Veteran singer Echo Minott is bringing reggae to the south of France through his upcoming event, Breuil-Magné Reggae Fest.
Hosted by his NAPEM Records imprint, the show is slated for January 29 at the cultural centre in Breuil-Magné, Rochefort district.
“It’s the first reggae event that is gonna keep in this area, and so far, it’s getting a lot of good response because there isn’t too much reggae on this side of France,” Minott told The Gleaner. “I decided to put some Jamaicans on it, mixed with some Africans and some French people, so I am just trying to see if it will work. Maybe, down in the year, I will continue if everything goes right.”
INDEPENDENT
Minott forms part of the line-up, which includes Peter Youthman, Joseph Cotton, Lee Roy King, Sistah Livity, Fatta/Soul Stereo and Laurent Squarta. Minott is no stranger to organising events, but said the last time he graced a stage was in the summer.
“It’s been a long time, because sometimes they (the French government) would open the place then close it again, and it just kept changing, so there were no events happening,” he shared. “I like to put on my own shows because I can’t wait for no promoter to book me. I’m very independent.”
Before the pandemic disrupted the live entertainment scene, he was to have held a grand Echo Minott and Friends concert in Paris in 2020 to celebrate his 40-year milestone in music. Minott, who moved to France a little over a decade ago, had Jamaican and French artistes and sound systems rostered, and intended to have a second concert in Jamaica. He later opted for a private, intimate event, where he launched his Man A Do Road album, a 12-track set with sounds and styles of the ‘80s, when he rose to prominence, and current themes like racial inequality and police brutality. The album was released under his label and Air Afrique Records.
Minott is eyeing new music and just released his first EDM record, Wanna B Free. The track, produced by Laurent Squarta, sees Minott airing his frustrations about the restrictions of the pandemic. A music video has also been released.
“I have done many EDM songs, but this is the first one to be released,” he said. “It’s different, so we are just looking to see what will happen with it.”
He’s also finishing another album which he hopes to release on his label this year.
“I did a song from 2006 name Judge and Jury, and I did half of the album then; but I never finished it, so I decided to complete the album and put it out for 2022,” he said. “I don’t have a name for the album yet, but there will be 12 songs on it.”
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