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Bob Dylan-Bob Marley cross Omari Banks ready for Reggaelution in India

Former West Indies all-rounder Omari Banks is back in India, only this time it is for his maiden reggae gig in the country as opposed to a cricket match.

“There are still some artists in the Caribbean who are saying the same things as Bob Marley did and promoting conscious reggae music. There is not a lack of issues to sing about.” It’s perhaps the only time Omari Banks, a former West Indies cricketer who featured in 10 Tests and five ODIs in the early aughts, breaks away from his generally jovial disposition and gets all serious.

The perennial smile turns into a deep gaze. This is Banks insisting that the relevance of Reggae music-which is what he’s been asked about only hours after he’s landed in Mumbai- in a society seeped in “materialism”, which’s still as significant as it always was. The reason, according to him, of course, is that the “issues” the late Marley focused his music around remain as relevant as they always have in the Caribbean.

“There’s still racism, economic sanctions, poverty, crime, bad leadership and the International Monetary Fund. The same issues and rebellions are happening. And the message that my music conveys is about love, unity and bringing people together,” he explains. It’s this “message” that the 35-year-old, who was described as “a cross between Bob Marley and Bob Dylan” in The New York Times is planning to spread along with the awareness of Reggae on his first visit to India as a musician.

Banks has been here twice before but both times in his previous avatar as a cricketer. His first was with the West Indies A team and the second with Somerset in 2009 for the maiden Champions League T20 tournament.

Vivid memories
It was back when he was an off-spinning all-rounder, who starred in a world record-run chase in only his second Test, and a useful county cricketer who finished his final first-class season as the joint best all-rounder in the Caribbean along with Darren Sammy. And the one aspect of India that Banks remembers most vividly from back then is the vibe of the people here.

“We played against Deccan Chargers in Hyderabad, and when VVS Laxman came out to bat, the noise and energy was amazing. I was a big fan of his batting, and my present favourite Rohit Sharma used to play for them as well, and the ease with which they batted. You enjoy watching them bat even when you’re playing against them,” Banks recalls.

While Banks has seamlessly swapped the cricket field for the world stage over the last few years, cricket does have a role to play in the timing of his trip to India, which he’s dubbed the Reggaelution.

“Darren Sammy had mentioned to me about coming to India and promoting my music in the past. And I thought with the IPL on, and the country’s focus on cricket, this was the perfect time to do that,” says Banks, whose father Bankie Banks remains one of reggae’s living legends.

Banks counts the likes of Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo as his contemporaries from long before they were cricket’s globe-trotting millionaires and had boasted of hyperbolic monikers.

It’s in Pune on Saturday that Banks will take the stage for his maiden gig before spending the following week in Mumbai. Gayle and Bravo will incidentally be in Pune too at the same time with their respective teams set to clash a day later at the MCA Stadium. And Banks is already pleased with the support he’s received from his former teammates. Bravo even posted a video on his Instagram promoting the man who once gifted him a bat back in his junior cricket days.

“Whenever I meet Gayle, he’s still the same Chris Gayle for me. I don’t see a big personality change when I meet him. Bravo and Sammy are the same too. I’ve seen how their success has catapulted them far down the road and they seem like the same people I knew from before,” he says.

Latest release
Banks also plans to release his latest music video Reggae Summertime during his visit, and reveals that it’s a song that encapsulates his home island of Anguilla. It won’t be his first attempt at putting his homeland on the world map. In 2003, he’d became the first-ever international cricketer to emerge from Anguilla. It was a feat for which he received a motorcade and a parade.

“Not a lot of people know about Anguilla. It’s got a happy feel and the summer vibes and bounce. In the video, you’ll see the different aspects of Anguilla being captured,” he says.

It’s also a song, he admits, that will talk about the inspirational effects of reggae music, especially at a time it’s struggling to hold its own, to the extent that it didn’t even get air-time during last year’s Grammy Awards. For, like he says, “There’ll always be enough to sing about.”

