Dateline: 21/09/01 Venue: Brixton Recreational Centre

The Autumn Solstice is here
The days are getting colder and the nights are getting longer,but music is definitely providing the heat!
Such was this session.

We couldn't get into the hall until 2000,even though we had arrived from 1600 due to the hall being used from 1900-2000 by an exercise class.But as soon as they left the set was quickly rolled in and set up.Iration Steppas was right behind us in wheeling in their set and stringing up.

At 2130 Irattion Steppas were running tests on their set.I listened as Mark tuned his set and tested his B-line.As he tuned up his B-line it got rounder and louder with a definite roll.

I have heard Iration play many times over the years and I can put my hand on my heart and say that the overall sound of Iration was the best I have heard them sound.Nice separation with a punch.
Raspect to Mark / Rootical & crew for striving for continual improvement.

We had a slight technical problem in that one of our very large amps decided to an impression of a hurricane and blew.So we pulled it out and wired in one of the spares.
As this was as we were sound testing and the session hadn't started, no problem.
But it meant that I spent the next 20 minutes with my head inside the amp with meter in hand seeing if I could make it do a Lazurus.
But due to the time constraint I just had to tell Aba that it needed a service; the last rites.

Anyway by 2200 people were coming into the hall and both ourselves and Iration were playing,the session was about to begin. My bredrin Punk asked where was Tubbs? I turned to look around just as Tubb's came into the hall pushing an amp case,followed by his boxmen carrying tops and mids.

Tubbs set up and his mic man apologised for their late arrival. He then proceeded to dictate how the session was going to run. "2,2 till it done" was the call from Tubb's mic man.

Well dread I can tell you that I bear malice to no one,and my mother brought my siblings and I with respect for others,but if you come late you don't proceed to make proclamations about how 'tings are go run'. You drop into the already established momentum and hold your corner.You don't then go and play 7 long pieces of one tune,6 of another and then run a next tune.

This is not dancehall!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These are my thoughts and feelings on the matter and no way reflect the thoughts and feelings of Aba or Iration as they are individuals and they have the right just as I have to make their own comment.

Anyway the session got into full swing and as the night progressed,the placed was packed, sardines would have complained about the conditions.But it contributed to a wicked night.

As I have already mentioned Iration's sound quality has improved and this was very evident as the rotation of which sound played next continued through the session.

Tubb's was driving hard in the late hours,but Iration sounded so much better than him and Aba followed Iration and put them both in their place.

Bredrin Prince Malachi who we have been working with in 'Shanti Studios' came and gave a live rendition over the set of one of the tunes we have recorded with him.

The tune is called 'Guidance & I-tection' and may form part of an album.
Keep checking here for updates.

Raspect to: Mark Iration, Rootical, Ras Natural, Tubb's, Tom & Friend From Israel, Sheila (DJ), Nicole from Germany, Prince Malachi, Andy & Mark (De Chef), Charles,University Of Dub Cru, Steppa, Chantel, Ras Fox, Lioness, Billy Ocean, Big Foot, Zebby, Pierre from Switzerland, Kilowat, Alston, The French / German / Dutch / Italian / Japanese / American Cru's and to all who came and made this session so HOT!

One Love The Humble Lion

"The skies darkened and the heavens open up, and down came a great deluge" such was the situation on the sunday of this year's carnival. But as we only ever play the monday,we had............
"And the clouds parted and the sun was resplendent in the sky, and great joy abounded all about"
Yes people, monday was a great sunny day with a mellow cool breeze.

The pride and I arrived early and waited for the lorry and generator to arrive. We travel with our own generator at functions such as these, so that no one can pull the plug on us.Such is the politics surrounding the carnival that a couple of years ago the borough council made it illegal for a resident of the borough to supply electricity to a sound system,with the threat of eviction and court action to any that did.

As we waited a Japanese guy came and sat down on the kerb across the road from where we were waiting.Strange I thought as the time was only 09:40 and even the most ardent Aba-ite would not turn up until midday.I was to find out when the lads turned up with the set that he was a friend of Shanti-I and had been told to be there early to help set up the sound. Raspect to the bredrin.

Anyway the lorry arrived at 10:30 and we started setting the sound and the stall up.

