MAGIC: Groundation and Rebelution headline unforgettable shows in Brazil!

Brasileiros e Argentinos were honored in April with shows by two of the biggest bands in the contemporary reggae world. Groundation and Rebelution went on a tour together that will be remembered by reggae fans. This fact is also reinforced by the presence of other big names in some shows such as Steel Pulse, Vibrações, Ponto de Equilíbrio, Mato Seco, Edson Gomes, Tribo de Jah, among others.

KICK OFFXKEEP0XZ

In the first week of April, Groundation performed in four capitals - Vitória, Natal, Recife and Brasília. The band members are divided between cities such as San Francisco (Califórnia), Reno (Nevada), Portland (Oregon) and Kingston (Jamaica) and landed in Brazil on April 5th, at the airport of Guarulhos (São Paulo), having gone on the same day to Vitória, city of the first show.

VICTORIA - A DIFFERENT LOCAL

With the right to a crazy radio interview, Groundation felt the Brazilian atmosphere again and debuted their new show on 6/04 at "Barracústico", completely packed. Traditionally, the band has become accustomed to selling out Ilhacústico in the capital of Espírito Santo in recent years. This time, since "Ilha" is undergoing renovations, the show was held at "Barra" for a slightly smaller audience. Therefore, the theme of the event was "Groundation in the box", a cause that was embraced by the local public who possibly saw one of the best reggae shows of their lives. The band's classics made the people of Espírito Santo happy in an intimate show that also featured new songs from the next album that is being finalized. It's impossible not to go crazy seeing Groundation up close.

CRESCE REGGAE IN THE CITY OF THE SUN

Reggae in Natal has grown considerably in recent years thanks to the producers' initiative to bring mainly big national and international names, such as Groundation. In their last performance in 2007, the Californian band already demonstrated strength, which was even greater this time. The event was held at Rua Chile square, a traditional place where names like Edson Gomes, SOJA, Bambu Station and Mato Seco paraded last year. The Natal audience sang and danced incessantly, even with the performance late. "Freedom Taking Over", the traditional closing track of Groundation's show, left no one standing still. Also noteworthy is the excellent show by the band Vibrações from Maceió, one of the most prominent groups on the national scene today.

RECIFE - REGGAE EXPLOSION

At Recife, a very impressive audience of more than 10 thousand people attended the Centro Convention Center to enjoy the sound of Groundation, Ponto de Equilíbrio, Steel Pulse and local attractions. "Ponto" opened the show and showed that Recife is one of the cities where it is best received in the country. That day there were some delays in schedules, and Groundation performed right after the British Steel Pulse who made their debut in the city. Traditional Groundation hits like "One More Day" and also Bob Marley songs like "Exodus" which was sung together with Luis - lead singer of the band Vibrações were highlights of the show, not forgetting the new hit "Humility". The regueiros of Recife were able to watch a performance lasting almost 1 hour and 30 minutes by the Californian band that washed the soul once again and was greatly celebrated by the local public.

BRASILIA - FUSSING AND FIGHTING?

Despite the rain and cold, the weather at Brasília was warm and spirits were high. The show, which had registered very significant advance ticket sales, almost had to be canceled due to the rain that hit Concha Acústica in the Federal Capital, damaging equipment and causing a long delay in the start of the performances. There were some problems between Steel Pulse and Ponto de Equilíbrio in the previous days regarding the punctuality of performances. In Brasília, Ponto went a little over its schedule and had the show interrupted on stage by a huge argument between people linked to the production. Unfortunately, the audience had to watch the exchange of barbs for almost ten minutes but they received what they wanted, which was Ponto de Equilíbrio ending the show with "Aonde vai chegar (Coisa Feia)". After the rain and calmer mood, Groundation took the stage for another memorable show in the country's capital. Even Mister M (yes, the magician) showed up to enjoy the band's show (laughs) and visit the dressing room of their fellow Americans. Due to delays, the band's show (as well as Ponto de Equilíbrio's) was reduced so as not to harm Steel Pulse, who would be the last of the night to take the stage.

REBELUTION PREMIERE IN TERRAS TUPINIQUINS

After a day off at Brasília, Groundation headed to Rio de Janeiro where he would meet Rebelution for the first time. That's right, the two Califórnia bands, which together with SOJA represent the three biggest Reggae groups in the country, had never played together before. And this privilege of seeing this fusion for the first time was from the Cultural people at Juiz de Fora. With an impressive audience, the cozy Minas Gerais music venue euphorically welcomed Rebelution, who literally showed what he came for. Hits like "Feeling Alright", "Safe and Sound" and "Lazy Afternoon" are already on the lips of Brazilian regueiros who impressed North Americans. Groundation, always very well received at Juiz de Fora, put on a show of its own thanks to the quality of its musicians who individually put on performances capable of driving fans crazy. Bass, percussion, keyboard, trombone and trumpet solos are essential elements in any American show.

