Steel Pulse
Steel Pulse was formed in 1975 in Birmingham, England, specifically the inner city area of Handsworth. The founding members were schoolmates David Hinds (the primary songwriter as well as the lead singer and guitarist), Basil Gabbidon (guitar), and Ronnie "Stepper" McQueen (bass). All of them came from working class West Indian immigrant families, and none had much musical experience. They took some time to improve their technical proficiency, often on Roots inspired material by the Wailers, Burning Spear and several other prominent Jamaican artists. McQueen suggested the group name, after a racehorse, and they soon fleshed out the lineup with drummer Steve "Grizzly" Nisbett, keyboardist/vocalist Selwyn "Bumbo" Brown, percussionist/vocalist Alphonso "Fonso" Martin, and vocalist Michael Riley.Steel Pulse initially had difficulty finding live gigs, as club owners were reluctant to give them a platform for their "subversive" Rastafarian politics. Luckily, the punk movement was opening up new avenues for music all over Britain, and also finding a spiritual kinship with protest reggae. Thus, the group wound up as an opening act for punk and new wave bands like the Clash, the Stranglers, Generation X, the Police, and XTC, and built a broad-based audience in the process. In keeping with the spirit of the times, Steel Pulse developed a theatrical stage show that leavened their social commentary with satirical humor; many of the members dressed in costumes that mocked traditional British archetypes (Riley was a vicar, McQueen a bowler-wearing aristocrat, Martin a coach footman, etc.). The band issued two singles -- "Kibudu, Mansetta and Abuku" and "Nyah Love" -- on small independent labels, when they then came to the attention of Island Records after opening for Burning Spear.Steel Pulse's first single for Island was the classic "Ku Klux Klan," which happened to lend itself well to the band's highly visual, costume-heavy concerts. It appeared on their 1978 debut album, "Handsworth Revolution," which was soon hailed as a classic of British reggae by many fans and critics, thanks to songs like the title track, "Macka Splaff," "Prodigal Son," and "Soldiers." Riley departed before the follow-up, 1979's "Tribute to the Martyrs," which featured other key early singles in "Sound System" and "Babylon Makes the Rules," and solidified the band's reputation for uncompromising political ferocity. That reputation went out the window on 1980's "Caught You," a more pop-oriented set devoted to dance tracks and lovers rock. By that point, Steel Pulse was keen on trying to crack the American market, and went on tour over Island's objections. "Caught You" was issued in the States as "Reggae Fever," but failed to break the group, and they soon parted ways with Island.Steel Pulse moved on to Elektra/Asylum, which released an LP version of their headlining set at the 1981 Reggae Sunsplash Festival. Their studio debut was 1982's "True Democracy," a generally acclaimed set that balanced bright, accessible production with a return to social consciousness. It became their first charting LP in America, making both the pop and R&B listings. The slicker follow-up, "Earth Crisis," was released in 1984 and featured producer Jimmy "Senyah" Haynes subbing on guitar and bass for founding members Gabbidon and McQueen, both of whom left the group by the end of the recording sessions. They were replaced by guitarist Carlton Bryan and bassist Alvin Ewen for 1986's "Babylon the Bandit," another Haynes-produced effort that ranked as the group's most polished, synth-centered record to date. It featured the powerful "Not King James Version" and won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album.
In 1988, Steel Pulse released "State of Emergency," their most explicitly crossover-oriented album yet. They also contributed the track "Can't Stand It" to the soundtrack of Spike Lee's classic Do the Right Thing. In 1991, they released another heavily commercial album, the Grammy-nominated Victims, which featured the single "Taxi Driver." Backing up the song's views, Steel Pulse filed a class-action lawsuit against the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, charging that drivers discriminated against blacks and particularly Rastafarians. Founding member Fonso Martin left that year, reducing Steel Pulse to a core trio of Hinds, Nisbett, and Brown. Their backing band still featured Ewen and was elsewhere anchored by guitarist Clifford "Moonie" Pusey, keyboardist Sidney Mills, trumpeter Kevin Batchelor, Saxophonist Jerry Johnson and Trombonist Clark Gayton.
