Fittest Of The Fittest 2005

With the end of the year upon us, NiceUp can't help but reminisce over some of the highlight reggae/dancehall events in Wellington  during 2005. In no particular order, here we go :

The Summer Sessions @ Zebos Garden Bar : The perfect venue to spend summertime Sundays, listening to some of Welly's best selectors. Big ups to DJ Nastyk. We look forward to more of these vibes at the newly refurbished bar/venue this summer.

One Love :  Wellington's biggest reggae event of the year. Reggae outdoors in the sun, positive vibrations at the Velodrome.

Blood and Fire Soundsystem with Ranking Joe : Gracing Welly, firstly at One Love on Waitangi weekend, then at a one-off gig at Indigo. Great to have such top-class Roots soundmen and the legendary DJ in our city - let's hope they come back for more.

Cuba St Carnival : Our much loved bi-yearly event did not disappoint, the continued success being a clear indication that the Council needs to properly support these kinds of events to make our city a better place for all. Phat beats all over Cuba , does it get any better than that?

Blair Peach Tribute Gig at Sandwiches : DJ Manray, Art Official, The Spotlight Kid and Ras Stone played at Wellington's own tribute gig to Blair Peach, a New Zealand born teacher who was killed by police during an anti-racism protest in London in the 70's. This inspired the powerful anti-racism track Reggae Fi Peach by dub poet Linton Kwesi Johnson. Great to have a gig which reminds us of some of the most important messages that reggae music speaks of.

Ghetto Red Hot Parties : Respect to Art Official for bringing us two nights of big tunes and great vibes. These parties highlighted the international and historic connection between hip-hop, reggae and dancehall, showcasing the quality music that is still being produced, combining these genres.

25 Years of Roots and Culture on Radio Active :  Wellington 's best and longest running reggae show turned 25. Hosted by a talented crew of DJs who run the best in old and new school reggae. Respect to all other stations and DJs pushing the reggae/dancehall sound inna Welly too, the more the better!

Roots and Culture Reggae Parties : Nuff respect to the one like Daddy Topknot for throwing two of the year's biggest and best reggae parties. The now sunken frigate provided a great venue for the cities top performers to run tings proper.

Ruffneck Souljah in Oz : Representing Welly in fine form. Taking ragga-jungle to new levels in an international stylee.

Spice Traders at Good Luck : DJ Manray and the Spotlight Kid continue to lay down the heaviness on the last Friday of every month at Good Luck (and often Havana ), joined by MCs like Ras Stone and Iya Far-I. Great to see some regular residences in effect - exactly what the city needs more of.

Roots Manuva in Auckland / One Self (DJ Vadim) at Sandwiches : Two big artists dropping big tunes in the dance. Good to see some international acts in New Zealand, although next time can someone tell Big Dada that Wellington is where it's at!

The long awaited re-emergence of Sounds Almighty : Duke Willis, Prince Alexander, Ras Twig and the Mighty Asterix niceing up the area.

Ruffneck Souljah / Flex dubplates : Original tunes reflecting the talent in our city. X amount of big ups and respect!

Fat Freddy's Drop, Kora, Katchafire, Cornerstone Roots, Trinity Roots : First class New Zealand bands getting recognition for their talent and making some impressive national and international waves.

...so it's been a pretty hot year all up. Now moving along to a 2006 wish list:

• More residences and regular nights around town.  
• More collaboration.
• More crowd support - (shake that thing!) cause cool shit is going down in yo' town, seen?  

Happy holidays to All.

Peace, Love and I-nity.
NiceUp Crew

 

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