival appearances, he’s contributed to several radio and television documentaries commissioned by the BBC [“UK Reggae,” “Arise Blackman, The Life Of Peter Tosh,” The Story Of Jamaican Music”, and “Blood And Fire”], Channel 4, and the BBC World Service. He also appears in Menelik Shabazz’s documentary film, The Story Of Lover’s Rock, released in 2011.
Away from the media, he’s written a vast amount of label and promotional material for record companies such as Sony, Universal, Virgin, BMG, VP Records, Jet Star, and Greensleeves, among others. He’s also compiled and written liner notes for nearly 200 reggae albums issued by labels such as Greensleeves, Island, Trojan and VP.