The 1992 live album "Rastafari Centennial" marked the beginning of a return to the group's musical roots, and earned another Grammy nomination. The following year, they performed at Bill Clinton's inaugural celebration, the first reggae band to appear at such an event. 1994's studio album "Vex" completed Steel Pulse's re-embrace of classic roots reggae, though it also nodded to contemporary dancehall with several guest toasters and a digital-flavored production. 1997's "Rage and Fury" continued in a similar vein, and was nominated for a Grammy. In 1999, the group released another collection of live performances, "Living Legacy."
Fast forward a long seven years since their previous album, "Rage and Fury," Steel Pulse would return yet again, this time with "African Holocaust," and yet again have their ranks dwindled. Core members David Hinds (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Selwyn Brown (keyboards, backing vocals) are the only ones to remain from the band's original line-up, but they more than hold their own and they're joined by a deep roster of supporting musicians, a list too long to list. As always, the music is what's most important, and on that count, this Steel Pulse lineup indeed makes the mark. Granted, it did take them seven years to get the album out, but still it won a Grammy Awards Nomination for Best Reggae Album of the year. There's really not too much else to say about "African Holocaust." Longtime fans will know what to expect. Newcomers should know a few things: above all, Steel Pulse are known for performing well-written, Afrocentric songs that are rebellious without being negative or inflammatory, and though the band membership has changed over the years, the type of songs hasn't, nor has the steady move away from dancehall that was apparent on the band's previous album. the message and music remain true to the band's principles and vision.
Steel Pulse is one of Britain's greatest reggae bands, in terms of creative and commercial success. Steel Pulse started out playing authentic roots reggae with touches of jazz and Latin music, and earned a substantial audience worldwide. Their 1978 debut, "Handsworth Revolution," is still regarded by many critics as a landmark and a high point of British reggae. By the late '80s, Steel Pulse had won a Grammy and were working full-fledged crossover territory. They subsequently returned to a tough-minded, rootsy sound and have added touches of dancehall and hip-hop along the way.
|
Demarco
A young Colin Demar Edwards was born in Kingston
Jamaica in 1983. Colin was a very bright student at school but growing
up in Kingston he was easily distracted by his bad friends that led him
down the wrong path. At the age of 16 he was kicked out of 2 schools and
left with no choice other than to move to America with his mom where he
now resides. Getting a huge amount of support from his mom he decided
to change his life around for the better and get into the music industry
where he had a love and enthusiasm for. Once in Baltimore where he
linked up with a friend who showed him the ropes of mixing and using the
keyboard. With all the confidence and skill in the world he faced many
challenges such as money. He started doing whatever jobs he could get
in order to buy the needed equipment, one piece at a time, to set up his
own studio. Eventually he had enough to buy all the equipment he
needed to build rhythms. Now at the age of 25 Demarko is one of the
newest and exciting sounds out in the reggae world. He created rhythms
for Styles P and Free from 106 & Park, as well for Elephant Man.
Demarco made numerous beats alongside The Soul Diggaz who are signed to
Missy Elliot and were involved in the production of her last three
albums. Now you can hear many hit tracks such as “Fallen Soilders, and
Duppy know who fi frighten”. There plenty more huge hits to come for
this up and rising star.
|
Nkulee Dube
No female artist has managed to fuse ethno-soul, jazz, with ragga in one song as this 24-year old singer, songwriter, Nkulee Dube has done in a short space of time since entering this challenging yet exciting industry. Born to the family of a music legend, Nkulee Dube has big shoes to fill to preserve and sustain the name of her late father, Lucky Dube.
Nkulee, whose music can be classified as “ethno-ragga” fused with soul and jazz, is no stranger to the performance circuit and the music industry. She has been a backing singer and dancer for the late Lebo Mathosa and later Ntando Bangani.
She glides and slides with ease in between her songs as she traverses between ragga and ethno-soul as if she was born on stage. As a guest artist and backing vocalist, Nkulee has been part of her late fathers’s performing ban One People and has performed at major festivals in Australia, Holland, Papua New Guinea, French Guyana, and Suriname.
