Original Reggae Style: Find out everything about the event that made Estância shake!

On the last May 10, the eve of Mother’s Day, Estância Alto da Serra hosted the children of Jah to watch "Original Reggae Style 2008". This year Zeroneutro bet on short shows, and the extensive list of performances provided an overview with the most diverse strands of reggae. The structure and production of the show were worthy of major festivals, with impeccable sound and lighting quality, a fact that should be followed by most Brazilian reggae producers. Another important point was that this first-world structure was a privilege for all bands, mainstream or independent. The space chosen to hold the event is located on a thin line that separates the city from what remains of the São Paulo Atlantic Forest, a place favorable to carrying out the proposal.

CHIMARRUTS

The group Chimarruts opened the festival and the tour of its latest album, mixing classics from the first album, such as “Deixa Chover”, “Chapéu de Palha” and “Iemanjá”, with new songs, such as “Se Eu For Embora”, which stirred up the crowd in cold weather of approximately 12 degrees. With a contagious stage presence, the band from Porto Alegre demonstrated the strength that newer bands have been giving to national reggae in recent times, something that was more than necessary. The tribute to Bob Marley came with the song “Could You Be Loved”, which, in an innovative vocal, closed the band’s performance in great style.

MATO SECO

The band Mato Seco gave a more serene show, but no less contagious. With many ballads and a very positive vibration before the audience, it stood out for the presentation of the songs “Navegantes da ilusão” and “Brilho oculto”. The tribute to the king of reggae was made with “Survival”, in which the percussion stole the show.

RAS BERNARDO

One of the great highlights of the event was Ras Bernardo who, before the admiring eyes of the audience and the other groups that paid him tribute, took over the scene with his stage presence, simplicity and charisma. In the repertoire, several classics immortalized by his participation in the group Cidade negra, among other hits. Of all the performances of the night, it was undoubtedly the most effervescent; with a pulsing bass and a rhythmic drum kit in full harmony, he showed everyone how true Reggae Roots is done. At the end of the show, with a jazz rhythm, Ras Bernardo introduced the band and surprised everyone with his boldness in mixing rhythms, a typical stance of great masters.

TIPPA IRIE

Tippa Irie, the only international performance of the event, was the watershed of a show that could have dispersed the audience because of the cold, the waiting, the delays and so on. Surpassing expectations, Tippa took over the space with his dancehall and the sound affected everyone like a dancing epidemic. Instantly the entire audience was emitting positive vibrations in every corner. At this moment it is worth recording the presence of reggae fans André and Willian, who recognized the Surforeggae members present at the event and immediately introduced themselves. André is deaf and this was a fact that surprised us and caused a certain pride, because we realized that Reggae was there for him in a different way, but no less intense, since all the vibrations would be felt by everyone who carries that sensitivity, taste and respect for the rhythm.

NATIRUTS

Natiruts, the most awaited band, entered the scene at approximately 2 in the morning and filled the space with sound and excitement. In the repertoire, many classics from the first records, such as “Semente nativa”, “Eu e ela” and “Andei só”, mixed with the new “Iluminar” and the great hit “Natiruts Reggae Power”, a song that caused the absolute climax of the festival with a full house and nobody standing still. With a lot of style and respect, Alexandre paid tribute to the other bands present at the event, sending a special greeting to Ras Bernardo and revering him as one of the founders of national reggae. The tribute to Bob Marley was made in “Jammim”, played with harmonious and impeccable instrumentals, lifting up the crowd. Throughout the show, Natiruts’ stage presence was striking, and the messages of peace sung by Alexandre filled the eyes of the crowd on the floor with life. Near the end of the show, Alexandre delivered his last message, saying that it does not matter what rhythm we like or where we live, because the fact that we are Brazilian unites us. This speech expresses a very beautiful stance by the group, which values culture and Brazilians, and also explains that kind of chant so well known to everyone: “Meu reggae é Roots, palavras também, mas o meu coração é brasileiro”.

ARMANDINHO

To close the event, Armandinho lifted the spirits of the crowd present even more by singing his hits “Desenho de Deus”, “Semente” and “Ursinho de Dormir”, among others, taking away that end-of-party look, ensuring a good closing for the festival and the joy and preparation of the children of Jah on the return home and, of course, for mom’s hug at 6 in the morning.

EVENT IMAGES

 Click here and see some photos of this event.  Photos by: Lupa Design.

MULTIMEDIA

Click here and watch Tippa Irie with the video "Make a Duppy Yet". Click here and watch Natiruts live with "Natiruts Reggae Power". Click here and watch Mato Seco live with "Navegantes da Ilusão".