Fertile Ground by Boom Shaka

While many Reggae artists have been hugely influenced by the legendary Bob Marley, who changed a generation with his spiritual message of justice and equality, Boom Shaka reigns supreme among the inheritors of Reggae’s number one prophetic and revolutionary figure, the “African Ghetto King”, Peter Tosh. No other band can better illustrate the creative genius of Tosh's school of Reggae than Boom Shaka.

Like Peter Tosh, Boom Shaka is uncompromising when it comes to the essence of Reggae music's message and its creative capacity. Unlike many Reggae artist who nowadays jump from one musical style to the other, Boom Shaka does not need another new fad to replace the inherent possibilities found in Reggae music. While many other classical “Roots” artists from Jamaica have inspired, and are greatly respected by Boom Shaka, only Boom Shaka chose to, and eventually assured their place as the true successors of Peter Tosh. The late Joe Higgs,

(the Wailer's musical director), saw Trevy, the lead singer of Boom Shaka, as proof that the spirit and philosophy Peter Tosh lives on. Boom Shaka has taken that spirit one step further; into the 21st Century.

Recorded at the famous Radio Recorders Studio in Hollywood, Boom Shaka is set to move people’s hearts and feet with their long awaited 5th CD, “FERTILE GROUND”. Boom Shaka has earned international recognition with a set of hard top ranking alternative reggae classics.

The themes contained in “Fertile Ground” are so in sync with current events, that the timing of this CD appears to be divinely inspired. Most Reggae experts, DJ's and the worldwide Reggae community agree that “FERTILE GROUND” is a historical album, containing international Reggae anthems for true Reggae lovers. Listeners will still be bumping and meditating to these time defying tracks well into the next century.

The first track, “Rastafari is the Future”, a spiritual meditation about JAH being the only possible future, is an unforgettable and irresistible Rasta chant about being positive in these primitive and brutal times of Babylon. Track two, "Ganja Discrimination", is a rallying call for mankind's freedom, especially in the case of agriculture. Both songs are delivered in a deadly groove package with uplifting lyrics containing hooks that will have listeners singing long after the music has finished.

This crucial combination of musicians is an integral element that give Boom Shaka its edge. Each member brings with him a unique angle which throws a different spice into the Roots Reggae voodoo music pot.

Trevy Felix, Boom Shaka's lead singer and main composer, is, like Peter Tosh, a very dynamic band leader with strong, resonant, and compelling vocals. Trevy’s music addresses pressing issues, with a high sense of lyricism and vision. Trevy's interests range from the preservation of African history and traditions, to the preservation of the environment, and human dignity.

Jamaican underground roots legend, drummer and composer Shakaman, (from the famed Rastafarians), provides Boom Shaka with an energetic, steady and edgy groove. Shakaman is one of the world's most gifted scientists in terms of rhythms and compositions. He is a highly respected sonic soldier of H.I.M. Haile Selassie. “Shakaman is a hidden holy mystic man, but will deny it if you ask him. However, if you are a sincere beautiful woman in search of mystical knowledge, he may reveal himself to you.”

Bass player, Ray “Bassie” Felix, is the brother of lead singer Trevy. Being that bass sound is the most crucial element of Reggae music, it is no surprise that “Bassie Ray”, as he is known by his fans, has been crowned by Reggae bass lovers with the highest of Bass Honors,

calling him Top of the Bottom and Lowest of the Low. In bass language, that means the Highest.

On songs such as “Creation”, “World Affair”, and the Reggae inspired translation of U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday ", lead guitarist, Lester Fari appears to channel the spirits of Roots Blues, a tradition which gave the world the names of John Lee Hooker and Jimi Hendrix, to name but a few. With his searing guitar work, Lester brings the creative genius of Afro American guitar playing with incredible rhythm and melody. Most Reggae guitar players based themselves on this magical Afro American guitar style. In fact, Al Anderson, and Junior Marvin, (Bob Marley's lead guitarists) had a huge influence on Reggae guitar players, and were themselves from the USA.

The old black american tradition known as the blues, is what Hendrix and the creators of Jazz were playing. Lester is one of the masters of this art form, and gives a unique Reggae approach to it.

The vibrant bubbling of Antiguan key boardist Binghi-I, lifts the backbone of the rock solid bass laid down by “Bassie Ray” Felix.

Rootsman is a creative and revolutionary DJ of the highest Bobo Rasta Order, which could easily be ranked with the best, such as Sizzla and Anthony . Rootsman's rythmic rhymes and melodies bring the already hot mix of Boom Shaka's music to the boil. Boom Shaka possess a natural aura and charisma that enhance their ability to connect with the people's issues and hearts, and induce a frenzied audience response everywhere they play. “In my thinking, roots music has the ability to make you change..”, says lead singer Trevy Felix, “...create a revolution inside you until you change for the better whether you want it now or not, a music that affects and heals your soul directly - and speaks from Jah to you, with no intermediary ...This is not new information...I and I have known that in Africa since the beginning of history : If a man don't listen to Roots music, he is a lost man..."

Keep your eyes and ears on their progress, as Boom Shaka is a sure, one way, first class ticket into the 22nd century and beyond.

© 2006 Boom Shaka

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