Groove Incorporated – Aotearoa Reggae (2024)
When I think of reggae, I quickly imagine the stylings of Bob Marley and UB40 with their toe-tapping, heart-warming beats. If reggae were a person, it would saunter – not strut, saunter – with the calm coolness of the most chilled-back dude alive; then again, reggae goes further than a catchy tune. A significant musical style of lower classes, its lyrics incorporate strong social and political commentary protesting (in a non-violent way) against social injustice and racial inequality – all to the sound of a slow chant. Today, we gander at another reggaeton fascination with Groove Incorporated.
Spearheaded by acclaimed producer and DJ, Michael Fredrickson, the New Zealand-based Groove Incorporated pushes reggaeton to experimental boundaries. Blending traditional reggae with RnB, electronica and hip-hop, Fredrickson concocts an eclectic brand of innovative, authentic, original music. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Aotearoa Reggae’.
Following the well-received ‘Band of Gold’, ‘Aotearoa Reggae’ oozes reggaeton with each note. As with Groove Incorporated’s previous material, this track is not to be merely heard but experienced. Tipping us into a swirl of reggae, reminiscent of Bob Marley, you feel lost in the bold beats and powerful percussion; you dance to a haze of sound with every note filling your soul. Fredrickson takes drumming duties pulsating in the song beating along to your heart, while the vocals navigate the soundscape.
Just as you travel through a flood of reggae music, ‘Aotearoa Reggae’ is a tribute to the genre itself. Exploring the history of reggae made in Aotearoa, New Zealand – a theme visually represented in the accompanying video – Groove Incorporated simultaneously educates and entertains with ‘Aotearoa Reggae’.
Melodically, Groove Incorporated can win your heart and ensnare your senses with emotional reggaeton; however, for me at least, there is one lyric that leaps from the speakers with profound gravity: “I love reggae music”. A simple few words, but the strength of this phrase expresses more than a mere preference for reggae – it captures everything reggae from the beats to the narrative.
Powerful, sincere and insightful, Groove Incorporated astound once again with ‘Aotearoa Reggae’. I cannot wait for more from this artist.
As I mentioned, Groove Incorporated released a music video for ‘Aotearoa Reggae’. You can view the video below and on their YouTube channel.
Find out more about Groove Incorporated on their official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more reggae music on The Other Side Reviews Reggae playlist:
