2008 South Bend Reggae/World Music Festival

Featuring...

King Yellowman has an incredible history in Reggae music. His upbringing at the Maxfield Home orphanage in Kingston and being albino in Jamaica were two obstacles the he overcame and went on to be (at one time) the biggest reggae artist since Bob Marley. After winning a talent contest at Tastee Patties in Kingston, Yellow went on to excite reggae crowds all over Jamaica and the rest of the world with his boastful and sometimes bodacious lyrics. His ability to ride rhythm and excite a crowd made Yellow an instant hit in Jamaica. He also began to work with the Ace Sound System in St. Thomas and drew big crowds at his dancehall performances. Later in his career, Yellow began to spread out and work for a number of different producers, sometimes releasing as many as five albums per year. This led to a recording contract with CBS Records. Yellowman recorded one album with them before he was diagnosed with jaw cancer and was given six months to live. This was in 1986. After surgery an extended leave of absence from the record industry, Yellowman began his comeback with the song "Blueberry Hill", and his career was re-launched. His first album for RAS came from producer Phillip 'Fatis' Burrell and was called "Yellow Like Cheese".

GYPSY FARI

Veterans of various appearance with Reggae vibes on stage in Michiana area Vince (left) and Bobby (right) are the backbone of the award winning Gypsi Fari band based in Chicago, IL. Vince is very serious and talented with his guitar skills. Bobby's voice and keyboard performance is amazing. Critics has said one can easily mistaken his voice with Stevie Wonder. Always a crowd pleaser, the Gypsi Fari duo will help set the mood for an Irie weekend in South Bend!

RAS SOULJAH

Ras Souljah is a driving force in modern day reggae music. Ras SoulJah has a fresh and original style' this dynamic band's obvious influences of early traditional roots and culture remain evident in their music. The Ras SoulJah Reggae Band is based upon the ideology of positive and uplifting consciousness that is conveyed through their reggae music. This band plays a variety of 'roots-n-culture' and ragga style originals, as well as, popular cover tunes.

Ras SoulJah's is a dynamic ensemble including members that hail from California, Detroit, Chicago and other parts of the Midwest . The evolution of Ras SoulJah has spanned from the 1990s to present day. Ras SoulJah is the creation of co-founders Timothy and La Donna Flynn a.k.a "Sister La Donna". The group began its origin with the formation of 'Tribal Culcha.' this band specialized in a 'roots-n-culture' style. "Tribal Culcha's' metamorphosis continued until 1999, adding lead vocalist Fada Wayne from Kingston Jamaica, this ensemble then formed as the 'High Grade' reggae band. In 2002, 'High Grade' disbanded and ultimately, the Ras SoulJah reggae band was created. Critics say you easily mistaken Fada Wayne with Barrington Levi both personality and voice. Come and see to prove them right.

INDIKA

The Indika Reggae Band itself has won several music awards in the Windy City. In addition to their own high energy shows, they have also been honored to back international Reggae artists such as Dennis Brown, Frankie Paul, Sugar Minott and U Roy. The Members of Indika developed their talents on the island of Jamaica, giving them an authentic sound. They perform old Reggae favorites with new life, and add to the Reggae world with new original songs. They have performed on TV as Jenny Jones "House Band," and was invited to perform at the Apollo Theatre in New York. Look for their two award winning CD's "Proud 2-B your 'Budd'" and "Live at Exedus ll" at your local record store.

TAJ WEEKES & ADOWA

Caribbean reggae from Saint Lucia. Already signed to major events around the country for summer of 08 including: Sierra Nevada World Music fest (Ca), Marketfest (Redding, CA), Alive After Five (Boise, ID) Ketchum Alive (ID), Alive after the Grind (McCall ID), Musikfest (Bethlehem, PA), International Bay festival (Green Bay, WI), as well as the Orton Park Music Festival (Madison, WI).

From the errant radio signals wafting over the Caribbean basin came waves of divergent musical styles; from calypso to country and western, rock n roll to rhythm and blues-- an eclectic confluence that permeated the air of West Indian life. In the West Indies of the 1970s, this witch’s brew of sound formed the soundtrack to the turbulent cultural and social shifts, namely, the nascent Rastafarian movement. Restless youth and the threat of political violence hung like a shadow over such times. From these conflicting and coalescing currents a musical original was born, Taj Weekes. It has been a musical odyssey that has taken Taj from the shores of the Caribbean to Canada and now to New York City. A magical pilgrimage that has all come together in spellbinding fashion with the release of his first album 'Hope and Doubt." Part lover, part mystic agitator, part aggrieved spokesman, this acute observer of the human carnival has crafted a work that signals a seismic shift in the future of reggae music.