LISTEN TO THE BEST THE CONGOS SONGS IN STREAMING

The Congos are a reggae vocal group from Jamaica which formed as the duo Ashanti Roy Johnson (tenor) (b.
Rediscovering The Congos: A Journey Through the Reggae Legends’ Musical Biography
For reggae fans, The Congos are an iconic band that should never be forgotten. Their music can transport you to a spiritual realm that is hard to replicate. From their humble beginnings in Jamaica to becoming one of the most celebrated bands worldwide, The Congos have always been trailblazers of reggae music. In this article, we’ll delve into their musical journey, their best songs, and major concerts. So, sit back, relax, and let’s explore the magic of The Congos.
The Congos began their journey as a vocal duo in the late 1970s. Formed by Cedric Myton and Roy ‘Ashanti' Johnson, the two met at a guitar lesson, bonding over their shared love for music. They initially recorded several songs with Lee Scratch Perry, including the now-iconic album ‘Heart of the Congos.' This album solidified The Congos’ position as one of the leading reggae bands. Their Afro-Caribbean vocals coupled with Scratch Perry's production style created such a masterpiece that the album endures, making its way into the annals of reggae 'must-haves.'
One of The Congos' most famous songs is ‘Fisherman.' Like many of their songs, ‘Fisherman' is steeped in spirituality, with the ocean serving as a metaphor for spiritual cleansing. It’s no wonder that the Congos have always had a strong association with Rastafarianism. In fact, their music was instrumental in spreading the Rastafarian culture throughout the world, with their music resonating with people of all backgrounds.
Another hit song that cemented The Congos’ place in the reggae world is ‘Open Up the Gate.' This song was a call for Rastafarian liberation, a celebration of the spiritual bonds that the Rastafarian community shared. It was recorded with incredible harmonies, melding Congos' Afro-Caribbean influences with Perry's jazzy production style. For many fans, ‘Open Up the Gate' represents everything that The Congos stood for, with its message of hope and unity.
When it comes to major concerts, The Congos have performed at some of the most prominent reggae festivals worldwide. In recent years, they have collaborated with other legendary musicians, including Italian DJ, Claudio Coccoluto. Their music has also been featured in films and TV shows, with their sound scoring many memorable moments.
The Congos' musical style excellently blends elements of dub, reggae, and Rastafarianism. They were and remain among the most influential groups to have emerged from Jamaica, and their sound has spread worldwide. While they might not top current charts today, their timeless classics and influence on other genres mean they have left their permanent mark on the music industry.
As we conclude, we’ve just taken a stroll down memory lane, exploring one of the most iconic reggae bands of all time. New listeners will find themselves transported to a musical realm filled with joy and spirituality, with the Congos' messages as relevant today as they were decades ago. For those who've followed them for years, rediscovering their timeless classics and learning about their history is undoubtedly a treat to remember. It is hard to imagine the world of reggae music without The Congos and that should be celebrated.