What the press and media say

LIVE SHOWS AND GENERAL INTEREST

Black Roots call themselves the soldiers for poverty and righteousness. ‘Through our music we hope to draw attention to all the suffering in the world because that is what Black Roots is all about. We want to spread the message through our lyrics’ he (Jabulani Ngozi), said.’                                                                             Rema Mukena – Bristol Evening Post 22nd November 2020

Black Roots 'The Youth will always relate to the message of roots reggae - A retrospective article by Hannah Moll that first appeared in Loud Magazine in November 2019 and was later posted on 365 Bristol on 21st December 2019.

“'Bristol’s Black Roots opened the 6th night of festival with a brass-fuelled 10 piece ensemble of roots music. Drawing on their large stock of material dating back to 1979, their current spin ‘Son of Man’ was especially well received, whilst the classic steppers’ rhythm inputs ensured a modern dimension to the sound.' (Rototom Reggae Sunsplash Benicassim Spain 17th August 2017 * Main Stage)”                                                                                                                      Gerard McMahon - United Reggae

“This night's performance by Black Roots (London 29th March 2014) was a similar lesson for even the most jaded and weary in attendance on what can be achieved at a single live show. It was a revitalising reminder of the power of music.”  (Flyover Portobello London 29th March 2014)                                                                                                         Angus Taylor - Reggaeville

ALBUM REVIEWS

NOTHING IN THE LARDER RELEASED JUNE 2021

‘Black Roots reste fidèle à ses origine avec un reggae conscient, engagé et développé depuis toujours et qui a fait ses musiciens les messagers d’un reggae sans posture, sincère et profonde. Cet album rapelle les premiers combats du groupe pour l’éducation, contre l’exclusion et la pauvreté…Une ouvre de haute volée qui traversera les années’. (Black Roots remains true to its origins with a conscious reggae, committed and developed since the beginning and which has made its musicians the messengers of a reggae without pose, sincere and deep. This album recalls the group’s first fights for education, against exclusion and poverty…A high flying work that will span the years.)                                                                                                                                                      Simon Pernin Reggae Vibes Magazine – Issue 74 Autumn 2021

‘They……..continue to write and record original songs in a style that may not break any new ground but certainly packs a punch, both lyrically and riddim-wise.…………This album………underlines the fact that there’s still a lot of good music left in some of our British reggae veterans who know all about the struggle and are unafraid to sing about it’.      John Masouri Echoes July 2021

‘…. the joy of traditional roots reggae cannot be taken away from these elderly gentlemen..Cozy guitar and wind parts sweeten ths self-sufficient interplay….’                                                                                                         Zvjezdan Markovic Irieites July 2021

Avec 'Nothing in the Larder', les Black Roots ajoutent une ligne plus a leur discographe aussi longe que qualitative tout un distillant leurs message conscient sur du pur roots, une album comme les ansciens sevent les faire.' (With, 'Nothing in the Larder', Black Roots add another line to their discography as long as it is qualitative whilst refining their conscious message on pure roots, an album similar to those the elders knew how to make in the seventies).                            Adrien Reggae.fr June 2021

TAKE IT - RELEASED NOVEMBER 2018

Take It offers reggae of the best kind, one that burns with the desire for social justice, that calls out oppression in Africa, Palestine, the streets of London. Speaking truth to power, Take It sees this veteran band at its best’                                                                                                                                                                                                      LG New Internationalist October 2018

‘Vous ne pourrez pas passer à coté de cet album référence dans lequel toute la puissance et la magie du reggae engagé sont présentes. Un Reggae Roots lumineux, mélancolique, triste mais aussi porteur d'espoir. N'hésitez surtout pas à vous le procurer et et à aller les voir sur scène aux dates indiquées ci-dessous’                             Tarpon La Grosse Radio Webzine 24 November 2018

SON OF MAN - RELEASED JANUARY 2016

"11 fresh songs,........., packed with harmonious vocals which carry melodic guitars, charismatic horns and the powerful messages of the band to the world. 30 years after their debut the legendary UK roots reggae band with "Son of Man" show that they are still able ... to make influential and wonderful music!"                                                                                          Peter Parker – 1.beat.de
 
