International afro-reggae band from Prague.
Barakaba is a Prague, Czech Republic based afro/reggae band with band members from all over the world with one common goal, spreading a positive message through their unique and original reggae music. Band leader, song writer and singer Youssouf Samzy comes from Ivory coast. Most of the inspiration for his songs comes from his home country – Ivory Coast. [excluding the moments when he’s singing about how cold he is in the Czech republic!] Musically Samzy pulls inspiration from African folk styles Sakrabutu and Kurubi, which were a big part of his life from his early childhood. Samzy writes his lyrics in English and French, but primarily in his native language Dioula [sometimes called malinki too]. Percussionist MT is from Ivory Coast as well. But he is from different tribe then Samzy is. It makes the band richer in many ways, including musical and human ways;-). MT is a seasoned veteran percussionist with an amazing sense of groove.The guitar player, BK, hails from the US [Califronia.] and has been a part of the reggae sunsplash tour as well as cultures 2002 us tour. The rest of the band - Ondra [keyboards], Radek [ bass guitar] and Martin [drums] are Czechs with years of musical experience between them and the unique gift of playing as one solid, tight unit. At their concerts Barakaba spreads a message of Love, Peace and Tolerance among races, nations, religious groups and among people in general. With his lyrics Samzy pays attention to up-to-date political and social issues such as war, conflicts and oppression, suffering of African immigrants in Europe or xenophobia. But most of all the performances of Barkaba shine a joy of life, from playing the music they love together, and from dance. Barakaba is a great example that people of different skin colors, different religions and different backgrounds, not to mention from far ends of the world can come together in unity, and together create the most positive vibes.
Live in Vagon