WHO WE ARE!

Bobby Shakes is a Boston-based media pioneer, photographer, and cultural architect with over 30 years of experience shaping reggae, dancehall, and urban music culture. Known for his groundbreaking work in digital media, live event photography, and music journalism, Bobby Shakes has played a critical role in documenting and elevating Caribbean music on a global scale.

In 1998, while working at The Source Magazine, Bobby Shakes created one of the first reggae-focused websites on the internet, BobbyShakes.com. At a time when online media was still in its infancy, he was already pushing boundaries—streaming live video, uploading concert footage, and building one of the earliest digital platforms dedicated to reggae and dancehall culture.

Over the years, Bobby has worked across multiple sectors of the music industry, including roles with Warner Bros. and American Recordings, as well as experience in radio through Clear Channel Communications. His background also includes time as an assistant sound engineer at The Source Sound Labs, giving him a deep technical understanding of music production and recording.

As a photographer, Bobby Shakes has captured thousands of live events and is widely respected for helping redefine how concerts and nightlife are visually documented. His work spans decades of reggae and dancehall history, photographing some of the most influential artists in the genre and preserving cultural moments that continue to resonate today.

Beyond media, Bobby is also an entrepreneur and innovator. He is the founder of ShakesIsLive.com, a modern platform focused on reggae news, live event coverage, and community engagement. He also operates SellTheListing.com, a successful real estate photography business, and has expanded into retail with Newbury Yarns, a luxury yarn brand and storefront in Boston.

In addition to his digital platforms, Bobby Shakes is the creator of #ShakesCityUncut, a live-stream and event series that bridges online media with real-world cultural experiences. From curated brunch events to live interviews with top artists, the platform continues to build community and keep reggae and dancehall culture alive in Boston and beyond.

Today, Bobby Shakes remains at the forefront of media innovation, exploring new technologies such as blockchain and digital ownership to protect and distribute cultural content. His mission is simple: document the culture, control the narrative, and push reggae and dancehall into the future.