"..50 minutes of ... quality roots reggae across 11 tracks await you on this .. album from Black Roots’ ‘Son Of Man’ ... So the recommendation is to get your dancing shoes on (and thinking cap) on this fine feast of roots reggae.  In brief, the compilation, .. is .. an engaging amalgam of high horn hooks, catchy rhythms, conscious lyrics and clever choruses ..."                                                                                                                                                                                             
Gerry McMahon – WorldaReggae.com
 
"At first Son Of Man might seem like nothing more than a charming throwback to the golden age of UK reggae, but as the album goes on it keeps getting better and better as the songs gradually imprint themselves and the melodies start to resound."                                                                                                                                                                    
Phil Johnson – Independent on Sunday
 
"The band sounds rejuvenated on this latest album .... There’s quality in what they do.  The songs are well considered and they use a full complement of instruments ... They also love that steady, reggae groove.  I defer anyone not to start rocking ..."                                                                                                                                                                                     
John Masouri – Black Echoes

‘Black Roots signature horn section – the Tenyue brothers aka Matic Horns – still conjure an authentic roots feeling for the group’s immaculately written and delivered songs, recorded with engineer Louis Beckett ... on the final mix.’                                                                                                                                                                                                     Steve Barker – The Wire March 2016

GHETTO FEEL - RELEASED SEPTEMBER 2014

“The twelve tracks of the album are pure upliftment and motivation to fight the necessary struggles, keep one’s head up and ultimately succeed against all odds......Ghetto Feel is the perfect soundtrack for these times of crisis.”    Valentin Zill - Reggaeville

“Now I’m thrilled yet again….the reason? Black Roots is back with yet another scorcher.”                      Erik Magni - Reggaemani

“Two years ago, legendary UK roots unit BLACK ROOTS released 'On the Ground' which truly put them back on the map.... Their follow up 'Ghetto Feel' .......is levels "above ground" and is a gem of absolute perfection…. highest recommendation. This is a must; do trust. GO DEH!”                                                                                                                     Bob Heilman - Reggae Vibes

“…this brand new 'Ghetto Feel' album is in a league of its own. This is roots reggae as we like it best…."                       Rebel Base

ON THE GROUND - RELEASED SEPTEMBER 2012

“The key to the Black Roots’ sound is the ability to deliver powerful messages hand-in-hand with lovely melodies and well-layered arrangements; with thought rather than anger."                                                                      Brian Robbins - Jambands.com

 “…this is still strong, classic roots reggae, pounding out of your speakers with all the required ingredients of bass, drums, guitar, keys and a live horn section working in total harmony. (Reviewing 'On The Ground')”                           Karl Pearson - Reggaeville

 “… 'On The Ground' once again shows that they were always one of the best song driven reggae bands on the circuit. This album is a step up with thoughtful message driven songs underpinned by an insistent beat and some cool horn parts…”                                                                                                                                                                                        Pete Fenstra - Get Ready To Rock

“..there's an upbeat delicateness behind the heavy content. Musically, the band are as tight as ever, and the bass lines are particularly good. This is a band who are more comfortable with their style than any other British reggae artists that I know."                                                                                                                                                              MJH Milner - The Guestlist Network

“The tight riddim section showcases their skills on both up-tempo cuts as well as slower and more meditative ones. It’s complemented by a skilled horn section and tight back-up vocals, which emphasizes the clear and bright melodies that have always been part of Black Roots’ sound.  The songwriting is inspired and the earnest lyrics concern cultural, conscious and economical issues, as witnessed in tunes such as No FeeEarth Land andCapitalism.”                      Angus Taylor - United Reggae

PRESS AND MEDIA RESOURCES

What the Press and Media Say Selected Press and Media Quotations. 128 KB
Biography Full biography of the band. 111 KB
Black Roots 'Nothing in the Larder' Story Line A short description of the band's most recent album release. 29.1 KB