The Issue
About
Artists/Songs
Jubilee USA
Home

• "Truth and Rights" | Thievery Corporation
• "Way of the Light" | The Gift of Gab
• "Esperanza" | Daara J
• "Suburbio Latino" | Zona Marginal
• "Sak Pase" | The Welfare Poets
• "Escapar" | Ras K’Dee
• "What if We All Stopped Paying Taxes" | Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings
• "I Wanna Be Free" | Femi Kuti
• "Ode to the International Debt" | Sweet Honey In The Rock
• "Wake Up" | Oliver Mtukudzi
• "Money Eye" | Corey Harris
• "Mr. Taxman" | Israel Vibration
• "Life and Debt" | Blue Scholars
• "Paul Wolfowitz" | David Rovics
• "Singing Thru the Hard Times" | Utah Phillips
• "Freedom Train" | Kate Campbell
• "Proclaiming Jubilee" | Stephan Smith
• "I Need a Drink (of Water)" | Joules Graves
• "New World Order Hymn" | Mariide

 

Zona Marginal, (Colombia)

Jhon J, Shaolín, and Rico united their efforts to form Zona Marginal (Marginal Zone) in 1997. The three Colombian youths had been performing Hip Hop in Cali in separate influential groups that were part of the Corporation Cali Rap Cartel. The name Zona Marginal was chosen because of their identification with the people of the popular sectors and also the clear socio–political identification of their music.

Since 1997 Zona Marginal has worked to raising awareness about the social situation facing the youth in Colombia’s "White Waters" district, through 3 organizations: The Rainbow Community Development Centre Association (ACDCA), the Foundation House of Youth (FUNCADEJC 16) and the Corporation Cali Rap Cartel. Through workshops, chats, conferences and group work Zona Marginal helps other young people of the marginalised neighbourhoods of Cali to strengthen their politic understanding and consciousness. From these different spaces, the artistic stage and their music productions, Zona Marginal promote the defence of Human Rights and keep alive the popular struggle.

Zona Marginal has performed concerts at the local, national and international level, including:

Local encounters of Hip Hop (1995 to 2003), Fairs of Cali (1995 to 1999), Weeks for Peace, Cali (1996-97), Culture Fairs, Cali (1996–97), National Rap Festival Cartagena (1996), Student Concerts, Valle del Cauca (1998 to 2003), 7° Rap Encounter, Medellín (1999), Launch of the Sugarcane Park, Cali (1999), National Hip Hop Hurra Festival, Bogotá (1999–2000–2002), Anti–Imperialist Forum, Manta and Alternative Concerts, Quito, Ecuador (2000), Havana Hip Hop Festival, Cuba (2003), De Talla Internacional Tour, Europe {United Kingdom, Switzerland, Spain and Norway} (2004).

Contact: zonamarg@hotmail.com

Gift of Gab, (USA)

San Fernando Valley native Tim Parker (Gift of Gab) is the MC of Blackalicious – a project Gift started with Bay Area’s Xavier Mosley (Chief Xcel) in 1991. Xcel’s friends at the University of California at Davis were forming a crew called SoleSides, including DJ Shadow, Lyrics Born and Lateef The Truth Speaker (known together as Latyrx).

The Blackalicious record Melodica, released on SoleSides in 1995, raised the group to regional notoriety. The EP’s soulful journey–displaying Xcel’s lush, layered production and Gab’s introspective, whiplash rhymes on classics like "Swan Lake", "40 Oz. For Breakfast" and "Deep In The Jungle"–fired the imagination of heads worldwide. By the time they began recording Nia in 1996, Billboard magazine was calling the crew the Bay Area’s most important new hip–hop group.

But by the end of 1997, Blackalicious and the SoleSides Crew reached a crossroads. SoleSides folded and was reborn as Quannum. In all, Nia took three obstacle–filled years to make. Just as Xcel was experiencing profound creative growth, Gab fell into personal turmoil. That tension was reflected in the deeply moving album that resulted. As Gab says, "We always speak from our hearts about life as we see it, life as we know it, and life as we would like to see it." Nia – a Swahili word meaning "purpose" – took on a very real meaning.

After selling over a hundred thousand copies of A2G and Nia on their own independent Quannum label, MCA won a bidding war, and Blackalicious signed in late 2000. Blazing Arrow marks a continuing progression. "Nia was really about purpose and finding the path," says Xcel. "Blazing Arrow is about faith, having the strength to endure that path. It’s an arrow in flight."

