Moja Nya and Jaewar & Vibe Riot - For the Purpose of Unity
VIPz Sports Bar & Bistro, 402-406 S Jefferson ST, Roanoke, Virginia 24011
Moja Nya is a Swahili phrase meaning “for the purpose of unity”.
Hailing from the Caribbean Island of Dominica, Grammy-nominated maestro-musician and prolific singer-songwriter and producer, Desi Hyson first started the band, Moja Nya, in New York City. Influenced by Nat King Cole and Motown greats such as Curtis Mayfield, Moja Nya’s live show includes loping ’70s-style rhythmic forms. “We basically try to stay with the roots feel as much as possible,” offers Hyson, who also notes that the varied musical backgrounds of his bandmates (some former members of The Original Wailers) has led to Moja Nya’s fusing its traditionalism with poppier choruses, quicker tempos, and a few dashes of dancehall funk. Moja Nya's single entitled “Paradise,” became a mainstay on the B.E.T. show Caribbean Rhythms. The second single “Memory of Marley” is still featured on XM radio on Bob Marley’s birthday. Hyson also worked and toured with the famed reggae group Culture, featuring the legendary singer/songwriter Mr. Joseph Hill and The Original Wailers, featuring Al Anderson, lead guitarist for Bob Marley and The Wailers. Desi recorded, wrote, and co-produced all but 1 song on the The Original Wailers CD, the Grammy-nominated 'Miracle'.
Jaewar & Vibe Riott is an East Coast Indie band founded in 2013. If you fused the funky groovy kaleidoscope attitudes, charisma, and soundscapes of Prince, Bob Marley, A Tribe Called Quest, and The Roots, you just might recreate something like Jaewar & Vibe Riot. Vocalist Nina Mallia will also be featured on this night as they cover material from Jaewar's 3rd project, "True! Raw Honey". "True! Raw Honey" is, all at once, an assembly of bass driven reggae and soul influences, guitar driven blues-rock anthems, and old school hip-hop bouncing from funky love songs to touching songs of freedom. The newly released video "Waddup" by Jaewar calls on society to unite in these trying times.
You may have seen them perform in support of the 1,000,000 Women's March, Levitt AMP series, Floyd Fest, African American Heritage Festivals, or at Pride Fest. Their resume includes shared stages and opening acts for the Third World band, Trey Songz, Angie Stone, Steel Pulse, and Michael Franti & Spearhead just to name a few. Jaewar's new EP "TRUE! RAW HONEY" is currently enjoying airplay in several major cities as well as Spotify, iTunes, Tidal and Amazon Music.
Ages 30+/Doors at 7PM/Music Starts 8PM
$15 ADV; $20 Door 1st (5) Eventbright tickets Buy 1 Get 1 Free 1st (20) tickets in advance from VIP'Z will go towards Faith For A Cure NPO
Contact VIP'Z - (540) 904-2254