Walk down any shopping street, anywhere, and chances are that you’ll be able to buy a T-shirt with the inimitable Bob Marley on it.
The icons may transverse rivers, seas and oceans, but it takes something special to export the true heart of reggae music in person to avid fans across the globe.
Such is the ever-energetic task of Cayman’s own Stuart Wilson, whose latest adventures with his band Love Culture include an eight-week residency at a new nightclub called Apple – in Pattaya, Thailand.
“I am honored to be taking reggae music to such a far region, and it is always a pleasure and privilege to share positive vibes with people around the world. We are thrilled and thankful,” Wilson said, understandably excited by the adventure.
The band will be playing 48 shows from Oct. 15 to Dec. 15, he added.
“I would say the capacity of the club is about 1,000 to 1,500. The club is located in the very busy cosmopolitan, business and tourist area called Walking Street,” he said.
The opportunity came about, the musician noted, due to his recent successes at the mega-festival of reggae, Sumfest, which is considered the world heart of the genre and takes place in Jamaica every year.
Alongside this, Wilson’s father Allan happened to bump into the Thailand promoter in Florida. It was a serendipitous meeting.
“With the positive press and reviews I received in regard [to Sumfest], in addition to the body of work I have amassed over time, the decision was taken by the promoters in Thailand to invite us over for two months,” the musician explained.
“I have never been to Thailand but I have always been fascinated by that part of the world. I am also interested in Eastern philosophy and I am hoping to learn more about the culture, in addition to enjoying the cuisine, sights and sounds.”
The reggae scene in Thailand right now, he said, is “very niche.”
“It is something that is not easily accessible, I don’t think. Though the people seem very fond of the sound and the feel of the music. I would say it is fertile ground for some good roots rock reggae.
“The schedule is going to be high frequency but as a band, we feel this is perfect for us, as there is no place we would rather be than on a stage playing music. It will also mean that we are continually honing our craft and becoming better in every way. I am looking forward to being on stage every night and drifting away into the music.”
As is the case with Stuart Wilson, with and without his band Love Culture, when he performs, it is a mix of his own very successful solo work and some great covers.
“[We will also play] songs from people like Dennis Brown, Freddie McGregor, Jason Mraz, Bruno Mars, Bob Marley, John Legend, John Lennon, Maxi Priest and a host of my favorites,” he enthused.
Since the word got out about the Thai appearances, as you might expect, there has been a very positive response.
“The reaction to the news from friends, fans and well-wishers has been phenomenal.
“Social medial absolutely devoured this, and the initial post about the trip has garnered more than 240 likes, in addition to roughly 70 comments on Facebook, with Twitter metrics also lighting up after the announcement.
“[When we are there] we hope to do some television appearances, as well as to affect some radio airplay.”
As the bandwagon rolls on for the musician and his band, does he have any words of wisdom for upcoming artists looking to follow in his footsteps?
“I would say be authentic,” Wilson said. “There is no one to compete with when you are being yourself. You will always be the best at being you.
“My message is to follow your intuition. We are all born knowing who we are. Don’t let society and the world rob you of your true purpose in life.
“Get up, stand up and live your truth despite the cost.”
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