Dubbeez moves to reggae beat
THEY flew over 4,000 miles to be in Jamaica and they have something to say: “Good vibes are coming yah!”
Meet The Dubbeez, a six-member reggae band from Amsterdam, Holland. They won the World Reggae Contest at Ostroda Reggae Festival in Poland last August.
They are currently working with producers Stephen Stewart and Samuel Clayton who were judges at the event.
The Dubbeez went up against four bands who were given an hour-long set each. They were chosen unanimously based on stage craft, crowd interaction, preparedness and overall presentation.
Other judges were British producer Adrian Sherwood and British journalist Chris Salewicz.
“It’s a dream come true,” keyboardist Bobby Sahiboe told Jamaica Observer.
The other members are Earl Maddy (drums), Milan Van Wingerden (guitar), Olivia Davina (bass), Jerilee Joanne Tholel, and Quincy Fleur (lead vocals).
Formed last summer, The Dubbeez appreciates diverse genres. They listen to Michael Jackson, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and The Doors.
However, their love for roots-reggae is evident.
“People don’t appreciate reggae in Holland, only famous artistes that everyone already knows,” Wingerden said.
“People don’t do reggae. It’s a blessing and a subculture. It’s not played on the radio,” said Olivia.
Tholel hopes they can “break the barriers” while getting more exposure and selling their debut album.
Last year, The Dubbeez released their self-produced EP, Dubby, which contains the title track, Mr Mercenary, Jungle, All I Could Do Was Cry and Hangover.
