Reggae takes centre stage
CONCERT TO REKINDLE LOVE FOR FORGOTTEN GENRE
THE inaugural Reggae, Roots and Culture concert taking place tomorrow at Maboneng Precinct on Arts on Main, in Johannesburg, should be a feast for reggae lovers.
This genre seems to have been obliterated from mainstream radio and TV since the dawn of the millennium.
Reggae music used to have massive worldwide appeal largely due to its politically conscious messages.
Locally, the genre’s popularity dwindled after the death of reggae torch bearer Lucky Dube in 2007.
Tidal Waves – considered the hardest working cosmopolitan reggae band in South Africa – will perform at the concert, themed Celebrating Our Reggae Legends.
Tidal Waves appeals to differ- ent fans with its sound that transcends traditional reggae beats with its rock influence.
UK-based band Legend, consisting of seven vocalists, will also grace the event as well as Dube’s One People band.
DJs Admiral and Jahseed, who have been relentlessly waving the reggae music flag among the youth since their show on YFM and their Reggae Nights events, are also part of the bill.
Concert organiser Kebone Xaba of Milla Communications says the main reason for hosting the event is to redirect the negative stereotypes surrounding reggae music.
“I want people to learn that reggae music is a peaceful genre and not a music that promotes violence and negativity,” Xaba says.
“People who have never experienced reggae music must come and they will have a good experience to take home.”
One People, will headline the concert and long-serving member Thuthukane Xaba, 49, says the band is happy that this event will give reggae music exposure in South Africa.
“The genre seems to have faded in our country with commercial radio stations, the government and other stakeholders such as the corporate industry shunning our music.
“But we are getting a lot of airplay from community radio station, which is humbling.”
Xaba says the band largely makes its livelihood from performances in Europe, where reggae is still big.
Robert Kanoonya, 33, of the Rob Prophet band, says it is sad that reggae is no longer supported by mainstream media.
Uganda-born Kanoonya – along with his 13-piece band – has created music with a similar style to that of his icons, Dube, Peter Tosh and Marley.
The band makes a living from performing throughout Africa.
Kanoonya says: “Reggae music is full of positivity and encouraging lyrics.
“The community needs the music for upliftment.
“I wish everyone could see the beauty of the music instead of focusing on negative connotations such as weed.”