Durban’s hard working Reggae Band
It was 22 years ago when Ras Shante formed a musical union called The Meditators, with the intention of forming a fresh new South African Reggae Sound. To date the band has got four albums under its belt and currently working on a new one; they own a production company – Big Up Sound Productions; co-founded the now famous annual Bob Marley Earthday Celebrations and they are the resident band at uShaka Marine World performing every Sunday at Wahooz on the Promenade.
In 2008, their third Album, Jah Kingdom was submitted at the South African Music Awards (SAMA) but had no success because the SAMA had no category provided for the genre of Reggae, something which is slowly changing as pressure is mounting from the Reggae Massive, calling on SAMA to recognize Reggae music as part of the South African music scene.
They opened for Linton Kwesi Johnson at the Durban City Hall; Rita Marley and the I-Three for Women’s Day Celebrations in 2004; were part of the Lucky Dube Tribute and Fifa World Cup events. They are also proud to have hosted in Durban, International Reggae Artists Tony Rebel & Queen Ifrika on their visit to South Africa.
Ras Shante left the Roots Rock Reggae Band from Mandini in KwaZulu Natal in 1991 to form The Meditators. It now has 7 full time members. Ras Shante Bekwa, band leader , composer, vocalist and lead guitarist; Ras Dan Kheta Msomi , guitar and vocal; Ras Bunny Nathi Mkhize, drums; Ras Sfiso Mpanza, keyboards/vocals/percussion; Ras Simphiwe Mthembu , trombone/vocals ; Ras Barret Thabani Hlela, bass guitar; and Alberto Chemane, percussion/drums (Mocambique)
Discography
“tacklin’ beast by the horns’ – 1991
Break down Chains – 2000
Jah Kingdom – 2008
Special Request – 2011
New Album – Your love, my love is currently in post production stage.
The Meditators are dearly loved in Durban and have received international exposure by performing regularly at uShaka Marine World for the last 10 years and are known as one of the hardest working bands in the country. The band promotes clean, positive and healthy living through the music and embodies the principle of ONELOVE in action, as the band considers itself to be a family and all friends fans and supporters are regarded as part of the family!
For enquiries
Free Haine 0827581411
Email: free@themeditators.com
Show some love on their facebook page.