IBO and KinDread

IBO AND KINDREAD
W/Souljah Fyah and DJ Mick Sleeper, Fri, Apr 29, Sidetrack Café (10333-112 St), info: 421-1326

Geography and, ahem, cultural differences dictate that most authentic Rastafarian reggae musicians won’t have Alberta on their short list of Canadian provinces to build a career in. Alberta just doesn’t suit the style of dreadlocks, ganja, and slow grooves in the way that, say, a place with a hotter climate or a less rural populace would. With the exception of a few rasta-fied hippies, most reggae around here comes from recent converts: rockers, rhythm and blues veterans, jazzers on sabbatical. That’s fine, but it’s also nice to know that there are a few bred-in-the-bones reggae artists like Calgary’s Ibo around to keep the kids honest.

"I play roots music–roots music with a bit of energy and up-to-date sounds and so forth," declares the easy-going Caribbean transplant over the phone from his Calgary residence. He’s a lifer, Ibo is, honing his singing and guitar playing chops for decades with ensembles like Montreal’s Imperial Force and Calgary’s Strugglah. It was the latter band that drew Ibo west, where he eventually decided to settle and take a short leave of absence from the business. "I didn’t do any touring for the last three years; I just went to work for a bit to gather my thoughts, y’know."

His musical time-out over, Ibo began making plans for a new album last spring. He assembled a band of likeminded musicians (KinDread), and played a few local shows to get up to speed. A trip back to the spiritual home in Jamaica resulted in one track ("Valley") being produced at singer Cocoa Tea’s studio, Roaring Lion, with current reggae superstars Danny Bass and saxophonist Dean Fraser helping out on arrangements. "I didn’t go specifically to record, and we only did one song. It wasn’t even planned; we were there and everything fell into place. The studio time was actually comparable to Canadian prices, even cheaper, so that’s what made me jump at it."

The rest of his album (Prayer, released last August), recorded in Canada with his usual associates, covers much of the same ground as Strugglah did: deep roots reggae with spiritual and/or political lyrics.

"I think we really stress a lot on the message we bring with the songs. It’s more what we like to call conscious reggae music: you can dance, yes, but there’s also a message to listen to, a message of Rastafari love and unity and freedom for our people."

TOM MURRAY
- SEE Magazine, April 27 2005

Preview
IBO
CALGARY INTERNATIONAL REGGAE FESTIVAL
Saturday, August 14
Burns Stadium
After a recent two year hiatus from the rigors of touring and performing, local legend, Ibo, former lead singer of Calgary’s local reggae tour de force Strugglah, is ready to light anew, the fires of his musical journey.

With the coming of the Calgary International Reggae Festival Ibo is set to unveil his band, Kindred, which is now complete, and includes of Jerome on bass, Merlin on guitar and Antonio on drums. Kindred rose out of encounters with fellow like-minded musicians and Ibo doesn’t hesitate to praise the various members. The band has grown out of Ibo’s musical hiatus, as has Ibo.

"You have to take a break from it once in a while, I did a little bit of travelling, took time out to record some songs and some music, just to get in a different place," says Ibo. "You have to change now and again and that’s a good thing"

The upcoming reggae festival is an event that has not only whet the appetite of many in the music community, but it has also served as a catalyst in bringing musicians and community to together.Ibo who is certainly more than modest about his role in helping found and co-ordinate the festival, sees it as a step in a positive direction for local musicians.

"Hopefully, we’ll get enough people there and they’ll see what we have to offer and I’m sure that most will be surprised at the different elements, … that they’ll find something that is Calgarian and as good as anything"

For Ibo, the reggae festival underscores the value and strength of the Calgary community at large. "When people ask why I play reggae music in Calgary, I say why not?" He adds with a chuckle, "it’s as good here as anywhere, I think Canada is a better place to play then even in the States, the community is strong."

While he might be ready and excited to unveil Kindred to the Calgary masses this Saturday, plans are afoot for a tour of other reggae friendly destinations – Africa, Europe, Asia and of course elsewhere in Canada. "The sound, people want to hear the band again and a singer, it’s a good thing, people playing together on a stage creating reggae." A CD release party is slated for later this fall, until then Ibo’s live dates are the only way to witness his proud rebirth.
- FFWD Magazine, August 12, 2004

Saturday, June 25, 2005 to Saturday, June 25, 2005 | Swift Current SK

Blenders presents IBO and KinDread as part of Long Days Night Music Festival on Saturday, June 25. A true Rasta musician and songwriter from the isle of Nevis, Ibo brings a welcome breath of Caribbean air. Ibo is a man committed to the uplifting consciousness of reggae music. Tent opens at 7pm. Tickets $20.00 each and are available at Art Gallery of Swift Current, 411 Herbert Street E.