We took our time setting things up and as we were doing so people started arriving and claiming their corner.One vocal gentleman for want of a better word started shouting "What's happen to the music" and "When are you going to be ready"? The time was 12:30. Well I had to have a word...
"This is a free event for the people and you have not paid to come and listen to us,but it has costs us to come and play here. So we will be ready when we are ready and not before", Nuff said !
With that I went back to work on setting up the set.

I was called over to the stall by the lioness, it seems a lady wanted to ask me a question.

"Why is Aba Shanti-I called Aba Shanti-I and where does it come from" she asked ?
"Well Aba means father or chief and is from West Africa and Shanti means warrior in West Africa or peace in the Indian sub continent; the I means oneself. So the full meaning of Aba Shanti-I is:

I am the father / chief warrior or I am the father / chief of peace".

She smiled at my answer and nodded and said "You Know"! One very happy West African lady and her two young daughters.

14:15 and the set is tuned up and Aba starts playing. It acted like a rallying call,people started gathering and in no time it was packed.

Nice to see so many well behaved people in the area just vibing. Even the people on the roof of the sports centre who when asked to come down, did so.Health & Safety officer was very concerned about them.

Had a little chat with some bredrins that had travelled from across the seas to take in the vibe and greeted bredrins I had not seen for some time.

It is nice that carnival is such an occassion and that people like it so much that they travel vast distances to be present and to contribute to the atmosphere. In this time of brother killing brother and the slaughter of the innocent. With fear and trepidation being aided along by the scaremongers and those with vested interests, creating a situation where people are looking on one another for differences that can be used against them, it is nice to be part of a mass of people without fears or prejudices (if only for a time) being themselves.

My son turned up with his lady Polly and friend.I could see the pride in his face at what me,his father was part of and an acknowledgement for what we at Falasha are trying to achieve.As George Clinton put it: "One Nation Under A Groove", wicked!

Digi Stepper from the 'Joshua Horns' (horn section of the Shanti-Ites) came with Sax in hand and blew some live sax playing over some 'Shanti-Ites' dub plates. People were coming up to the stall to try and buy the tunes with the sax playing on. Lioness had to tell them the sax was being played live and that the only way to obtain the playing they just heard was to buy a live session tape which featured Digi on it. Needless to say tapes flew off the stall. People if you ever get the chance to see the Shanti-Ites live in session,take it in. I am not just saying that because I am part of the company. Seriously, live dub selection are run.

There was a strict turn off policy at this year's carnival and at 19:00 the police came up to the set and informed us that it was turn off time. The crowd which was very,very large by this time were none too pleased,but they as well as us abided by the rules. If the rules were broken or any trouble ensued because of the strict policy, then there would be no carnival 2002 for anybody.

Marcin from Poland, Ras Kehinde (Twin Sounds / Ghetto Roots) New York,Garth from New York, Kelly from JA, Veronique from France, Ras Kulcha and good Lady from Israel, Martine/Chaim and bredrin from Gambia, The Italian / French / German / Dutch and seriously outernational Japanese posses. My son the Lion cub Polly and friend, Benji The Original Stepper!, Gurv who just loves the tunes, Sister Milly & Cru, Alston, June and Marcus, Mark's Daughter, Digi Stepper (Joshua Horns) Skopi, Zebulon, Asher, Tremble, Gill, Andy, Gemi, Charles, Mom, Bigger, Trenchtown, Kali........and to all present RASPECT!!!!!

Hackney is Aba's home turf and to play on home soil was a bonus.

We arrived early and were set up awaiting power from 12:30.We didn't get power until 15:00. But once we did, Aba started tearing up the place. Most other sounds were in tents; but we were out in the open. So there was nothing to dampen the sound. People started gathering from the first tune and kept coming.

In a very short space of time there was a very large crowd all vibing out.

"Free up your heart & soul" urged Aba over the mic, and free up they did. All races.All creeds.All genders With one unified spirit they danced and gyrated and vibes was in the area.

The promoter Chris came over to me and said that we had the best vibe of the whole festival as he too "freed up himself". Niceness in the area for over 5 hours as the crowd got bigger and bigger.