Now in the tenth year of their career, Blackalicious is just hitting their stride – selling out national tours. "When blessings come, sometimes you can celebrate, but most of the time it means that you have to work harder," says Gab. "You may have a vision and you may get close to that vision, but then it broadens. Every time you move forward on it, it always gets bigger."

"Way of the Light" comes from Gift of Gab’s solo album "4th Dimension Rocket ships Going Up" – recorded in Seattle with producers Vitamin D and Jake One.

Rocker rockin’ into the depths of the lost god
Jumping off a climb in the faith I’m a fall guy
Never falling though, in the heavens we all fly
Fourth Dimension rocketships telling ya all why
Wake up from ya slumber my children it’s all lies
Money just like everything else, it all dies

www.quannum.com

Femi Kuti, (Nigeria)

Music has been called Femi Kuti’s "raison de vivre". As the son of Fela Kuti, one of the most celebrated icons of African music of the 20th Century, Femi is the he heir to the afrobeat legacy.

Fela’s mother instilled in him the duty to fight for his people and Fela in turn passed this heritage on to his own children. Femi is a musician of his own right, and his energy lacks nothing of his father’s performances. He received recognition internationally in the 1990’s and was taken into the hearts of many western cities. He lives in his hometown of Lagos, Nigeria referred to as one of the most explosive cities in the world. This descendent of an illustrious line of Yoruba intellectuals has decided to pursue the fight using music as part of the political movement. He returned to his roots.

Femi’s reality is that of the Shrine, of Lagos and the Nigerian people. The newly re–build Shrine is a concert hall at night, social drop in center in the daytime, living space, place for political instruction. It is a theatre where awareness is mixed with forgetting, words are put to music. His songs reflect a subtle balance between revolt and sensuality and creates some of the charisma of Femi Kuti.

"I Wanna Be Free" comes from Femi’s sixth album – ‘Live at the Shrine." As with Femi’s life it is a call to overcome corrupt political structures so the people may make a better society for themselves.

www.femikutimusic.com | www.liveattheshrine.com

Oliver Mtukudzi, (Zimbabwe)

Oliver Mtukudzi, "Tuku", is currently the best–selling artist in his home country of Zimbabwe, Africa. For Tuku the expression of music as his media began in the 1970’s. At times you can hear the influences of the traditional kateke drumming of his clan, the Korekore. His lyrics, his life, with humor and optimism, engage us in personal as well as socio–economic issues. Tuku speaks of issues ranging from HIV/AIDS awareness, alcohol abuse, respect and dignity for fellow man, the importance of family, and traditional Shona proverbs and words of wisdom.

In 1990 Tuku found film success playing the lead role in the Zimbabwean film Jit – also released in Denmark, France, and the UK. Tuku followed the success of Jit with the role of Neria’s brother in Zimbabwe’s second feature film, Neria, for which he also wrote and arranged the soundtrack. This project addressed the issue of women’s rights in a chauvinist world. Neria proved to be another box office hit in Zimbabwe and earned Oliver the coveted M–Net Best Soundtrack Award in 1992 against stiff competition, including that of the highly acclaimed Sarafina.

www.tukumusic.com

Israel Vibration, (Jamaica)

Mention the name Israel Vibration in reggae music circles and watch the warmth of recognition and appreciation of anyone who has seen or heard this very special group of singers. The positive vibrations emanating from the music of Israel Vibration have been spellbinding audiences, critics and DJs for over two decades. This group of singers casts a harmonious musical spell, weaving traditional roots reggae with a mesmerizing sound and deeply spiritual message.

Israel Vibration members Cecil Spence (Skelly) and Lascelle Bulgin (Wiss) were born in Jamaica, West Indies. Each is a victim of Poliomyelitis (Polio). They met as children in the Mona Rehabilitation Center, into which they were placed because of their families’ limited resources and their needs for specialized medical care. They learned early on the necessity for developing survival skills, and although polio is an undeniably crippling and debilitating disease, the youths never let their physically challenging situation supercede their willpower and their creative abilities. They found strength in the faith of Rastafari through the guidance of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, and began composing and singing songs which expressed their spiritual beliefs.

