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Jamaican band Dubtonic Kru have for the second time in a year been awarded for their excellence and contribution to the music industry.
On the 7th staging of the annual Reggae Culture Salute Showcase they, along with deejay veteran Big Youth, received a Congressional Proclamation from the U.S. House of Representatives.
"I salute Dubtonic Kru for their service and dedication to our community and highlight that their positive and legendary contributions are what make our nation great and I bestow upon you the highest honor as a member of the 112th session of congress,” says Congress Woman Yvette Clarke in a press release. - Unitedreggae.com
Cabe resaltar que la banda Dubtonic Kru fue la que acompaño a Michael Rose por varias localidades estadounidenses, siempre han mantenido vínculos con grandes artistas de la escena internacional, y en sus presentaciones siempre tratan de incluir temas emblemáticos de la historia jamaiquina como Shine Eyed Gyal de la mitica agrupación Black Uhuru. - vzlareggaezine
Originating from Jamaica, Dubtonic Kru formed by Jubba and Stone are no strangers to the Polish audience. They were musicians involved in the “Rastasize” project recorded in Tuff Gong and already performed in Ostróda in 2009, playing both as a riddim band and with their own set. This year they treated us with a great dub feast and left wondering who is the biggest star of Sunday shows and if it’s really Stephen Marley...
- BartekMuracki/ Live music in pictures
Platinum-selling producer Rohan "Jah Snowcone" Fuller has joined forces with 'Global Battle of the Bands' winner Dubtonic Kru for his latest musical stew the 'Susumba Riddim.' The savory one-drop rhythm features the Dubtonic Kru, roots Reggae warriors Nazine, Nesbeth, Nature, and Faya Star, versatile Gully Squad deejay Savage, and Reggae sirens Sophia Squire and Chantelle Ernandez.
The Susumba riddim is reminiscent of the bass and guitar driven rifts that elevated bands like the Wailers and Culture from local musicians to international icons in the 1970s. Named 2010-2011 'best new band of the year,' Dubtonic Kru brings back an organic sound that is rare, and sorely missed, among the computerized 'island hop' sounds that have invaded Reggae/Dancehall over the past few years.
"I want to bring the Reggae and Dancehall back into Jamaican music; over the past few years, the sound has become watered down and drowned out," says Jah Snowcone, best known for producing Sean Paul's Billboard topping hit "Temperature." "The Susumba riddim has that REAL Reggae sound. That sound that reminds us of what Reggae music is all about."
- OUTAROAD.COM
A few weeks ago, a story circluated discussing the current state of affairs within the Jamaican reggae world. (read whole story here) To expand on that concept, as some artists have rested on laurels and embraced a sense of entitlement, regions outside of Jamaica have stepped in and truly expanded the genre to a new global direction and raised all ships in the process.
Generally, the knock on the music offered from the rock has emanated from the overproduction of electronic music which has masked much of the variety and experimentation that used to personify the reggae genre.
Dubtonic Kru, who played Denver this past weekend, represents a new breed of reggae music. Experimenting throughout with a spacey version of dub that is still steeped in roots, Dubtonic Kru pleasantly blends together the modern dub genre with the roots from yesteryear.
Coming from different parts of Jamaica, the members of Dubtonic Kru, individually have been exposed to a variety of musical genres. With their unique sound, the founding members “Jubba” and “Stone”, a dynamic Drum & Bass duo, have contributed to the development of modern Roots Reggae which intertwines Jubba’s mesmerizing Reggae/Jazz Fusion drumming with Stone’s groovy, yet pulsating bass lines.
Sounding much like an American reggae band if that band were to have its roots in Jamaica, Dubtonic Kru has certainly embraced the new direction in reggae and in fact has shown evidence that the evolution of reggae in Jamaica has yet to run its course.
Although relatively new, Dubtonic Kru has a sound that is both familiar and comforting. With songs like “Sunshine Girl” and “Born Jamaica,” the band has a hit sound that offers emotion and variety; and with a hard work ethic and refreshing outlook, Dubtonic Kru’s future is bright.
- REGGAEMOVEMENT.COM
DUBTONIC Kru, the Jamaican representative to the Global Battle of the Bands (GBOB) walked away with the top spot on Saturday.
The event, which was held in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, saw the local band pocket the grand prize of US$100,000 and the chance to go on a world tour and the title Best New Band in the World.
Local GBOB franchise holder, Seretse Small was still overjoyed when the Observer caught up with him yesterday. Small says he was at an event on Saturday when he got the news. "I wanted to cry, this is really above and beyond what I expected. I knew Dubtonic had a chance, but for it to materialise is really special and exciting, " Small gushed.
He believes this win for the local band makes a strong statement regarding the way forward for bands and live music in Jamaica. "I really hope younger bands and acts in general will now see the light, drawing on the experience of Dubtonic Kru, so they can ease off the hype and take time to write better music, rehearse more and just develop their craft, " he noted.
