Rootz ADD

EARLY DAYS, JAMAICA, AND RIDDIM COMPILATIONS WITH VARIOUS ARTISTS
Since the video singles "Jah Love Deh Deh" and "Way We All Come From" were released in 2013, the band, formerly known as Rootz Radicals—consisting primarily of five musicians—but always the three founding members, Uno Jahma (vocals), Christian Moll (guitar), and Henry Shell (bass)—has performed at numerous reggae festivals. They dropped the second part of their name and became Rootz in 2024.

A debut EP, "Lian Outta Den" 2015, included six original songs that defined and manifested the band's sound ideal. Among them was the controversial song "Israel," ranked by the online magazine Zonareggae among the top 100 reggae and dancehall songs 2015. Some criticized Rootz for delving too deeply into Israeli politics with the song. However, it was an anti-war piece calling for peace between Israel and Palestine, impartial for either of the parties.

Rootz's voice was also heard in Jamaica. Guitarist Christian Moll had the opportunity to travel to Jamaica as part of his studies to get closer to the birthplace of reggae and dancehall. Uno Jahma spent most of 2015 with Christian in Kingston, Jamaica, around the University of the West Indies campus in the Mona district. They initiated three music videos and worked on further songs during this time. They also met Charles Farquharson, the keyboardist of the legendary reggae band Toots and the Maytals, with whom they collaborated on more songs for Rootz.

Upon returning to Germany in 2016, they released "Eazy Street," the band's first dancehall single. Since then, they have collaborated with various Jamaican artists, such as Silkki Wonda, Keida, dBurz, and Lila Iké. Many of these artists appeared on the 2017 "Rootz Israel Riddim" release, which featured Rebellion the Recaller, UCee, Fitta Warri, Jahcoustix, and the Nigerian singer Fredie Wize.

In the summer of 2017, Fredie Wize from Nigeria knocked on Uno Jahma's studio door in Straubing, Germany, where the band’s headquarters still are. After some discussion, they collaborated on the song "Suffering and Smiling," reflecting on the theme of fleeing one's homeland. Freddie later toured with Rootz in the summer of 2018, appearing as a featured guest at various festivals and releases.

In 2018, Rootz released the double singles "Fresh Weed" and "Gal Weh in Deh." The latter was accompanied by a music video featuring Christian Moll and Miss Jamaica 2016 Ashlie Barrett as actors. The video aired on several Jamaican TV channels, including CVM Television, and the songs were played on multiple Jamaican Radio channels, such as Radio Jamaica 94 FM.

In 2019, Rootz released the single "August Town Sound" and its accompanying music video, shot in the community of August Town in Kingston. The video featured a medley of various Rootz riddims, some recorded by Uno and Christian and others by Jamaican artists, including Fitta Warri, Chaos, and the then nine-year-old Zion from August Town.

Their journey continued with collaborations and recordings, including the production of the Afrobeats single "Bad Government," which addressed corruption in Nigerian politics and reached #11 on the global reggae charts.
Rootz spent much time in Berlin the same year to record drum tracks for their future album at Planet Earth Studios. The drums were played by Thomas Slavermoser, also known as Tommy Dread, and supervised by Josi Coppola, drummer of Gentleman’s evolution Band and German Reggae veteran Ganjaman, who would later also Mix and Master the band’s debut album.

In 2020, Rootz collaborated with the German label Full100 Music and Jamaican singers Perfect Giddimani and Dez I Boyd on the single "It Ain't Easy” and released a compilation of their favorite and most famous tunes on the CD SAMPLER ONE, which up to today can be downloaded for free from their webpage www.rootz.live

During the pandemic, Rootz released the live album “Live & Direct”, the mentioned single with Perfect Giddimani, another single with Jahcoustix (“Groove On”), and a series of Lockdown-related YouTube videos by the name Rootz Corner. The latter culminated in the Single Release of “Jah Is Mighty”, a tribute to Bob Marley.

Recorded during the Lockdown of 2020, the concert that became the live album Live & Direct was captured in front of an empty concert hall, symbolic of the world’s social and creative retreat. Live & Direct manifests an exceptional Rootz live concert performed under unprecedented circumstances. It was a light at the end of a tunnel, heralding brighter days for those longing to embrace music culture the way they did before.

THE ALBUM RELEASE PHASE
In 2023, Rootz started unveiling their debut album's inaugural singles, the first being "Identity," featuring Headcornerstone. The collaboration with Headcornerstone, a renowned German roots reggae sensation from the early 2000s, held a special significance for Rootz, evoking nostalgic memories of their teenage days. Upon learning of Headcornerstone's return to the scene, Rootz felt a mystical melancholy, prompting immediate collaboration. Teaming up with Headcornerstone's singer, Conscious Fiyah, Rootz crafted a roots reggae anthem titled "Identity," exploring themes of self-discovery and unity. The song not only challenges the concept of identity but also celebrates the individuality of every living being. "Identity" was the lead single from Rootz' forthcoming debut album.

Rootz and German reggae legend Gentleman have teamed up for the second single, "Brighter Days Ahead," spreading positivity and hope. Their collaboration was sparked at a music festival where Gentleman was impressed by Uno Jahma's vocals and lyrics on a very special beat. They immediately clicked, leading to the creation of "Brighter Days Ahead." With its uplifting message and empowering vibe, the song resonated with people worldwide, celebrating life and the limitless opportunities it offers. It served as a reminder to stay positive even during tough times. "Brighter Days Ahead" showcased the magic of collaboration and highlighted the beauty that emerges when artists join forces to create something extraordinary.

