Caroline Nyanga
Music runs in the family of Denroy Morgan. And next week is the turn of reggae fans in Kenya to savour the heritage live in concert for the first time. The Jamaican group Morgan Heritage — comprising five siblings — will star in the ‘Nothing to Smile About Poverty’ show at the Carnivore Grounds, Nairobi, on April 10, and Mombasa Beach Hotel, the following day.
Born in what they describe as "a decent middle-class and God fearing family where hard work, team work and good taste were cherished", Una Iyarn Morgan, Peter Anthony Morgan, Roy Gramps Morgan, Lukes Morgan and Memalet ‘Mojo’ Morgan, are expected to arrive next Wednesday.
Speaking exclusively to The Standard on the telephone from the US, the group says it is looking forward to coming to "the motherland".
"We believe this will be a moment to cherish. We have longed to come to Kenya and bless all massive with our sound, music and lyrics," says Lukes.
African tour
His brother Peter promises a concert with a difference: "The fact that we are a family makes us different from other reggae artists."
Last year reggae fans were disappointed when the troupe cancelled its African tour thrice. Lukes blames the cancellations on the difficult logistics of putting together an African tour. Nonetheless, they are planning to start projects to promote reggae artistes across the continent.
Describing their music as uplifting, positive and real Una says their lyrics are based on realities of life, be they social or spiritual: "Our songs and dance are meant to uplift spiritually and mentally with conscious messages that will leave fans with something to take home at the end of the concert."
Known for their ‘rockaz music’ they say it goes beyond reggae into to R&B, dancehall and rock. But why did they settle on reggae?
"It addresses issues relevant to the black person’s condition. It also tackles international morality that, despite colonialism and slavery, has never been as much at stake as it is now," says Gramps after a pause.
Real life
He explains that contrary to the misguided notion that reggae is for the poor and oppressed, it is music for everybody since its lyrics relate to real life issues.
Unlike many reggae artistes who openly criticise Jamaican ragga and dancehall music sub-genres, terming them products of sheer laziness, the group whose music has been well received across the globe and continues to grow, believes people need to realise these are different types of music. And each with its fan base.
Gramps has in the recent past been involved in various solo projects, even featuring in India Aries latest album. This has elicited suggestions that the group was headed for a split.
" What Jah has put together nothing, no one can put asunder. For us doing solo projects is a must and after we are done then you will get another album. Heritage for Life we say!" says Gramps, dismissing the rumours.
Morgan Heritage has worked with big names like Capelton, Sizzla, Luciano, Jahcure, Buju Banton, Shaggy and among others.
Music composers
"We have had the honour of sharing the stage with many greats artistes such as Lenny Kravitz, Stevie Wonder, Macy Grey among others," says Una.
Known to write and compose songs on their own, the group has performed in many venues across the globe including Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa, Senegal, Gambia, Western Europe, North America, Central, South America, Japan and the Caribbean.
The artistes who describe themselves as simple people say they believe that Kenya is one of the "conqueror states of Africa with great people despite negative perceptions in the West".
So then, what are some of the best and worst moments of their career?
Although they have had many great concerts, the worst, they say, was during a concert in Hawaii about three years ago, when Peter completely lost his voice, forcing them to leave the stage.
The organisers of the kenya tour, Fishborne Entertainment, who are credited bringing Richie Spice and Turbulence, say they expect a bigger and better event.
"We expect nothing but extravaganza until the crack of dawn," says Nickson Onywanda, a director.
While revealing elaborate security plans had been put in place, he also appealed to the youth to maintain peace during the entire event. Although a number of Kenyan artistes are set to perform in Mombasa, in Nairobi there will be no curtain raisers as Morgan Heritage have promised to rock throughout the night.
