Founder and lead vocalist Trevy Felix is an initiated descendant of Africans from the Commonwealth of Dominica. After having been immersed in Roots culture and Reggae music from early youth, Trevy went to America and formed Boom Shaka in Los Angeles, gathering the best mixed talent to spread Roots Reggae music throughout the world.
The band members members are from the Commonwealth of Dominica, Jamaica, Antigua and the US.
While many Reggae artists have been hugely influenced by the legendary Bob Marley, Boom Shaka reigns supreme among the inheritors of Reggae 's number one prophetic and revolutionary figure, the African Ghetto King, PETER TOSH.
No other band can better illustrate the creative genius of Tosh's school of Reggae than Boom Shaka.
Like Peter Tosh, Boom Shaka are uncompromising when it comes to the essence of Reggae music's message, and its creative capacity. But unlike many Reggae artist who nowadays jump from one musical style to the other, Boom Shaka does not need any other new fad to replace the inherent creative possibilities found in Reggae music.
One never gets tired of listening to such consciously inspired, and beautiful music.
There is no doubt that Boom Shaka's inspiration draws from many classical Roots artists from Jamaica and the rest of the world; however, this band chose to, and eventually assured their place as the true successors of Peter Tosh.
The late Joe Higgs, who was the Wailer's musical director, saw Trevy, the lead singer of Boom Shaka, as the proof that Peter Tosh spirit and philosophy live on. Boom Shaka only took that spirit one step further, into the 21st Century.
With FERTiLE GROUND, their last album, recorded at the famous Radio Recorders Studio in Hollywood, Boom Shaka is set to move peoples hearts and feet everywhere with their long awated 5th CD.
The timing of FERTiLE GROUND" is so in sync with current events, that its recording happening before these events took place, makes the timing look divinely inspired.
Most Reggae experts and DJ's as well as the worldwide Reggae community agree that FERTiLE GROUND is a historical album, with at least 2 international Reggae anthems although, for true Reggae lovers, there are at least 5 long lasting hits in this historical CD. People in the year 2106 will still be bumping and meditating, spliff in hand, to these time defying tracks.
Rastafari is the Future, a spiritual meditation about JAH being the only possible future, is an unforgettable and irresistible Rasta chant about positiveness in these primitive and brutal times of Babylon. The other anthem," Ganja discrimination" is a rallying call for mankind's freedom, especially in the case of agriculture. Both songs are delivered in a deadly groove package whiile their uplifting lyrics contain hooks that will have listeners singing long after the music has finished.
The CRUC..AL combination of musicians is an integral element that gives BOOM SHAKA their edge. Each member brings with him a unique angle which throws a different spice into this Roots Reggae vodou music pot.
Boom Shaka's lead singer and main composer, Trevy Felix is, like Peter Tosh, a very dynamic band leader with strong, resonant, and compelling vocals. Trevy addresses pressing issues with a high sense of lyricism and vision. Throughout his songs Trevy's interests range from the preservation of African history and traditions, to the preservation of the environment, and the preservation of human dignity. But Trevy has also great love songs dedicated to women everywhere.
Jamaican underground roots legend drummer and composer Shakaman (from the famed Rastafarians) prov..des the band with an energetic, steady and edgy groove. Shakaman is one of the world's most gifted scientists in terms of rhythms and compositions. He is a highly respected sonic soldier of HiM. Haile Selassie. Shakaman is a hidden holy mystic man, but will deny it if you ask him. However, if you are a sincere beautiful woman in search of mystical knowledge, he may reveal himself to you.
'Bassy Ray' Felix, who is the brother of lead singer Trevy, is Boom Shaka's bass player. Being that bass sound is the most crucial element of Reggae, it is not a surprise that 'Bassy Ray', as he is known by his fans, has been crowned by Reggae bass lovers with the highest Bass Honors, calling him Top of the Bottom and Lowest of the Low. That means, in bass language, the Highest.
The vibrant bubbling tones of the creative magician Antiguan keyboardist Binghi- l fits the backbone of the rock solid bass, laid down by Bassie Ray Felix.
On songs such as Creation , World Affair, and on a Reggae translation of U2 's "Bloody Sunday ", lead guitarist Lester Fari appears to channel the ancient spirits of Roots Blues, a tradition which gave us the names of John Lee Hooker and Jimi Hendrix, to name but a few. With his searing guitar work, Lester brings the creative genius of afro american guitar playing with incredible rhythm and melody. Most Reggae guitar players based themselves on this magical afro american guitar style. Al Anderson, and Junior Marvin, who were Bob Marley's lead gu..tar..sts had a huge ..nfluence on Reggae gu..tar players, and were themselves from the USA. The old black american tradition known as Blues, is what Jimi Hendrix and the creators of Jazz were playing. Lester is one of the masters of this art, and gives a unique Reggae flavor to it.
Rootsman is a creative and revolutionary DJ of the highest Bobo Rasta Order, a ghetto poet which could be ranked with internatiional artists such as Sizzla and Anthony B. Rootsman's rythmic rhymes and melodies bring the already hot miix of Boom Shaka's music to the boil.
Boom Shaka possess a natural aura and charisma that enhance their ability to connect with the people's issues and hearts, and which induces a frenzied audience response everywhere they play.
In my thinking, ROOTS MUSiC has the ability to make you change.., says lead singer TREVY , ..create a revolution inside you until you change for the better, whether you want it now or not, because it is a music that affects and heals your soul directly- from Jah to you, with no intermediary ...This is not new information..... and I and I have known that in Africa since the begining of history : if a man don't listen to ROOTS MUSiC, he is a lost man..."
Keep your eyes and ears on their progress, as BOOM SHAKA is a sure, one way, first class ticket into the 22nd century and beyond.
