According to his son, Asadenaki, who is the organiser of the event, the aim is to bring young reggae acts together with veterans, to bridge the gap. He said it is also a part of highlighting the culture of Rastafari as well as to help in bringing people to the Bunny Wailer Museum.

Asadenaki, himself a budding reggae artiste, said, “the idea behind Rootsman Skanking is about building a bridge between the veterans and the young. It is about ‘vibing’. Reggae is important to preserve, so it is important that we come together and have this kind of intergenerational exchange.”

Rootsman Skanking will be held quarterly, according to Asadenaki, and the first was held recently at Bunny Wailer’s Washington Gardens, St Andrew residence, which also hosts the museum.

During the first staging, patrons got the opportunity to get acquainted with the Rastafari ‘livity’, including the natural food, which Asadenaki said was served in a calabash that was taken home by those who purchased from the menu.

Bunny Wailer also performed at the free event and featured in a set with Asadenaki, who said it was the first time that they were performing together in front of an audience.

That first show was also used to celebrate Jah B’s Order of Merit, which was bestowed upon him by the Jamaican government in October.

There was a good turnout at the event despite persistent rain throughout the day of the event.

Rootsman Skanking Launch

Reference