Reggae Summit Hawaii hits North Kohala Sunday with Third World, “Jah Messenjah” Luciano and others.
Dubbed the ultimate reggae experience, the music festival takes place at the Kohala Institue at Iole’s makai grounds. Also performing during the 4-10 p.m. event is Siaso and Kaipo.
The performance is the last of a statewide tour that starts tonight on Oahu and goes to Maui Saturday before coming to the Big Island.
Tickets are $40. They can be purchased online at www.reggaesummithawaii.com or at Kohala Village H.U.B., Figs Mix Plate, CD Wizard, Concious Riddims and Transmission Technology. Proceeds of the event support agricultural and educational programs at the Kapaau-based institute, Kohala Village Hub, 4-H Kohala and Kohala Ride Wild Club.
Celebrating 42 years, Third World is one of the longest-lived reggae bands of all time, and one of Jamaica’s most consistently popular crossover acts among international audiences. Mixing in elements of R&B, funk, pop, and rock and, later on, dancehall and rap, Third World’s style has been described as “reggae-fusion.”
Third World, also known as the “Reggae Ambassadors,” have 10 Grammy nominations and recorded various hits including “Now That We Found Love,” “96 Degrees in the Shade” and “Try Jah Love.” The group has toured six of the seven continents. They’ve recorded, as well as toured, with Bob Marley (opening for Marley’s first world tour in 1978), Stevie Wonder, Santana and Jackson 5’s first concert in Jamaica. Third World has also shared the stage with Bono of U2, Sting, The Police, Whitney Houston, Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, Jimmy Buffet, Eric Clapton, Marc Anthony and others.
In 1986, Third World received the United Nations Peace Medal for their contribution of music and lyrical prose. The group has also appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with David Letterman, Arsenio Hall Show, Soul Train, Top of the Pops, Shirley Bassie Show and more.
Jepther W. McClymont, also known as Luciano, was born in Jamaica. He grew up singing in the Adventist church choir while learning to play the guitar at home. In his teens, he started to sing on local sound systems at parties and dances. His first major release came in 1993; “Shake It Up” became a No. 1 hit on the United Kingdom reggae chart. His most recent album was “Zion Awake” in 2014.
Also known as “Jah Messenjah,” he has garnered numerous awards and accolades.
Luciano is considered by many as the only authentic successor to Marley, regarding his lyrical and stage delivery. He was nominated for a Grammy Award for “best reggae album” for “New Day” in 2002.
He’s only performed once in Hawaii prior to this year’s tour. In 2004, he shared the stage with Bunny Wailer in Maui.
Info: 446-0164, www.reggaesummithawaii.com. ■