- Photos:
-
Reggae. It’s uplifting in tone, but heavy in subject matter, dealing with issues like anti-racism, social injustice and spirituality. In Hawaii, the good vibes of reggae are not only mixed with a good helping of cultural, similar to that which the genre was built on, but an infectious dance and feel for the Islands.
From roots to rocksteady, the Maytals to Peter Tosh and Bob Marley, the music speaks to all kinds of people and cultures. Not everyone who listens is your cookie-cutter Rasta, either. Here in Hawaii, reggae has been transformed into a genre all its own that doesn’t forget to give a nod to its forefathers down in Kingston.
The music
The roots of reggae go deep, beginning as a fusion of African folk, 50s R&B, ska and rocksteady. It was popularized in Jamaica in the early 60s, with independent selectors and international labels like Island and Studio One. These influences are easily noticeable in the locally performed Hawaiian reggae or Jahwaiian.
The Dress
It’s part 70s, part hippie, part Rastafarian, part surfer, and part traditional African dress. You will most likely observe the popular Rasta look - dreadlocks and all - if you go to a good reggae show. Whatever you wear, dress to relax (unless there’s a dress code), and don’t forget your red-yellow-green.
The Scene
There are several places in Honolulu where you can catch either live reggae or reggae DJs. Here are some of our recommendations.
Pipeline Cafe
When the biggies of reggae come to Honolulu, chances are it'll be at Pipeline. Reggae-dancehall legend Junior Reid, former lead singer of Black Uhuru, will be performing here on Sept. 13, and Rebelution, an indie reggae band awarded the iTunes Best Reggae Album of 2007, will be in concert on Aug. 23.
Tropics Cafe
A local bar and lounge with live bands and reggae DJs every night of the week, except Sunday. There's something for everyone here, with a pool table and specials on microbrews and Red Stripe. They rarely charge cover, so this little place always draws a crowd. It’s open early with a full kitchen until 11 p.m.
Boardriders Bar & Grill
Another laid-back, local-style bar, but because it's located on the Windward side, it doesn’t draw the normal city crowd. On Wednesday nights, they have DJ Freedom spinning, and every other night of the week you can find reggae and ska bands keeping the Kailua nights alive. The cover varies, as do the hours, but it closes at 2 a.m.
The Living Room at Fisherman’s Wharf
Located in an unlikely place for a club-style reggae night (a marina), the dance floor stays packed nonetheless. Thursday nights are reggae-specific, but you can find DJs Redda Fire and 45Revolver spinning on Friday and Saturday as well. Open late for the late nighters, doors don’t shut until 4 a.m. The cover is $7 before 1 a.m. and $10 afterwards.
Senor Frog's
A sprawling dance floor, an enormous bar and a location in the heart of Waikiki keep Senor Frog's an after-hours force. Wednesday nights are reggae-specific, with DJ Choke spinning for the crowd. You’ll know the place by the line to get into the elevator that carries you to the door, and, well, a sign with a big frog on it. Door time varies, and the closing time is 4 a.m.
Lotus Soundbar
Lotus has won multiple awards for its sound system, and for good reason. On Sunday nights, they spin reggae for Rudegyal Retreat with a $5 cover and $4 well drinks. Stylish attire is required, so dress to impress. Just don’t put drinks or anything valuable on the speakers unless you want it to be vibrated to the ground.
