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Morgan Heritage (Jamaica)
Morgan Heritage stands as an iconic reggae roots group hailing from Jamaica, with a name that echoes a profound legacy, quite literally ‘Morgan’s Legacy.’ In its early genesis, the band emerged from the rich musical lineage of Jamaican reggae singer Denroy Morgan, counting eight of his 29 children among its founding members.
Their journey to stardom commenced at the 1992 Montego Bay Sunsplash Reggae Festival in Jamaica, where their talent caught the keen eye of MCA. However, the band faced its share of early challenges. It took two years for them to unveil their inaugural album, aptly titled “MIRACLE”, in 1994.
Post this debut album, the band made a conscious decision to return to their roots in Jamaica, streamlining their lineup to five members: Una, Peter, and Gramps on vocals; Luke on guitar, and Mr. Mojo on percussion. This marked a phase of heightened cohesion within the band, accompanied by a deepening of their music’s spiritual essence. They seamlessly integrated influences from their hip-hop and R&B upbringing in the United States into their reggae roots.
Opting for an independent path, they embarked on recording two albums in four years: “One Calling” (1998) and a compilation titled “Morgan Heritage and Friends” in 1999. This compilation served as a testament to the band’s influence on the emerging generation of artists, including notable names like Military Man and JahMali, who were inspired by their distinctive style.
Today, Morgan Heritage proudly stands as a paramount reggae band, epitomizing the culture and principles of Rastafarianism. They champion family values and craft roots reggae infused with contemporary influences, drawing from their unique journey and the diverse street vibes that have shaped their musical identity.
Duane Stephenson (Jamaica)
Duane Stephenson, born on April 22, 1976, in the heart of August Town, St. Andrew, proudly represents this vibrant region through his exceptional music. His profound love for music from an early age has led to the creation of soul-stirring melodies that resonate with millions of hearts worldwide.
The inception of Duane’s musical odyssey was under the guidance of his uncle, the lead singer of the Riddim Kings Band. Later, he took the helm of the band To-Isis and received invaluable advice from accomplished musicians like Noel Dexter, Kathy Levy, and Dean Fraser.
Duane’s trajectory in the music industry is marked by his exceptional songwriting skills, contributing to the successes of renowned artists such as Morgan Heritage, Egyptian, Tarrus Riley, Etana, Jah Cure, Luciano, Beres Hammond, and Alborosie.
His debut album, “From August Town” (2007), garnered widespread acclaim, setting the stage for subsequent successes with albums like “Black Gold” (2010), “Dangerous Roots” (2015), and “Giving A Helping Hand” (2019).
Duane has consistently showcased his musical prowess on prestigious stages at various renowned reggae festivals across the globe, including Rototom, the Rockers Festival of France, the Uppsala Reggae Festival, and Reggae on the River, leaving an indelible mark with his soulful performances.
Elijah (Seychelles)
Elijah is a Seychellois singer who knows how to make people dance. His singing tone and resonance, his groove, and his talent are very much appreciated by Mauritians. During his trip to Mauritius in 2018, he produced the album “Tanpet”, whose track “Coco” was a remarkable success. He also collaborated with the Mauritian singer Linzy Bacbotte on the album “Infinity”. The album is an explosive fusion between traditional Haitian music, Jamaican ragga, and Afrobeat.
Blakkayo
Blakkayo, born Jean Clario Gateaux in 1978 in Bois d’Oiseaux, Flacq, stands as a true musical luminary from the heart of Mauritius. His artistic journey began to unfold in the vibrant 1990s, immersing himself deeply in the world of dance.
During this formative period, Blakkayo found his musical calling, particularly in the genres of reggae and seggae. His encounter with the music of Kaya, a unique fusion of Mauritian Sega and reggae, was a pivotal moment. It revealed to Blakkayo the profound ability of music to convey beliefs and illuminate the realities of life.
Whether as a part of OSB, Solda Kaz Bad, or as a solo artist, Blakkayo has captivated an entire generation of fans. He has become a cherished figure in the Mauritian music scene, transcending generational boundaries.
His songs carry potent messages, coupled with authentic rhythms, and his stage presence exudes undeniable charisma. Blakkayo is a well-rounded artist, celebrated for his compelling lyrics, musical artistry, and captivating performances.
Jonas & The Roots Level Band
At the heart of The Roots Level Band stands Jonas Zamir, a vocal virtuoso whose life pulsates to the rhythm of music. Their remarkable journey began in 2018 when they embarked on recording their album at Pascal Opera’s studio. The debut single, “Lamur”, made waves in the music scene, swiftly capturing attention and setting the stage for their musical voyage.
Jonas, an adept lyricist from a tender age, poured his soul into crafting meaningful lyrics, which have found a prominent place in their album titled “Stay Livin”, released on October 30, 2022. One track from this album, “Corona”, emerged as a veritable anthem, etching itself into the collective memory and hearts of all who heard it.
The genesis of Jonas & The Roots Level Band’s rise can be traced back to their association with Richard Hein’s groundbreaking Bonto Session music initiative. This pivotal collaboration catapulted them into the public eye, heralding the advent of their meteoric ascent in the musical realm.
Since then, this musical collective has solidified its position as the most adored and sought-after group of the current musical epoch. Their music is the epitome of authentic reggae, striking a chord that resonates profoundly with their ever-growing audience.
Antonio Perrine
In the vibrant landscape of today’s music scene, Antonio Perrine, known by his stage name Aton, shines brightly as one of the most promising stars on the ascent. He is a true embodiment of the seggae spirit, paying homage to the genre’s icon, Kaya, through his soulful voice, meaningful lyrics, and captivating stage presence.
Aton stands as an integral figure in the emerging wave of Mauritian seggae, infusing his unique essence into this beloved musical genre. With his music, he effortlessly transports us to a realm where love, spirituality, and positivity intertwine in perfect harmony, leaving an indelible mark on all who listen.
The Prophecy
Murvin Clélie, the vocal frontman of The Prophecy, stands as the mastermind behind the songs that have propelled the group to success.
The essence of The Prophecy primarily revolves around simplicity, a positive outlook, and a keen awareness of values, all of which form the cornerstone of their musical identity. Their hallmark lies in crafting music that resonates with these principles.
A mere listen to tracks like “Laglwar” or “Where We Belong” is all it takes to fathom the source of fascination that the Mauritian audience readily bestows upon them.
Sayaa
Sayaa, whose real name is Sarah Leboeuf, is a prominent Mauritian singer celebrated for her captivating original compositions and her soulful renditions of reggae and seggae music. Her journey in the world of music began at a young age, and it was marked by an early triumph when she clinched second place in the children’s category during the 2010 Star Music Competition. This was the pivotal moment that set her on the path to a promising musical career.
Launching her musical journey as an emerging talent in children’s competitions, Sayaa made the courageous decision to venture into a broader musical landscape.
Today, Sayaa is revered for her distinctive approach to composing and delivering her songs. Her exceptional talents shine through in each composition, from the memorable “Sant pour la mizer,” co-written with her daughter Jaymie, to chart-toppers like “Ask Dem” and “Born Blessed.” These tracks are a testament to her remarkable contributions, firmly establishing her as a formidable musical powerhouse.