CLATTA BUMBOO AND ROOTS GOVERNMENT

WHERE I AM STANDING
Firmly in the commitment to aid in the change. A rising form the mud. A clearing of the tendencies to wait for it to happen. Where I am standing is within reach of changing how I live and participate; of creation ever creating.

I REMAIN A STUDENT OF RASTAFARI
Born in the parish of Westmoreland Jamaica and raised in the small mountain village of Moreland Hill in the same parish, Clatta Bumboo presently resides in the city of Providence, Rhode Island, USA. Influenced by the commanding reggae sound of the Rastafari elders such as The Wailers, Bob Marley, Burning Spear and Culture; Clatta Bumboo has accepted the responsibility to uphold the roots music of his culture, as he records and release original reggae records from his new home city of Providence.

With a voice that effortlessly transcends Roots Reggae and Soul, music that brings in Soul and Rock, and lyrical poeticism that stirs the mind and soul – ‘unique’ is a word perhaps best reserved for Clatta Bumboo; an artist whose craft has gone from strength-to-strength in recent years.

Clatta’s artistic and cultural experience has been shaped from a young age. Having grown up in the hamlet of Moreland Hill in Westmoreland, Jamaica, there were some community Sound Systems that influenced a young Clatta. However, things changed at the age of around 14, when he started as a warm-up for DJ Jonathan on the Extra Flex Movement Sound System.

Then, Clatta began attending the St Elizabeth Technical High School in Santa Cruz. The daily commute gave him the chance to visit record stores in larger towns – including the legendary Vincent “Randy” Chin’s “Randy’s Records” in Kingston. Extra Flex Movement charged him with collecting the vinyl for the Sound System, and Clatta developed an excellent ear for the culture through this:

He then got his first professional break of sorts, as an Entertainment Coordinator at the Sandals resort, Negril – of course, DJing as part of this. However, his love of Roots Reggae was never to far away.Clatta says of his early influences:

“I am a student of Reggae – any Reggae sound I listen to has an influence. Some more than others: Peter Tosh, Burning Spear, Bob Marley, Prince Fari, Soul Syndicate, Steven Marley, Ragin Fyah, and Morgan Heritage just to name a few.

I am also very keen on the “label sound”; Channel One JA, Rockers International, Channel One UK, Prince Jammy, and Taxi Gang; I love the Black Uhuru Sound. Where there is a solid drum and bass chemistry, I look in that direction.

New Skool Reggae also has a place on my chord of influence; heavyweight rockers (Unga and Welsh) especially”.

Clatta then honed his craft further and moved to Providence, Rhode Island in the US. It was from here that he embarked on a fully-fledged solo career as an artist. His debut EP We Are Chosen was a well-constructed introduction to Clatta as an artist – showcasing not only his gift as a writer but also as a virtuoso vocalist, as well. Grounded in Roots, it then naturally led to two further EPs which spawned a string of well-received songs.
However, it is Clatta’s ability to convey messages to the listener via both music and lyrics which really stands out. It is perhaps because so much of what he constructs is based around his owned lived experience, which then permeates via the sonics to the listener.

Clatta says of his craft:
“Music has saved me and kept me wholesome. After moving from Jamaica to the northeastern United States, I had my bout with Seasonal Affective Disorder, Economic Depression, Discrimination, Racism, and Class Disadvantages. Reggae music was my antidote, fuel for regeneration and survival, especially during the winter months. My situation as an immigrant is not unique and during the contemplation to start recording, it made sense to write and sing about my own experiences both personally and objectively toward the plight observed in the relationships around me.

Recognizing that I had a strong voice and the ability to unpack parables, I decided to lean into the calling to serve by way of Roots music focus, not just for my kind but for all people. The struggles I faced in Rhode Island were rooted in malpractices in the relationships that brought me to the first world. People are the reasons for most, if not all, of my suffering.

I am passionate and focused on this musical sound we are bringing forward because the good change is achievable; often what is needed is a stimulus, people need a little push in the right direction. I do not mind the charge at all. I feel good about serving via my ability to create and perform songs”.

The Fallout Shelter is an all ages performance venue welcoming worldwide, world class music in an intimate setting. Our studio audience attends to watch the creation and production of the music television series The Extended Play Sessions. The Fallout Shelter events are immersive experiences for both audience and performers alike...a live music experience like no other. We are fully ADA compliant and have wheelchair access. We have a wide selection of beer and wine for your adult beverage pleasures and each show comes with a free commemorative event poster. Our doors open at 6PM. Seating is General Admission. We recommend you arrive at the time the doors open.