‘Nobody can stop reggae’: Reggae Roadblock to se...

‘Nobody can stop reggae’: Reggae Roadblock to set Harare ablaze

MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA- Zim Now Reporter

Reggae lovers are in for a treat on May 30, as the first edition of the Reggae Roadblock explodes in Harare at the Green Screen Cinema, Jam Tree.

Nine artists are billed to perform at this event which is meant to celebrate the essence of roots reggae, becoming Zimbabwe’s definitive platform for reggae music and culture.

The show will feature a dynamic line-up of Zimbabwe’s top reggae artists: Cello Culture, Buhle, Jr Bantan, Mannex Motsi, Mr Muffin, Sniper Storm, Dino Mudondo, Helgah and Satisfaction, all backed by the legendary House of Stone Band and hosted by MC J Boss.

Speaking at the press conference on Thursday, Project Director Rugare Mutasa said Reggae Roadblock is inspired by Bob Marley’s historic 1980 independence performance in Zimbabwe, as the concert aims to rekindle the unifying, revolutionary spirit of reggae music.

She also revealed that Reggae Roadblock is a quarterly music concert series, founded to revive and celebrate Zimbabwe’s rich reggae heritage.

“But regardless, through the decades, through time, this (reggae) is a genre that has grown to be loved within Zimbabwe.

“So what we are trying to do, because we also understand that Rastafari music was born out of the need to express the struggle that the black people went through, the Jamaicans went through, this is a movement of liberation and spirituality.

“So, during this time, what we want to do is remember the reggae movement.

“We realise that the reggae music, the movements of all sorts of things, dancehall movements have become so prominent in Zimbabwe.

“So what we want to do is create this movement. We want to create a space for reggae lovers.

“Something that people will continue to talk about. A place where people can freely express themselves,” said Mutasa.

Mutasa also revealed that they were introducing a new concept at their shows: fusion of fashion and music.

“So what we have also done is we have invited some of our most amazing fashion designers in Zimbabwe to partner with us and create outfits which we’re going to showcase on the day and I would just like to say a very special thank you to the designers who have contributed to our show,” she added.

Helgah and Jnr Bantan made brief performances at the press conference, giving guests a glimpse of what they can look forward to and more, at this must attend gig.