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EC reggae band has kept the reggae music in good hands for more than two decades.

  • Sep 14, 2020
  • 3 min read

The always vibrant Skank And The Roots.


Skank and The Roots is a reggae band from Nelson Mandela Bay, Uitenhage Kwa-Langa, in South Africa, that was originally formed in the early 90’s by a diverse group of individuals who share the same vision and passion for music. The band has a groovy roots reggae sound, led by the energetic voice of charismatic lead singer Eric “Skank” Mooi. According to the bassist Mkhangeli “MK” Matiwane, each original song carries strong emotions and positive message.


Skank and The Roots are known for pulling people off their chairs onto the dance floor. The band charismatic lead singer Eric "Skank" Mooi never fails to ignite the audience with his explosive stage presence. His distinct wailing voice tone is at times reminiscent of legendary Burning Spear or late Joseph Hill from Culture. Skank and The Roots over the years developed unique sound with a repertoire of original songs that have a distinctive South African flavour.


“The band most memorable show was when we performed in front of the late Nelson Mandela in 1993 at a packed stadium in Uitenhage. Seeing Tata Nelson Mandela fist in the air as we were playing our Mandela tribute song "Red Spear" was an unforgettable moment. This is what Reggae Music is all about! A good skanking vibe that touches one’s soul. Our music is healthy and clean for the young and old. It appeals to people from all walks of life, and also our music is universal. We sing about peace and love, generosity and righteousness”.


Skank was the driving force behind the formation of the band African Roots in 1990, which was later renamed Skank and The Roots. Today Sergio Dominic Naude on drums, Babalwa Phakela on backing vocal, and Frank Barends on keys joined the 3 original members of African roots, Deon Manell on lead guitar, Mkhangeli "MK" Matiwane on bass and Nkenke Eric "Skank." Mooi on the Lead vocal.


Skank and The Roots recently perform in SA INdies Music Week (Gold Reef City,Jhb), Absa Vuka Fest (East London),Rock Lily Music Fest (Cape St Francis),Ebubeleni Fest( PE) ,The Music Kitchen (Mangold ,PE),Ziggys Bar (Summerstrand), Alliance Francaise (Richmond Hill Fest),Good Year (Uitenhage),African Unite Reggae Sunsplash (Cape Town), One Blood Fest (PE) ,Imibala Arts Fest (Nelson Mandela Bay) , Uitenhage Carnival and Homeless Children Charity Music Festival (Uitenhage). Skank and The Roots have also opened for International artists such as. Jean Grae (US) and IQulah (Jamaica).


Where the band comes from, which is Kwa-Langa, Uitenhage in the Eastern Cape, holds a special place in the history of the apartheid struggle, and the Langa Memorial marks the place where police opened fire on a group of mourners commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre which took place in 1960. On the morning of Thursday 21 March 1985, a large group from the Langa Township, gathered to march to KwaNobuhle, to attend a funeral which had been banned. The marchers were confronted by two police vehicles and a contingent of police, while passing through the outskirts of Uitenhage along the way to KwaNobuhle. The police ordered the group to disperse, and then opened fire, killing twenty. The shooting. which became known as Langa.


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Below are links to SKANK AND THE ROOTS music.


 
 
 

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