It was October 2007, the reggae world was saying goodbye to Lucky Dube… Those days, in a BCN Arts venue, 5 musicians (Ras Maxx David, León Demaría, Toni Capel, Joan Martos and Rafa Fortuño) would come together, united by common projects and, above all, the concern for making roots reggae, from the utmost respect for Jamaican styles, and each one contributing a very high degree of creativity.
In a short time they created their own extensive repertoire and in August 2008 the Guinarecords cultural association hosted what would be the first live performance of many in the mythical space of La Pau. Thus will begin a stage of concerts in alternative venues and parties in the province of Barcelona, during which they record their presentation E.P.: Shakti I&I. Recorder and produced in BCN Arts – 2009.
Incorporating the choristers Lidia and Sveti the band begins to stand out, appearing in more festivals and radio programs. And with the incorporation of Malu to the choirs and Sound Mo as a technician, they began the recording and production of “Caminamos Juntos“, the band’s first full-length, which would see light at the end of 2012. In those times Dontai joined the group, and Jordi a.k.a. Forbil Musicman replaces Joan Martos on bass, just for the presentation tour, which will take them on a mini-tour through the south of France and to participate in major Festivals such as Rototom Sunsplash, Reggaeboa or Afrocaña.
Around 2015, the departures of Lidia, León and, after a while, Jordi, would force them to continue for a while based on collaborations, until the definitive integration of Rober Ortiz on bass and Vicenç Galindo on guitar, when they recorded with a renewed air “Who We?” at the Blackbird Studios in Barcelona, which so far is the last LP by Shakti I&I.
During their career they have been able to count on the collaboration of percussionists, such as ‘los Fedes’, Mamadou or Juan Da Costa, with the sisters Lutxi, Sonia, Elena… to the choirs, guitarists like Dídac Matas or Ricard Durany, in whose studio from Urban Roots have also recorded a couple of singles. They have also collaborated “Chil Anko” on sax and David Maestro, on any of the strings, and Rootsless on the sound box.
In 2023 Shakti I&I will celebrate its 15th anniversary with new songs, line-up surprises, concerts and special events…
Stay tuned to the web and our social networks so you don’t miss any surprises!
GIGS, FESTIVALS AND RADIO
Shakti I&I have performed in some of the main stage venues in Barcelona: Guinarecords, Razzmatazz, Sala Monasterio, Marula Café, Sala Upload, Sándalo, La Farinera Del Clot, Espai Fontana, La Báscula. Also in mythical spaces of the community and even southern France: La Resisténcia (Hospitalet), Estraperlo Club del ritme (Badalona), Mamá Mandawa, C.C.Mirasol (Sant cugat), HMS, Le comptoir du jazz (Bourdeaux), La Boite ( Lleida). And they have been very well received in beach bars all over the Catalan coast: Bambú, Takuara, Marcel, Txiringuito X, Km Pause… They have also had the opportunity to entertain parties in many neighborhoods and towns: Gràcia, La Verneda, Sant Martí, Poble Nou, Gavà…
Regarding festivals, SHAKTI I&I have performed at Rototom Sunsplash(Benicàssim), Iboga Summer Festival(Tabernes de Valldigna), Bioritme Festival(Vilanova de Sau), ReggaeBoa(Balboa), Golden Fest (Parets del Vallés), Muzic al parc (Terrasa), AlterNativa(Sant Pol), Afrocaña(Barcelona)…
Multiple radio programs have also invited the band to acoustic performances and interviews, including: SoundSystem FM (Radio Ciutat Vella), Radio Sant Cugat, Satelite Boing (Radio Contrabanda), Godparents of Argento (Radio Argentona)…
