Maranhão Roots Reggae Festival revives the history of world reggae with performances by 22 bands!

Among the bands at the festival are: Denis Alcapone, The Pioneers, Cidade Negra, Mano Bantu, Pablo Moses, Eric Donaldson and Tribo de Jah. The mega festival, which takes place at Multicenter Sebrae on the 23rd and 24th of July from 5pm, in its third version, rescues the history of global reggae and outlines a panorama of national reggae bringing twenty-two bands.

Considered artist of the century by Time magazine, Bob Marley continues to be the greatest icon of reggae worldwide. In a year in which reggae shows its strength from north to south of the country, Sistema Mirante brings to São Luís the greatest meeting in the history of Ritmo de Jah.

Twenty-two bands are divided into two days of presentation. On the 23rd, on the stage called “Justin Hinds” (a tribute to the Jamaican singer who was present at the first edition of the festival in 2001, and who passed away last March), the Maranhão singers Santa Cruz, Beto Pereira and Gerude open the festival. On the same stage, Alê Muniz, Luciana Simões and Banda Legenda also perform from Maranhão.

On the “Bob Marley” stage, one of the greatest expressions of reggae from the Antilles and the Caribbean Amazonians, also from Maranhão, Banda Mano Bantu and, later, Tribo de Jah, the biggest Reggae band in Brazil. At the end of the night, the Jamaicans enter the scene Eric Donaldson, a former visitor to the island, and then The Pioneers and Brent Dowe, literally the pioneers of global Reggae. Closing the night, contrasting with the fathers of reggae, the newest band from Maranhão: Djembê.

On the 24th, the opening will be by the São Paulo musicians: Reggae Style, Dagô Miranda and Nengo Vieira, followed by the biggest national pop-reggae band, Cidade Negra. Then, it's time for Dennis Alcapone, also considered an absolute precursor of “rap” as he was one of the first musicians in the world to add verbal (spoken) improvisations to songs. Next, Natiruts is a name that is emerging on the national reggae scene, for the first time in São Luís.

The closing of the event is due to the new band from Maranhão, The Light’s and Ricardo Luz, and the band from Ceará, Andread Jó (former vocalist of Donaleda), who bring their new hits to the stages of Multicenter Sebrae, before, however, they perform to the delight of the roots group, Pablo Moses, renowned and controversial Jamaican artist who emerged as Jamaica in the 70s.

Dance groups such as Garotinhos Beleza and G-Dam, as well as radio stations Itamaraty and Estrela do Som, will brighten the event
In these two nights of “Legendários do Reggae”, several hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s will easily be recognized by the audience in this fascinating meeting of the great myths of international reggae. The event takes the opportunity to show that the reggae scene in Brazil is very strong and moving at full steam. An unforgettable meeting for reggae lovers and for lovers and connoisseurs of the history of international music. An event that has sold out tickets in the countries it has visited and has everything to be a success in Maranhão.