Their music channels sunshine right into the heart and soul. They may have emerged out of different decades, but both groups set the beat for the parties of an entire generation. Both groups started out far away from the tropical realms their music conveys so well. UB40 launched their high-precision reggae-pop from the cool climate of Birmingham in England. The boys from Orishas did the same from their exile in Paris. In 2009, they joined to let the Caribbean sun shine onto Basel. A reggae sound that makes you sway, but that is arranged with the highest precision – and distinctive Cuban pop, which even managed to excite good old Fidel: The «Massimo Leader» recently granted the Orishas a private audience. He wanted to know who made the music his servants were constantly listening to on the radio.

Zeno van Essel