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PACIFIC ISLANDS REPORT Pacific Islands Development Program/East-West Center Feature FIJI REGGAE BAND ‘RESURRECTED’ FOR EASTER By Gabriel Singh SUVA, Fiji, (Fiji Times, March 29, 2009) – Easter will see the resurrection of local reggaes greatest band, one that refuses to die three decades after capturing the hearts, minds and very being of Fiji. Fittingly the rebirth of Rootstrata, on April 11, comes via a socially-conscious gig that goes back to the bands, well, roots. Now, with the exception of lead vocalist Freddy Fisaitu, a new complement of musicians will breathe life into a name that still gets the blood pumping. The original Rootstrata burst on to the scene in the mid-80s with super-charged rock infused one-drop and quickly stole the thunder of Fiji's pioneer act, Exodus. Bequeathing the Pacific with anthems like Brother Kanaki, Warrior Of Love, Street People, Fiji Time and Brother Bob Marley the new Rootstrata has a hard act to follow. It is the strange undying loyalty that now transcends a generation that is the driving force behind this revival. Rootstrata's sounds can still be found all over the world. People talk in wonder about where they were or the concert where they first heard our band of bands. Easter Saturday will dawn as the start of a new era, with a day-long extravaganza at Port Denarau featuring 31 confirmed acts and counting. It will mark the 'We Are One' fundraiser for victims of the January floods. Former interim Cabinet Minister Taito Waradi is the money-man on the project and the one who will utlimately decide how the targetted $50,000 in proceeds will be shared and by whom. Admission is free, although donation bins will pepper the concert zone. Food stalls will be set up at the Nadi entrance to Denarau so people can buy their food to take in to the concert as the target audience are families wanting the perfect day out. In addition, the gig will give frontman Fisaitu a chance to suss his crew out. We will have a mix of old and new Roots songs, he said. The aim is to trial the band members to see who will make the cut for a recording stint in Australia. That is for the full rebirth of the band with a Message in the Music II album featuring 10 new songs and a Best of cut of a dozen of the sharpest tracks that thrust the band into eternity. More on that later because first off, is the flood victims benefit show. Bands firing their best sounds on the day include Bill and Mick Beddoes, Red House, Sau Ni Delai Lomai, Exodus, King of Hearts, Port Denarau string band, Fiji Fusion, Buli Ratu and Friends, Gilman Lasaisuva, Saimoni Vuatalevus Quin Tikis Revival, Heart Beat, Fred Cardos Divine, rappers Dave Lavaki and David Whippy, Music Makers, Ken Janson and Tom Mawi. In addition there will be a krump hip-hop dance challenge, Mount Saint Marys Primary School, Sauia, Akui and Chanel dance groups in truth something to keep people hooked from 10am until its close at 8pm. NEW ROOTS These are the people who form the new face of 80s rockers, Rootstrata: Fiji Times Online: http://www.fijitimes.com.Copyright © 2009 Fiji Times Online. All Rights Reserved |
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