International Jamaican Reggae superstar Capleton, with pressure from the gay community, he was missing from the line-up
The 29th Annual Ragga Muffins Festival, kicked off on the weekend of Feb.20th and 21st, at the Long Beach Arena.
Saturday’s artists featured were Shaggy, The Dirty Heads, Don Carlos, Frankie Paul, Yellow Man, Big Youth, Gramps Morgan, Mikey Spice, Lloyd Brown, Bajah & Dry Eye Crew, Mystic Roots Band, Yellow, and Wall Dub Squad.
Sundays line up of stars consist Detour Posse, The Lions, David Kirton, The Aggrolites, Edi Fitzroy, The Mighty Diamonds, Alborosie, Tarrus Riley, Gregory Isaacs, Barrington, Levy. The MCs: of this two day festival was Amlak Tafari and Richie B. They did a fantastic job in keeping spirits alive as they announced each artist.
International Jamaican Reggae superstar Capleton has once again become the target of the gay community and the organization GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) in response to his concert and festival bookings in California and Florida this month.
Capleton replied was this “For as long as I live, I will give and forgive and do good as long as I can…” a quote from one of his recent album, “Head Above Water.”
A morning news conference was held at the LB Hyatt Hotel. The media interviewed many artists that was scheduled to perform, which included Yellow Man who performed in a Lakers jersey and shorts with Kobe Bryant’s name on the back. Gramps Morgan and The Dry Eye Crew made their appearance at the news conference. Ragga Muffins promoter, Barbara Barabino, directed questions from the press to the performing artists and introduced to the media some of the performers making their first appearance at the festival.
Ms Barbino informed the media that she and her staff started work on forming the two day event during the summer months. “It takes a lot of hard work to get the scheduling done.” said Barbara. She thanked everyone for their tremendous support in making the festival one of the major reggae music festivals worldwide.
CaribPress obtained an exclusive interview with the West African singing trio from Sierra Leone called Bajha & The Dry Eye Crew.
CaribPess: How did you get started?
Dry Eye Crew: With the war in my country going on, many of our people were being killed. Someone had to spread the message that these killings must stop. The people needed someone to speak up. We are the voice of the voiceless that stood up with no fear.
CP: We notice your music is deeply rooted in reggae music.
DE: Back home we not only listen to reggie music, there is a lot of diverse music played over the radio stations. We listen to them all.
We are so happy to meet Yellow Man; many of his records are sold there. The man is like a mentor to me.
We feel that reggae music is a form of original African music.
CP: Is English the major language in your country?
DE: You must remember, we were colonized by the British. Yes we do speak English but we speak in Creio. Some of our words are tribal.
CP: How many albums have you put out?
DE: We have 7 albums that had been released in our country. We will release our first international album in June called Love Somebody. It’s all about love. We say to all reggae fans please watch out for it.
Dry Eye performance is with so much energy that you can’t help to move your feet to the earthy reggae sounds they project.
This year would have been Bob Marley’s 65th birthday. He still continues to be the king of reggae music even to this day. His strongest message to the people is LOVE.
2011 will mark thirty years of this successful music festival. Ms. Barabino said it will be unique and should not be missed.
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