Nkulee has already appeared in a compilation album released by Sillywalks Entertainment in Germany, where her song, Give it to Me is amongst the world's greatest reggae and ragga songs by artists such as Sizzla. In addition, Nkulee has been a featured artist on some of Skwatta Kamp’s members’ albums; Sikour and Nemza.
A powerful performer, just like her father, she has shared the stage with the Jamaican reggae/ ragga artist Sizzla in countries such as South Africa, Kenya, and Uganda. She is one to watch and could easily fill the shoes of the greatest South African artists such as Brenda Fassie, Lebo Mathosa, and of course her beloved dad, Lucky Dube. Most importantly, Nkulee is a blessed artist in her own right with her own style and has many miles to travel. Nkulee is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches to her new debut solo album which will be released in May.
|
Dubtonic Kru
The Kru is riding high after their 2010 wins of both the Jamaica and Global Battle of the Bands held in Malaysia. Their songs and spoken words are consciously thought provoking, while their rhythm/dub section walks through the passage of time with a gritty sound that rolls stones and breaks fences.
The founding members of Dubtonic Kru are Deleon "Jubba" White and Strickland "Stone" Stone, a dynamic Drum and Bass duo who, over the years have contributed to the development of modern Roots Reggae, with their unique sound and approach that intertwines Jubba's mesmerizing Reggae/Jazz Fusion drumming with Stone's groovy, yet pulsating bass lines. The Kru also includes versatile guitarist Jallanzo, who adds his strong vocal ability and refined engineering skills. The young and very talented Luke Dixon provides amazing skills on work stations. Kamau, "the Quiet Warrior", brings a revolutionary voice to the Kru. He has one album and two popular singles to his credit "Sight a Revolution" and "Goodbye Babe" under the Island Treasure label.
The Kru has gained about a decade and a half of experience from touring and or recording with the legendary likes of Max Romeo, U-Roy, Burning Spear, and The Mighty Diamonds as well as modern day artistes such as Bushman, Junior Kelly, Richie Spice, Lutan Fyah and Voicemail. The Kru continues to bond with audiences through remarkable performances to solidify their place in the Music Industry.
|
Taj Weekes and Adowa
Taj
Weekes is an enigma; on the one
hand deeply serious and
intensely passionate about his
worldviews and on the other hand
a gentle and humble man with a
quick and easy smile. Driven to
inspire conscious thought and
provoke discussion through his
poignant poetry and lyrics,
Weekes says, "I write from the
heart and I speak about issues
that move me. I believe that's
what really matters." Born and raised on the island of
St. Lucia, Weekes was
singing in church and by the age
of nine; he and his brothers had
formed a band, playing in local
talent shows, the town hall or
parish centers around the
island. Weekes grew up blissfully
unaware of category or genre -
to him, great music was, and
still is, great music no matter
what the style. "My musical
influences were quite varied,
'cause the radio stations played
all kinds of music. There were
no formats, so we grew up
listening to everything from
reggae to calypso to classic
rock and classical music."
Always striving to bring
awareness to the issues he is
passionate about, Weekes founded
his charity, They Often Cry
Outreach (TOCO), in 2007 to
improve the lives of
underprivileged children in the
Caribbean through sport,
enrichment, educational and
wellness programs. Named a Goodwill Ambassador by
the International Consortium of
Caribbean Professionals and
recognized by a division of the
United Nations, Weekes addresses
issues such as global warming,
casualties of war, domestic and
youth violence, diabetes and
health, poverty and the welfare
of children through both his
music and his charity.
To
date, the group has released two
full-length albums, Hope and
Doubt and Deidem, which won
"Best Reggae Album" at the Just
Plain Folks Music Awards and was
shortlisted for a Grammy Award.
The band released their
much-anticipated third CD, A
Waterlogged Soul Kitchen, in
August 2010. AWSK presents a set
of fresh reggae songs laced with
acoustic strings, guitar, violin
and cello, and splashes of
soulful harmonica for an album
that challenges listeners to
redefine common perceptions of
reggae and where it's heading as
a genre. Weekes and his band
Adowa unite a true social
consciousness with an
unforgettable reggae groove.
