Meet the artists: Roxbury Rocks Music Festival

Albino Mbie

Albino Mbie

Albino Mbie was born in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, a country in southern Africa known for its rich musical and cultural heritage. Fueled by the resourcefulness and determination that have always characterized Mozambicans, he built his first guitar at 16 from a 5-liter can of oil, scrap wood, and strings made out of electrical cords. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Mbie released his first album titled ”Mozambican Dance” in July 2013 with 12 original compositions, featuring musicians from 16 countries. He received first place for ”International Song writing Competition” in the category of World Music (USA) and was nominated by ”Radio France International” (RFI ) 2014 for best upcoming African Artist.

Tony Chambers

Tony Chambers

Your Saxophone Man,Tony Chambers earned kudos for the release of his first first CD “The Emotional Emancipation of Tony Chambers.” He calls it “a cool collection with a taste of Southern Soul Saxophone and a touch of chicken wings in the back room drinking happy juice and getting home at 5:00am.” Chambers has toured Europe and played with Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Ray Goodman and Brown, The Main Ingredient and Cuba Gooding.

Wannetta Jackson

Wannetta Jackson

Wannetta Jackson is one of Boston’s treasured queens of soul and jazz. She is known for her definitive tributes to Aretha Franklin, which was premiered at the Charles Playhouse in 1986 and later at one of the Boston Globe Jazz Festivals. Since then, she has been featured at every major venue in the Boston area including Scullers Jazz Club, The Regattabar, Dimock Community Health Center’s annual fundraiser Steppin’ Out, and as a special guest at the annual John Coltrane Memorial Concert .

Wannetta has been the recipient of numerous awards, most notably the Boston Jazz Society Award of Recognition in 1988 and the Berklee College of Music Alumnae 50th Anniversary. After her performance in tribute to Aretha Franklin, The Boston Globe stated “Wannetta Jackson’s tribute to Aretha Franklin earns our respect.” The Boston Herald wrote “Jackson’s way with a lyric is always intelligible and solid.” Then, Boston Magazine featured Ms. Jackson in their famous “Faces To Watch” series.

OrigiNation

OrigiNation

OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center just returned from their second tour to London & Paris. Founded in 1994 by Founding Executive & Artistic Director Shaumba-Yandje Dibinga, OrigiNation is home to four professional youth dance companies — NIA Dance Troupe, Girlz of IMANI, Aleye Boyz Troupe and IMANI, Jr. The companies have performed at several events including the MLK Gift of Song Featuring Peabo Bryson at the Opera House, the 2004 Democratic National Convention, the Boston Celtics games, Governor Elect Charlie Baker’s inauguration celebration, First Night Boston (for 10+ consecutive years), Dance for World Community Day, Cambridge River Festival, Governor Deval Patrick’s Youth Inauguration, R&B artist Lauryn Hill’s Refugee Camp, the Urban Music Awards, the First Annual Roxbury Rocks Music Festival, Walt Disney World, BET’s 106 & Park Wild-Out-Wednesday. International and domestic tours include performances in South Africa; Dakar, Senegal; London, England; Accra, Ghana and New Orleans, LA.

King-I

King-I

King-I (KingiMusic) is one of today’s most promising emerging Reggae artists. His dynamic and versatile style as an updated cultural reggae artist reflects his early roots in Trinidad & Tobago as well as his influences of popular music that he listened to while growing up in an urban US neighborhood. Through his conscious and positive music he wisely and spiritually spreads his love for the people. Described as a powerful and soulful performer, King-I’s “powers” are seen in his engaging and highly energetic stage performance.