Duane Stephenson Makes Fans Eager for Dangerously Roots at Hartford’s West Indian Independence Celebration!
Duane Stephenson Makes Fans Eager for ‘Dangerously Roots’ at Hartford’s West Indian Independence Celebration!
Hartford, Connecticut
One of Jamaica’s most prominent voices in Roots Reggae, Duane Stephenson, made fans eager for his album Dangerously Roots with his performance at Hartford, Connecticut’s annual West Indian Independence Celebration held on Saturday August 9th, 2014!
Taking center stage with fans of more than 15,000 people, Duane warmed hearts and provoked consciousness via his performance of songs from his catalog, and further charmed the audience with a reminder that his new album will be coming September, 2014. Dressed in a relaxed denim outfit accessorized with traditional Rastafari scarf and hat, Duane’s feet acted as roots planted by the waters as he sang songs “Rasta For I,” “Ghetto Pain” and “August Town.” His charm, which was well received, came when he performed “Carpenter,” Dennis Brown’s “Love and Hate” and Barrington Levy’s classic “She’s Mine!” Not wanting the singer to stop, the audience spread across the lawn of Bushnell Park called for more, forcing the artist to ‘rewind’ several of his songs.
Many fans were exceptionally loud with encouragement, including Mitsy who said “I waited hours just to see and hear him perform. I wanted to make sure I was right at the front to hear his every word!” As a special treat, Duane posed for photos with fans ranging in age from 4 years to very mature. The Mayor of Hartford, Pedro Segarra, was seen skanking during the Reggae Star’s performance.
Duane’s album, Dangerously Roots will be released September, 2014 on the VP Records and VPAL imprint. Produced by Shawn Kong of Kong Star Records, the album is being heralded as one of Duane’s best as the artist incorporates hints of Dancehall, and collaborates with artists I-Octane, Tarrus Riley, Lutan Fyah and Mutabaruka.
The album’s first single, “Rasta For I,” produced by Donovan Germaine of Penthouse Records, has enjoyed extensive radio play around the world. With lyrics that encourage listeners to place their faith in Rastafari, and a well crafted musical backdrop, the song resonates with fans of every background. Duane’s second single, “Cool Runnings,” is a tribute to Jamaica’s living legend, Bunny Wailer (of Bob Marley & The Wailers) and is enjoying radio play as well as Video rotation in Jamaica on JTV and in Europe on Trace TV.