Long time bredrin Rip, walked into the centre of the mass of people and was overwhelmed not only by the sheer physical sound power,but the Vibe! "He's coming along Mick, he's coming along" he told me with a big grin on his face.

People had come from all over the UK & Europe and further afield to take in this event.

Shandi - I had come from Japan along with others. A girl who I had seen in Tel Aviv came walking pass me, so I went up and introduced myself. She told me her name was Nyah and she had come to hear the fullness.Gabrielle from France sought me out to hug me and to tell us to keep doing what we are doing. The Italian / French / Dutch / German posses were all in full flight.

The vibe was so good it sparked an Asian bredda to email me to ask if Aba could play at his wedding!

Here is his email:

Easy Now!

Was at the volcano yesterday............. Aba Kicked
it.
Just want to know how much it will cost to have aba at
my wedding in about three years time. (Outdoors).
Serious.

Gurv

My grandson Dean who I had never taken to any event before, took his nana's sunglasses and went straight in front of the amps and was shocking out like a veteran. I had to keep going to retrieve him from the centre of the mass of people on numerous occassions.He is only Six!!!!!!!!!!

"Michael, I can feel all here shaking" he said to me pointing to his chest, as I escorted him out of the crowd for the umpteenth time.

He loved the vibe, and if my grandson could feel the vibe that speaks for itself.

So if you were there you know the score.If you missed it don't miss carnival this year...
The vibe continues!!!!!!!!!!

Raspects going out to: Simeon, Naphtali & The University Of Dub Crew, Nyah, Gabrielle, Carl Gentles, Sweet T, Gemi, Bull, Debbie, Rip, Liam, Benji (Longtime Steppa), Bonjo (African Headcharge), Steve, Mum, Lorraine, Jacks, Alan, Angel, Jah Tubb's Cru, Chris, Robin, Morgan, Gus, Sister Rueben, Cliff, Gruv, Dee, Winston and to all present (To Richenda & sister: you should have come)

One Love The Humble Lion.

Aba Shanti-I back in Leicester for the first time in a year, had a crowd of people waiting patiently as we set up the set.
We had arrived slighty late due to unforeseen circumstances.But we were set up and playing by 15:00.
From the off it was no messing and the crowd were into the vibe.

There were a few spots of rain,but the crowd didn't run for cover but instead stood their ground and continued rocking.

There was a slight disturbance with some over watered bwoys and a suspected child molester.
But this was soon dealt with and the vibe returned to the throng.

Raspects to: Babar & Family, George, Babs & Family, Liam (SRD), Dub Judah & Family, Fireman, Kay,Nottingham Cru, Birmingham Cru, Leeds Cru, Manchester Cru, Bristol Cru, London Cru, Simeon, Naphtali & The University Of Dub Crew and to all those present..

One love...........The Humble Lion

Pictures Soon

Yes me good friends, Blood Shanti & The Shanti-Ites performed at the Essential Music Festival to great admiration from the promoter of the 'Continental Drift' stage, Chris.
To those that didn't know I apologise for not listing it on the Event's page. But time was short and other pressures of work.....you know dem way deh!
But still it was a good vibe and those present enjoyed the live show.

Raspects going out to: Juno (Nucleus Roots), Chris (Continental Drift), Mark Iration & Dennis Rootical,Tony, Liz, Annie, Christos, The Ras-Ites, Skip McDonald (My Brother), Adrian Sherwood (Long Time Bredrin), Akabu (In Fullness), Jerry, Simon, Crickback, Nuzzle, Sheri & Cru and to all at Essential,

One Love..............................The Humble Lion.

All sounds inna de place on time and dropping sweet music on a very appreciative crowd.
Entebee played some nice meditation tunes but did not have the sheer sound power of either Tubb's or Aba. But raspect is due for contributing to the vibe.
That said Aba & Tubb's did surely try to shake down the place. I had to leave the dance early as I had to be in Norwich for 0600. I left the dance at 0230 and the place was rocking, moreover it was HOT!!!!!
Very, Very warm inside the hall.

From the outside the windows were buzzing and I mean the windows in the shops across the road from the Rec, such was the force of the B-line from both Aba & Tubb's.