On another level, Small hopes this win in Malaysia will also be a watershed for sponsors and government to see the benefits of investing in music over the long term.
Dubtonic Kru beat nine other groups to win the local leg of (GBOB) in Kingston in February.
The judges included Ibo Cooper, an Edna Manley College lecturer and former member of Third World; Ray Hitchins, former head of the guitar department at the Edna College; Jon Baker, head of Geejam Records and Mickey Bennett, head of Grafton Studios and famed songwriter.
Dubtonic has toured the world with artistes including U-Roy, Richie Spice and Voicemail, but are not only a backing band. The members include bassist Stone, guitarist Jallanzo, keyboardist Luke, drummer Jubba and vocalist Kamau. The signature sound is heavy drum and bass above psychedelic guitars and keyboard dub-echoing into separate dimensions.
This year's staging of the local competition was the second staging of the event since 2005. It was delayed each year due to lack of funding.
This year, the event organiser in Malaysia offered to cover travel and accommodation expenses.
The band Live Wyya won the first staging five years ago but didn't win the ultimate contest overseas. Notwithstanding, they networked and played in countries including Japan. In fact, Live Wyya announced the release of their latest album Spread The Love, last month indicating continued growth. However, it was the band Rootz Underground (which placed third in 2005) that ultimately received the most exposure from the event in Jamaica and continue to tour extensively.
Global Battle of the Bands is the self described "world's biggest live talent competition for bands " started in 2004 with 16 countries participating which expanded to over 30 in 2010. - JAMAICA OBSERVER
Discography
DUBTONIC GOLD EDITION
Release date: June 9, 2011
Genre: Reggae
Additional genre: Dub/ Fusion
available at www.dubtonickru.com
DUBTONIC
Release date: December 1, 2009
Genre: Reggae
Additional genre: Dub/ Fusion
JUNGLE FEVER
Release date: 2008
Genre: Reggae
Additional genre: Dub/ Fusion
Photos
Bio
Coming from different parts of Jamaica, the members of Dubtonic Kru, individually have been exposed to a variety of musical genres.
The founding members of Dubtonic Kru are “Jubba” and “Stone”, a dynamic Drum & Bass duo, who over the years have contributed to the development of modern Roots Reggae, with their unique sound and approach that intertwines Jubba’s mesmerizing Reggae/Jazz Fusion drumming with Stone’s groovy, yet pulsating bass lines. The Kru has gained about a decade and a half of experience from touring and or recording with the legendary likes of Max Romeo, U-Roy, Burning Spear, The Mighty Diamonds as well as modern day artistes such as Bushman, Junior Kelly, Richie Spice, Lutan Fyah and Voicemail to name a few… One of the significant milestones in their careers was the composition of the “I Swear” rhythm, a rhythm that took the Reggae arena by storm, which featured Chuck Fenda’s “I Swear” and Richie Spice’s "Marijuana”.
The Kru became a more complete music machine with the addition of longtime friend and versatile guitarist Jallanzo, who also added his strong vocal ability and the young but talented Luke Dixon on work stations. Another turning point of the group’s dynamic came with the addition of very unique and powerful singer to round out the already electrifying dub compositions with sometimes spoken words and song writing by Jubba and Jallanzo. Kamau, “the Quiet Warrior”, brings a revolutionary voice to the Kru. Their songs and spoken words are consciously thought provoking, while their rhythm/dub section walks through the passage of time with a gritty sound that rolls stones and break fences.
The staging of the prestigious "Reggae Sumfest" festival in Jamaica saw quite a memorable and outstanding performance by the Kru summer 2009 followed by a well heated European tour. Their performance on International night one, saw them sharing stage with renowned pop stars such as Neyo, Toni Braxton, Keri Hilson, Jazmine Sullivan and reggae stalwarts such as Coco Tea, Jah Cure, Morgan's Heritage among others.
Another milestone was attained, when the Kru earned the title "BEST NEW BAND IN THE WORLD" 2010 - 2011 at the Global Battle of the Bands World Finals in Malyasia, February 2011. After a fierce musical showdown of different genres that involved national finalists from numerous countries, the Gbob Exectutive Judges made the unanimous decision that awarded Dubtonic Kru top honours with Russia 2nd, Germany 3rd, South Africa 4th and continuing.
Later that year, Dubtonic kru was honoured by the United States House of Congress and was presented with a Congressional Proclamation by Congress woman Yvette Clarke. the same period they were Awarded the Simba award by CPR (Coalition to preserve Reggae). These were achievements that shook the Jamaican music industry with amazement and gave more credence to the recent revival of the Island nation's live music scene and a more rapid growth of bands coming to the fore front.
The Kru continues to bond with audiences through remarkable performances which see them more and more solidifying their place in the Music Industry.
They are certainly dedicated and poised to raising the bar and keeping it interestingly spontaneous.
Stick around for the ride.
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