As the originators of their unique fusion between two genres, they have garnered mass appeal among residents of Virginia not to mention major label recording artists such as Collie Buddz & Ky-Mani Marley! Bukwi (pronounced BUCK*WHY) took over the local music scene in Hampton Roads, VA. in 2007. Having recently been nominated for TWO awards with The Virginia Reggae Awards including Best Song of the Year & Best New Artist, Bukwi have truly escaped the tag as "just another local band." Their music speaks volumes & is a rarity within the Hampton Roads music scene. They are the only band locally to have sold out The NorVa more than once. "The local music scene here is so tight and rude, its like crabs in a barrel. Once one guy sees another guy climbing to the top, he pulls ’em down. It’s ridiculous. But we’ve achieved so much within a year, that its a blessing...it truly is.", says King Louie who is of Puerto Rican/Caribbean descent. King Louie is what he calls himself a "bonafide Boricua" and brings the complete Reggae Experience to Bukwi’s music. It is through his exalting and uplifting messages of peace, prosperity, & positivity that their message comes through with Caribbean-feel. Bukwi have been featured in The Virginian Pilot on more than 5 occasions including a write-up about their mass appeal. In the Link Newspaper itself, they’ve been featured in it on three separate occasions. They have been correctly labeled by the local print media as the "new fresh faces of local reggae." Being recognized for their talent and unique talent for blending Dancehall Reggae with Conscious Hip-Hop yet splashed with a few doses of Blues and Roots Reggae, Bukwi have been sought after repeatedly throughout 2007 for major and independent bookings. Local artists have shown an outpour of love toward the group that was neither expected nor denied. "Some local bands here have shown us beautiful love man, we can’t deny that. They’ve appreciated our music and have allowed us to rock crowds with them & we’re so appreciative of that. We truly are.", says Tony Nucklez who is of Italian descent. Nucklez delivers fierce verses of Conscious Hip-Hop verbally, that is unheard of these days. His message of positivity and spirituality is brought about through his deep connection in the streets; and has great connectivity with those in the urban demographic. "I have seen many bands, artists & DJ’s come and go within Hampton Roads but there isn’t a group like Bukwi at all. I specialize in all types of music since I’m a DJ, but my heart rests with Reggae! And I tell you, my connection with that music runs deep...and I have never heard a sound like this before.", says DJ Cool Mo who is of African descent. DJ Cool Mo is what they call in the Caribbean a "selecta" which in American terms is Disc Jockey, or DJ. He has played in numerous clubs throughout 757 and has laced the club-scene here with doses of reggae he feels it needs. As a devout Rastafarian, DJ Cool Mo brings the completion of being a Reggae Group full circle. Having been known to bring crowds to a standing fury, it was only right they all connected to bring their music even further locally. "When we linked up wid Mo, it was only right, ya know? When meh see di mon dep pon di stage an’ dem people gwan crazy hype from tune him play....(laughs) we absolutely haffi link up wid Mo an’ seal di deal! No question!" says King Louie. "I agree, cause Mo brings this beautiful Rasta-essence to our music. King Louie already is from the Caribbean so it comes natural to him, but Mo brings this presence." says Tony Nucklez. The music has garnered attention from all arenas both big & small. They’ve played gigs that local bands performing here for 10 years haven’t played yet. They’ve sung on stages local bands here will never see. "Our music has brought beautiful opportunities our way most people here will never see. We would just like to take it further to higher levels as much as possible. We will never stop." says DJ Cool Mo. The attention at first was common for an artist such as Tony Nucklez, who for years delved in the local rap/hip-hop scene and saw nothing come to fruition due to what he believes "is a idolization of negative lyrics promoting violence." "Basically, Tony switched sides and his life is more fruitful because of it. I’ve always admired his ballistic approach to rapping because he’s not your average rapper. He’s not even a rapper! Tony is like an MC/Rapper/Poet/Song-writer/Musician/Freestylist all in one! He plays many roles within Hip-Hip that most of these local so-called rappers can’t even conceive of mentally!" says DJ Cool Mo. "His voice is amazing especially when it involves him on the chorus. His message is powerful and you can’t deny that. It’s like listening to a young, more energetic, dance-hall-ish Bob Marley yet mixed with Buju Banton and Damian Marley. When he’s in his natural element like in a club with people, he feeds off it and just completely lets loose! King Louie is a performer to the tee! People gravitate towards his energy for real." says Tony Nucklez. This group has performed ALL over Hampton Roads and are currently as of March 2008 in the studio completing work on several musical projects. The requests for bookings and collaborations run long, but they take interest in every request. For booking/media/interview or collaboration requests email: [email protected] joining forces together in early 2006, Bukwi have garnered the adulation from a plethora of local artists & also major label artists such as Ky-Mani Marley, Collie Buddz, Queen Ifrica, Mike Walla, & Stephen Marley. Currently their tunes are played by various Soundsystems worldwide including London, the U.K., Puerto Rico, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Virginia Beach, Washington, D.C., Jamaica, and the Caribbean.Bukwi is a truly without a doubt the originators of Conscious Hip-Hop with Roots/Dancehall Reggae in Virginia. Without any competition, they have successfully grinded their way into the number 1 spot on MySpace for Unsigned Talent in Virginia! Feel free to leave a message through this account or a comment, as it is the official page for Bukwi. God bless!
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