Pietermaritzburg-based family band, Undivided Roots, was given an entire PA system by Big Beat Productions at a special MiTH (Music in The Hills) meeting in Hilton on Wednesday the 29th of October.
This talented family of Rasta musicians, with an inspirational background story, is made up entirely of siblings. They range in ages from seven to 30, all from the same mother and father. Father, Roots Cele, was a legend in PMB as a street musician, activist and inspiration to many, and taught all the kids how to play and read music. Band/family members are Wadada (30), Revival (23), Heaven (20), Spear (18), Rainbow (15) and Judgement (12).
The family knows hardship all too well, and live in small huts just outside PMB where they were born and raised. All Rastafarians, this beautiful, kind and self-motivated family's father passed away a few years ago. Band manager Gavin Paul Joliffe promised to take care of the kids if something were to happen to him – he is currently care taker and band manager. Undivided Roots has been busking for years and has performed at events such as Poet's porch, the Durban Spar Ladies race and the Royal Show in Pietermaritzburg.
The PA system was handed over by Big Beat Productions' Kevin Liddell, and will allow the band to play at the kind of small to medium sized venues where bands are sometimes expected to supply their own sound equipment. In addition, Dave Rossouw at Sign Solutions has donated a banner which features a logo designed and donated by Andrea Barras (Graphic Designer & Creative consultant).
Says Liddell: "I can remember watching Roots (the father) at a charming little pub called Churchill's many years ago. I had seen him around Maritzburg before, busking, but this was the first time I had watched him in a proper setting. As I watched him, he glanced up and shot me a smile, and I was astounded by the presence he radiated. The depth of the man was appealing, he had risen above race, class and any demographic imposed by the society of the time.
"Many years later, long after Roots' passing, we had an opportunity to hire the Undivided Roots for a function, after watching them busk outside a large retailer. Looking at the band, the children, I was again struck by the same impression that their father had left me with years before. They are beautiful, well mannered, humble, talented individuals who in spite of their difficult lives have still managed to rise above their circumstances.
"Our small contribution to the band will hopefully help them get one step closer to their dreams. To say that the band is a worthy cause is demeaning. They are not a charity case - charity implies a never-ending dependence which this band does not suffer from. I believe that right now they need all the help they can get so that one day in return they will be in a position to help others with their story, their message and their music."
Band inquiries
Gavin Paul Joliffe
Manager
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Undivided Roots za (Official band page)
Media Enquires
Charles Webster
MiTH
082 331 7271
About Big Beat Productions
Big Beat Productions is a staging company based in the KZN midlands. We provide sales, hire, repair, consulting and technical staff in the fields of temporary and permanent installations of sound, lighting, audio-visual and power reticulation systems. Our clients include both government departments and representation from the industrial, commercial and retail sectors. Visit our website here.
About MiTH (Music in the Hills)
MiTH is a weekly gathering of musicians and music lovers. It provides an opportunity for musicians to share the joy of their music with a friendly audience which includes fellow musicians as well as music connoisseurs. Whether you're a youngster looking for your first opportunity to perform publicly, or a more experienced/mature musician simply looking for people who are as passionate about music as you are, come along and join us.
