Magic! to get 'Rude' at JA Jazz and Blues
Published:Tuesday | January 27, 2015 | 3:35 PMSadeke Brooks
Their reggae song, Rude, was extremely popular in Jamaica last year and Canada-based group, Magic!, plans to give patrons quite
the treat when they perform in Jamaica this weekend.
Speaking with The Gleaner recently, the group's lead singer, Nasri Tony Atweh, explained that the band has played in many countries, but Jamaica has always been high on the list of places they always wanted to visit. That performance will take place at Jamaica Jazz & Blues, set to take place at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium on Saturday.
"We have performed everywhere around the world. It doesn't feel like we are done, we haven't closed the door yet. We were like, 'we have to go to Jamaica', especially since we have found success with reggae infused in our music," he said, adding that he hopes the audience will enjoy other songs from their Don't Kill the Magic album.
In Magic!'s travels, Nasri said Rude always receives a good response, and he expects it to be no different in Jamaica.
But reggae didn't happen by accident. He explained that growing up in Toronto, they were surrounded by reggae and dancehall, so it was quite the natural progression to do reggae music.
"I have always been like a pop man. I remember years ago when Sean Paul came out and he had Infiltrate. I would go to the club to hear that. In Toronto, there is a big section of the party where they play straight reggae," Nasri said.
"Even though I didn't really know what he (Sean Paul) was talking about, it was just the groove. I felt sexy and confident. I am happy that after years of songwriting, there is reggae infused in our music."
And his love for Jamaican music doesn't stop at Sean Paul, as Nasri said he would like to work with all Jamaican artistes in what would be "a never-ending song".
But very high on the list is the Marleys, "that I have the most respect for", he said.
"Bob Marley is a hero of mine, and he is a fantastic songwriter and has done a lot for his people, but he is no longer with us. But he left behind some amazingly talented children, and we would love to collaborate with them," Nasri told The Gleaner.
While in Jamaica, Nasri says he hopes they will be able to meet other popular local acts.
But the trip will not be all music, as he says the group also wants to experience as much of the island and its culture as possible.
"I just want to see the culture the most. I don't think there is any downtime, but we hope to eat a lot of good food, some authentic Jamaican food," he told The Gleaner.
And when they return to California after their trip to Jamaica, Nasri says the group will embark on a 40-date tour and continue to promote their other single, No Way No.