Raspects to the following: Tim & Heidi, Mark Iration & Dennis Rootical, Shankti from Jersey, Charles, Major Hotlips, Maureen (in the hat) & daughter, Uncle Festa & Lady, Andrew, Raymond Judah,Helen, Simeon, Napthali, & the University Of Dub Crew, Julian (Fairshare Unity), Sweet T, Evris, Terry Gadd, Entebee & The Rasta Chanters, Tubb's & Crew, The Travelling Crews from all over the UK / Europe & Beyond, Sis Benji & Crew (you should have come to the stall!) and to all....................Jah Bless!

We returned to Brighton for the 3rd time to shake the dust from the rafters.We were delayed due to the lorry shredding a tyre resulting in us having to hire / acquire at very short notice two large vans.

The promoter Jon was worried that we were not going to arrive. But arrive we did and were set up and playing by 2300.From the time Aba ran the first tune to test the set,the doors from the bar to the hall were opened and people flooded in.I have never seen a hall fill up so quickly. One minute it was empty,the next it was rammed.

The Brighton crowd dropped straight into the vibe, no messing.

The session was nice. Even Samari told me that it was the first time in a long while that he has danced for a whole session, and when the session ended the crowd would not let Aba stop.
They kept cheering and clapping and demanding Aba play "Just one more"; even as the set was being pulled down.

Raspect is due to: Jon (Roots Garden),Raymond Judah, Helen, Naphtali & The University Of Dub Crew, Debbie, Simon, Liz (sorry we couldn't chat.Next time.), Monty,The Travelling Aba-ites, Chris, Digi-Stepper, and to all who came and created the vibe, one love.

NB: Will the person who left something on Aba's coolbox or if you know them please tell them to contact me. I won't say what was left there, but they will know.

Once at the venue it was all hands to the fore to load in the set and string up.We had brought with us some extra hands, Raymond Judah's sons and friends (photos soon).

Once we had set up the boxes it was time to string it up and also time to get something to eat.
So Naptali and crew with a list of nutritional requirements headed off in search of a West Indian takeaway, while Aba, Bigger, Samari, Shandi-I, Humble and Sweet T set about stringing up and Lioness was left to set up the stall.

When Naptali and crew returned with a selection of : Ackee & Saltfish / Rice & Peas / Fried Dumpling / Stewed Chicken / Fried Fish we were nearly finished and ready to sound check. But sound check took a back seat to the food. Bwoy,the fried dumpling come like a small football but light not heavy. The lioness wanted to know how they made them so big and light and later on that night dragged me out of the dance under the guise of getting some fresh air, to find the takeaway to enquire on the recipe.

Suitably fed and watered we continued the sound check.

At 22.30 Aba was running test tunes and the promoter was letting people in.

By 12:30 the people were rocking and I literally mean rocking!

Let me set the scene. To all those that have experienced Aba playing at the 'Arches' in Vauxhall S.E London, times that by a factor of 5.

The venue was oblong in shape with a ceiling only 8 feet high and when Aba dropped the B-line on a tune the sound pressure was awesome.

Me, I love a B-line as well as the next person, but I would not stand in front of a set of Aba speakers when Aba is in full flight, and I am use to it. So what makes people who are not accustomed to the way that Aba plays, think that they can?

I watched as the people cheered when Aba warmed up the bass. But what they didn't realised that what they were cheering was not the low bass,but the high bass. When Aba dropped the fundamental the look of disbelief on peoples faces was a sight to behold. People were being physically vibrated by the sound.
It was if they were in a wind tunnel.
People moved swiftly from in front of the speakers and into the middle and sides of the venue.

Two tunes stick in my mind from this dance :
'Deep Roots' by 'Nucleus Roots' and 'Different View' by 'Dayjah' both tunes that shook the people.

To all the people that came out and made the session including: Gill (long time no see.All the way from Liverpool)
Andy (who had taken the coach from London to be at the session), Naptali & The University of Dub Crew, Smith & Mighty, Jerry, Winston, Conroy (security), Jossie, Carl, Iziah, Cripple, David, Tribulation and to all the West Country Ites & travelling crews, One Love and see you again soon.
Dateline: 21/09/01 Venue: Brixton Recreational Centre

The Autumn Solstice is here
The days are getting colder and the nights are getting longer,but music is definitely providing the heat!
Such was this session.