Source – IndianExpress.com

Soulful Singer Omari Banks Heads to UK for “Sunlight” Album Premiere & Live Concert

From hits on the fields as a professional athlete, to delivering music hits on his debut “Move On” album (#4 on the Top Ten Reggae Albums of 2015 on German Riddim Magazine), son of legendary Bankie Banks, Anguilla born soulful reggae blues rock artist Omari Banks has garnered many accolades and worldwide recognition. From prestigious Forbes magazine to Huffington post, BET to NY Times, to a recent award nomination by New York’s major Caribbean diaspora radio station Irie Jam, Omari’s charm, musical delivery, versatile lyrics ranging from consciousness to sensuality and memorable performances have all been recognized and praised internationally.

“At six foot five, dark and handsome, with long dreadlocks and a cool Caribbean style, you can’t help but be drawn to Omari Banks, His music is dynamic and has many influences.” –  Huffington Post

Last year has seen the star embark on a successful European tour alongside Grammy winning Morgan Heritage, perform at major U.S festival South By SouthWest, and release various singles produced by notable producers, pairing with breathtaking visuals filmed between the Caribbean and Italy. Both the singles and videos have been on constant rotation, while building the anticipated follow up album.

“... Omari Banks. With his dashing good looks, rockstar stage presence and impressive #singer #songwriter skills, the younger Banks is well poised to carry on his father’s legacy and take Anguillan reggae international.” – Forbes

To the delight of his fans, Omari Banks recently announced that his next album titled “Sunlight” will be release Spring 2017. In a recent release to the media, Omari explained “This album is positively charged and fused with melody and vibe which i hope will inspire, enlighten and encourage the awakening of love throughout the world”. The crooner is presently hard at work in Jamaica putting the finishing touches on “Sunlight”.

The latter’s album premiere will be revealed and celebrated with a live concert April, 7th, 2017 at Notting Hills Arts Club in London, UK. Hosted by famed BBC host Robbo Ranx, the event will see Omari perform such music as “Naturally” and “System Set”, both featured on “Sunlight” album.

“Omari Banks, who commanded the stage with a Jimi Hendrix-reminiscent presence. Rocking a multicolored “Rolling Stones” cut-off tee, a bandana, leather pants and his signature dreads, Omari showed,  that “He did not come to play — He came to slay.” – BET

Omari’s album release and concert are part of his upcoming Spring European promo tour visiting the Netherlands, UK, Germany with more countries to be announced, where he looks forward to reconnect with fans, and with the hopes of making new ones. “ Europe is a very special place for me, the love and support makes it feel like a second home. So I see it as my duty to give nothing but the best of me..”

Summer 2017 will see Omari Banks shining some “Sunlight”  to the U.S.A.

WATCH THIS: Omari Banks ft. Duane Stephenson “System Set” Official Music Video PREMIERE

Omari Fights The Right Fight

The quest for wisdom knowledge and overstanding is not about having all the answers. The real major key—shout to DJ Khaled—is asking the right questions. The Crown Prince of Reggae, Dennis Emmanuel Brown, once sang a song that asked “Do you know what it means to have a revolution?” Elsewhere D. Brown observed “Them ah fight them mothers, them ah kill them brothers, some ah fight them sister, some a fight them father,” then he asked a musical question that was more like a challenge: “Who they gonna fight when the right fight comes?” Although Dennis passed away without receiving a good answer, there were other seekers who picked up his line of questioning. On Tarrus Riley’s seminal 2006 album Parables  Singy Singy sang a song called “System Set” (subtitled “Willie Lynch Syndrome” after a notorious speech attributed to a West Indian slave master who advised that the best way to control unruly slaves was to, in other words, to divide and rule.)  “In the race for a dollar, friends turn sour—even Mama ‘gainst Dada,” Riley’s song observed. “And I heard that gunshot ah shower over rice and flour—This we can’t allow yah. It makes no sense to fight for food. I’d rather wait for harvest.” And then he completes the thought with a powerful question: “Tell me who and what it profits?” (The modern day Willie Lynches of course, people like Donald Trump.) Today Boomshots proudly premieres the music video for Omari Banks’ song of the same name. But make no mistake, the 2016 version of “System Set” is not a cover. The melody and lyrics are completely new, although the fearless rebel spirit remains the same. This song is more like a continuation of an ongoing search for wisdom, knowledge, and overstanding—making use of word, sound, and power to ask a burning question, one that remains unanswered from that time till this time: “Do you know what  you’re fighting for?” Video After The Jump…

“As a lover of history and a enthusiast of world matters I’ve always found it very interesting to listen to people’s view on topics which have shaped the world we live in,” says Omari, who traveled to both Jamaica and Italy to film the  video. “‘System Set’ is a song which encourages the listener to dig within their beliefs, present documented facts and ask questions which I find compelling and critical to the existence of all people living in unity.”