MARLEY TRIBE AT THE MOUNDRY

The month of April featured a variety of great reggae shows, as was the case with Ziggy Marley, Steel Pulse and Groundation/Rebelution performing in the same month. As a result, the audience was somewhat divided at Rio de Janeiro since it was not possible to bring together all the attractions and none of the three shows at Fundição Progresso had an explosion in attendance like the last ones. Tribo de Marley brought, in addition to Groundation and Rebelution, Mato Seco, which is one of the most respected and well-positioned bands on the national scene. Fundição Progresso emanated good vibes from the Rio public that night. From the first show, which was Mato Seco, to Rebelution (which was very well received) to Groundation, the public (including a huge group of foreigners who sang Rebelution's songs euphorically) jumped and enjoyed it until almost morning.

BOB MARLEY DAY

Groundation and Rebelution boarded right after lunch for Salvador, the city of the tour's next show. The event, which is a great festival, now in its third edition, brought other big names such as Edson Gomes, Tribo de Jah, Ponto de Equilíbrio and Steel Pulse, as well as the emerging Unidade Planta de Zaire. The mix couldn't be better, and the public, as always, showed up in droves. Rebelution was the second band to perform at the event, which was already packed. Characteristic for loving roots reggae, the Bahian audience vibrated with the chords of "Jamming" by Bob Marley which was played in a majestic DUB. Edson Gomes once again showed all his strength, but he had problems with the sound which led to the interruption of his show. With more than a dozen hits on people's lips, the Bahian reggaeman was greatly celebrated. Groundation dispensed with comments once again, showing why they are one of the most well-received reggae bands in the beautiful capital of Bahia. With a lot of energy, Harrison Stafford (vocals and guitar) kept repeating "Nice to see you again Salvador" to the delight of the audience. In the box, famous local personalities and musicians watched the band's performance enraptured.

PORTO ALEGRE - THIS IS VIBRATION!

Despite having taken a tiring flight leaving Salvador early in the morning, the vibrancy of the Gauchos once again made all their problems forgotten. We say it again and again - Porto Alegre has one of the most interactive and vibrant audiences in the country! It was impressive to see the audience singing almost all of Rebelution's songs in chorus, even though it was their first performance there. It's even more incredible to see how beloved Groundation is, to the point of being asked for two or three encores if they are wavering at the side of the stage.

HOLA BUENOS AIRES!

As we would say in English, "They’re moving to the nexus level", or "They are moving to the next level". This phrase reflects exactly the status that Groundation has achieved not only in Brazil, but also at Argentina where they played to the majestic Teatro Gran Rex packed out. In one of the most beautiful and well-structured theaters at América do Sul, Groundation rocked out with almost two hours of show, including two new songs - "Humility" and "Payakaway, a candidate for the band's new hits. Even with the problems they had with the flight to get to Buenos Aires, once again the vibration of the public and the affection of the fans overcame it. "Everything is gonna be alright" (Everything is gonna be alright) work), said Marcus Urani, keyboardist paraphrasing Bob Marley.

STRAIGHT FINAL - GUARULHOS

Producers were afraid that the public would not attend Internacional Eventos in Guarulhos because Natiruts had not performed there days before. But reggae and the strength of Groundation, Rebelution, Ponto de Equilíbrio and Jah Live proved to be much superior to that. The expressive audience followed Rebelution opening the show and despite sound problems performing one of the great performances of the night. Despite still not knowing much about the band's work, the São Paulo natives welcomed the sound that will soon be on everyone's lips. Groundation, who in previous events had performed at a later time, this time played earlier - right after Rebelution to the delight of the fans. Including "Promised Land" by Dennis Brown, offered as a birthday present to your writer, the band put on an incredible show that only lacked an encore out of respect for Ponto de Equilíbrio, due to delays caused by sound problems. Mingo Lewis Jr.'s percussion solos once again sent everyone into a frenzy. The backing vocals Kim Pommell and Racquel Hinds (also from The Wailers and who replaced Kerry-Ann Morgan about to give birth to another Jamaican) are also a show in themselves. Not only for her voice, but for her eye-popping stage performance.

DESPEDIDA ESPECIAL - FLORIPA

The last Brazilian city to host the Groundation and Rebelution tour show, Florianópolis was certainly one of the most privileged to witness unique moments. The production of the event was a very noble gesture, organizing an Easter solidarity action that took members of Rebelution and Mato Seco to a needy institution. There everyone distributed kits to the children who were able to see Eric Rachmany (Rebelution) and Rodrigo Piccolo (Mato Seco) sing together "Jah Live" by Bob Marley - exciting. The farewell night of the shift was also marked by a special event. A "jam session" with the three bands ended the tour with "Exodus" by Bob Marley, leaving a special taste for the audience who also checked out the sound of the band Cultivo. Without a doubt, another successful effort by América do Sul and a memorable debut for Rebelution who should return to Brazil soon. Whoever didn't see it... missed it!