The Sunday Mail
FANS of reggae royalty, Morgan Heritage (pictured) , pressed panic buttons a fortnight ago when Kenya announced it had cancelled the reggae band’s performance in that country.
A few other countries followed suit.
This meant the whole African tour was in jeopardy as promoters in Africa often take advantage of a band or top artiste’s tours in nearby countries to reduce costs, especially those to do with airfares. As the uncertainty swirled around the concert as has been the case – a record five times before – The Sunday Mail Leisure sought clarification from the organisers. The promotions company behind the legendary Jamaican reggae outfit’s first ever tour of Zimbabwe, 2 Kings Entertainment, were quick to quell the fears.
“We were prepared even for them to spend weeks in Zimbabwe just to make sure that this show goes ahead,” said Dee Nosh, one of the organisers.
“This thing of postponing and cancelling Morgan Heritage shows has gone on long enough and it is high time we put a stop to it. For the reputation of the country and for those planning to bring them in future, we will ensure this gig goes ahead,” he said.
The massive 15-piece band arrives in three batches starting this Wednesday.
“They are coming from different parts of the world so other band members will arrive on Wednesday, the next group arrives Thursday and the final set jets in on Friday,” said Dee Nosh.
A massive welcome party and a tour of radio stations and some of the country’s heritage sites has been lined up ahead of the Saturday show at the HICC.
Internationally recognised Zimbabwean superstar Oliver Mtukudzi and dancehall genius Winky D will share the stage with the “Don’t Haffi Dread” hit makers in what promises to be a thriller.
In between the live acts, Godfatha Templeman and selector Gary B will fill the gaps, ensuring there is non-stop action from start to finish.
Morgan Heritage is a reggae band formed in 1994 by five children of reggae artiste Denroy Morgan.
Undoubtedly one of the foremost live groups on the reggae circuit, the sensational roots reggae quintet comprises of siblings Peetah Morgan (vocals), Una Morgan (keyboard/vocals), Roy “Gramps” Morgan (keyboard/vocals), Nakhamyah “Lukes” Morgan (rhythm guitar) and Memmalatel “Mr Mojo” Morgan (percussion/vocals).
Their albums include “Protect Us Jah” (1997), “One Calling” (1998), “Don’t Haffi Dread” (1999), “More Teachings” (2001), “Three in One” (2003) and “Mission in Progress” (2008), among many others.
They also have compilation albums and recorded DVDs.
The siblings have also pursued solo careers.
In 2012, they released a single “The Return”, which was followed by an album released by VP Records in 2013, “Here Come the Kings”.
Their latest album “Strictly Roots” was released on their own label CTBC (Cool To Be Conscious) Music Group. It is their 10th studio album.
Among the heavyweights who worked on “Strictly Roots”, are Don Chandler, BBC 1Xtra’s Seani B, Shane C. Brown (Juke Boxx Productions), multiple Grammy nominee J-Vibe, French reggae/dancehall production duo Matthieu Bost and Jérémie “Bim” Dessus, guitarist Andrew “Simmo” Simpson and DJ Fras.
Adding their vocals to infectious rhythms with empowering and stimulating lyrics are platinum selling Pop/Dancehall phenomenon Shaggy, American reggae and R&B vocalist J Boog, third generation ambassadors from the Morgan and Marley families, Jemere Morgan and Jo Mersa Marley, reggae sensation Chronixx, Rebelution and Bumble Bee from the American Grammy-nominated pop reggae band SOJA. – Additional info www.morganheritagemusic.com
The massive 15-piece band arrives in three batches starting this Wednesday.
