THANKS AND PRAISES! Cine Jóia shakes with the powerful sound of the Twinkle Brothers!

Since we started the Surforeggae project 22 years ago, we had some dreams. In addition to spreading reggae music and all the culture involved, watching the shows of the most emblematic bands in history was our guide. But Jah has done much more for us. In 2005 we started producing shows, having the honor of working side by side - and creating bonds of friendship - with legends such as Abyssinians, Gregory Isaacs, Israel Vibration, Don Carlos, in short, a true constellation. However, one name was missing from this journey. A name that we always spoke about with great affection and respect: The Twinkle Brothers! Finally, this wait is over.

A SAD HIATO

Holding this particular event was not easy. Sharing the same professionalism and PURPOSE, the group You & Me on a Jamboree and Riddim Agency faced a great challenge to make Twinkle Brothers in Brazil possible: COVID-19. The tragic pandemic that claimed almost 7 million lives around the world also interrupted this great show, originally designed for 2020. Therefore, making it possible for these legends to come 2 years later became something even more special.

A PRIVILEGE: BEING ALIVE!

Regueiros from all over Brazil and South America competed for space in the only two performances at Cine Jóia, a traditional concert hall in the capital of São Paulo, which, in fact, had an excellent audience, both on Friday (3/6) and Saturday (4/6). It said You & Me, it said Jurassic Sound System, and the hot selection is always one of the most anticipated components at Jamboree parties, however, this time, even this selection went further. Selectah Jurassic gave an impactful introduction to the importance of this party and of us all being alive and healthy after one of the saddest chapters in the history of humanity, the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a privilege to be there, but unfortunately reggae was deeply affected. Due to this terrible virus, names like Delroy Washington, Dobby Dobson and Siddy Ranks regrettably left us, but the commotion following the death of the iconic Toots Hibbert was something little seen in the history of reggae, and DJ Jurássico dedicated a set with this legend's greatest hits.

THE POWER OF SPARKLING

Expectations were huge for the Twinkle Brothers to take the stage. Many said: "It's time for worship!" That's exactly it, and vocalist Norman Grant highlights: ...Twinkle Brothers' music is powerful because it has purpose and meaning! At around 1 am, the band takes the stage to make history in the country and in the hearts of every lover of the rhythm of Jah present. Exuding energy and friendliness, Norman Grant enters dancing and interacting with the audience, who received a real wall of sound at the first touches of "It’s Only Rasta". Chilling! Next, "It Dread All Over" and the combo "Babylon Falling" and "I Don’t Want To Be Lonely Anymore" are like mantras of spiritual elevation, extremely striking and imposing. Always interacting with the drums, Norman Grant, with just one hand, added that Nyabinghi touch to the songs, making the experience even more immersive. In fact, it's worth highlighting Norman's interaction with the audience, always giving the microphone, calling the choir and leaving the vibe up there. What a frontman! Then, "Since I Throw the Comb Away", the group's big hit, is sung by the crowd with great force, clearly impacting the members, who returned the affection with a killer sequence: "Jah Jahovia", "Barabas", the very heavy "Jah Kingdom Come", "Don’t Forget Africa" ​​and "Somebody Please Help Me", a ska song that Norman wrote in 1966, this being the Twinkle Brothers' first single. An interesting detail, highlighted by Norman Grant, is that the band does not use set lists for their shows. According to the vocalist, so many years leading the Twinkle Brothers gave him a sensitivity to understand, just by looking into the eyes of the audience, which song should be performed. This means that the shows are not exactly the same. Just as an example, on Friday there was the classic "Patoo", a song from the 1980 album "Countrymen", and not on Saturday. On the other hand, only the Saturday crowd was able to enjoy "Mob Fury" and "Robot". Maintaining the weight, bassist Dub Judah takes over the vocals in "Babylon is a Trap", which preceded the classics "Enter Zion" and these that almost made Cine Jóia collapse: "Faith Can Move Mountains" and "Never Get Burn"! We also had "Free Africa" and Bob Marley's immortal classic, "Redemption Song", sung by guitarist Errol ’Black Steel’ Nicholson. Requested practically from the beginning of the performance, we had the hit "Rasta Pon Top", and the closing with "Repent". It was easy to see the feeling of satisfaction on the audience's faces, not only with the Twinkle Brothers' impeccable performance, but also with the organization of the event, respecting schedules, offering good structure for band and audience and charging what was compatible for a show of this magnitude. The public feels and understands that everyone benefits when the scene is valued in this way. And to the Grant brothers and band, all our affection and respect for the journey of so many years, the legacy is this rich work full of teachings that will echo for eternity. Jah guide!