ROOTZ UNDERGROUND (Jamaica)
Rootz Underground! Revolution reggae music – edgy, raw, natural, roots… Kick down the walls, burn the paper the rules are written on and mash down the “box” that limits a sound to a single genre! Rootz Underground is here to channel the musical vibration that rings true in the heart and soul of all the conscious Rebel Rockers, Late Night Revelers & Soul Seekers!
Founded in 2000, this 6 member roots rock reggae group has been blazing trails with their music for two decades . Having rocked over 500 shows , across 65 countries, the band still strongly represents the underground music culture in Kingston and hosts live jams weekly. Many influences have borne their 'rootz’, including their homeland Jamaica – birthplace of Rastafari and other radical movements, JAH – creator of all things, family, the earth in all its glory, the revolutionary 70’s, Dub and Roots Reggae music. Synergy is a beautiful thing to witness and when delivered onstage with raw energy live and direct it’s even more captivating. Over the last two decades they have won their fans and the respect of their contemporaries one explosive show at a time showcasing and projecting a collective energy that captivates audiences with its pure intention. It is with this ability to engage and hypnotize that Rootz Underground has set out on the tour trail, traveling through the Caribbean, North America, Europe and Africa. From Kingston and venues such as The Village Café and Red Bones all the way to the largest stages in Jamaica including Sunsplash, Rebel Salute, Welcome to Jamrock, Reggaelution, Sumfest and Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues repeatedly as well as biggest stages in around the world such as Roskilde in Denmark Dour Festival and Reggae Geel in Belgium, SummerJam and ReggaeJam in Germany, and many others.
A rich sound, full of careful layers, serves as a comfortable bed for some of the most universal and honest lyrics to rest in a reggae mix. This sound also has a serious rock music sensibility with breakdowns into hard-hitting grooves, intense builds and smooth transitions back to the one-drop reggae rhythms.
Passionate work, joy in the blessing and humility along the journey sums up the attitude with which each musician moves forward and through the power of the Most High and with his Grace they shall continue to reap the positive fruit of their labour. While several others pursue a mainstream approach , Rootz Underground is laser focused on the artistic and spiritual aspects of the music . Their writing style coupled with electrifying stage shows keeps them in the forefront of the underground as the quiet giants. A welcome addition to any line up, Rootz Underground will release a new album entitled “Dread Fire Tower” in early 2024.