UK Homegrown: On the Path to Righteousness

In today’s consumer-heavy climate the future of music has looked bleak amidst the fog of auto-tune, booty poppin’, Gucci this and Gucci that. Even Reggae music, a genre that was originally so creatively pure, now has become synonymous with backing it up on dumper trucks thanks to its ADHD hybrid, Dancehall. With reggae fans crying out for change their prayers have been answered by the new saviours of Reggae, Righteous.

Sitting in on their rehearsals it is hard not to close your eyes and imagine yourself at a sold out open-air stage show- their music is electrifying to the soul, capturing you and flying you up to higher plains. They are current and fresh peppered with a flavoured hint of Morgan Heritage and the legendary Wailers. Lead singer, Righteous, explains that the band’s aim is to “preserve the originality of reggae music feeding off of its vibe and energy. We use music to reflect the everyday, creating lyrical content that paints pictures. Righteous’ music is for the hopeless in love, the oppressed and anyone who needs upliftment. We take influence from Black Uhuru, Bob Marley, Burning Spear and Mighty Diamonds.” Even though the collective formed only one year ago do not mistake these fighters of justice for new kids on the scene. The individual members are deeply rooted in Reggae history playing with legends such as Mykal Rose, Lee Scratch Perry, Mad Professor, Frankie Paul, Gregory Issacs and Admiral Tibet. With talks of a tour for mid 2012 disciples will flock from all corners of the world to listen to Righteous spread their message. And having already taken their show on the road to Germany’s Chiemsee Reggae Festival, Poland’s Ostroda Reggae Festival, and Amsterdam Arena, it’s any wonder Jah didn’t send down his blessings in the form of burning bush to bring this musical powerhouse together sooner.

Twitter : @RighteousBand
www.facebook.com/righteousband

 

Written by Divina Kum-Jones-Alleyne
April 2012