BLACK UHURU plus ONESTY and The Wild Hare Sound System

TICKETS: $20 advance/
$25 door/day off show

BLACK UHURU
Among the most successful of the second-generation reggae bands, Black Uhuru maintained their high quality despite numerous personnel changes in their 40-plus-year history. The first reggae band to win a Grammy award, for their 1983 album Anthem, Black Uhuru was called “The most dynamic and progressive reggae act of the 1970s and early ’80s.”

Black Sounds of Freedom The band, whose name comes from the Swahili word meaning “freedom,” was formed in the Waterhouse district of Kingston by Don Carlos, Rudolph “Garth” Dennis, and Derrick “Duckie” Simpson. When the group experienced difficulties securing a record contract, Spencer left to pursue a solo career and Dennis joined the Wailing Souls. Simpson, who remained the thread throughout Black Uhuru’s evolution, reorganized the band with Errol “Jay” Wilson and quivery-voiced lead vocalist Michael Rose. Accompanied by the rhythm section of Sly Dunbar on drums and Robbie Shakespeare on bass, Black Uhuru created a sound that made them a match for any reggae ensemble. Their debut album, Love Crisis, released in 1977, included the anthemic hit “I Love King Selassie.” Three years later, the album was remixed and released as Black Sounds of Freedom.

With Red, and the addition of harmony singer Puma Jones, an African-American woman who held a Master’s degree from Columbia University and was a former member of the female group Mama Africa in 1981, Black Uhuru entered their most commercially successful period. In addition to recording a memorable studio album, Red, and an exciting live album, Tear It Up, the group reached its peak with the release of Anthem in 1983. Remixed and revised for release in the United States, the remade version was re-released in Europe shortly afterwards. Although the album received a Grammy, internal problems caused the band to splinter the following year. Rose was replaced by soundalike Junior Reid. Jones and Reid remained with the band until 1989. Although Reid left when visa problems prevented him from touring, Jones, who was replaced by Olufunke, was forced to step down after being diagnosed with cancer. She died on January 28, 1990, and was buried in her home state of South Carolina. The original three members — Simpson, Spencer, and Dennis — reunited to record a trio album, Now, in 1990. They’ve continued to tour and perform in this configuration for many years.

ONESTY
Born in Belgium Tina Sureda Castello, also known as Onesty is a multitalented artist. At the age of six Onesty started to sing in the Antwerp cathedral choir, this experience was the base of her musical evolution. The Sureda family, a spring of vocal talent, surrounded her with music, singing and concerts. She would always follow them around and imitate them when nobody was watching her. Onesty already knew at a tender age, that her main goal was, BECOMING A SINGER. She showed natural songwriting during her early years, as she was only 8 years old when she wrote two completed songs. As a young teenager Onesty developed a great love for urban music, Reggae, Soul, Hip Hop, R&B etc….. At that time she also joined an urban collective group of dancers. They were called Jobo’s streetwise dancers. They traveled all over Europe, doing different kinds of stages. Still a choreographer and occasional dance teacher, her singing and rapping skills has always been her main focus which has allowed her to be involved with projects, bands and great performances.

In 2006 Onesty stepped up to her calling, her unique sound, with that warm and soulful presence, meant that there was always going to be a place for her as a female European artist to look out for. Her songs are a mixture of Reggae, Soul and R&B with all the special touch you could only find in her music.
Onesty has performed live with Ashamband, a young upcoming Belgian reggae band. Since 2007 she has come together with her own musicians and has been touring Belgium, with additional shows in other parts of Europe to a well received audience and promoters who have welcomed her new fresh sound. Onesty has had the pleasure of opening concerts for international artist such as Max Romeo, Earl 16, Pressure, Blackmann, Red Rat, Tikenja Fakoly and many other Belgian bands with international fame like Leki …. The promo Cd “Take Your Time” is produced by Onesty and shows you the beginning of a rich musical evolution.
In 2008 Onesty stepped down on Jamaican soil to feel and join the original reggae force. The young singer is fortunate to work with guitarist producer, Rohan Gordon aka Maka Lox on the Selassie God label. Onesty recorded tracks with Maka Lox at Tuff Gong in Kingston with Horsemouth, the legendary drummer from “Rockers” time. The first song finished was “Is This Love” on a fresh Jamaican Riddim, the song got airplay on Irie FM the number 1 reggae radio station in Jamaica & worldwide.
Onesty has a real immersion in the roots and vibe of Reggae Music. She could work with and draw inspiration from artists such as Earl China Smith, Anthony B, Duane Stephenson, Bobby Digital etc.
She has had an eventful journey so far which has been the source of inspiration for a series of new songs which we can expect in 2013.