"Kinky Paradise" was the name of the band’s third album single. Here, Uno Jahma's theme of feeling trapped in a luxurious but confining environment matched Chris's visually stunning music video concept, exploring themes of cultural appropriation and alternate history. This combination promises an awe-inspiring experience. Positioned as the third of five singles from their upcoming album, "Kinky Paradise" features a captivating music video set in a fictional-historical realm, addressing the impacts of colonization. The song aimed to dismantle such injustices. It is a driving Rocksteady anthem, offering a glimpse of what was to come with their highly anticipated debut album.

With their second to last album single, Rootz embraced the transient beauty of life. "Together As One" was released with a breathtaking music video. On this song, Rootz made big waves by delving into the theme of impermanence with this fourth album single accompanied by a visually stunning music video. The thought-provoking and Rock-inspired Reggae anthem offered a unique opportunity to contemplate the transient nature of existence.

“Together As One is a heartfelt meditation on the beauty of life and the fleeting moments we share”, said singer Uno Jahma. Written after the passing of a dear friend, the song encapsulated the bittersweet essence of human connections and the profound impact they leave on our lives. In the monumental music video, Rootz intertwines the evanescent forces of nature with the song's essence. Capturing the breathtaking urban landscapes of Lisbon combined with the sheer might of the Atlantic, the music video for “Together As One” serves as a poignant reminder of the flow of the world around us. Like the tides of the Ocean, the visuals echo a sentiment of living in the present and cherishing the moments shared. “Nature's beauty lies not only in its splendor but also in its fleeting nature and Together As One seeks to convey this truth," shared Rootz’ guitarist Christian Moll, who wrote the lyrics along with singer Uno Jahma. Rootz's signature fusion of reggae and modern and traditional influences gave the song a unique depth, resonating with audiences worldwide. With a growing fanbase and critical acclaim, the band continued to inspire and captivate listeners with their artistic expression in the final phase of their debut album release.

The longstanding friendship between Rootz and the Gambian singer, Rebellion the Recaller, had once again bore fruit with the final single "Kingston Elite", charged with a special kind of energy and power. "Kingston Elite" marked the fifth and final single release before Rootz' debut album. But “Kingston Elite” was far more than just a reggae song; it's a powerful message about the pursuit of happiness, success, and improvement—especially for those on the fringes of society. "Kingston Elite reminded us that the desire for a better life is universal and affects people in Kingston, Jamaica, just as much as it does in many other countries worldwide,” says guitarist Christian Moll. Rootz and Rebellion the Recaller gave this important message a strong and authentic voice. Rebellion the Recaller, an artist with deep roots and a genuine understanding of the subjects he sings about, infused a significant amount of roughness, authenticity, and credibility into the massive soundscapes of this song, which was a call to action and motivation for all those who aspire to make more of their lives. The collaboration between Rootz from Germany and Rebellion the Recaller from Gambia proved the universal language of music that transcends boundaries and touches people's hearts. "Kingston Elite" was the fifth single from Rootz' debut album, "Together As One," set to be released on December 8th, 2023.

THE RELEASE OF THE DEBUT ALBUM “TOGETHER AS ONE”
The debut album of a German Reggae band, which hasn't been seen for a long time. Rootz couldn't have wished for more international support for their first studio album. In the past, the band had extensively explored the world of reggae - from Jamaica to Africa and the USA - but this album “Together As One” was meant to surpass it all. The wait for what might be the longest-awaited reggae album by a German band with international acclaim has paid off, especially considering the lineup of the 10-song milestone.

None other than Gentleman honors “Brighter Days Ahead”, shaking hands with frontman Uno Jahma on the cover of the accompanying album single. Queen Omega, the queen of roots reggae, appears alongside Chris’ alter ego Chris Eastwood and Uno Jahma in "Education Free,". A music video shot in a school in Trinidad and Tobago would be released in the spring of the following year. The collaboration loudly cries for educational freedom while consciously relying on provocation, sensitivity, and first-hand experiences. Also making waves on Together As One is Rebellion The Recaller from Gambia, who accompanies singer Uno Jahma on Kingston Elite, a dark and sobering journey into the everyday lives of many youths in the cities of the world, marked by violence and exclusion, absolutely stimulating and gripping.

The title track opens the album with grandeur and pathos. Deep double basses create a deep blue sound ocean. Immersing into this, a rock-rooted reggae anthem emerges, a testament to the sheer force behind the album's title. Rootz couldn't have crafted a better monument to the message of unity and peace in the world. For anyone thinking Rootz is a Rock-Reggae band, they would be mistaken. As recently noted in Riddim Magazine, with Rootz, "it's less about correctly implementing old sounds and more about making the values of the Old School usable for the present" (Riddim 4/23). It can hardly get more modern and rootsy simultaneously than on songs like "Identity feat. Headcornerstone" or on the colorful "Mango Juice," or “Big Oaks”, where Rootz presents the art of sound and language painting in the finest reggae and rocksteady style of the 21st century.

Since December 8th, 2023, all 10 songs from Together As One, Rootz' debut album, are available everywhere in digital music stores worldwide. This album will enrich the music collection of even those who think they can't relate to reggae, not to mention those who love reggae. As a follow-up of the album, the music video featuring Queen Omega appeared on YouTube, taking a stance for free access to education worldwide. Beatboxer and Live-Loop-artist Dub FX couldn’t resist remixing the track into a wicked Drum and Bass version.

After all these milestones, the band took a few months of breath. The members decided it was time for a change. The desire to expand their reach further made some adjustments necessary. In 2024, the band welcomed three new band members, while at the same time, the three original founding members, Uno, Henry, and Chris, remained. Also, the band was renamed to Rootz, distancing itself from all forms of radicalism. Free from the traps of over-complicating things they are now approaching a bright future in a new light.