The Congos + The Gladiators LIVE | Patronaat, Haarlem | 05-06-2024

A nice double bill for Patronaat in Haarlem on Wednesday 5 June with two real reggae legends, namely: The Congos + The Gladiators. Both have more than earned their spurs in reggae and together they come to Haarlem to give you an unforgettable evening.

The Congos

The Congos are one of the last roots reggae groups still touring in their original line-up. Cedric Myton (falsetto), Roydel “Congo Ashanti” Roy (tenor) and Watty Burnett (baritone), convinced Rastas since the 70s who hold their principles in high regard, recorded the mythical album ‘Heart of The Congos’ together with the late Lee Scratch Perry in his Black Ark Studio. The rest is history. They lent their distinctive vocal harmonies to timeless classics such as ‘La La Bam Bam’, ‘Open Up The Gate’, ‘Congo Man’, and of course to the irresistible ‘Fisherman’, awarded by Rolling Stone as one of the 10 best reggae songs of all time. With the addition of Talash as a fourth member, The Congos tour as a quartet in 2023, always with a sharp backing band in their wake. In addition, they continue to release new work, with a new album announced for the spring.

The Gladiators

Influenced by the film ‘Ben Hur’ and the liberation struggle of the main character, Albert Griffith wrote classics such as ‘Hello Carol’, ‘Bongo Red’, ‘Roots Natty’ and the legendary album ‘Trenchtown Mix Up’ under that name. Since he stopped touring in 2004, Albert handed over the leadership of The Gladiators to his son Al with the album ‘Father and sons’, brother Anthony has been part of The Gladiators as a drummer since 1997. The physical resemblance between father and son Griffith, and their similar voice timbre, quickly embraced fans for the changing of the guard. With his latest album ‘Roots Legacy’, a mix of classics and new songs, son Griffiths also proved that the name The Gladiators is safe in his hands.

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