We couldn't get into the hall until 2000,even though we had arrived from 1600 due to the hall being used from 1900-2000 by an exercise class.But as soon as they left the set was quickly rolled in and set up.Iration Steppas was right behind us in wheeling in their set and stringing up.

At 2130 Irattion Steppas were running tests on their set.I listened as Mark tuned his set and tested his B-line.As he tuned up his B-line it got rounder and louder with a definite roll.

I have heard Iration play many times over the years and I can put my hand on my heart and say that the overall sound of Iration was the best I have heard them sound.Nice separation with a punch.
Raspect to Mark / Rootical & crew for striving for continual improvement.

We had a slight technical problem in that one of our very large amps decided to an impression of a hurricane and blew.So we pulled it out and wired in one of the spares.
As this was as we were sound testing and the session hadn't started, no problem.
But it meant that I spent the next 20 minutes with my head inside the amp with meter in hand seeing if I could make it do a Lazurus.
But due to the time constraint I just had to tell Aba that it needed a service; the last rites.

Anyway by 2200 people were coming into the hall and both ourselves and Iration were playing,the session was about to begin. My bredrin Punk asked where was Tubbs? I turned to look around just as Tubb's came into the hall pushing an amp case,followed by his boxmen carrying tops and mids.

Tubbs set up and his mic man apologised for their late arrival. He then proceeded to dictate how the session was going to run. "2,2 till it done" was the call from Tubb's mic man.

Well dread I can tell you that I bear malice to no one,and my mother brought my siblings and I with respect for others,but if you come late you don't proceed to make proclamations about how 'tings are go run'. You drop into the already established momentum and hold your corner.You don't then go and play 7 long pieces of one tune,6 of another and then run a next tune.

This is not dancehall!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These are my thoughts and feelings on the matter and no way reflect the thoughts and feelings of Aba or Iration as they are individuals and they have the right just as I have to make their own comment.

Anyway the session got into full swing and as the night progressed,the placed was packed, sardines would have complained about the conditions.But it contributed to a wicked night.

As I have already mentioned Iration's sound quality has improved and this was very evident as the rotation of which sound played next continued through the session.

Tubb's was driving hard in the late hours,but Iration sounded so much better than him and Aba followed Iration and put them both in their place.

Bredrin Prince Malachi who we have been working with in 'Shanti Studios' came and gave a live rendition over the set of one of the tunes we have recorded with him.

The tune is called 'Guidance & I-tection' and may form part of an album.
Keep checking here for updates.

Raspect to: Mark Iration, Rootical, Ras Natural, Tubb's, Tom & Friend From Israel, Sheila (DJ), Nicole from Germany, Prince Malachi, Andy & Mark (De Chef), Charles,University Of Dub Cru, Steppa, Chantel, Ras Fox, Lioness, Billy Ocean, Big Foot, Zebby, Pierre from Switzerland, Kilowat, Alston, The French / German / Dutch / Italian / Japanese / American Cru's and to all who came and made this session so HOT!

One Love The Humble Lion

"The skies darkened and the heavens open up, and down came a great deluge" such was the situation on the sunday of this year's carnival. But as we only ever play the monday,we had............
"And the clouds parted and the sun was resplendent in the sky, and great joy abounded all about"
Yes people, monday was a great sunny day with a mellow cool breeze.

The pride and I arrived early and waited for the lorry and generator to arrive. We travel with our own generator at functions such as these, so that no one can pull the plug on us.Such is the politics surrounding the carnival that a couple of years ago the borough council made it illegal for a resident of the borough to supply electricity to a sound system,with the threat of eviction and court action to any that did.

As we waited a Japanese guy came and sat down on the kerb across the road from where we were waiting.Strange I thought as the time was only 09:40 and even the most ardent Aba-ite would not turn up until midday.I was to find out when the lads turned up with the set that he was a friend of Shanti-I and had been told to be there early to help set up the sound. Raspect to the bredrin.

Anyway the lorry arrived at 10:30 and we started setting the sound and the stall up.