Webs..te http://www.boomshaka.com
Discography Fertile Ground - Baga Style Records/Candle Stick 2005 Creation - Celluloid, 1987 (re..ssued 2000) Rebel L..on - Shanachie Records 1998 Freedom Now - Stoned Mountain Ent. 1996 Best Defenses - Liberty/Capitol, 1992
Thobela
Boom Shaka Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's been a long time since we've gone away
Everybody asking if we are still booming
We've been chilling and booming and grooving
And you know we ain't stopping
We aint dropping
We aint fading
We just climbing
Thobela
Thobela
Thobela
Thobela
Thobela
Thobela
Thobela
Thobela
Thobela
Thobela
Thobela
Thobela
Thobela
Thobela
Thobela
Thobela
Mogwera maan
Mogwera maan
Mogwera maan
Mogwera maan
Mogwera maan
Mogwera maan
Mogwera maan
Mogwera maan
We coming thina with a different style
You've got to understand that we've got to move on
So move on ntate
Thobela dance
So move on auntie
Thobela thob thob
Thobela
Thob thob
Thobela
Thobela
Thob thob
Thobela
Right now die poppe saal dance
One time my people take a chance
Bona bona bana batswang ko kasi
Bona bashaya ithobela
Move to the left to the right to the left
To the right to the left to the top
Move to the left to the right to the
Left to the right to the left don't stop
Move to the left to the right to the
Left to the right to the left don't stop
Move to the left to the right to the
Left to the right to the left to the top
UThebe, BOP thobela Hi
UOscar, Bruce Thobela Hi
Masilela, Hi Thobela hi
Makeba, Hi Thobela hi
Leta Mbulu Thobela Hi
Madiba Hi, Thobela Hi
Semenya Hi, Thobela Hi
"Thobela" by Boom Shaka is a celebratory song that encourages people to dance and move on from the past. The opening lyrics suggest that it's been a while since the group has been in the scene, but they're back and still booming. The song isn't about Boom Shaka's comeback, however. It's a call to the people to join together and dance. The chorus "Thobela" is a derogatory term for a traditional dance form that originated in the Northern part of South Africa but it has been reappropriated by the band to create an anthem of sorts. The verses make it clear that the band is introducing a new style to dance to and people should embrace change and move forward.
The repeated use of the phrase "move on" shows the song's underlying theme of progress and a willingness to evolve. Boom Shaka proclaims that they're not stopping, dropping or fading, they're only climbing until they reach the sky. The phrase is a metaphor that's commonly used to signify success, and in this context, it's about the success of the music and the people who dance to it. The song creates an uplifting and energetic sound that is contagious and will have anyone up and dancing.
Line by Line Meaning
Hayi yayi yai yai yai iyayi
It's been a long time since we've gone away
Everybody asking if we are still booming
People are curious if we are still successful
We've been chilling and booming and grooving
We've been relaxing while still working hard and dancing
And you know we ain't stopping
We will not stop
We aint dropping
We will not fail
We aint fading
We will not fade away
We just climbing
We are consistently rising
Until we reach the sky
We will continue to rise until we reach great heights
Thobela
Celebrate
Mogwera maan
Hold on tight
We coming thina with a different style
We are coming with a fresh approach
You've got to understand that we've got to move on
You should know that we must continue to evolve
So move on ntate
So move on, sir
Thobela dance
Celebrate with dance
So move on auntie
So move on, ma'am
Right now die poppe saal dance
Right now the people will dance
One time my people take a chance
Everyone, take a risk
Bona bona bana batswang ko kasi
Look at the children playing in the township
Bona bashaya ithobela
See them dancing and celebrating
Move to the left to the right to the left
Dance from side to side
To the right to the left to the top
Dance up and down
UThebe, BOP thobela Hi
Celebrate the dance styles of Thebe and BOP
UOscar, Bruce Thobela Hi
Celebrate the talents of Oscar and Bruce
Masilela, Hi Thobela hi
Celebrate the skills of Masilela
Makeba, Hi Thobela hi
Celebrate the contributions of Makeba
Leta Mbulu Thobela Hi
Celebrate the work of Leta Mbulu
Madiba Hi, Thobela Hi
Celebrate the greatness of Madiba
Semenya Hi, Thobela Hi
Celebrate the talent of Semenya
Writer(s): Bruce Sebitlo, Mandla Mofokeng
Contributed by Zachary S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@kabelomosikili8601
Thembi need to be interviewed by MacG honestly, she needs to tell how they could create such master pieces
I mean I am only 19 years old but their music speaks to me 😩🤞🏾🔥
@mondemhlongo3873
Honestly! Im still 16 and i listen to their music all the time
@c_siph6945
Me too
Boom Shaka moves me even in these day, I just wish they could come together
@bryanlewis8028
Man you have a point. That's something that should happen honestly.
@jaysonlee9306
When I was young Jam Alley was happening South Africa had the freedom to express themselves and these artist were pushing boundaries,you play this at a party and you will see old people jiva .. kwaito is something I hold dearly To my heart..not even Amapiano will come close to such music.
@mbonenineluvhola15
@podcastwithmacg
@kissmlungu7883
I missed these times, life was simple, real,clean,good people , good music
@suzanibafazi8661
Music 🎶🎼🎤 that challenges you not music 🎵🎶 done by any Tom,Dick and Harry
@SomXee
Say that again 🥺
@louisereynecke8642
Boom Shaka paved the way like Spikiri, TKZ, Arthur Mafokate etc for SA Hip Hop, Kwaito, Skhanda Rap etc of today...this takes me back to my teenage years...Lebo could’ve been SA’s Beyonce! 💔