Blending in elements of acoustic
roots rock and afro-folk
simplicity, the band's vibrant
sound defies genre and has
garnered critical acclaim and a
wide audience across the globe.
|
Socaholix
With the fury of a tropical hurricane, the Socaholix have burst
onto the Minneapolis music scene. Comprised of former members of long-time
Minneapolis favorite Shangoya, the band has familiar faces and fresh new
singers. From Trinidad, Jamaica, The Congo, Tanzania, America and St. Croix,
the line-up is truly international. Drawing from their vast musical
backgrounds, the band delivers crowd pumping rhythms and energy sure to bring people to their feet for an all night soca
party.
Anchored in the drum and bass are Lance Pollonais and
Onesmo Kibira, the lead vocals are shared between Prince Jabba (Les Exodus) and
new comer Trinidadian Singer/dancer Anjanie. The bubbling keyboards of Charles
Petrus provide a framework for the intricate guitar sounds of Congolese
superstar Siama Matuzungidi. Chico Harris ties it all together with his compelling
percussion making the Socaholix a band to watch in 2011.
|
Viviana Pintado
Vocalist and pianist Viviana Pintado was born and raised in Havana, Cuba. She received her schooling in Havana's top music schools and while still a teenager, became a celebrity for her voice. Later, as a full-time professional, she was invited to join the band of salsa superstar, Albita Rodriguez. She performed in nearly every country in the western hemisphere as well as throughout Europe and Asia. The group recorded several CDS including three that were nominated for Latin Grammys. Viviana has also recorded with Celia Cruz, Gloria Estesfan, and other major Latin artists.
After leaving Cuba in the early 1990’s Viviana eventually relocated to Miami, where she was named “Best Female Vocalist” and “Best Pianist” by The Miami Herald. In 2002 Viviana left Albita’s group which by then was also based in Miami. In 2004 Viviana moved to Minnesota. Arriving in the Twin Cities she quickly established herself a powerful force on the music scene with her warm vocals and her amazing piano skills. In the Upper Midwest she has performed with many groups including Salsabrosa, Sabor Tropical, Seven Steps To Havana, Charanga Tropical, Zafra, Zafiro, Salsa del Sol, El Grupazo, and others.
|
Maria Isa
Born and raised in the Twin Cities to Nuyorican parents, singer/songwirter/emcee Maria Isa learned at an early age the traditional Latin rhythms of Bomba and Plena. She fuses her love for hip-hop and R&B with her roots to push musical boundaries, honoring and uniting all cultures. To date, she has been featured on the cover of Twin Cities Metro an other major magazines. She has been nominated for the MN Music Award "Best Hip-Hop Artist" category has been involved with Peace Jam, on behalf of Nobel Peace Prize laureates.
Her music has reached audiences around the world with a refreshing sound that mirrors the universal emotions of the human experience. Her independent label , Sotarico, proves that the world is ready to honor history, celebrate cultural pride and develop power in the community. Maria is snapshot of the next phase of lyrical and musical genre-bending experimentation.
Through the rhythm of the drum and the bass of the speakers, Maria Isa represents the IMAGE of today’s young woman. Fusing her creatively upbeat music, dynamic leadership qualities, and magnetic personality, she unites people across differences, bringing style AND substance that moves body, soul, and mind.
|
Dred I Dread
Dred I Dread is a Minneapolis, Minnesota, based Reggae Band. The Band was formed in the Fall of 1998 and chosen as "Best Local Reggae Band" by City Pages Magazine in 1999. The debut CD "Listen to the Revolution" was released in March 1999. The CD was produced by International Reggae Keyboardist Tony “Asher” Brisset, one of the founding members of Black Uhuru. During 2000 and 2001, Dred I Dread was named "Best Reggae Band in Minnesota" by the members of the Minnesota Music Academy. In 2008, the band released their second album, "A Piece of Americana", and in 2009 released "Tribulation".