Their spirituality and stance on issues relating to their residency at the Mona Rehabilitation Center caused them to be expelled from that institution. Undaunted, they found solace, comfort, and sustenance in their music, which won them the support of their local community and provided them with encouragement to pursue their music careers. They began recording in 1976, enjoying a hit with the poignant Same Song, which was licensed to EMI and brought the group international attention. Their musical careers seemed to be taking off, but, like many Jamaican artists, Israel Vibration’s recording career was set back by a local industry plagued at that time by questionable accounting practices, musical piracy, and a lack of tour support. In 1983, the group broke up and its members moved to the States both for superior medical care and to pursue solo projects.

In 1988, each of the members approached Doctor Dread, president and founder of RAS Records, about solo recordings. Dr. Dread, who had greatly admired Israel Vibration’s unique, resonating sound, took heed from the words of Marcus Garvey, and, telling them that "unity is strength," recommended that the members unite. They accepted, and the rest of the story is one of a beautiful relationship that began with Strength of My Life, and continued with Praises, Forever, Vibes Alive, IV, On The Rock, Free to Move, and several dub albums. On the Rock garnered much praise the single and video "Rudeboy Shufflin’," which, along with the "Feeling Irie" video, has been aired on BET as well as other television programs throughout the US and abroad. On The Rock and its follow–up Free To Move reached their height of success upon reaching number one on the CMJ New World charts.

Biography courtesy of www.rasrecords.com

Utah Phillips, (USA)

A living legend, Utah Phillips is one of the most prolific folk artists in American history. Utah has a storied life championing for the working class and a radical change to the US political establishment.

Born Bruce "Utah" Phillips in Cleveland, Ohio 1935, Phillips traces his political beliefs to his parents who worked as labour organizers in the 1930s. In 1947 his mother and step–father moved to Utah, but Bruce subsequently left home to go and work at the Yellowstone National Park – where Phillips learned to play guitar and originally received his "Utah" nickname.

His political awareness was further shaped during national service in Korea. Upon Utah’s his return he campaigned for a number of causes committed to peace. In 1968 he ran for the Senate as a member of the Peace and Freedom Party, winning 6000 votes. Phillips has continued to run for office as president of the USA, latterly as part of the Sloth and Indolence ticket.

Utah first recorded in the early the 60s for Prestige Records. Phillips "hoboed" around the USA, playing at free concerts and for trade unionists. Phillips’ songs have been recorded by other folk artists including Joan Baez. Ani DiFranco produced Utah on two albums – The Past Didn’t Go Anywhere and Fellow Workers – that helped introduce Utah’s worldview to a new generation of listeners. In 1997, bluegrass duo Jody Stecher and Kate Brislin celebrated Phillips’ work on the Grammy–nominated Heart Songs: The Old Time Country Songs of Utah Phillips.

www.utahphillips.org

Thievery Corporation,(USA)

Formed in Washington D.C. by Rob Garza and Eric Hilton, Thievery Corporation’s music has blossomed at the heart of the empire, a city the duo often refer to as "the real Babylon." The group is a major presence in a scene legendary for fierce independence, musically and politically –– from genre–defining pioneers such as Chuck Brown and Fugazi to grassroots organizations such as Positive Force and the Future of Music Coalition.

Conceived during the summer of 1995 at D.C.’s Eighteenth Street Lounge – the venue that’s still the spiritual and physical center of Thievery and ESL –– Eric and Rob bonded over strong drinks, dub, bossa nova and jazz records, then decided to see what would come of mixing all these in a recording studio. With their 1997 debut LP, Sounds from the Thievery Hi–Fi, Rob and Eric had already begun to define a new genre of electronic music and connect with an international community of like–minded souls.

With the release of their fourth album, The Cosmic Game, Rob and Eric notch a new high point in careers marked by ambitious sonic exploration, steadfast independence, millions of fans, and remarkable global reach. "During the months of recording, we spent a lot of time reading favorite authors and discussing ‘so–called’ conspiracy theories," says Garza, an approach that manifests itself in the propulsive urgency of the music and the pull–no–punches immediacy of the lyrics.

The previous offering was the conscious and thought–provoking The Richest Man in Babylon, and Babylon Rewound – the remix from which they are lending "Truth and Rights."

With their renowned club and record label, acclaimed remixes, legendary live shows, and sales of over one million albums to date –– every single one of them self–produced and independently distributed –– Thievery Corporation are undisputed standard–bearers of electronic music, and among the most adventurous and compelling artists extant.

