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FREDDY LOCO AND THE GORDO’S SKA BANDFreddy Loco and the Gordo’s ska Band is characterized by the eruption of artists of different styles but merged by the same passion for music.
All began with Fred. At the young age of eight, Fred Rafhay watched his grandfather play the trumpet and instantly became inspired. Driven by his innate passion for music and the desire to emulate his grandfather, Fred went to music school where he aspired to master the trumpet. There he encountered the first obstacles of music, and discouraged left and pursued a career as a professional boxer. Nevertheless, the passion for the music persisted despite his deviations. His grandfather’s melody never faded away. In 2002 he decided to follows this fascination. It was with his old friend Manu that he finally engaged in this pursue.
Different from his partner Manu never engaged in formal music studies but affirmed himself as a self-made musician. Also distinctly, his soul follows a different melody, that of reggae which he has been faithful since his teens. In spite of his long lasting loyalty towards real Hammond and Jackie Mitoo his open minded and eclectic character led him to work with different styles and distinct forms of artistic expression with great talent and dedication.
The same year, during a live performance of The Skatalites, Fred found himself close to the stage, face to face with Kevin “KB†Batchelor, his musical icon. KB’s performance energized Fred and he studied each skilful movement, knowing he, too, would one day master the trumpet. Never before was he so aware that music was the essence of their life. Months later, at yet another Skatalites performance, Kevin ‘KB’ Batchelor pulled Fred onto the stage realizing one of Fred’s greatest dreams- performing with The Skatalites
Eventually they met the rest of their basic crew: Gontran (bass) and Laurent (drums). Since then, they never separated and have built a strong friendship.
Laurent was probably born with drum sticks in his hands! Since the age of six, he plays everywhere he was given an opportunity too. He only discovered Ska later in his life with friend, but the enthusiasm was no lesser.
Bobo has a similar story and they were often together before they joined Fred and Manu.
In 2003, with recruitment began and their first band was formed, Magwalé Freedom, fusing the sounds of Ska, Reggae, Rocksteady, and Afro-Beat. In the spring of 2004, they produced their debut CD, “Arretez Vos Machinesâ€, right out of his home studio, using state-of-the-art equipment.
From 2004 to 2006 they made more than 100 shows through Belgium and France. The end of this tour called for a change and guided by Fred and Laurent ‘Freddy Loco’ was born, dedicated to the traditional Brass sounds of Ska & Rocksteady. This was where Remy (sax) and Artémissia (trombone) and Angélique (vocals) made their entrance.
It was not long until Nicolas Léonard (Moon Invaders) who would produce the work of this new venture. The first album, out in 12 september 2007, with collaborations from Sidney Mills (Steel Pulse) mixing from NYC and Kevin Batchelor playing some trumpet chorus.
They can be seen performing everywhere around Belgium not only with Kevin Batchelor but also with New York Ska Jazz Ensemble and the Skatalites.
