REGGAE RUNNINGS - 30 July 2008

By Jesse I

Sadly, there are three deaths of note to report this month. Bevin Fagan, lead singer of the classic reggae band Matumbi died of a heart attack on April 3rd at the age of 54 (for some reason word of this only reached the global reggae world last fortnight). One of the first reggae bands to emerge out of the UK in the early 70s, Matumbi originally gained a name for themselves as a backing band for touring artists such as Ken Boothe and I-Roy, before Fagan was recruited by band-leader Dennis Bovell. As the various members perused other projects in the 80s, Matumbi basically faded away, Fagan making a living running a restaurant in Brixton, and later by busking.

Roy Shirley, “the high priest” passed away the week before last, Trojan records announcing his death on their website, but not giving an exact date or cause of death. Shirley, who was 64, was one of the most important artists in early Jamaican music, his anthem “Hold Them” often referred to as the first rocksteady song.

Finally, young Jamaican artist Eloquent (aka Steven Menzie) took his own life on July 18. Menzie hung himself after slashing the throat of his girlfriend during an argument, leaving her in a critical condition, and their three-year-old son in the care of a cousin. The obvious tragedy aside, I find this one particularly sad, as Eloquent was an artist that was only just beginning to come into his own, and seemed destined for big things. Ironically the songs that first caught my attention from him (“Gun Alone Dem Glorify” and “Grandma Cry”) spoke out strongly against violence.

New Zealand’s Renegade Sound play in Melbourne for the first time this Saturday, as they join Chant Down Sound at Miss Libertine for More Fire. Represented by General Dread and Al Good, Renegade are well respected on the NZ sound scene, providing the riddim backing for Luciano and Jr Kelly on their recent tours there.

San Diego’s Tribe of Kings sound were a real hit last year when they played at Brown Alley, and members Jester and Peril loved Melbourne so much they’ve returned already. They’re headlining a special night at Laundry on August 16 (with support from Ras Crucial, Housewife’s Choice, Andy Ites and I) as well as playing Riddim Method’s “Kings and Queens” party at Croft on August 15 (with support from Housewife’s Choice, Sista Itations, Troublemaker, Faada Hype, Ras Robbie and Jolz). The latter is actually Riddim Method’s 1st anniversary session – respect to Bellyas and Fee for reaching this milestone!

Fyah Walk is an original roots reggae band hailing from northern NSW, who recently released one of the best albums I’ve ever heard from an Australian band, “Sunrise Red”. Their first Melbourne tour kicks off next week, with shows at the Evelyn Hotel on August 12 and 19, and The Horn on August 15. If you’re a fan of classic deep-roots reggae, I highly suggest checking these guys out.

For some serious soundboy killing, check La Di Da on August 7 for the first in a series of “45 shoot outs”, a form of soundclash where only studio tracks are allowed – no dubplates. For the first session, Ranking Yoni, Steve Austin, Night Nurse and Al Good will be battling it out, while Ras Crucial, Binghi Fire play support.

August 28 it’s all about Bushman live and direct from Jamaica at the Corner Hotel, while Chaka Demus and Plier perform live at Miss Libertine on August 30, and Jah Mason blazes up Miss Libertine on September 13. More info next month, but tix on sale for all shows now.