The stance of reggae and Rasta is obvious, and its intrinsic element of protest as plain as the issues addressed. The protest song is the first test of social consciousness and it takes many forms, including songs of advocacy. “Africa Unite”, “Black Legends”, “Gun Violence” and “Stop War” are prime examples served up by Black Rebels”.
“The Valley’s best reggae band.”
“Black Rebels is one of the most striking reggae groups you’ll ever encounter.”
“Black Rebels bring the conscious message of Rastafari with African roots reggae music…powerful…and mesmerizing sounds come together to sing praises to Jah and spread the word of truth and rights…Black Rebels bring a serenity and peacefulness with them: in speaking, in their music, and in their spirit. They are a unit guided by Jah and inspired with the love of the universe. Soul rebels- standing strong in the face of Babylon and chanting down negativity…”
“Gentle insurgents."
“Few bands brave the more difficult challenges of composing new, intelligent and trail blazing music…Black Rebels is one such band.”
"Black Rebels gets my vote as the best reggae band out here…”
“Spirituality abounds with “Elect of God”, Zion Train”, and the Wolof versed “Akhouzamane”. Instrumentation is ultra tight and best heard as loud as your neighbors will permit.”
“A show of powerful musicianship, and arresting lyrics, this release demands to be heard repeatedly! Style sure to get you moving, and then thinking. Beware the thoughts of the righteous mon…!”
“Their music reflects the spirit of the Black Rebels: warm, contemporary, vital. We were blessed to witness a spellbinding performance as the Rebels came forth strong and sure.”
“There is a lot of reggae going around, but the Black Rebels’ eclectic, contemporary, African roots interpretation crosses all borders…. Black Rebels gratifies audiences with its gently pounding beats, powerful trilingual lyrics and sacred message.”
“Why question a good thing- even if it doesn’t really make sense? Yeah, it may seem weird that some of the best American reggae is happening deep in New England, in the Pioneer Valley (land of abundant snow, bone-chilling freeze and un-Rastified temperments). But…why ask? To feel first and think later is the path of the righteous. And when the Black Rebels spark up the Iron Horse on Saturday, the fortunate in attendance will know what it is to feel the music…The Black Rebels do some heavy channeling in their live shows…..When the Black Rebels perform, concert halls become churches, and for several hours, at least, people come together. When they perform at the Iron Horse this Saturday, fans and curiosity seekers will receive the usual dose of transcendence.”
Woodstock, NY Review- “The impression of sound purity wasn’t injured by the quality of Grade A reggae coming through…the band’s vocalists laced harmony like the Everly Brother’s of ska, with Kalpana Devi offering a feminine touch in response lines and feverish asides while tipping in some fine conga accents. Manou showed all the potential of reggae legend Toots Hibbert in groove-guiding flight. They offer a wide range of tonality and effect than much of the competition united under the honorable flag of Emperor Haile Selassie I Jah Rastafari. Black Rebels is a group reggae fans are advised not to miss on their next visit.”
“Multilingual, multinational and multi-talented succinctly describes the Black Rebels.”
On the album "Thank You Jah"
- “One of the best new reggae releases to emerge in years.”
Black Rebels self-released album “Thank U Jah” is good enough that it probably would have made Shanachie’s roster ten years ago when the reggae market was strong. Ten tracks of thoughtfully produced African reggae of the old school style- pure roots reggae from the Motherland.
1997- Top 10 U.S.-Based Independent Albums: #5. Thank U Jah Black Rebels