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Shabaka Appearing With Reggae Star Luciano 5/2/2008, Releases New CD
Sierra Leone's #1 Reggae star Freddy Shabaka will appear in a live concert with Jamaica's #1 Reggae star and headliner Luciano On May 2nd, 2008 at the Zanzibar on the Waterfront nightclub, 700 Water Street, Washington DC. Shabaka's last appearance at the Zanzibar was with the late Lucky Dube, Africa's #1 Reggae star.

Click here to download entire official press release

Click here to download official flyer/annoucement

Job Alert. Now Hiring Outside Sales Representatives
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Position: The salespeople we seek will be responsible for distributing our product to retailers and selling our product directly to fans. Responsibilities include seeking and effectively maintaining and expanding local retail accounts through creative selling. If you think you have what it takes to succeed, click here to fill out our pre-screening application.

Amistad Freedom Atlantic Tour, Posted by Shabaka
In the spirit of celebrating our heroes, this spot on the site is devoted to the struggle of African people.

In June of 2007 the replica of the Amistad Freedom Schooner embarked on a transatlantic voyage to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.  Spearheaded by AMISTAD America, Inc., the Atlantic Freedom Tour began in Connecticut and in December of this year, after making stops in Nova Scotia and Liverpool, it will dock in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Earlier this year, I met with Amy Greene, of Amistad Sierra Leone, Donald George, who is the International Multicultural Education Coordinator for Amistad America, Inc. and Desmond Bishop, President of Afrikasgems Tour & Marketing Group/Mt. Lion Excursions.  At the conclusion of our meeting, it was decided that my song “Black Loyalist” would be used as the theme song for the Amistad’s arrival in Freetown.

This is a special honor for me, as the song celebrates the heroic efforts of Thomas Peters, who like Sengbe Pieh, let nothing deter him from obtaining his freedom and securing his return to Africa.  I feel privileged that I can play a part in honoring these two great Sierra Leoneans.  The docking of the Amistad in Freetown, will in some way ensure that we remember men, just like us, who refused to be kept down and fought for their freedom and justice.

I will keep you informed of the activities of the Amistad organization in Sierra Leone and the voyage of the Freedom Schooner.  However, if you would like to be there for this historic moment in our history, you can contact Afrikasgems Tour Group for travel information at 301 322 1762 or e-mail gems1@mail.com

New Music Video
The video for Black Loyalist is now online at shabakasounds.com and on YouTube.
Watch it here.

New Music Video
The video for See Dem A Come is now online at shabakasounds.com and on YouTube.
Watch it here.

Shabaka Launches New Web Site
Shabaka and World Class is pleased to announce the launch of the new Shabaka website at www.shabakasounds.com This website offers many great features, such as exclusive photos, audio and video, touring and booking information plus extras like wallpapers, ringtones, and buddy icons. Coming soon, the site will offer fan forums and message boards and online ticket information and buying. The site was designed by Jacksonville. Florida based web design firm World Class of Jacksonville.

His music has been described as poignant, churning, lilting and heartfelt. The Washington Post said, “If West African born singer/songwriter Freddy Shabaka doesn’t win listeners over with his words, the odds are good he’ll do it with his music . . . Shabaka knows how to make his point effectively on several levels as a singer, songwriter and arranger.”  Shabaka was born Frederick Cole in Freetown, Sierra Leone.  His music has a Reggae and African flavor that is both authentic and compelling.  Shabaka’s music has political, social and Rasta anthems that figure in the mix.  The songs are thoughtful and no matter how impassioned the message or how diverse the elements, the music has a sunny allure that’s hard to resist.  The strength and richness of Shabaka’s vocals, the soulfulness of his voice and the power and passion in which the songs are delivered are a treat to all who listen.

Shabaka, who is from the Creole people of Sierra Leone says, “My ancestors were descendants of freed African American slaves, Maroons from Jamaica and freed Africans who were returned to Freetown when the slave trade was abolished.  This African ancestral mix is reflected in the music I make.”  The influences of great reggae singer/songwriters like Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh, and Burning Spear are evident in Shabaka’s music, however, his style and authenticity ushers in a new chapter in the marriage of reggae music and African rhythms.