Dubtonic Kru

For fast-rising band, Dubtonic Kru, its synergy and family-like relationship is what motivate the members and ensures that performances are kept on a high level.

The five-man group formed last year comprises Horace 'Kamau' Morgan, Luke Dixon, Strickland Stone, Omar 'Jallanzo' Johnson and Deleon 'Jubba' White - and occasionally includes a sixth member, Craig McCalla.

Fresh from a European tour, the band members recounted their experience and how they benefited collectively and as individuals.

"What we realised is that the same way the world embrace our culture, it's the same way they embrace the music," said Dixon.

"Some of these countries have an independent reggae industry, not just an industry that includes reggae music - we talking about France, Japan and Brazil. Based on the corners and crevices that we have been to, we can confidently say that reggae music is the biggest genre of music in the world," added White.

Dixon, the youngest member of the band, said performing overseas creates its unique euphoria.

"It's a joy being part of this group. The experience that is gained from performing outside of your own country, especially when the reaction of the crowd is overwhelming, is great and music really helps you to relate to life in general," said Dixon.

The chemistry within the group, was evident throughout the interview, as the members poked fun at each other and even completed each other's sentences.

"We have an understanding of what each and everyone is about - none of us thin-skinned and we maintaining a great professional, as well as social, relationship with each other and that is a vital part in the development of this and any group," said Morgan.

"The thing is, we spend months at a time together, so we learn about each other. Take for instance the three months we spent in Europe. Sometimes for a week we are free, so we use that time to bond, play some ball and just chill and catch a vibe. That helped to build the foundation on which the group now stands," said White.

"Another thing is, based on the responsibilities that we have in Jamaica, had we not gone away, the bonding that we did in the couple months would have taken at least two years," Morgan added.

Last month, the band, along with Rootz Underground and Advidco Productions, hosted a successful show, titled Bands Incorporated, which also featured C Sharp. In December last year, the group also hosted the first staging of 'Born Jamaicans'.

"We want to make these events annual. We are confident, based on the responses from the launch of both events, they have the potential to grow into top-class events," said Kamau.

In the coming months, Dubtonic Kru will go on another European tour, are billed to perform at Reggae Sumfest, plan to release an album and are planning the second staging of 'Born Jamaicans'.