Taj Weekes is a dreadlocked Rastafarian singer-songwriter who fronts a dynamic reggae band named Adowa. Bred in the Caribbean island of St. Lucia but shaped by intercontinental life experience, he is also an unwavering, energetic humanitarian, who founded his children’s charity, They Often Cry Outreach (TOCO). His efforts has garnered him the title UNICEF Champion for Children for St. Lucia where he implements and executes various programs designed to enrich the lives of Caribbean children.

Aside from brains, a heart, and a great smile, Taj has six acclaimed albums of musically adventurous reggae that imbues his songs with a pragmatic, non-judgmental optimism that is not merely unusual in reggae, but almost unique. So what makes Taj Weekes special can be summarized in three words: MUSICIAN. POET. HUMANITARIAN. What makes him astonishing is the easy and unforced harmony among all these facets of his existence.

Adowa is a disciplined team of talented musicians from differing cultures and with broad musical influences that backs Taj Weekes live and on recordings. The name salutes the battle of Adowa in 1896, which ensured sovereignty for Ethiopia and proved crucial in the advancement of African independence and pride. Adowa’s specific line-up alternates from time to time, but at a typical gig you might see a bassist from Dominica, a classically trained keyboardist with roots in Haiti, a St. Lucian reggae stalwart on drums, and a Trinidadian and Dominican duo shredding guitars up front. The faces may change, but the excellent musicianship, and the vibe, remain.