Chicago Reggae Festival

THANKS TO THESE SPONSORS FOR HELPING US MAKE THE 2ND ANNUAL CHICAGO REGGAE FESTIVAL 2008 AN AMAZING AND TOTALLY ENJOYABLE EVENT:

THANKS AND LOVE TO THE
2008 CRF PERFORMERS & DJS
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BUNNY WAILER \| ANTHONY B \| QUEEN OMEGA \| KOFI THE ITALS \| JAH ROOTS \| DEVON BROWN & DUB DIS plus the best DJs, MCs and more!
BUNNY WAILER New Roots Productions is proud to bring you the legendary Bunny Wailer in his first-ever Chicago performance! As the sole surviving member of the original Wailers, which he formed with Peter Tosh and Bob Marley, and a three-time grammy award-winning artist in his own right, Bunny Wailer, aka Jah B, is a living legend who continues to promote and perform reggae music to audiences around the world. Read and Watch More!
ANTHONY B Anthony B embodies all that it is spiritual and proactive about Reggae music. He has been steadfast in his mission to represent the poor and oppressed, using sharp lyrics to confront political injustices and bring the issues of the people to the forefront. In the process, he has raised the quality of performance standards and lyrical content for the industry, through the release of over 20 albums, more than 1000 singles, and appearances on over 100 albums. Over the years, he has collaborated with Bone Crusher, Akon, Wyclef Jean, Snoop Dogg, R. Kelly, and Martina. He is one of Reggae’s most prolific and engaging artistes, an electrifying performer whose music grips the public social conscience. Read and Watch More!
QUEEN OMEGA Queen Omega hails from San Fernando in Trinidad. Encouraged by her mother, she began entering local talent shows from the age of nine, writing her own calypsos and even rapping on national television. Later on she sang backing vocals for local producer Kenny Philips, accompanying numerous top Soca acts both in the studio and on stage. Raised in a musical family, she grew up listening to soul artists like Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker and Whitney Houston, as well as jazz and the traditional music of Trinidad. Inspired by the teachings of Emperor Haile Selassie I, her song writing skills soon blossomed, as her love of Rastafari deepened. With her well-received recordings and live performances, Queen Omega has been blazing a trail for female roots reggae artists. She mixes singing with deejaying, and is equally efficient at doing both. Her distinctive voice, conscious lyrics, and great riddims will make Queen Omega’s performance one that is not to be missed. Read and Watch More!
KOFI Kofi hails from the Caribbean nation of Dominica, and is a founding member of the acclaimed Roots, Stem, & Branches (RSB Band). Between 1983 and 2000, RSB released 10 albums that feature reggae, soca and zouk, the native music of Dominica. RSB toured extensively in Canada, England, the U.S. and the Caribbean and opened for such artists as Ziggy Marley, Bunny Wailer, Culture, and Dennis Brown. In recent years, Kofi has devoted his writing skills to the genre he is most passionate about: roots reggae. His brand-new debut solo CD "New Name" features all-original reggae tracks reminiscent of roots reggae's glory days combined with a fresh, contemporary sound. This artist’s energetic and passionate live performances uplift the audience and encourage the celebration of life. His featured female vocalist, Tye Cole, has a voice that has drawn comparisons with that of the great Lauryn Hill. Kofi, along with Tye and the Redemption Fire Band, will create an unforgettable reggae music experience. Read and Watch More!
THE ITALS The ITALS Keith Porter Long before the Itals were a spark in their producer's eye, Keith Porter recorded his first hit single, "Hitey Titey", with the Westmorelites on the Studio One label in 1967. Around 1969, Keith became lead singer for a band named Soul Hermit, backed by Eugene Gray and Wignal Henry on guitars, and Reginald Seewell and Nash on base and drums. They played in numerous entertainment sectors of Jamaica until Owen Sinclair put together a new band in 1971.... Read and Watch More
JAH ROOTS Springfield, Missouri is an unlikely location to have spawned one of America's most talented and relevant reggae bands. But, make no mistake, every member of JAH ROOTS is proud of their hometown and without fail, lead-singer Josh Heinrichs (aka, Ras Josh), informs audiences night-in-and-night-out exactly where it is they call home. There is no pretense involved. The men of JAH ROOTS know exactly where they're from, and exactly the fantastic potential their music represents. Read and Watch More
DEVON BROWN & DUB DIS Reggae is not just a music, it is a philosophy, with a message handed out to a danceable beat. In the current musical landscape, Dub Dis delivers a message of the love of humankind. What makes Dub Dis unique is their rich tapestry of creative expression that draws its inspiration from Jamaica's diverse ethnic influences. Featuring a blend of reggae, ska, calypso, mento, and soca, Dub Dis encompasses a fresh sound that is artistically entertaining. Read and Watch More