In the words of Rolling Stone: "Together, Hilton and Garza explore foreign cultures with wide–eyed curiosity and a taste for the unexpected. Then they lock themselves in a studio and record songs that tell stories of a better world."

Biography info courtesy of www.eslmusic.com

Corey Harris, (USA)

Corey Harris is an immensely talented guitarist whose picking deftly slides between Blues and African stylings. Born in Denver, Colorado in 1969, Harris always knew that Africa lay behind the music. He grew up loving–R&B, funk, reggae, blues – music he thought of as "black music."

He studied anthropology at Bates College and in the early ‘90s, made two extended trips to Cameroon. In Africa, Harris explored language, social reality and music in a complex, post–colonial setting. But as much as Corey loved looking outward, he came home determined to express himself as a blues musician.

"Blues was what I understood deepest in myself," says Harris, "because I grew up with that. My mom was of that generation. She lived in the depression in northeast Texas near Louisiana, so I always heard stories about it. It wasn’t a stretch for me to understand what was going on, even though it took me a while to be able to play it."

As part of his starring role in Martin Scorsese’s film, Feel Like Going Home, Corey visits Niafunke, the Sahara Desert hometown of Malian master musician Ali Farka Touré, known around the world as the king of African blues. The encounter between Harris, a young, American blues revivalist, and Touré, a musician with a vast sense of cultural history, comes as close as any of the films in Scorsese’s series, The Blues, to grappling the African roots of blues music.

www.coreyharrismusic.com

Kate Campbell, (USA)

Kate Campbell is lending "Freedom Train," a track off her latest album Blues and Lamentation. This foray into Blues connects Kate to her roots in the American South and expresses the intent behind her musical communication. As Kate explains, "With this record I hope people will... hear the undercurrents that are going on... then they’re going to maybe start thinking of the lyrics differently… It’s about tying us into humanity, and that’s what music and art does anyway. It’s all there."

"I love the concept of under–story because I feel like the blues is really underneath it all... where I come from, being born in New Orleans, living in the Mississippi Delta, and then most of my life living here in what we call the Mid–South in Tennessee... it’s this direct line. If you listen to my music you’re going to hear New Orleans all the way to South Central Kentucky. And you get Northern Mississippi. You get Muscle Shoals and you get Memphis in there, so it’s kind of like my musical heritage."

Kate’s unique vision for writing has earned her more comparisons to authors than to fellow musicians. Entertainment Weekly referred to her as a "musical Eudora Welty" while NPR’s Morning Edition included Kate among modern southern authors in their series "Artists of the New South." Kate’s highly literate songwriting has also attracted some of the top musicians recording today to contribute to her albums.

(paraphrased from bio by Hunter Kelly, June 2005)
www.katecampbell.com

Stephan Smith, (USA)

A widely–traveled songwriter with worldly roots, Stephan Smith began playing piano at three, violin at four and songwriting "as soon as I laid my hands on either of them." Touted by Village Voice as the "heir apparent to Woody Guthrie," Stephan has lived a life of making "American music about a better America and a peaceful world again."

Stephan was born in Cleveland, Ohio. His mother is Austrian and Jewish, his father Iraqi. Smith notes that both sides of his family were on opposite borders – his mother’s family split by World Wars and his father’s family split by the Kurdish line. He left Cleveland to travel, work, and play music around the United States and Europe. After returning from Europe, Smith landed in New York City where he toured with Allen Ginsberg shortly before Ginsberg passed–away.

In his travels Smith has performed or recorded with Ween, Rufus Wainwright, Pete Seeger, Victoria Williams, Steve Earle, John Zorn, Mary Harris, Mark Ribot, and Michael Hurley. He released New World Worder in June, 2003 on Smith’s own Universal Hobo label and his latest, Slash and Burn, was featured in The Progressive magazine. To this day, Smith enjoys ripping fiddle, often competing in national competitions.

"Proclaiming Jubilee" holds close connection to the Jubilee movement both in name and message – the powerful lyrics convey the importance of social equality to global justice.

