~ With 12th tribute to Bob Marley ~
Freedom Fighters Foundation celebrating its 20th anniversary will be commemorating the occasion with its 12th annual tribute to reggae legend Bob Marley. This being the foundation's 20th anniversary and 12th annual tribute, patrons are in store for an original "2012" reggae treat to start off their year.
The occasion themed "Get up, Stand Up" will be hosted on the Great Bay beach promenade in front of St. Rose Arcade from 4:00pm to 12:00 midnight this Friday, February 3. Featured acts will include Dow & the Ebony Steel Band Orchestra, Shaba Drummers, Solidicity Naja Bingi Drummers and of course the Freedom Fighters Band and guest act from Aruba Mystical Connection Band with sound by Zion Gate Sounds.
Commenting on the occasion, Freedom Fighters Foundation front man, Roland "Ras Bushman" Joe, said the foundation is thankful to see 20 years. "We give thanks for reaching this far and still being active, knowing that many others have given up before they could reach this far." He said the occasion was something simply for the people.
The foundation marks this recognition of Bob Marley because Rastafarians believe him to be one of the last prophets sent by God to help society understand revelation. "Bob Marley didn't come in jacket and tie, but came dreadfully and his words were honey," said Ras Bushman. He said the whole world respected Bob Marley, therefore the foundation decided to start honouring him and, although there had been tribulations in the past to celebrate the occasion, the foundation was still able to carry on year in and year out.
Special guest, Mystical Connection, will give a taste of Aruba's reggae vibe. The six-member band is a family band with different musical backgrounds coming together to create a unique and tide sound.
Inspired by Bob Marley, the band strives to "travel the world and cultivate the people's mind with music and information in a positive way, in a mystical way through the music." Other singers featured in the event include Sister Merlene Segers, Eman, Ku-J, Asher, Nika, Ball of Fire and Najah.
Ras Bushman started playing reggae music on drums with different local bands in 1988. In 1991, he established his own reggae band Freedom Fighters. Following this development, the Freedom Fighters foundation was established by a notary after one year on February 27, 1992.
Founding band members were Ras Bushman (drums/vocals), Ras Changa (vocals), Ras Amaziah (guitar), Chico (bass/vocals) and Marvin (keyboard). The band aims to encourage an individual's spiritual sense and reality through reggae music.
The Freedom Fighters Band has become a well-known name in the local music scene, having performed many concerts and shows. "Music is an important factor in people's daily lives and through its music, Freedom Fighters Band will send his message to the entire community," says the band.
The Foundation Freedom Fighters was established for the purpose of establishing a Rastafarian Musical Reggae Band. At the same time, the founder Ras Bushman was carrying out farming activities on Marigot Hill in St. Peters. Ras Bushman, originally from Curaçao arrived in St. Maarten on June 3, 1985, and immediately continued his agricultural activities and spreading the truths of Rastafarianism. The foundation has become a reliable source of enrichment, guidance and solidarity.
Check them out this Friday and pay tribute, all happening on the boardwalk at St. Rose Arcade. For more information, contact Bushman at 523-7861.
