REGGAE RUNNINGS - 4 February 2009

By Jesse I


The second annual Raggamuffin festival took place last Sunday, another day of “peace and love and mellow vibes”, and a time for the fake-dread-hat wearing brigades to shout “yeah mon!”. Forgive me if I’m cynical, but one of these years I’d like to see a real reggae artist on the bill, instead of the usual reggae-influenced pop acts. In his defence, Shaggy has spent much of the last few years regaining his street credibility in Jamaica, and most people agree that he was the clear highlight of this show, so big ups to him anyway.

Coming up later this month, Melbourne will have an opportunity to witness a true legend of reggae music; a man who had his own fair share of commercial success, before returning to his hardcore roots. Michael Rose was the lead singer for the group Black Uhuru from 1977 to 1985, a period where there were few acts more successful on a global scale. After winning the first ever reggae grammy award in 1985 for the Black Uhuru album Anthem (with Sly & Robbbie), Rose left the group and returned to his Jamaican roots. Since then, he has continued to produce quality reggae music, never going too many years without a new album or a chart hit. In recent times, he was responsible for one of the biggest dancehall tunes of 2007, the massive Shoot Out for producer John John. Rose will be performing a soundsystem style show at Miss Libertine on Friday 27th February backed by selector Judgement, with support from Chant Down, Sista Itations, Jesse Jahmal, and Ranking Yoni. Please note that this was originally advertised for Saturday 21st February - all tickets sold for that date will be honoured for Friday 27th February.

This Friday 6th February is Bob Marley’s 64th birthday, and the annual Bob Marley Birthday Bash at the Corner Hotel, featuring live reggae band Irie, plus the Jamaican connection (Stick Mareebo & Pappa Dalton) and Chant Down (Ras Crucial, Damajah and I). If Bob Marley isn’t your thing, First Floor is hosting an “I Love Dancehall” party the same night (featuring selection from So’Fire, Lady Banton, Sista Itations, Andy Ites, Redbelly, Binghi Fire, and Bass Bin Laden), and there’s also reggae at the Horn with Binghi Fire, Redbelly and Humdrum. Saturday 7th February is Traffic Jam at Workshop, featuring Tempa, Gaza, Sista Sara, Maruza and Troublemaker. Friday 21st February is Basement Sessions at the Night Owl bar, featuring the full Heartical Hi-Fi soundsystem and crew, plus the B_Team Sound representing Italy. Saturday 21st February it’s More Fire at Miss Libertine, featuring Chant Down, Damajah, Sista Sara, Redbelly, Maruza, and Steve Austin. The first 100 payers will receive a free Chant Down mix CD, so come early for this one! For a live reggae fix, check World Reggae United on Sunday 22nd February at the Espy, which features bands One Africa and Torttribe, plus MCs Achol The Rebel, Rasta Willie, Presys, and DJ Twist. Pressure Drop returns to Laundry on Saturday 28th February, with guests Renegade Sound, Bellyas, Binghi Fire, Sista Racquelina, and Ras Robbie joining resident Sista Itations. Finally, don’t forget Ring The Alarm, a free night of straight reggae and dancehall still happening every Thursday at Laundry, and now running til 3am.