We took our time setting things up and as we were doing so people started arriving and claiming their corner.One vocal gentleman for want of a better word started shouting "What's happen to the music" and "When are you going to be ready"? The time was 12:30. Well I had to have a word...
"This is a free event for the people and you have not paid to come and listen to us,but it has costs us to come and play here. So we will be ready when we are ready and not before", Nuff said !
With that I went back to work on setting up the set.

I was called over to the stall by the lioness, it seems a lady wanted to ask me a question.

"Why is Aba Shanti-I called Aba Shanti-I and where does it come from" she asked ?
"Well Aba means father or chief and is from West Africa and Shanti means warrior in West Africa or peace in the Indian sub continent; the I means oneself. So the full meaning of Aba Shanti-I is:

I am the father / chief warrior or I am the father / chief of peace".

She smiled at my answer and nodded and said "You Know"! One very happy West African lady and her two young daughters.

14:15 and the set is tuned up and Aba starts playing. It acted like a rallying call,people started gathering and in no time it was packed.

Nice to see so many well behaved people in the area just vibing. Even the people on the roof of the sports centre who when asked to come down, did so.Health & Safety officer was very concerned about them.

Had a little chat with some bredrins that had travelled from across the seas to take in the vibe and greeted bredrins I had not seen for some time.

It is nice that carnival is such an occassion and that people like it so much that they travel vast distances to be present and to contribute to the atmosphere. In this time of brother killing brother and the slaughter of the innocent. With fear and trepidation being aided along by the scaremongers and those with vested interests, creating a situation where people are looking on one another for differences that can be used against them, it is nice to be part of a mass of people without fears or prejudices (if only for a time) being themselves.

My son turned up with his lady Polly and friend.I could see the pride in his face at what me,his father was part of and an acknowledgement for what we at Falasha are trying to achieve.As George Clinton put it: "One Nation Under A Groove", wicked!

Digi Stepper from the 'Joshua Horns' (horn section of the Shanti-Ites) came with Sax in hand and blew some live sax playing over some 'Shanti-Ites' dub plates. People were coming up to the stall to try and buy the tunes with the sax playing on. Lioness had to tell them the sax was being played live and that the only way to obtain the playing they just heard was to buy a live session tape which featured Digi on it. Needless to say tapes flew off the stall. People if you ever get the chance to see the Shanti-Ites live in session,take it in. I am not just saying that because I am part of the company. Seriously, live dub selection are run.

There was a strict turn off policy at this year's carnival and at 19:00 the police came up to the set and informed us that it was turn off time. The crowd which was very,very large by this time were none too pleased,but they as well as us abided by the rules. If the rules were broken or any trouble ensued because of the strict policy, then there would be no carnival 2002 for anybody.

Marcin from Poland, Ras Kehinde (Twin Sounds / Ghetto Roots) New York,Garth from New York, Kelly from JA, Veronique from France, Ras Kulcha and good Lady from Israel, Martine/Chaim and bredrin from Gambia, The Italian / French / German / Dutch and seriously outernational Japanese posses. My son the Lion cub Polly and friend, Benji The Original Stepper!, Gurv who just loves the tunes, Sister Milly & Cru, Alston, June and Marcus, Mark's Daughter, Digi Stepper (Joshua Horns) Skopi, Zebulon, Asher, Tremble, Gill, Andy, Gemi, Charles, Mom, Bigger, Trenchtown, Kali........and to all present RASPECT!!!!!

Hackney is Aba's home turf and to play on home soil was a bonus.

We arrived early and were set up awaiting power from 12:30.We didn't get power until 15:00. But once we did, Aba started tearing up the place. Most other sounds were in tents; but we were out in the open. So there was nothing to dampen the sound. People started gathering from the first tune and kept coming.

In a very short space of time there was a very large crowd all vibing out.

"Free up your heart & soul" urged Aba over the mic, and free up they did. All races.All creeds.All genders With one unified spirit they danced and gyrated and vibes was in the area.

The promoter Chris came over to me and said that we had the best vibe of the whole festival as he too "freed up himself". Niceness in the area for over 5 hours as the crowd got bigger and bigger.