“Do you know what you’re fighting for” Run that…

“Quite frankly I’m speaking as a realist.”

Produced by Omari himself, the Jamaica portion of the “System Set” video was shot by Kerrin “Kerro” McLean

– Omari Banks – Producer and Executive Producer
– Mario Parruccini – Film/Video’s Director, Director of Photography, Screenplay, Editing and Post Production
– Marta Federici – Co-producer, backstage Photographer
– Paolo Zanotti added producer
– Enrico Luciani first assistant director
– Patrizio Trecca  Line producer
– Lucrezia Farinella costumes
– Ilaria di Lauro make-up and hair stylist
– Federica Palmiotta (ring girl)
– Cristiano Dominici first camera operator assistant
– Gerardo Falce key grip
– Fabrizio Russo gaffer

Omari Banks Rocks the Boomshots x Irie Jam Showcase at SXSW

If you happen to be in St. Maarten this July 9th, catch Omari Banks and his Eleven Band live at The Red PianoAnd if you can’t make it, check out his new official website.

SOURCE – www.boomshots.com

Omari Banks: Former Cricketer Turned Reggae Rocker Is Making Waves

LargeUp Premiere: Omari Banks feat. Duane Stephenson – “System Set”

Fresh off a performance at Anguilla’s annual Moonsplash concert last week, Anguillan cricketer-turned-singer and songwriter Omari Banks returns with “System Set,” a new single featuring charged up political commentary and a cameo from Jamaica’s Duane Stephenson. Blending reggae riddims with an almost Santana-like rock guitar lead, Banks challenges the listener to think long and hard on their position within the “the system,” illuminating the Caribbean’s precarious place in the world economy.

“IMF, you’re either in it or dem squash you like a pumpkin,” Banks sings. “We understand that this has always been bad business. But the only thing we selling is blue water and we beaches. What a situation we are now confronting.”

“System Set,” from an upcoming LP Banks will be releasing later this year, sees Banks, known for more personal material like “Unafraid” and “More Than Friends” taking a more provocative lyrical stance. It was recorded in Jamaica at Tuff Gong Studios, with musicians form Morgan Heritage and producer Andre Keys.

“As a lover of history and am enthusiast of world matters, I’ve always found it interesting to listen to people’s views on topics which have shaped the world we live in,” Banks says. “‘System Set’ is a song which encourages the listener to dig within their beliefs, present documented facts and ask questions, which I find critical to the existence of all people living in unity.”

Listen to what the man said, and run tune  right here:

[Review] ATTN: Moonsplash Is Not Your Average Reggae Fest

Sun, sand and sea — while this is usually the quintessential jargon attached to the carefree essence of several Caribbean islands, the small isle of Anguilla boasts something much richer, daring to add one more element to the pot: music. The country’s three-dayMoonsplash reggae festival, considerably the oldest of its kind in the Caribbean, almost seamlessly goes hand-in-hand with its “too cool for school” vibe. This vibration, unlike more widely-known music festivals, boasts an authenticity that can’t be bought.

Often considered the “best full moon party in the Western hemisphere” by locals and visitors alike, Moonsplash does away with the pretentious fringe frocks, faux suede chaps, bandana head bands, and other makeshift fashion “staples” attendees of other mainstream festivals exclusively attend for. Instead, the music is made the star of the show, with widely traveled — and heavy pocketed — “Moonsplashers” being the first to acknowledge such.

Extending along the vibes of Coachella, South by Southwest and the like, another element in which Moonsplash differs in is its size. Intentionally, the attendance is left at a controlled and deliberately concentrated number, around 500 at max, forcing attendees to mix, mingle and jam without the hustle and bustle of overpopulation.