UMOYA

UMOYA (Swahili for "unity") is part of a new generation of reggae-bands who hold true to the original spirit of reggae-music, yet, by blending it with other musical influences, have found their own unique form of expression. The band's musical variety spans the spectrum from traditional heavyweight roots-reggae to lovers-rock to contemporary dancehall-styles, while maintaining a continuity of sound. In 1993, the CD-Maxi "Hey You" received massive airplay in Germany, Poland and Belgium and turned UMOYA into the most popular and successful reggae-band in Germany during a whole decade. Comprised of an interesting mix of musicians from Jamaica, England, Germany, and Portugal, UMOYA was formed in 1982 and began opening for acts such as "Steel Pulse", "Black Uhuru" and "Burning Spear". Throughout the years the band has continued to woo European audiences and has released multiple CDs, cassettes and vinyl-albums, as well as appearing on several compilations. Their new CD "Two Decades" (2004) is going to have a massive impact on the European reggae-scene, and while taking the genre to new heights, UMOYA keeps the universal flame of timeless reggae alive.
1982