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The Congos

The Congos are a reggae vocal group from Jamaica which formed as the duo Ashanti Roy Johnson (tenor) (b.
Rediscovering The Congos: A Journey Through the Reggae Legends’ Musical Biography
For reggae fans, The Congos are an iconic band that should never be forgotten. Their music can transport you to a spiritual realm that is hard to replicate. From their humble beginnings in Jamaica to becoming one of the most celebrated bands worldwide, The Congos have always been trailblazers of reggae music. In this article, we’ll delve into their musical journey, their best songs, and major concerts. So, sit back, relax, and let’s explore the magic of The Congos.
The Congos began their journey as a vocal duo in the late 1970s. Formed by Cedric Myton and Roy ‘Ashanti' Johnson, the two met at a guitar lesson, bonding over their shared love for music. They initially recorded several songs with Lee Scratch Perry, including the now-iconic album ‘Heart of the Congos.' This album solidified The Congos’ position as one of the leading reggae bands. Their Afro-Caribbean vocals coupled with Scratch Perry's production style created such a masterpiece that the album endures, making its way into the annals of reggae 'must-haves.'
One of The Congos' most famous songs is ‘Fisherman.' Like many of their songs, ‘Fisherman' is steeped in spirituality, with the ocean serving as a metaphor for spiritual cleansing. It’s no wonder that the Congos have always had a strong association with Rastafarianism. In fact, their music was instrumental in spreading the Rastafarian culture throughout the world, with their music resonating with people of all backgrounds.
Another hit song that cemented The Congos’ place in the reggae world is ‘Open Up the Gate.' This song was a call for Rastafarian liberation, a celebration of the spiritual bonds that the Rastafarian community shared. It was recorded with incredible harmonies, melding Congos' Afro-Caribbean influences with Perry's jazzy production style. For many fans, ‘Open Up the Gate' represents everything that The Congos stood for, with its message of hope and unity.
When it comes to major concerts, The Congos have performed at some of the most prominent reggae festivals worldwide. In recent years, they have collaborated with other legendary musicians, including Italian DJ, Claudio Coccoluto. Their music has also been featured in films and TV shows, with their sound scoring many memorable moments.
The Congos' musical style excellently blends elements of dub, reggae, and Rastafarianism. They were and remain among the most influential groups to have emerged from Jamaica, and their sound has spread worldwide. While they might not top current charts today, their timeless classics and influence on other genres mean they have left their permanent mark on the music industry.
As we conclude, we’ve just taken a stroll down memory lane, exploring one of the most iconic reggae bands of all time. New listeners will find themselves transported to a musical realm filled with joy and spirituality, with the Congos' messages as relevant today as they were decades ago. For those who've followed them for years, rediscovering their timeless classics and learning about their history is undoubtedly a treat to remember. It is hard to imagine the world of reggae music without The Congos and that should be celebrated.

LISTEN THE BEST THE CONGOS SONGS IN STREAMING

Next Concert
2024-04-23 h: 20:00
SPOT / De Oosterpoort
Groningen, Netherlands
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SONGS OF THE CONGOS - THE BEST SONGS OF THE ARTIST
1 - Johnny
2 - Blood and Fire
3 - Congoman
4 - Children Crying
5 - Solid Foundation
6 - La La Bam-bam
7 - Ark Of The Covenant
8 - Can't Come In
9 - At The Feast
10 - Fisherman
11 - Open Up The Gate
12 - The Wrong Thing
13 - Sodom And Gomorrow
14 - Nicodemus
15 - Noah Sugar Pan
16 - Bring The Mackaback
17 - Neckodeemus
18 - Congoman Chant
19 - Ark Of Covenant
20 - Don't Blame It On I
21 - Congoman (12" Mix)
22 - Solid Foundation (disco Cork Mix)
23 - Don't Blame On I
24 - Music Maker
25 - Days Chasing Days
26 - Only Jah Know
27 - Rock Of Gibraltar
28 - Lion In The Jungle
29 - Kingdom Rises
30 - It Can't Work
31 - Give Them The Rights
32 - Education Of Brainwashing
33 - Food For The Rainy Day
34 - Thief Is In The Vineyard
35 - Jackpot
36 - Youth Man
37 - Nana
38 - Sweetest Name
39 - Boycott
40 - Undiluted Soldier
41 - Sleeping Giant
42 - Stay Alive
43 - Born Again
44 - Mr. Shark
45 - Capture Your Smile

THE CONGOS: NEXT EVENTS

Concert
2024-04-23 h: 20:00
SPOT / De Oosterpoort
Groningen, Netherlands
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Concert
2024-04-24 h: 20:30
TivoliVredenburg
Utrecht, Netherlands
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Concert
2024-04-25 h: 20:00
Metropool
Enschede, Netherlands
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Concert
2024-04-26 h: 20:00
Le Splendid
Lille, France
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Concert
2024-04-27 h: 20:00
Magic Mirrors
Le Havre, France
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Concert
2024-04-28 h: 18:30
Paul B
Paris, France
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Concert
2024-04-30 h: 19:30
Stockfish
Nice, France
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Concert
2024-05-01 h: 21:00
Zénith De Toulon
Toulon, France
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Concert
2024-05-02 h: 19:30
Espace Julien
Marseille, France
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Concert
2024-05-04 h: 21:00
Les Docks
Cahors, France
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Concert
2024-05-07 h: 20:00
Atabal Biarritz
Biarritz, France
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Concert
2024-05-09 h: 19:30
Rockstore
Montpellier, France
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Concert
2024-05-16 h: 20:00
La Coopérative de Mai
Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Concert
2024-05-18 h: 19:30
Fri-Son
Fribourg, Switzerland
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Concert
2024-05-21 h: 20:00
La Grange à Musique (GAM)
Creil, France
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Concert
2024-05-22 h: 20:00
La Laiterie
Strasbourg, France
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Concert
2024-05-23 h: 20:30
La BAM (La boite à Musiques)
Metz, France
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Concert
2024-05-24 h: 20:00
Élysée Montmartre
Paris, France
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Concert
2024-05-26 h: 20:00
Le VIP
Saint-Nazaire, France
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Concert
2024-05-28 h: 20:30
Bonjour Minuit
Saint Brieuc, France
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Concert
2024-06-04 h: 19:30
Cactus Club
Bruges, Belgium
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Concert
2024-06-05 h: 20:00
Patronaat
Haarlem, Netherlands
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Concert
2024-06-07
Fabrik
Hamburg, Germany
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Concert
2024-06-08
Lido
Berlin, Germany
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Concert
2024-06-09
JunkYard
Dortmund, Germany
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Concert
2024-06-11 h: 20:00
Lucerna Music Bar
Prague, Czech Republic
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Concert
2024-08-22 h: 19:00
Fox & Firkin
London, UK
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