Long time bredrin Rip, walked into the centre of the mass of people and was overwhelmed not only by the sheer physical sound power,but the Vibe! "He's coming along Mick, he's coming along" he told me with a big grin on his face.

People had come from all over the UK & Europe and further afield to take in this event.

Shandi - I had come from Japan along with others. A girl who I had seen in Tel Aviv came walking pass me, so I went up and introduced myself. She told me her name was Nyah and she had come to hear the fullness.Gabrielle from France sought me out to hug me and to tell us to keep doing what we are doing. The Italian / French / Dutch / German posses were all in full flight.

The vibe was so good it sparked an Asian bredda to email me to ask if Aba could play at his wedding!

Here is his email:

Easy Now!

Was at the volcano yesterday............. Aba Kicked
it.
Just want to know how much it will cost to have aba at
my wedding in about three years time. (Outdoors).
Serious.

Gurv

My grandson Dean who I had never taken to any event before, took his nana's sunglasses and went straight in front of the amps and was shocking out like a veteran. I had to keep going to retrieve him from the centre of the mass of people on numerous occassions.He is only Six!!!!!!!!!!

"Michael, I can feel all here shaking" he said to me pointing to his chest, as I escorted him out of the crowd for the umpteenth time.

He loved the vibe, and if my grandson could feel the vibe that speaks for itself.

So if you were there you know the score.If you missed it don't miss carnival this year...
The vibe continues!!!!!!!!!!

Raspects going out to: Simeon, Naphtali & The University Of Dub Crew, Nyah, Gabrielle, Carl Gentles, Sweet T, Gemi, Bull, Debbie, Rip, Liam, Benji (Longtime Steppa), Bonjo (African Headcharge), Steve, Mum, Lorraine, Jacks, Alan, Angel, Jah Tubb's Cru, Chris, Robin, Morgan, Gus, Sister Rueben, Cliff, Gruv, Dee, Winston and to all present (To Richenda & sister: you should have come)

One Love The Humble Lion.

Aba Shanti-I back in Leicester for the first time in a year, had a crowd of people waiting patiently as we set up the set.
We had arrived slighty late due to unforeseen circumstances.But we were set up and playing by 15:00.
From the off it was no messing and the crowd were into the vibe.

There were a few spots of rain,but the crowd didn't run for cover but instead stood their ground and continued rocking.

There was a slight disturbance with some over watered bwoys and a suspected child molester.
But this was soon dealt with and the vibe returned to the throng.

Raspects to: Babar & Family, George, Babs & Family, Liam (SRD), Dub Judah & Family, Fireman, Kay,Nottingham Cru, Birmingham Cru, Leeds Cru, Manchester Cru, Bristol Cru, London Cru, Simeon, Naphtali & The University Of Dub Crew and to all those present..

One love...........The Humble Lion

Pictures Soon

Yes me good friends, Blood Shanti & The Shanti-Ites performed at the Essential Music Festival to great admiration from the promoter of the 'Continental Drift' stage, Chris.
To those that didn't know I apologise for not listing it on the Event's page. But time was short and other pressures of work.....you know dem way deh!
But still it was a good vibe and those present enjoyed the live show.

Raspects going out to: Juno (Nucleus Roots), Chris (Continental Drift), Mark Iration & Dennis Rootical,Tony, Liz, Annie, Christos, The Ras-Ites, Skip McDonald (My Brother), Adrian Sherwood (Long Time Bredrin), Akabu (In Fullness), Jerry, Simon, Crickback, Nuzzle, Sheri & Cru and to all at Essential,

One Love..............................The Humble Lion.

All sounds inna de place on time and dropping sweet music on a very appreciative crowd.
Entebee played some nice meditation tunes but did not have the sheer sound power of either Tubb's or Aba. But raspect is due for contributing to the vibe.
That said Aba & Tubb's did surely try to shake down the place. I had to leave the dance early as I had to be in Norwich for 0600. I left the dance at 0230 and the place was rocking, moreover it was HOT!!!!!
Very, Very warm inside the hall.

From the outside the windows were buzzing and I mean the windows in the shops across the road from the Rec, such was the force of the B-line from both Aba & Tubb's.