I am just a young man with my task ahead of me
To fan the flames of freedom and reclaim history
And open up the doors to equal opportunity

www.stephansmith.com

Joules Graves, (USA)

Joules Graves was born on the move! She was born in Missouri, then was an "army brat" in Europe, and then went to school in the Chicago area. At age 18 she hitchhiked across the country (NOT RECOMMENDED!), eventually to set her roots in the Northwest. She called Washington state her home for 12 years.

It was there, in Washington, that Joules began singing. It started with "Peaceworks Park," a 6 month encampment protesting the Gulf War in a Seattle park. A friend gave her a drum and she sang for Peace. After the encampment ended, she was disillusioned by the activist concept of "fighting for peace," so then moved to an island community in the Puget Sound where she found a cabin in the woods for $25 a month. Living in that cabin without electricity, running water, car or telephone for 5 years, she delved deeper into her voice and songwriting. A friend gave her a guitar and she taught herself how to play in her own unique, rhythmic style.

Then people started asking her to play shows and off she went. From colleges to Earth–day celebrations to festivals and women’s events, Joules found her love of performing and the joy of music that inspires people to sing and dance together. So, the touring bug got a hold of her. She says: "Once the road has got you, it won’t let you go. It gets in your blood and you just have to go satiate the muse." That she does.

In addition to her inspirational performances, Joules has also begun to offer a workshop entitled "Joining the chorus of Life!" which is about the importance of each person finding their own, unique voice and uniting in song. The response has been amazing, and people are singing!

The story continues to unfold. No matter what though, Joules will be singing for the celebration of Life and the unified prayer for Peace.

www.joulesgraves.com

David Rovics, (USA)

David Rovics has been called the musical voice of the progressive movement in the US. Amy Goodman refers to David as "the musical version of Democracy Now!" Since the mid–90’s, Rovics has spent most of his time on the road, playing hundreds of shows every year throughout North America, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

David was born in New York City in 1967. David’s folks, both classical musicians, moved them to Wilton, Connecticut where Rovics grew up in what he calls a woodsy and generally very bourgeois suburbs. Before he started touring behind his own songs, David spent many years singing covers as a solo artist in the subways, streets and cafes of Boston, San Francisco and Seattle.

David has enjoyed sharing stages with many fine activists including Angela Davis, Danny Glover, Desmond Tutu, Michael Moore, Susan Sarandon, Amy Goodman, Howard Zinn, Noam Chomsky, Ralph Nader, Cynthia McKinney, Dennis Kucinich, Barbara Lee, Ward Churchill, Jello Biafra, Dead Prez, Pete Seeger, Billy Bragg, Bruce Cockburn, the Indigo Girls, and Steve Earle. David and his music have been featured on national radio programs in the US, Canada, Britain, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Denmark and elsewhere.

He makes all of his recordings available for free download at
www.davidrovics.com.

Mariide, (USA)

A longstanding social justice and environmental activist, Mariide’s musical roots are in the 1960’s Seattle folk scene. In 1966 she became the open–mic host at the Last Exit, a happening that set the benchmark for Seattle open mics. Besides educating and enlightening the public through her crafty songwriting, Mariide has spent a better part of her adult life raising the communities" children as well as her own family.

Many enjoy her albums Rough Cuts from Pacific Cascadia and Radical Right Wing Hippie, from which she lends the song "New World Order Hymn." We chose this particular song due to her lyrics that speak volumes about the current global political economy.

Who teaches us to live in terror, while they rob us break and bold?
In the name of business interests, they pile up the debts on you and me.

Smiling while they steal with taxes, they choose the villian of the week.
For safety they’re mortgaging our future, slavery is the inheretancy of the meek.

There’s money for bailing out the bankers, and selling arms across the sea.
Yes in the name of business interests, they pile up the debts on you and me.

www.mariide.com

Daara J, (Senegal)

Sengalese hip hop artists N’Dango D, Aladji Man and Faada Freddy comprise Daara J. "Daara J means ‘school of life.’ With every production, we want to give an education to our listeners," says group member Aladji Man. True to their name, the trio focuses on issues of social justice, traditional culture, preserving the environment, and spirituality.

In 2004, Daara J won the BBC Radio 3 World Music Award for ‘Best African Act,’ – becoming the first non–traditional African artists to win this prestigious award. Their 2004 release Boomerang placed Daara J atop the European world music charts and introduced the group to American audiences. A multi–lingual album, Boomerang features songs sung in French, English, Spanish and Wolof, a prominent native Senegalese tongue.

