With the current chart success of Sean Paul and Beenie Man, Reggae has never been as popular since the days of Bob Marley.

It's fitting therefore that one of the headliners for this year's Orange Evolution Festival is Reggae superstar Horace Andy.

Horace Andy's haunting falsetto has been imitated by scores of artists over the years and his compositions include some of the most covered material in reggae history.

Massive Attack

During the early 70s, anthems like Skylarking, Fever and See A Man's Face helped Horace Andy become one of Jamaica's most prolific singer/songwriters.

But it would take 20 years and a chance meeting with UK trip-hop/dance band, Massive Attack before Andy began to receive the recognition he truly deserves.

A young Horace was a Studio One wunderkid

Andy went on to guest on every one of their albums.

Studio One

Andy's work with Massive Attack encouraged a move to London in the mid 90s, but don't think for a minute he's forgotten his roots.

"I live in England but my home is Jamaica," he confirms. "I've lived in London for eight years now but if it wasn't for Massive Attack I wouldn't be here."

Horace Andy's style spans a generation.

Undoubtedly Andy's new found crossover appeal stems back to the hard graft he put in back in the 70s.

As one of the most popular singer/songwriters for the legendary Studio One label, his album Skylarking is regarded as a milestone in Jamaican music.

His highly distinctive, unusual voice ensured he became a unique artist in reggae.

Jamaican music has changed drastically since the days of Studio One, but unlike many of his contemporaries, Andy refuses to criticise today's dancehall stars.

"I love what the youths are doing, trust me," he insists. "I don't fight the youths; the only thing I don't like is the dirty lyrics."

"I still listen to dancehall music; my kids are around me and that's what they listen to."

Andy's impartial stance stems from a condemnation of hypocrisy.

As a roots warrior and a Rasta by nature, Andy has to practice what he preaches - love.

Distant Echoes

The Horace Andy gig reunites the living DJ deities that are Echoes: Rick Glanvill, Mick McCoy and John Johnson.

Echoes was Newcastle's seminal black music club founded over 20 years ago.

Echoes protégé DJ Tommy Caulker

Playing the finest in reggae, soul and African music the Echoes trio gave birth to Newcastle's first ever African music festival, Harambe Africa.

Echoes inspired a young Tommy Caulker of World Headquarters Night club to embark on his DJ career.

As Tommy puts it, "Echoes was the best club ever held in Newcastle, going to it was like stepping into a dream, and it's something I have always tried to aspire to with World Headquarters.

The crowd were always a great mix, students and locals, Echoes united the whole of the city through music."

As nostalgia takes the floor - expect tears of joy before bedtime.