Address:
Big Top Tent northwest of Highland subdivision
Northwest of Highland subdivision, Swift Current SK
http://www.artgalleryofswiftcurrent.org

- Bravo Events Calendar

Ibo has been a driving force in the Canadian reggae music scene, waving the reggae banner consistently since the mid 1980's. Performing live and touring across Canada while fronting Imperial Force of Montreal and later continuing to tour as lead singer and guitarist for Strugglah. Ibo has recorded two CD's to date "Consciousness" in 1997, and most recently his premiere solo effort "The Prayer". Ibo showcased his talents at the first Calgary International Reggae Festival in August 2004 and is currently touring Canada in support of "The Prayer".

"The Prayer" was released on July 23, 2004 on His Imperial Majesty Emperor Hailie Selassie's 112th earthstrong. "The Prayer" is vocally, lyrically and musically powerful and a shining example of what Ibo brings to roots reggae music. Addressing hard hitting issues such as poverty, injustice and judgment while singing praises to the Most High, Rastafari. "The Prayer" is music with a message, one of love for humankind, faith in Rastafari, and raising the consciousness of all people. "The Prayer" is a must have CD for all conscious reggae music lovers.

The singers and players of instruments on "The Prayer" are of KinDread, Ibo on lead vocals, guitar and drums, Andrew "Yardie" Wynters, keyboardist and long time musical collaborator of Ibo's – "Yardie" worked side by side with Ibo on the producing of "The Prayer", Merlin "Iwah" Patterson on guitar, Bassie Kali on bass and Shellane on backing vocals. Also appearing on "The Prayer" are Ras Menelik on the track "Ride Again" and Jah Youth on "Wicked A Go Run".

"The Prayer" was recorded in Calgary at "The Smokey Room" and in Jamaica at Cocoa Tea's "Roaring Lion" studio. Music for the track "Valley" was recorded at "Roaring Lion" Studio. Vocals for "I Need A Place" were arranged by legendary saxophonist Dean Fraser.

Afesha Music distributes "The Prayer" and is currently working on distribution overseas to Africa, the US, the Caribbean and Europe to go forward and wave the reggae banner internationally!. - Calgary reggae festival 2004. By Lisa Connors

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Ibo is a hell of a good guy and a killer musician, if you like reggae catch him gigging around town from time to time, you'll enjoy it. He's the real thing. And his bass player and drummer are downright amazing.


- Music_Calgary April 26th 2006

Calgary’s International Reggae Festival runs at various venues Aug. 11 to 18

THERESA TAYLER


If IBO had his way, Calgary would be in a constant jam.


Reggae veteran Errol Blackwood.


The rastafarian-reggae musician says the city could use an influx of reggae venues and clubs. Currently there are only a handful of places dedicated to the jamming sounds and beats of his favourite form of music.

“The scene here is growing, and we do our best to keep it alive, but the truth is we don’t have a lot of promoters in the city. The only gigs available are as opening acts for some of the bigger shows that come through town,” says IBO, a locally-based reggae musician originally from the island of Nevis.

But, IBO says, despite the lack of venue space, there is a strong underground reggae scene happening throughout the city.

“You’ve got several bands; there’s Strugglah, who’ve been around for over ten years; Bianca; Lenky; and Ouda Ouda, just to name a few Calgary-based acts,” he says.

Aug. 11 marks the first day of Calgary’s International Reggae Festival. Events take place throughout the week, ending Saturday the 18th with a day-long celebration of music and reggae culture at Shaw Millennium Park.

IBO says the festival is an important means of advocacy for the city’s reggae, dub, socca and calypso music scenes.

“It’s been a good addition for the city on the whole, it’s open to everyone so that Calgarians can get exposed to more rasta and Caribbean culture,” he says.

IBO is currently a member of IBO and KinDread.

He is also a founding member of the Calgary International Reggae Festival and has dedicated a large part of his career to producing, promoting and elevating Reggae music in Canada.

