Abu Dhabi: The Wailers, the legendary reggae band, are set to make their debut in the UAE capital as the headlining act at the Taste of Abu Dhabi. The band will play the entire collection from their Legend album, including One Love, Buffalo Soldier and No Woman No Cry. So if you are a reggae fan, you cannot miss it. But then you really don’t have to be a hard-core reggae enthusiast, to enjoy the music of The Wailers. Ahead of their gig, Dwayne Anglin, the lead singer, tells us what to expect at the show and how Bob Marley continues to inspire the band’s music.
We are increasingly seeing world’s top bands coming over to play in the UAE. The Wailers too have played here before (in Dubai). And since you have played around the world, tell us what is unique about gigging in this part of the world. What do you think about the audience here?
The UAE is always very festive. Majority of the audience is on vacation, so it’s usually a very high energy, mixed crowd from all over the world. This mixed with the workers, who are able to fit the show between their busy schedule, makes for a great audience for us to spread the conscious vibes of positive vibrations.
You will be performing in the UAE capital for the first time. Tell us what can one look forward to.
Due to the current state of affairs in the US and around the world, whereby racism and inequality is on the rise, Family Man [bassist and original member of the The Wailers that played with Bob Marley] is in a particularly revolutionary state of mind, which means that we mostly will feature songs from the catalogue with a revolutionary theme.
Reggae music was extremely popular globally in the 1970s and 1980s. Is it correct to assume that its universal popularity received a major blow when Bob Marley passed away in 1981?
No, The Honourable Robert Nesta Marley lives on through his music, so while he is not here in the physical sense, his message lives on and has grown stronger every day since his physical passing.
Bob Marley was associated with the Rastafari movement. Do the Wailers also promote the Rastafari way of life? What is the message that you have for your audience?
The Rastaman Vibration is positive, and we, The Wailers, are ambassadors for Rastafari, and the unification of the African Nation. The eradication of hatred is our mission, as we spread the message of One Love.
When will you return to the studio again? When can we expect a new Wailers album?
Family Man is always working on new projects. I, however, am not sure when he plans on releasing any new projects, but he is constantly working on new music.
Who are the current day reggae artists that you would recommend?
Taurus Riley, Hezron, The Marleys, Chronixx and soon my album will be available, so stay tuned.
(On a lighter note) Are dreadlocks a must to be a reggae performer?
No, wear the uniform for that which you represent...
Gig details:
When: November 5, 9.30pm
Where:du Arena, Yas Island
Tickets: Dh120 (two drinks)
