Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
"If West African born singer/songwriter Freddy Shabaka doesn't win listeners over with his words, the odds are good he'll do it with his music... Shabaka knows how to make his point effectively on several levels as a singer, songwriter and arranger" - Mike Joyce
"This is the best self-produced demo tape I have received all year.... his 12" single "Dem Nor Wan Dance"... deserves to be heard on dancefloors, radio stations and boom boxes nationwide.....if you close your eyes, you might think this is music from a mango records sampler. The fact that he remains unsigned is as amazing as the churning, lilting, heartfelt music that Freddy creates on Free." - CMJ New Music Report Issue 183
DC's African-reggae scene continues to thrive, but unlike the pundits' predictions, it seems to do well because of the immigrants living here and not because American music fans are open to new sounds....Among the notable "world beat" releases, though were Sierra Leone's Freddy Cole's Free. - Gail O' Hara & Alona Wartofsky
Discography
FREE
FIRE/ SOUL OF SHABAKA
A CHAPTER OF ROOTS
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Freddy Shabaka is from Freetown, Sierra Leone. He has had 2 major hits in his country "Dem nor wan dance" and "Goombay Jamming". His music ranges from African Soca to Roots Reggae. If you are a fan of the reggae era of Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh, Burning Spear, Third World et al, you will love Shabaka's music. Shabaka's music is well produced and tightly arranged with powerful lyrics and a strong message. However, sometimes Shabaka just wants to have a good time. The songs are thoughtful with an impassioned message. The strength and richness of Shabaka's vocals, the soulfulness of his voice and the power and passion in which the songs are delivered are a treat to all who listen. The music has diverse elements with a touch of a brilliant rock guitar, a deep and driving bass kept in check by the drums and an array of African percussion. It is topped off with sweet and simple horn and string arrangements. As reggae makes its way into the mainstream, Shabaka will usher in a new chapter of roots reggae that will continue to capture the imagination of reggae and world music lovers all over.
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