Reggae | Castries, Saint Lucia
Taj Weekes is a dreadlocked Rastafarian musician, bred in the Caribbean but shaped by intercontinental life experience. He is also a creative, poetic singer-songwriter who fronts a dynamic reggae band named Adowa. Yet another facet of Taj is that he is an unwavering, energetic humanitarian whose dedication extends beyond his song lyrics into his social activism that has culminated in his official role with the United Nations as “UNICEF Champion for Children” and his children’s charity, They Often Cry Outreach (TOCO).
Taj Weekes has six acclaimed albums of musically adventurous reggae. Taj is remarkable in that, although a formidable idealist, he nonetheless maintains an unblinking and sophisticated view of the world. This balance between seeing what is and seeking what should be, clearly powers his social activism. It also imbues his songs with a pragmatic, non-judgmental optimism that is not merely unusual in reggae, but almost unique.
Adowa is a disciplined team of talented musicians from differing cultures and with broad musical influences that back Taj Weekes live and on recordings. The name salutes the battle of Adowa in 1896, which ensured sovereignty for Ethiopia and proved crucial in the advancement of African independence and pride. Adowa’s specific line-up alternates from time to time, but at a typical gig you might see a bassist from Dominica steeped in soca, a classically trained keyboardist with roots in Haiti, a St. Lucian reggae stalwart on drums, and a Trinidadian and Dominican duo shredding guitars up front. What’s consistent is that the eclectic styles and tastes of its members ensure