GLOBAL PRESS



In this so-called eclectic age, isn't dub and roots music cruelly ignored?

Especially so, considering the potential this type of event has to lift us out of the predictable kind of club do's we've learned to live with and make the best of in Newcastle.
Aba-Shanti I gives us something to get really stuck into, both with his music, and equally, his awesome sound system, allowing us to hear and feel the sound.

The mighty Aba-Shanti I sound system, with the master of dub himself Aba-Shanti I at the controls, unleashes a mixture of high tech dub and deep roots. He is the Godfather of Dub, the chief carnival rocker, the preacher in the church of dub, laying down the law armed with only one deck, a microphone and an immense sound system. It's amazing how much vibe he can get from just one turntable, his anti dj antics keeping the crowds mesmerised.

If you want to experience life enhancing and unique clubbing, come witness the University basement on a totally different tip, on this, one of the UK's deepest vibe.

Online review @ http://www.union.ncl.ac.uk/entertainment/abashanti.htm



"an all night session of upfront roots reggae and drum`n bass musical delights in the style of the top UK systems like Boomshakalacka, Zion Train, Jah Shaka, and the mighty south London Aba-Shanti-I sound."

Online reference@http://www.obscure.co.nz/people/rootsfoundation.htm



"...And digi-dub gets more and more popular, especially in the UK, where Jah Shaka and Aba Shanti brought this music to the crowd via their spectacular Sound Systems."

Online reference@http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Disco/2676/dubit.html



JAH'S MIGHTY THUNDERCLAP

"Anyone at the Leicester Caribbean Carnival in the last five years will be familiar with "sounds of Jah thunder," the mighty Aba-Shanti-I sound system.

Their heavyweight dub-reggae sound has been heard regularly in the city at Starlite 2001,the Magazine and the Mud Club and at their weekly residency at the House Of Roots at London's Vauxhall arches.

The London based sound have just released their debut album, 'The Wrath Of Jah' featuring a collection of dubs from the Shanti-Ites vast catalogue,on their own Falasha Recordings label.

With the advent of ragga and rave in the late 80's, roots-reggae suffered a decline.

But with the popularity of all things dub,from Dreadzone's pop/reggae/rave,to the Blood & Fire Label's sublime re-issues of 70's classical reggae albums,via Brit-Hop has seen the emergence of Bass as the placein cross-cultral consciousness.

All of this combined with their message of love and music,as a Uniter Of Nations, is best said by Aba in the sleeve notes: "What you hear is what I'm feeling inside".

'CITY SCENE' by Dave Davies 'Leicester Mercury' newspaper Friday 22nd March 1996



Aba Shanti-I

'Described as a 'spiritual sage and musical genius',the great man plays his heavenly mix of roots and ragga on Monday only.'


Lowdown on sound systems at carnival in 'METRO' newspaper Friday 27th August 1999



Aba-Shanti was voted dj of the month in 'ID' magazine 26th March 1994 Read the review below:

"99 % of dj's are lifers; jobbing hacks who concentrate on the flow and the seamless dull segue,boring fuckers who hype themselves for that one corny moment of extravagance.

Roots dj's, conversely are sculptors of sound.they stretch one mix for half an hour through their effects boxes sending notes crashing down a ravine of stopped time one minute,shattering the sky with a high end peak the next.

Because they love sound as space,not song,they open it out into a Sci-fi landscape so that you can tumble inside;stunned,confused,amazed.And then with their backs towards you all the time (think Mile Davis) they stop.Fumble around in a carrier bag,and cue up another track-while you hang on every crackle,every hiss,waiting to go into orbit once more.

Dubmeister Aba Shanti's sound is as much real time improvisation as anything you'll ever hear."

Kodwo Eshun 'ID' magazine 26th March 1994



Aba Shanti-I was voted best sound system of 1995 by the British Association Of Sound Systems.


'Touching down on the dub style now,Aba Shanti sound can be commended as one of the most respected and true sound systems that have carried the banner for the spiritualism and peaceful vibes of roots reggae throughtout the years.

An irresistible sub genre within reggae with lessons in it's philosophies that can be learnt by all.

The lastest release on the Aba label comes through as a driving,swaying and misty production with the lyricist preaching strength and unity in preparation for the time to take action against the Devil.

'Tear Down Babylon' is the title;rough is the mood.

Alex Constantinides 'DJ' magazine 3rd-16th Feb 1994



'..Recommended Dub and roots nights in London are Aba-Shanti-I and Jah Shaka sound systems at various venues around the capital.'

Rowan Held & Jack London
Online reference@
http://www.rehbernet.com/insync/magazine/current/roots_soundsystem.htm