THE Uprising Roots Band are unapologetic carriers of the culture banner first unfurled in the 1970s by acts like Marley and The Wailers, Burning Spear and Jimmy Cliff.

With a new album, Black to I Roots, scheduled for release in mid-July, the seven-piece unit are preparing to make their European debut later that month.

Uprising Roots have five confirmed dates, the first on the 25th at Reggae Jam in Bersenbrück, Germany. This festival is one of the most popular in Europe and attracts mainly a roots audience, though dancehall artistes have diversified the roster in recent years.

Six days later, Uprising Roots travels to Belgium for Reggae Geel, another big festival. Next stop is Reggae Sun Ska on August 8, then back to Germany for a August 20 gig at Pop Up Shop in the city of Köln (Cologne).

Their final confirmed date is the Rototom Festival in Benicassim, Spain on August 22.

Keyboardist/dub poet, Lloyd ‘Akin’ Palmer told the Observer that the band has been rehearsing intensely for the past month.

“We’ll be doing songs from the first album an’ some from the new,” said Palmer. Exposure, he stressed, is key for Uprising Roots.

“A new light going shine on the band. Is important to keep active. The greatest thing for a musician is to play regularly.”

Kush’ McAnuff (drums, vocals), bassist Ruel Ashburn, percussionist Junior Sutherland, veteran guitarist Winston ‘Bo Pee’ Bowen, keyboardist Kimmi Gold and singer Sulan Smith, complete the Uprising Roots Band’s roster for Europe.

The band released its debut album, Skifiya, in early 2011.

— Howard Campbell