06/13/2024
The First Annual Reggae: Gift to Humanity Conference was a resounding success because it was necessary.
It was an investigation and interrogation of the different features that combine to make Reggae music the most popular and beloved music on this planet we affectionately call Mother Earth.
On Day 2, the founder and organizer of the conference, who also happens to be a legendary roots reggae musician, Jalani Horton of Bambu Station, hosted a seminal panel discussion entitled, “The Aesthetics of Roots Reggae Music.” The three panelists were veteran reggae guitarists Tuff Lion and Haile Israel along with reggae broadcaster Goddess Genise R. White. The conversation was a unique exploration of the five senses of reggae music including its vibrational color, aroma and texture.
The second panel was a deep dive into the lyrical content and ethos of Reggae music. The panel was hosted by the Reggae Inspector, Heru Ofori-Atta and included former President of The UNIA founded by Marcus Garvey, Senghor Baye, veteran reggae broadcaster Papa Wabe and Rastafari Entertainment Attorney Kwasi Bonsu.
The panels were followed by a jazzy rootical performance by Haile Israel, an electrifying live performance of Jah I-Witness who fuses reggae music with Hip Hop and Funk.
The headline performance to close the evening and conference was the powerful and elegant Kenya Eugene alongside a world class band who performed stand out songs like “Bun it” and “Higher.” The audience reaction was equal to the high level of artistry and musical genius displayed during her performance.
The conference weekend was seminal and monumental to our understanding of a great music with a profound mission that we call Roots Reggae. We look forward to next year’s conference as we expand our reach and programming. Until then, remember “Vibes is Everything!!!”
Heru Ofori-Atta
RallyRoundMusic dot com
Matt SwampGuinee Upfullness Bambu Station DC Reggae Tuff Lion KenyaEugene Dr. Baruch Senghor Baye
