Inesquecível: O Kazebre "hipnotizado" for reggae potente do The Congos! Confira in Surforeggae!

This past December 11th will go down in history. In coverage Surforeggae we've been through exciting moments... whether on stage or backstage. Artists like Albert Griffiths, Alpha Blondy, Don Carlos, the late Lucky Dube and Joseph Hill, Burning Spear, Wiss, Skelly, Apple... there are many, and they are all moments that we cherish with great affection. THIS one would obviously be no different, especially because it is part of the history of Surforeggae itself. After many years of waiting, the band The Congos arrives in Brazil for the first time, and what they said was indeed proven: "We will be able to have the most rootsy experience ever seen in the country." The place chosen for the presentation of the beasts was "the Kazebre" (a concert hall in the east zone of São Paulo) and with them, Ponto de Equilíbrio, Zafenate and Príncipe Messias, who paid tribute to Kata, lead singer of the band who passed away this past December 8th (see article). The public showed up in droves, as if anticipating the unique importance of what would be seen.

BALANCE POINT

Expectations were high for the start of Ponto's show, and when they took the stage the uproar was deafening. "Ponto" is a hit factory, and the public's receptivity was reflected in the chorus of thousands of voices under the baton of Hélio Bentes. Opening the show with "Árvore do Reggae" and "Jah Jah me Leve", you could have an idea that that energy would continue uninterrupted. Next, and VERY SINGING, came "O Que eu Vejo", proof that the crowd is always tuned in to the work of the "boys from Vila Isabel". Always with Hélio's strong stage performance, the crowd was really enjoying it, while Kazebre never stopped filling up. Meanwhile, the band mixed their new compositions with acclaimed hits... oh, and stay tuned for the new album, it will be full of surprises. When the band returned to BIS with "Lágrimas de Jah" and "Aonde vai Chegar", Kazebre cheered and sang word for word. At the end of the performance, the venue's premises were practically taken over by the rivers, and the expectation to see the legendary Jamaican band only increased. It took around 1 hour to prepare the stage and the crowd's first contact with these icons of global reggae music. And it was worth it. At 3:30 am, Lindberg "Preps" Lewis, Watty Burnett, Roy "Ashanti" Johnson and the more than charismatic leader, Cedric Myton, take over stage 1 of Kazebre. The stones rolled!

THE CONGOS

With 33 years on the road, this is one of the most respected bands on the world circuit, and since "Heart of the Congos" - LP from 1977 - fans have spread across the world. As well as, it contains the most untouchable works of his career, such as "Fisherman", "Open up the Gate", "Children Crying", "Can’t Come In", among others, in fact, many of them remembered in an instrumental medley that made even the coldest of beings shiver. As mentioned, Surforeggae has already seen remarkable entries from several artists, but none compare to what we saw tonight. The humility and friendliness seen in the easy smiles of these "grandpa boys" is something that moves, not only because it comes from a band of such greatness, but also because other personalities of Jah's rhythm, who haven't even emerged to true success - or even already - don't share this same virtue. With super good-natured dances and movements that are reminiscent of the "Rockers" style of enjoying and feeling reggae, "The Congos" arrived distributing kisses and waves to everyone... but this affection soon turned into a beating, but of course, loud. Opening with "Lost Sheep" and "Ten Million Chariots", both from the album "Swinging Bridge", it was easy to decipher the admiring looks of an audience at such true reggae and, for those who understand music a little more, so harmonically rich. Next, and to "kill" any unsuspecting fan, "Open up the Gate" from the "debut album" mentioned above. From then on it was rock after rock, and a sound grandeur comparable only to the REALLY GREAT names in world reggae, such as the acclaimed Roots Radics. Speaking of weight, how about "Yo-Yo"? An "apotheotic" entrance with all the spices of good reggae. Soon after, "Beetles Come" and the song that made this band part of the history of Surforeggae, "Youthman", because for those who don't know, it was with this background sound that the portal was designed 9 years ago. The crowd went wild, as this song had already been requested a few times. "National Heroes" and the beautiful "Revolution" preceded another from the heavyweight team, "La Le Bella". At the end of the performance, some anxious requests called for "Fisherman", others for "Can’t Come In"... in short, "Can’t Come In" didn't come out, but "Fisherman" did, and it was perfect... the introduction with that "cavernous" voice of Watty Burnett before your eyes It's something fantastic. However, the arrival of The Congos exceeded all expectations not only of fans, but also of producers due to the obvious issue of a packed Kazebre. This could prove to be very interesting for reggae in Brazil, as many legendary names do not appear in Tupiniqin lands due to the "thinking" that this or that artist would not bring an audience, or some type of considerable financial return. Thanks again to Zeroneutro and this time to Johnny B Good for providing such special moments alongside these Jamaican beasts. Respect!

EVENT IMAGES

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