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Grant to gig in Mzansi

IN DA HOUSE: The UK-based reggae legend Eddy Grant is ready to rock. 29/01/09. © Unknown.
IN DA HOUSE: The UK-based reggae legend Eddy Grant is ready to rock. 29/01/09. © Unknown.

Edward Tsumele

Edward Tsumele

The UK-based reggae legend, Eddy Grant, is in the country to perform at a concert next month.

Grant has a date with fans at the Sun City Superbowl on February 28.

"The station has decided to become involved with this event as Eddy Grant is a core artist to our playlist and target market," said Lloyd Madurai of Jacaranda 94.2.

"Grant has released a number of party hits that were extremely popular among our listeners."

Since Blackskin and Blue Eyed Boys, through to Living on the Frontline, Grant has been recognised as a vociferous promoter of the culture and achievements of contemporary black people.

Born in Guyana in 1948, Grant was exposed during his childhood to the distinctive sounds of African and Indian music which is a part of Guyana's rich heritage, along with the music of Suriname and in particular Trinidad and Tobago.

His band, The Equals, topped the charts with their classic Baby Come Back, and with Grant as songwriter, lead guitarist and producer, they went on to achieve three more major top 10 hits.

During the 1970s, he began to merge the influences of pop, rock and soul with the calypso music of the Caribbean and the African rhythms of his childhood, to form the influential sound of Soca music.

Grant has always had a strong political voice with his songs War Party, and the unforgettable Gimme Me Hope Jo'anna.

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