Raspects to the following: Tim & Heidi, Mark Iration & Dennis Rootical, Shankti from Jersey, Charles, Major Hotlips, Maureen (in the hat) & daughter, Uncle Festa & Lady, Andrew, Raymond Judah,Helen, Simeon, Napthali, & the University Of Dub Crew, Julian (Fairshare Unity), Sweet T, Evris, Terry Gadd, Entebee & The Rasta Chanters, Tubb's & Crew, The Travelling Crews from all over the UK / Europe & Beyond, Sis Benji & Crew (you should have come to the stall!) and to all....................Jah Bless!

We returned to Brighton for the 3rd time to shake the dust from the rafters.We were delayed due to the lorry shredding a tyre resulting in us having to hire / acquire at very short notice two large vans.

The promoter Jon was worried that we were not going to arrive. But arrive we did and were set up and playing by 2300.From the time Aba ran the first tune to test the set,the doors from the bar to the hall were opened and people flooded in.I have never seen a hall fill up so quickly. One minute it was empty,the next it was rammed.

The Brighton crowd dropped straight into the vibe, no messing.

The session was nice. Even Samari told me that it was the first time in a long while that he has danced for a whole session, and when the session ended the crowd would not let Aba stop.
They kept cheering and clapping and demanding Aba play "Just one more"; even as the set was being pulled down.

Raspect is due to: Jon (Roots Garden),Raymond Judah, Helen, Naphtali & The University Of Dub Crew, Debbie, Simon, Liz (sorry we couldn't chat.Next time.), Monty,The Travelling Aba-ites, Chris, Digi-Stepper, and to all who came and created the vibe, one love.

NB: Will the person who left something on Aba's coolbox or if you know them please tell them to contact me. I won't say what was left there, but they will know.

Once at the venue it was all hands to the fore to load in the set and string up.We had brought with us some extra hands, Raymond Judah's sons and friends (photos soon).

Once we had set up the boxes it was time to string it up and also time to get something to eat.
So Naptali and crew with a list of nutritional requirements headed off in search of a West Indian takeaway, while Aba, Bigger, Samari, Shandi-I, Humble and Sweet T set about stringing up and Lioness was left to set up the stall.

When Naptali and crew returned with a selection of : Ackee & Saltfish / Rice & Peas / Fried Dumpling / Stewed Chicken / Fried Fish we were nearly finished and ready to sound check. But sound check took a back seat to the food. Bwoy,the fried dumpling come like a small football but light not heavy. The lioness wanted to know how they made them so big and light and later on that night dragged me out of the dance under the guise of getting some fresh air, to find the takeaway to enquire on the recipe.

Suitably fed and watered we continued the sound check.

At 22.30 Aba was running test tunes and the promoter was letting people in.

By 12:30 the people were rocking and I literally mean rocking!

Let me set the scene. To all those that have experienced Aba playing at the 'Arches' in Vauxhall S.E London, times that by a factor of 5.

The venue was oblong in shape with a ceiling only 8 feet high and when Aba dropped the B-line on a tune the sound pressure was awesome.

Me, I love a B-line as well as the next person, but I would not stand in front of a set of Aba speakers when Aba is in full flight, and I am use to it. So what makes people who are not accustomed to the way that Aba plays, think that they can?

I watched as the people cheered when Aba warmed up the bass. But what they didn't realised that what they were cheering was not the low bass,but the high bass. When Aba dropped the fundamental the look of disbelief on peoples faces was a sight to behold. People were being physically vibrated by the sound.
It was if they were in a wind tunnel.
People moved swiftly from in front of the speakers and into the middle and sides of the venue.

Two tunes stick in my mind from this dance :
'Deep Roots' by 'Nucleus Roots' and 'Different View' by 'Dayjah' both tunes that shook the people.

To all the people that came out and made the session including: Gill (long time no see.All the way from Liverpool)
Andy (who had taken the coach from London to be at the session), Naptali & The University of Dub Crew, Smith & Mighty, Jerry, Winston, Conroy (security), Jossie, Carl, Iziah, Cripple, David, Tribulation and to all the West Country Ites & travelling crews, One Love and see you again soon.

One Love The Humble Lion

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