Root Rokaz on Reggea Voyage

Words by Arthur Kitakufe

Bits of history have it that Reggea music has an African concept surrounding it and also holds the rasta movement close.It preaches positive message and tends to spread “one Love between all. It is this Philosophy that the Roots Rokaz reggae band is continuing to spread through their much fresh reggae sound to the Ugandan and global scene.Depending on their persistence Love and perhaps industry experience the band claims it has just started and is ready to take reggae sound to greater heights.Formed in September 2005 ,Roots Rokaz consists of Jenkins Mukasa (composer/vocals),Ras B saali (Guitar,vocals,composer,production),Grace Ddumba(guitar),Ronnie B (base guitar/producer),Meddie Kawuma(drums),Godfrey Okello(keyboard),William Bwewusa(composer/vocals),Lady sarafina (vocals) and Lady Keisha (vocals/composer).

The band did their very first gig on December 17 th during the hyper Angenoir parkyard bash and has also featured at the Radio simba annual Kigunda Kyo'waka (2005),the 2006 Bob Marley birth day concert at the national theatre gardens on 6 th February a day before they launched the band at the world class Ange mystique. “Our mission is to keep reggae music alive and besides there's a few reggae bands in the country today”explains Ras B Ssali with a stern look into my own eyes.In the past media hardly paid any attention to reggae music but we are glad that today they finally recognize it force and some stations have created programming mainly for reggae which is a plus for them.He continues. “Our sound and fell is different at least that's one of the comments I've received from fans”Band member Jenkins Mukasa chips in.

And more sound is what is expected of the bad in three weeks time as they'll be releasing three singles and videos for each of them.A Personal studio is also in the pipe line as more time is needed to produce quality music Ras Ssali adds.

In the meantime though, they plan to push solo projects from band members which could will finally deliver a Rootz Rokaz compilation compact disc. “We plan to promote the band members with with solo efforts to that's how it is for us.says Ras B.

However, amazing is the fact that the band will be extremely choosy about where to perfom and therefore will not be caught bar hopping to perfect. “We have a well crafted plan and plan to organize major concerts including the east African reggae Festival which is in the pipe line.we are on occasional band”Jenkins Mukasa emphasizes.The band is looking at August or September for the bashment.

After colonizing Kampala watch out for the roots rokaz in your home town as country tours are a part of their plan.

Solo dependence and being their own masters might sound like a hurdle for now but perhaps comfort comes from the trust gained by the co-operate world from reggae organized shows.As we speak a point beyond the sky is the limit for the Roots Rokaz.

Keep watching this space for RootsRokaz reggae music.

contact;

rootsrockasi@yahoo.co.uk

rootsrockaz@yahoo.com

Jenkins Mukasa : +256-752-200922

Ras B Ssali: +256-7722220242

A complete photogallery of the Root Rockas will be coming up shortly