This album is a must have for all you reggae fans – reggae veterans from around the globe have teamed up to help Love Hope Strength bring cancer care to the world.
“Love I Can Feel: A Groove For The Cure” is a one riddim reggae compilation spearheaded by Contra Coup that is set to drop Today, March 24th via iTunes and other digital music retailers. A percentage of the profits will directly benefit LHS. “Love I Can Feel-A Groove for The Cure” is the brainchild of 8-piece roots-based collective Contra Coup, who not only conceived and produced the entire project but also contributed the kickoff cut, their spin on the Lovers Rock classic by Jamaican legend John Holt. Other artists who were moved to rally behind the cause include cancer survivor Clint Fearon, The Chris Murray Combo (Canada), Zema (CA), McPullish (TX), Mr. T-Bone (Italy), original Skatalites member Doreen Shaffer, dancehall don General Smiley, Kimaany (Cameroon) and Dub Fanatic, helmed by the multi-talented Johnny Horn. The Love Hope Strength Foundation’s global fight against cancer could not have been represented by a more international cast.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to be working with such an inspirational mix of Reggae talent who are as dedicated to fighting cancer as we are”, said Shannon Foley, Executvie Director of LHS. “Love I Can Feel- A Groove for the Cure”, showcases what music means to the movement, and how it can be used as a universal weapon to fight cancer globally.”
“Cancer stole my father from me in 1991 when I was just a kid, this was the saddest period of my life,” said Mr. T-Bone, an up-and-coming Reggae artist from Italy. Cancer is the pestilence of this century and we have to fight against it in all the ways we can. A song unfortunately can’t beat cancer, but it can make your sad moment a little less sad, and show you a small ray of light in the sky that can give you some hope and make you feel better”.
Mr. T-Bone is not alone. Nearly every artist featured in the collection has been directly, personally affected by the tragedy of cancer. Zema even encountered reggae royalty at a cancer clinic in Germany. Bob Marley was already knocking on heaven’s door when Zema found herself at his final birthday blowout.
“My mother was being treated for cancer at the Issels Cancer Clinic in Germany when Bob Marley was there,” said Zema. “She knew I was a big fan of Bob’s and told him she had a daughter that was a musician and his fan. When I went to visit her, I had the chance to talk to Bob and I was at his last birthday party. Meeting Bob Marley and being around that whole environment set me on a journey away from playing rock music and delving into reggae. I haven’t looked back since. There are things that the enemy means for evil but the Almighty can bring good out of them.”
