Reggae Sunsplash Jamaica
July 13th 2006 12:53
The festival’s reputation would make me want to go in itself, but then you look at the lineup and I start to consider how much money I could scrape together. For me the main one is Ken Boothe, the glorious mr rocksteady is someone I am determined to see. He is just one of 45 acts already listed on the site. In terms of who I want to see you also have Toots and the Maytals.(pleased to say I’ve already seen Toots), Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Bounty Killer and wonderfully Steel Pulse, which pleases me.
You also have UB40, which I am a little surprised by and you also have emerging dancehall artists such as Richie Spice.
Tickets for the event aren’t on sale yet, which seems a little bit strange and difficult for those trying to budget a trip of the JA, but it is the sort of thing you could and maybe should just bite the bullet and head. For both the lineup, but the expected atmosphere of that many people enjoying reggae together, I wish I was going.
http://www.reggaesunsplashja.com
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Comment by Anonymous
Have you heard them perform with Ken Boothe, Alpha Blondie, Beenie Man, Lady Saw, John Holt, Freddie McGreggor, Sly & Robbie,... I could go on...and on...and on...
mmmm.. didnt think so, or ya wouldnt be surprised... Try listening to an album or two- other than Red Red wine, and you might even educate yourself a bit... Hopefully next time Before you pass judgement....
Comment by Glen
Reggae
That being said I didn't pass opinion on their music at all and I don't see how in that one line you could infer that I was.
Comment by Anonymous
I was not suggesting that you said this because of their music but it was unclear (to me) why you said this at all
.. now that I see it is because, in your opinion, the Jamaicans wouldnt appreciate their music or be as popular with them as, which? A Jamaican band on International Reggae night? Oh I see, it i clear now...
Sorry if this seems a little harsh but I, for one am proud that an English Reggae group has taken the Jamiacan Sunsplash Stage, and the Jamiacan artists are also incredibley pro- UB40 as they take reggae around the world, and also make sure that Jamaican artists get not only the exposure they deserve, but also the artist royalties they deserve- and yes, the jamaicans love UB40!
Comment by Glen
Reggae
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by Glen
Reggae
Comment by Anonymous
I have been joined by another 'anon'- thats not coz I want to be secretive, just that I am not regiistered!
It may be just a blog to you- not entirely sure what that means to be honest, but you are on what seems to be one of the only Aussie Reggae sites- so maybe you have a responsiblity to be fair and knowledgable in what you write- I dont know- maybe you dont! Maybe I could write all sorts of rubbish on here and it would be ok... but I would expect a counter comment if I did!
Of Course you are entitled to your opinion, but then, so are we, surely! This isnt unfriendly Glen, its just a passing interest in what you are writing!!
lol
Comment by Glen
Reggae
Obviously if people think my writing is rubbish then then number of visitors will do the talking. I know some days my writing is rubbish, but the word surprise doesn't necessarily reflect rubbish writing in this case.
You are definitely entitled to your opinion, but surely when commenting here it should be directed at what I have written and not what you infer my general opinions are. Second anon seemed to be largely annoyed at the media as a whole and their criticism of UB40. I don't see how I can be grouped with this as I wasn't actually critical of them.
And just so you know, although my tone may seem angry, I am enjoying the debate.
Comment by Anonymous
Heres a bit of both- at the risk of repeating myself, I understand that you may 'blog'away as you see and feel fit- its your site, I am just a casual passer by (mind you, you are now on my 'favourites so I may even join properly!)
I am just enjoying my slightly defensive stand on that which has been blogged....
I am a reggae fan. I am a UB40 fan also. The two for me are inextricably linked. I believe that UB40 have brought reggae to many that would not have heard it otherwise.
The fact that they have turned people onto reggae can only be a good thing.
Thier lyrics are strong. They speak of individual power, fighting injustice, and are backed by a solid reggae beat. They do not speak of Jah, or Rasta, because they are from Birmingham, not Jamaica, but this does not turn the Jamaicans off of them, they are accepted there, if not a favourite.
Jamaicans seem proud that musicians from other countries are interested in their music.
My initial question of 'why' you were surprised still, sort of, stands- unless of course, now that you are a little more informed, you are no longer all that surprised....
Comment by Anonymous the 3rd
Interesting comments from both sides. But Glen, you have to concede that to express your "surprise" at UB40's inclusion on the Sunsplash bill does hint at a slight lack of understanding of their standing in the eyes of the Reggae loving Jamaican public in general, and in particular the Jamaican Reggae artists of three generations .
I for one am hugely proud of UB40 for finally making it to the stage in Reggae's motherland and it must have been both a terrifying and hugely fulfilling moment for the band themselves at the same time. Coals to Newcastle springs to mind, granted, but the coals in question were both welcomed and invited with open arms.
They went down a storm by all account too. No surprise there then!
Comment by Glen
Reggae
Comment by Anonymous
from anon number 4
Comment by Glen
Reggae
That said, before I say a band isn't popular in a certain place again, I promise to do a little more research and point that my surprise changes to the feeling of being informed before I post. Or not - that wouldn't raise the debate it has here!
Comment by Anonymous
Anon mk1 here!
Did you know that UB40 are headlining the American Sunsplashes this month?
In fact, one of the ex-members of Steel Pulse is depping for the UB40 percussionist, who is unwell at the moment- small world, isnt it?!