THE Wailers, the backing band of the late reggae icon Bob Marley, are descending on Mzansi, complete with some band members who performed with the dead reggae star.
The Wailers's visit and that of Sizzla Kalonji, who is performing in Cape Town today and in Soweto on Sunday, said there has been a strong resurgence in reggae music, particularly by lovers of alternative music in South Africa.
The current Wailers band comprises Aston "Family Man" Barrett, Elan Atias, Keith Sterling, Anthony Watson, Audley Chisholm, Chico Chin, Everald Gayle, Brady Walters, Cegee Victory and Koolant Brown.
The Jamaican reggae proponents have a gig at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park on April 28, and will share the stage with local reggae artist Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels.
The Wailers' tour coincides with that of Sizzla, a top-rated ragga DJ from Jamaica, against the backdrop of a tour by Antony B last month, another Jamaican ragga artist who attracted hordes of reggae and ragga fans to Newtown for a once-off concert that did not have a sponsor.
Those who follow the genre have said that this is a signal that there is a reggae revival, with renewed interest in the late Lucky Dube and now his daughter Nkulee Dube.
Sizzla, who is rated as one of the top five raga DJs in Jamaica, was here two years ago, and performed at Bassline.
A large contingent of fans were disappointed because tickets were sold out and they could not get in.
Reggae music is often stigmatised for its association with the smoking of marijuana. This is incorrect perception has become a generalisation in mainstream culture.
In Cape Town alone their is a population of rastafarians that number about 10,000.
"It is these people who are hungry for reggae," said Johnny B, who is bringing Sizzla to the country.
As a fervent fan and lover of reggae/dancehall music, I am excited about Sizzla's second appearance in the country.
His music addresses social ills such as prostitution and drug use, and I believe that the movement has an important role to play in society.
"It is quite discouraging that the image given to reggae music is negative, but I believe that the love and growth shown, in terms of reggae gigs not only in the country, but internationally show, that there is a growing trend to better understand and appreciate this genre of music.
"I hope that in the near future this genre can gain the support of sponsors to move this music forward," said Vuyo Mthembu, a die-hard reggae music fan.
The truth is, is that there is a hunger for reggae music in the country.
Sizzla will be performing at Walter Sisulu Square in Soweto.
The Wailers head for South Africa
THE Wailers, the backing band of the late reggae icon Bob Marley, are descending on Mzansi, complete with some band members who performed with the dead reggae star.
The Wailers's visit and that of Sizzla Kalonji, who is performing in Cape Town today and in Soweto on Sunday, said there has been a strong resurgence in reggae music, particularly by lovers of alternative music in South Africa.
The current Wailers band comprises Aston "Family Man" Barrett, Elan Atias, Keith Sterling, Anthony Watson, Audley Chisholm, Chico Chin, Everald Gayle, Brady Walters, Cegee Victory and Koolant Brown.
The Jamaican reggae proponents have a gig at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park on April 28, and will share the stage with local reggae artist Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels.
The Wailers' tour coincides with that of Sizzla, a top-rated ragga DJ from Jamaica, against the backdrop of a tour by Antony B last month, another Jamaican ragga artist who attracted hordes of reggae and ragga fans to Newtown for a once-off concert that did not have a sponsor.
Those who follow the genre have said that this is a signal that there is a reggae revival, with renewed interest in the late Lucky Dube and now his daughter Nkulee Dube.
Sizzla, who is rated as one of the top five raga DJs in Jamaica, was here two years ago, and performed at Bassline.
A large contingent of fans were disappointed because tickets were sold out and they could not get in.
Reggae music is often stigmatised for its association with the smoking of marijuana. This is incorrect perception has become a generalisation in mainstream culture.
In Cape Town alone their is a population of rastafarians that number about 10,000.
"It is these people who are hungry for reggae," said Johnny B, who is bringing Sizzla to the country.
As a fervent fan and lover of reggae/dancehall music, I am excited about Sizzla's second appearance in the country.
His music addresses social ills such as prostitution and drug use, and I believe that the movement has an important role to play in society.
"It is quite discouraging that the image given to reggae music is negative, but I believe that the love and growth shown, in terms of reggae gigs not only in the country, but internationally show, that there is a growing trend to better understand and appreciate this genre of music.
"I hope that in the near future this genre can gain the support of sponsors to move this music forward," said Vuyo Mthembu, a die-hard reggae music fan.
The truth is, is that there is a hunger for reggae music in the country.
Sizzla will be performing at Walter Sisulu Square in Soweto.
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