Hip Hop provides a common international language by which Daara J and groups around the world can express their cultural heritage. "Born in Africa, brought up in America, hip hop has come full circle," proclaims Daara J on the title track of Boomerang. Daara J’s Faada Freddy explains that tasso is the original form of rap, ancient rhythmic poetry passed down from father to son. "Historically, people in Senegal would use tasso to talk about their environment, their living conditions, the situation of the country and their hopes for the future."

"To the end of our pains we will always build. My generation wants to come up for air," say the lyrics of "Esperanza" – their contribution to Break the Chains!

More info at www.wrasserecords.com

Ras K’Dee, (USA)

Ras K’Dee is a Native American Hip Hop Artist. He has recently released the album Street Prison. He also hosts a weekly radio program on KPFA called Bay Native Circle.

Ras K’Dee’s music reflects the cultural blend of his black father, whose ancestral roots are in Kenya, and his Native American mother, who is a member of the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians, from Point Arena, California. His musical influences include Bob Marley, Gil Scott Heron, Stevie Wonder and Curtis Mayfield. His two previous self–financed and released albums are Daily Bread and Transcendental State of Music, which appeared on a top 10 list of music critic Johnny Ray Houston, in The Village Voice in 2003. Now more than ever, Ras K’Dee’s lyrics vocalize the struggles of indigenous people and a collective hope for a brighter tomorrow, while encouraging young people in their quest for power and freedom.

Sweet Honey In The Rock, (USA)

Founded in 1973 by Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, Sweet Honey In The Rock is a Grammy Award–winning African American female a cappella ensemble with deep musical roots in the sacred music of the black church – spirituals, hymns, gospel – as well as jazz and blues.

The Sweet Honey experience is like no other. Six African American women join their powerful voices, along with hand percussion instruments, to create a blend of lyrics, movement and narrative that variously relate history, point the finger at injustice, encourage activism, and sing the praises of love. The music speaks out against oppression and exploitation of every kind. The septet, whose words are simultaneously interpreted in uniquely expressive American Sign Language, demands a just and humane world for all.

Rooted in a deeply held commitment to create music out of the rich textures of African American legacy and traditions, Sweet Honey In The Rock possesses a stunning vocal prowess that captures the complex sounds of Blues, spirituals, traditional gospel hymns, rap, reggae, African chants, Hip Hop, ancient lullabies, and jazz improvisation. Sweet Honey’s collective voice, occasionally accompanied by hand percussion instruments, produces a sound filled with soulful harmonies and intricate rhythms.

Continuing the legacy begun thirty–two years ago, the Grammy® Award–winning ensemble moves forward following Bernice Johnson Reagon’s retirement in February 2004.

More info at www.sweethoney.com :: www.rounder.com (Flying Fish)

Dr. Bernice Reagon

For over four decades, Bernice Johnson Reagon’s multi–faceted career has taken her from the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement in her birthplace of Albany, Georgia to her pioneering work as a scholar, teacher, producer, composer and singer in the history and evolution of African American culture. Reagon’s contributions as a scholar and composer are reflected in her numerous publications and productions on African American culture and history. Blending her roles as scholar and producer and performer, Reagon was the principal scholar, conceptual producer, and host of the path–breaking and Peabody Award–winning radio series Wade In The Water: African American Sacred Music Traditions, as well as the creator of the film score for the WGBH TV Peabody Award winning series on slavery in America, Africans in America. Early in 2004, Reagon retired from Sweet Honey In The Rock, the internationally renowned a cappella ensemble she founded in 1973.

More about Dr. Bernice Reagon at www.bjreagon.com

The Welfare Poets, (USA)

The Welfare Poets are a collective of activists, educators, and artists formed by poets and musicians Ray "Razer" Ramirez and Hector "Hec–1" Rivera in 1990. Through teaching residencies and workshops, through activism around community struggles and through sharp–edged performances of music that incorporates Hip Hop, Bomba y Plena, Latin Jazz and other rhythms, the Welfare Poets bring information and inspiration to those facing oppression and those fighting for liberation.

