Jamaica…, that little sweet spot on the globe nestled
tightly in the Caribbean Sea between Cuba to the north, Cayman Islands to the west
and Haiti to the east, is known for many things around the world, of which
music stands tall on the legacy started by Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley & the
Wailers and the Skatalites way back in the 1960’s.
Since then the name Jamaica
is synonymous with the pulsating reggae rhythms that has spread like a
malignant cancer throughout the world.
Lost in the art form for years have been the role and
importance of the live band, this was due in large part to the birth of the
digital age during the late 70’s early 80’s when the live sound was
replaced with studio engineered beats that facilitated multiple performers live
and in studios. Fast forward to today and what we are experiencing in the
continuous evolution of Jamaican music, is dancehall disappearing slowly with
the majority of its big names finding themselves on the wrong side of the law
and a return of bands/groups with some really well produced sounds and vocals.
With the extended success of dancehall through the 80’s, 90’s and 00’s; it may
surprise many that a significant section of Jamaica’s musical genius still
remains untapped. Through the many twists and turns of our music that emerged
from this tiny music-loving island, are some very talented people you formed
themselves into groups also known as the bands.
Today little is known about five of the top bands making
waves in the business and who for the most part have remained faceless in a
dog-eat-dog industry where little or no appreciation is shown for their music.
The members, who are all recipients of the Prime Minister’s
Youth Award for Culture and Entertainment (Everaldo in 2005, Sheldon, 2006;
O’Neil, 2007 and Christopher, 2009) seem to be on a mission which started back
at KC as a performing arts quartet, with the guidance of drama teacher Peter
Heslop, through whom they got their first real taste of the stage at the
Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) performing arts competition.
Raging Fyah is one of the most talented and dynamic
groups ever to hit the Jamaican music scene. The band originally started in
2006 as a trio with, Anthony Watson (Drummer), Demar Gayle (Keyboardist),
Delroy Hamilton (Bassist), they were later divinely united with Courtland White
(Guitarist) Kumar Bent (lead singer) and Mahlon Moving (Engineer)–as they set
out to rekindle a flame of positivity in the music industry.
Though their versatility enables them to play all
genres of music, most of their songs - influenced by passion, purpose and life
experiences- assume a roots rock reggae flavor. They write their own songs and
ensure that every word touches the soul of the listener, uplifting and
motivating people from all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
This coming together of musical talents has touched many lives. For those
who have had a personal experience with C-Sharp, you may have an idea as to
what to expect. However for those who have never really met them, let us first
start by welcoming you to CSharp's World. From this point on, we can guarantee
that you will have an experience that you may not be able to comprehend let
alone explain. Here now we give you an opportunity to build a relationship with
the band and their music. So fasten your safety belts as we travel through the
musical halls, giving you a taste of what is and a preview of what is to come.
Young, fresh, and dynamic are just some of the terms that
readily come to mind when one thinks about Blueprint - the new age, urban
contemporary reggae band that produces music reminiscent of the richness of the
Jamaican culture and the limitless creativity. A blueprint is the guide for
making a product and Di Blueprint band is a guide to the creation of an
authentic product – solid enjoyable music. This group of blossoming musicians,
at present, studies music at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing
Arts in Jamaica. The aim of its members is to inspire the hearts of all,
especially this new generation, both locally and internationally. The band’s
music does not only comprise of roots reggae but a fusion of other genres such
as R&B and “Lovers’ Rock”. Songs and lyrics originally written by Blueprint
appeal to the great majority, and beckon the listener to yield to their
influence, strength and purity, thereby, accomplishing its goals to create
positive music. The Band consists of keyboardist/vocalist Vern Hill and Rameish
Folkes, Bassist/vocalist Alex Gallimore, Guitarists/vocalist Elton Brown,
Drummer/vocalist Kedron Kennedy and lead vocalist Ron Ho-Choy.
Rootz
Underground represents Jamaica’s most recent contribution to the International
Reggae & World Music scene. While undeniably rooted in reggae the
six-member outfit uses their collective passion to create a sound that pushes
boundaries and defies being boxed into a single genre. Electric yet organic,
gritty and soulful; the band manages to harness the essence that the reggae
aficionado was captivated by in the 1970’s while connecting the youth to the
pure messages of Rastafari with explosive live performances that are a positive
and emotional musical journey. With
the continued rise of reggae music across the world being played and embraced
by all cultures Rootz Underground ensures an undiluted dose of what is happening
at the root, transporting audiences to Jamaica from a half-a-world away. They
have toured heavily in both North America and Europe for many years gracing
events such as Summerjam, Reggae Sunska, Roskilde, Garorock, Ostroda Reggae
Festival, Reggae on The River, The Raggamuffins Festival, Earthdance, Harmony
Festival, Sierra Nevada World Music Festival to name a few. Below
is a sample of music by each of these bands.
NO-MADDZ - THE TROD
RAGING FYAH - FAR AWAY
C-SHARP - RENDEVOUS
DI BLUEPRINT - ONE WAY TO YOUR HEART
ROOTZ UNDERGROUND - VICTIMS OF THE SYSTEM
Enjoy the beat... Irie!!!
Love & Respect
Follow me on twitter: @Maninja2
Find me on facebook: Donovan White
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