Live review from 22nd Anniversary Festival Day 2:
UNIFY
EXPLOITED
STAND
ONLY MY LIGHT
BACK IT UP
Umoja Rootz bring a smooth, infectious reggae groove that immediately settles into the crowd from the opening notes of their set. With Moon on drums and Duane on bass locked tightly together, the foundation is solid from the start, while Seb on guitar and Ben on organ—supported by Izumi on keyboards—layer in rich textures that define the band’s sound. Fronted by Anissa on vocals, the band delivers a set that is as engaging as it is musically tight.
They open with “Unify,” a laid-back reggae bounce where guitar and keys work seamlessly together, setting the tone while bass and drums play off each other with precision and feel.
“Exploited” follows with Ben leading on organ, joined by Seb’s guitar and Duane’s bass in a tightly interwoven groove. Anissa’s vocals stand out as an instrument in their own right, blending and responding to the guitar lines. Ben’s organ work shines here, complemented by Izumi’s keys, which add depth and enrich the overall sound.
Anissa proves herself a natural frontwoman, effortlessly connecting with the audience. She engages the crowd early—asking if they’re into reggae and encouraging them to move closer—instantly creating a sense of unity. On “Stand,” the interaction between Anissa and Seb becomes a standout feature, trading musical phrases back and forth. Ben’s organ and Rhodes lock in nicely with Izumi’s keys, while Duane and Moon keep the groove steady and driving. This one got a strong reaction—people were singing along and moving with it.
“Only My Light,” dedicated to the women in the audience, showcases Anissa’s storytelling. Her vocals carry the song, with a lilting guitar riff and keys and bass adding depth underneath.
Throughout the set, Anissa moves effortlessly between singing and dancing, frequently inviting the crowd to join in and even trading vocal lines with them. The connection is constant and genuine, with the audience responding in kind—arms raised and energy high.
They close with “Back It Up,” a high-energy finale that caps off a set built on groove, connection, and positivity. From the first note to the last, the crowd is dancing, and by the end of the performance, Umoja Rootz have clearly won over a host of new fans—many of whom will no doubt be seeking them out again soon.
Shaun @BRG