In addition to Ramirez (vocals), and Rivera (vocals and percussion), The Welfare Poets include Keith "Dahu Ala" Hughes (vocals and trumpet), Djibril Toure (bass guitar and vocals), James "Jamaki" Knight (drums, other percussions and vocals), Lynn "Emi" Augustin (keyboard and trumpet), Angel Rodriguez (percussions and vocals), and Fidel Paulino (guitar). The members hail from New York City or the Carribbean and each has a long and storied musical background. Members of the Welfare Poets have performed with the likes of Dizzy Gilespie, The Roots, Vanessa Williams, Common, Mos Def, Wu–Tang Clan, Q–Tip, Twaleb Kweli and more.

Much of the Welfare Poets work centers on abolishing the death penalty, criminal justice reform, ending the US Occupation of Puerto Rico and the US bombing at Vieques. They are lending the song "Sak Pase" which overviews the struggles of Haiti – from the first successful slave revolt led by Boukaman and the maroons, to the 2004 joint US and French secret operation to oust Democratically–elected Jean–Bertrand Aristide. Haiti’s history has been marred by debt as the terms of their 1804 liberation included payment to France of 90 million gold francs. Before his ouster, Aristide was calling for reparations from France.

The Welfare Poets are:

Ray "Rayzer" Ramirez (vocals)

Born in Harlem (El Barrio), New York, he is a cofounder of the Welfare Poets. He has worked as an educator in various Community–based centers and over the past 10 years has consulted as a Writer–in–Residence at over 40 schools through out the city, working through Teachers and Writers Collaborative and The Caribbean Cultural Center. He has published close to 50 student anthologies and spoken word CDs and was the Assistant Engineer on the Project Blues album. His work has been published in various anthologies including A Gathering of the Tribes, and the award winning publication, Aloud: Voices from the Nuyorican Café.

Hector "Hec–1" Rivera (vocals and percussions)

Cofounder of the Welfare Poets, he has been writing, performing and teaching poetry for the past 15 years. His poetry was commissioned for "Blind Alley," a Puerto Rican Traveling Theater production written by Nancy Nevarez. His poetry was also included in Taller Boricua (NYC) 30th. Anniversary exhibition. As an activist, Hector has participated, organized and led many community struggles around housing, environmental justice, police brutality, political prisoners, and Vieques. Hector has participated in two acts of civil disobedience against the immoral presence of the US Navy in Vieques. Hector is also an educator at many New York city–based schools. His diverse bilingual poetry has inspired thousands.

Keith "Dahu Ala" Hughes (vocals and trumpet)

Born in the village of Harlem, Dahu has studied music in East Harlem and performed in a wide range of conservatories such as Manor House, Boys Harbor, and the Jazz Workshop. In his youth, Dahu was victimized by the criminal justice system. His poetry reflects the brutal treatment he received in their system creating a unique aesthetic style of verse.

Djibril Toure (bass guitar and vocals)

Producer and Electric Bass player, Djibril has performed with and alongside a wide array of artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Roy Ayers, The Roots, Fat Joe, Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Slick Rick, Q–Tip and Jeru the Damaja. His work can also be heard on several recordings by Wu–Tang Clan, Hedrush, Rise & Shine and Rha–Goddess. He is also a committed grassroots activist and has been involved in organizing efforts around police brutality, political prisoners, and Vieques PR.

James "Jamaki" Knight (drums, other percussions and vocals)

Hails from St. Croix in the Caribbean. It was there that he developed his love of rhythm. He incorporates Reggae, Jazz, Hip Hop and African beats into his playing style. One of the founding members of NYC based fusion band Survival Soundz. Jamaki Spearheaded the "AVANT YARD", an urban, multimedia showcase. He has recorded with Amel Lariuex, Lyricist Lounge, and has performed with Black Thought, Mos Def, Jessica Care Moore, and Wunmi to name few. Currently based in NYC, he is engineering and producing at UWMSC recording including projects like the X–executioners, and Def Jamaica, Ghetto Roots and Tall Grass.

Lynn "Emi" Augustin (keyboard and trumpet)

Emi grew up playing both piano and trumpet. Also a songwriter, producer/composer, Emi has played for many bands including Survival Sounds, Jazzyfatnastees, Rha Godess, Alkebulon and many others. Emi has also provided keyboard and trumpet for Wu–tang, I.G.T, and has his own crew of performers/producers, the Ah Brothers.

