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What better way but to spend Heritage Day at the Paternoster Waterfront. Take in this incredible tribute show by South Africa’s best Reggae group, The Rivertones.This show is at 12:00, perfect for our patrons that are coming from other towns.
Prepare to be swept away by the unifying power and irresistible rhythms of reggae delivered by Cape Town’s most-loved reggae band, The Rivertones, whose upcoming tribute show, is a vibrant homage to and a celebration of reggae’s global icons - Bob Marley, UB40 and Eddy Grant.
Reggae music’s global impact is undeniable! From the sun-drenched shores of Jamaica to the bustling streets of the UK and beyond, reggae music has woven a thread through the global cultural landscape. A unifying force, this treasured genre, spearheaded and championed by icons like Bob Marley, whose transcendent music became a universal language; UB40 who infused the British soundscape with their pop-reggae melodies; and Eddy Grant, a pioneer who bridged continents with his unique “ringbang” sound, reggae music has resonated with diverse audiences worldwide, carrying messages of love, resilience and social commentary.
The Rivertones stand as torchbearers of this powerful musical tradition. Roland Nair, a legendary figure in the reggae landscape, the driving force behind this popular reggae band, has dedicated decades to sharing the joyful and unifying spirit of reggae. His journey is deeply intertwined with the genre’s history and reached an extraordinary milestone in 2009, when he had the distinct honour of performing with the iconic Bob Marley’s band, The Wailers, in Cape Town. This pivotal moment, not only underscored Nair’s exceptional talent, but also cemented his status as a vital link to the heart of reggae history. Following this success, Nair toured with Bunny Wailer in Reunion Island, captivating massive audiences.
The Rivertones, who also notably supported Ali Campbell’s UB40 South African tour in 2023, bring their infectious “one love” energy and authentic old-school reggae sound to stages across the nation. Founded by Roland Nair in 2006, The Rivertones carry his legacy as a pioneer of South African reggae and ska from the 1980s, Nair having shared stages with luminaries like PJ Powers, Hugh Masekela and the late Lucky Dube.
After four decades on stage, Roland and The Rivertones remain a favourite across South Africa at major festivals, wine estates, restaurants, hotels, theatres, theatre supper venues, private, corporate, and government functions. Roland has even performed for presidents!
Join The Rivertones for a joyful journey through reggae history, and expect to hear timeless reggae anthems like Bob Marley hits “One Love”, “No Woman No Cry”, UB40’s “Red Red Wine”, “Kingston Town” and Eddy Grant’s “Electric Avenue” and “Gimme Hope Jo’anna”, along with other reggae favourites, performed with the passion and authenticity that only Roland Nair and The Rivertones can deliver!
Biographies
Roland Geoffrey Nair made his stage debut at the age of 12. He began his music career in Johannesburg in the 1980s and has since performed both locally and internationally. During the 1980s, the reggae scene flourished in South Africa, and Roland emerged as a pioneering figure alongside bands like Survival, Dread Warriors, Rapula, and African Vibes in Johannesburg. He is now based in Cape Town and leads The Rivertones as the vocalist and lead guitarist.
John Benito, who collaborated with various top artists and bands in Malawi, moved to South Africa and is now based in Cape Town, playing keyboards for The Rivertones.
James Lungusha, also from Malawi, has been actively involved in Cape Town’s music scene since 2021. He is currently the bass player for The Rivertones.
Kelvin Mafosha, one of Malawi’s prodigy drummers in the gospel field, moved to Cape Town in 2017 to work on various music projects in South Africa before joining The Rivertones.
Chris Bonpaka, who is currently performing with The Rivertones, has played keyboards with many legendary Congolese artists, including Werra Son and Koffi Holimiday, apart from having performed with Jamaican legend, Judy Boucher.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Die Koelkamers Paternoster Waterfront, 1 Kreefte Street, 7381 Paternoster, South Africa, Paternoster Hotel, St Augustine St, Paternoster, 7381, South Africa, Darling
Tickets