Christina Marriott, who helps organize the yearly fest, says they hope to attract upwards of 4,000 people to this year’s final show at Shaw Millennium Park.

“We see an increase in the number of people that come down each year and more and more advance tickets are sold,” says Marriott.

“We’re bringing a few very interesting acts this year.”

This year’s main draws will be Humble, a musician based in Toronto who is up for a Juno award; sultry-voiced Tanya Mullings, also from Toronto; and reggae veteran Errol Blackwood. Causion, a songwriter from Florida, and Richie Stephens, a Jamaican musician, will also be at the festival.

For more information on events visit online at www.calgaryreggaefestival.com.





- Sun Media , August 11, 2007

Ibo with KinDread
Description:
Ibo has been a driving force in the Canadian reggae music scene, waving the reggae banner consistently since the mid 1980's. Performing live and touring across Canada while fronting Imperial Force of Montreal and later continuing to tour as lead singer and guitarist for Strugglah. Ibo has recorded two CD's to date "Consciousness" in 1997, and most recently his premiere solo effort "The Prayer". Ibo showcased his talents at the first Calgary International Reggae Festival in August 2004 and is currently touring Canada in support of "The Prayer".

"The Prayer" was released on July 23, 2004 on His Imperial Majesty Emperor Hailie Selassie's 112th earthstrong. "The Prayer" is vocally, lyrically and musically powerful and a shining example of what Ibo brings to roots reggae music. Addressing hard hitting issues such as poverty, injustice and judgment while singing praises to the Most High, Rastafari. "The Prayer" is music with a message, one of love for humankind, faith in Rastafari, and raising the consciousness of all people. "The Prayer" is a must have CD for all conscious reggae music lovers.

© 2006 Sidetrack Cafe
10238 104 ST NW•
Edmonton, AB•
T5J 1B8•
(780) 421 1326





- Sidetrack Cafe

By Nicole Fitzgerald
Dec 10 2004
(Taken from the question)

Ex-Strugglah frontman brings his new band, KinDread, to town Rastafarian Ibo finally lived out his big dream this year, traveling to Jamaica, the heart of reggae, to record music for his latest CD The Prayer. Authenticity has always been the driving force behind his newly formed band KinDread, which is coming to the Boot Pub Monday, Dec. 13. “The overall theme is rastafari,” he said of The Prayer. “I am a rasta. That is what we put over to the people. It is not an album of top-40 recordings with all that dance hall and hip-hop going on. Good roots, cultural music is played on it. It is very alive. It comes with the peace and love message, the rastafari message.” Ibo grew up in the Caribbean, his family and friends saturating him in numerous styles of music, which eventually led to a career in reggae and the founding of western Canada’s first reggae festival. Ibo, now based in Calgary, was the lead vocalist and guitarist for the reggae band Strugglah — a band well acquainted with The Boot. However, after seven years of touring, Ibo was ready for some down time and traveled to the Caribbean to record. He collaborated with Danny Bassie and legendary saxophonist Dean Fraser to lay down the tracks for The Prayer at Coco Tea’s Roaring Lion Studios. “I always wanted to go to Jamaica and have that experience of recording there,” he said. “Coco Tea is one of the most consistent singers for the last 20 years (in Jamaica). It was a great experience working with these people. I put the songs in their hands and let if flow from there.” Goodwill is at the heart of his music and authentic music, simply presented, are at the core of his performance. “The emphasis is on the beats, music and hope,” he said. “Videos dictate music nowadays. But you can listen to our music without one visual and get a picture in your mind: a picture of world peace and unity and people living together and trying to end hunger and help the poor. “As far as getting that message out, that is what I think is being distorted. In other party stuff, it’s, ‘Let’s party and get down,’ but it is time to get up.” - Pique maqgazine

This year is going to be great ....... The advance tickets have gone on sale for the 2 and 3 day sets. Those are great deals ill tell you. Not just to see Ibo but for all of the other bands that are performing............

As i mentioned earlier there will be Ibo and Kindread one of my favorite bands i would say they are truly amazing. There going to be playing on the Saturday afternoon so i hope it's a warm one. They'll be playing some of their better stuff like Queen and Empress and Peace. That is some truly talented raggae and some great thinking i think.

- nakusp music festival publication