The Band features talented musicians that come from Jamaica, New Orleans, Minnesota, Turkey, and Mexico. The diverse heritage of these band members echo in the sound of Dred I Dread. Dred I Dread has opened for The Wailers, Yellowman, Israel Vibration, the Meditations, De La Soul, Jimmy Cliff, Sister Carol, Third World and many other international acts.
|
|
Uprising
Local favorite, Uprising has been wowing crowds with its high energy blend of reggae, rock, soca, and ska. Hailing from Jamaica, lead vocalist, Dexter Baxter, captures the energy of the Caribbean with his positive vibes and authentic performance. Andrew Perfetti's guitar solos are crowd stopping, fusing reggae with his love for blues and rock. Tal Lindblad (bass), Luke Perry (drums), and Janna Dreher (keys), keep the party hopping to this hard-driving, fun loving band.
|
Black Audience
Hard to classify, Black Audience is reviving Gospel Folk Rhythm and Roll music with it's unique line up of banjo, clarinet, bones, djembe, bass, and guitar. The band is lead with the distinctive and powerful vocals of the beautiful Jayanthi Kyle. The band performs regularly in the Twin Cities.
|
Pan Dimensions
With Pan Dimensions' roots running deep into the Caribbean and
branching out all over the world, their steel drum music is a fresh
sound that captivates audiences. Lance and Chilly work together
arranging and composing songs that are familiar with a Caribbean twist.
They use today’s technology in their studio to incorporate Caribbean and
conventional music. Lance plays the lead pan and Chilly a set of double second
steel drums creating notes, chords and melodies that are arranged with
structure and progressions that bring together the improvised sound of Pan Dimensions. Watch for their shows in the vendor area on Sunday afternoon.
|
Peter Bloedel
Peter Bloedel has been entertaining professionally for over twenty years. He is a charismatic vaudeville entertainer with a flair for working audience members into his show. His show (a mix of magic, juggling, music, jokes and physical comedy) has a very broad appeal and is enjoyed by both young and old. Bloedel does sleight of hand, mentalism, spins things, balances on things, plays guitar or mandolin, juggles all manner of items and... "Wait a second, is that a chainsaw?" You'll have to come to Peter Bloedel's Perpetual Vaudeville Show to find out! Watch for his shows on both Saturday and Sunday.
|
Spin Collective
Duluth's own fire dancers! Fire dancing (also known as "fire twirling,"
"fire spinning," "fire performance," or "fire manipulation") is a group
of performance arts or disciplines that involve manipulation of objects
on fire. Fire dancing has been
a traditional part of cultures from around the world, and modern fire
performance often includes visual and stylistic elements from many traditions,
including Poi. Poi is a
performance art employing a ball or balls suspended from a length of flexible
material held in the hand and swung in circular patterns. Poi originates from
the traditional performing arts of the Maori people of New Zealand, and has
since developed many forms enjoyed worldwide as a hobby, exercise, or
performance art alongside juggling and other forms of object manipulation. The
Spin Collective will be lighting up Saturday night at dusk.
|
Dexter Baxter - MC
Sharing emcee duties again this year is Uprising's lead singer, Dexter Baxter, from Westmoreland, Jamaica. Dexter received a degree in music performance and theatre from the Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts. He loves the process of creating music and the thrill of performance, which fuels his passion for reggae, soca, and other Caribbean rhythms. Dexter is proud to share the festival stage with reggae's stars, who bring a positive reflection on Caribbean culture.
|
Tony Paul - MC
Bayfront Reggae Festival veteran emcee, Tony Paul, came to Minneapolis from Trinidad in the late '70s and was an original member of the Twin Cities' groundbreaking band, Shangoya. Tony is the inveterate host of KFAI's Shake & Bake Show, a popular "Monday afternoon smorgasbord of international music." When he's not at KFAI, Tony plays percussion with the International Reggae All-Stars, and works with The Children's Theater Company of Minneapolis, North America's flagship theatre for youth.
|
Sound of Fujun
Sound of Fujun has been bringing the hottest, newest music to the Twin Cities since 2003. The first Caribbean DJ from Minnesota to go global, Fujun broadcasts to more than 74,000 avid fans via podcast. The spelling "fujun" comes from his Trinidadian roots, spelled as it is pronounced back home. As the name implies, his ability to fuse dancehall, hip hop, reggae, and soca keeps the vibe fresh and fans wanting more. Sound of Fujun performs live throughout the Twin Cities and beyond. Fujun will also be at the official after party at Mexico Lindo on Saturday night!
|
|