Angel Rodriguez (percussions and vocals)

Has been playing percussion for 35 years with the likes of Vanessa Williams, the Apollo Rockers (house band of the Apollo), Seventh Star, Paquito Guzman, Latin Jazz Coalition and many others. Angel has been teaching percussion to South Bronx youth (for free) for six years at the Point CDC. Angel is a master percussionist who documents and preserves the vast cultural legacy Puerto Ricans and Latinos have in this country, particularly in the Bronx. Angel recently was featured in the New York Post’s 200th Anniversary issue.

Fidel Paulino (guitar)

Born in the Dominican Republic, he has been playing guitar since the age of 12. He has played in many diverse groups and genres such as Ricanstructions (hardcore punk), Palo Monte (Afro–Dominican Roots music) and Yerba Buena (Jibaro and Afro–Puerto Rican music). He is also an accomplished bassist and percussionist.

Kwame Coleman (keyboards)

This part Dominican / part Puerto Rican and African American pianist, only 21 years old, has been studying and arranging various forms of music, from Jazz to various Caribbean genres for the past 10 years. He is currently a Masters student at the City University of New York and plays with various bands throughout the city.

More info at www.welfarepoets.com

Sharon Jones, (USA)

"You’ve got to feel it," is the first thing that comes from the mouth of seasoned soul singer Sharon Jones when asked what makes great music. "You’ve got to feeel it! In your bones, your heart, in everything and everywhere!" And if you’ve ever been to a Sharon Jones and the Dap–Kings show, you know you can’t but help feel their music. From the rumble and grumble of thick funk jerking you to the dancefloor to the soaring soul guaranteed to make you sigh, one thing is for sure: Sharon Jones and the Dap–Kings are legitimate heavy–hitters.

Ms. Jones’s funk pedigree can be traced to her hometown of Augusta, Georgia, the same town that birthed the Godfather of Soul himself: James Brown. And like Mr. Brown and countless soul singers before her, Sharon honed her vocal chops in the church. "Once you get moved by the Spirit, you just gotta’ let it out and share it with the people," Sharon says. And share it she did. Moreover, it didn’t take long for the young Sharon to be encouraged to take the spirit from the gospel and apply it to a more secular setting. This setting was realized when as a teenager she moved with her family to Brooklyn, NY and soon found herself saturated with the pulse of funk and disco. Little time passed before she became a staple within the studios, doing often uncredited back–up work for gospel, soul, disco and blues artists.  However, when the commercial music landscape began to radically change during the ‘80s, demand for singers such as Sharon waned, and she soon found herself working at Rykers Island Jail as a corrections officer.

Fast forward to 1996. Still singing for her church, Sharon crosses paths with NYC’s great indie–soul & funk label Desco Records. It is a match made in proverbial soul heaven; Sharon’s hefty voice greased by Desco house–band, the Soul Providers. Several memorable singles are quickly put to wax, thus providing enough soul power to take Ms. Jones and the band across the Atlantic, giving the people a sense of what real music tasted like back in the day, while earning Sharon the title, "Queen of Funk".  Sharon’s first full–length album, 2002’s successful Dap Dippin’ with Sharon Jones and the Dap–Kingson Brooklyn–based Daptone Records, served to solidify her reputation as Soul Sister # 1. And, finally, after several more years of non–stop worldwide touring and recording with other notable artists such as Greyboy, Sharon Jones and her mighty Dap–Kings give you their finest full–length effort to date, Naturally.

More info at www.daptonerecords.com

Blue Scholars, (USA)

Blue Scholars proves the immense power of hip–hop’s tried and true empirical formula. The combination of Geologic’s honest reflections about community and struggle with Sabzi’s melodic and soulful production form a distinct sound and exceptional chemistry only exhibited by duos such as Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Gang Starr, and Blackalicious.

It starts in Blue Scholars’ indie rock–dominated hometown of Seattle, which has already championed the duo as the next emerging artist to take the city beyond big butts and teen spirit. The duo has earned acclaim from Seattle Weekly, seizing Best Album for all music genres in 2004, along with Best Hip–hop Artist and Best Local Single for "The Ave" in 2005. Geo & Sabz have also found themselves No. 1 atop the charts of internationally renowned radio station KEXP.

The Blue Scholars identity grew out of a blue collar work ethic and critical analysis of one’s environment and experiences with the brilliance of a scholar. The two spent countless hours in a makeshift bedroom–studio with no intentions of forming a group. But countless intense political debates and progressive work with local youth forged a foundation through which the music would serve as an extension and expression.

More Info at www.bluescholars.com