Rootsyardd: Vital space for ital vibes

ROOTSYARDD gathers like-minded souls who enjoy reggae music throughout the decades.

It is defined by its organisers as a space for lovers of foundation rockers and original dub music on an old-school vinyl sound system. Founder of Rootsyardd Jude Patrick, talking about the genres played at events, said the foundation of the music played between the 1970s and 1980s was revolutionary and positive.

"That is why we say 'foundation reggae.' The era was filled with hardcore musicians throughout the Caribbean preaching truth, unity and righteousness.

"What makes the music even more gratifying is the sound system. We built it from scratch, and all the music you hear at Rootsyardd is being played on vinyl. Now, mind you, there’s the latest music also being played, but on records. That’s why we claim the term 'strict vinyl'"

The sixth instalment of Rootsyardd, which began last May, was held on January 19 at the corner of Nook Avenue and St Ann's Road, Port of Spain. After being hosted by Alice Yard at 80 Roberts Street in Woodbrook, Patrick said the open space with washroom facilities now being used is rented. "It is the first time it is being used for an event of this kind. For now, that’s where Rootsyardd is based – until we have a place of our own."

The event, hosted at six-week intervals, brought out lovers of a relaxed, meditative vibe to enjoy the music of Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer and Dennis Brown, to name a few – under strings of warm, hanging lights and an almost-full moon, in the crisp air from the hills.

Those who attended consisted mostly of young, middle-class people from a mixture of backgrounds, including Rastafarians. Though the crowd was mostly youthful, the vibe of Rootsyardd brought out people from all walks of life, including more mature patrons.

The music, played by top Caribbean selectors, resident selector Black Chariot, Gauge and Gabre Selassie from Jamaica, had patrons singing and rocking while they socialised. Black Chariot is a fixture at Rootsyardd, but Patrick said there is usually at least one guest DJ.

Adding to the experience was a variety of food and drinks from vendors including Bar La Krem, Cafe 117, Chef G, M’Cup of Soup, Mahi-Mahi, Mehtee, Namaste Cafe, Rasta Feng, Sumptuously Orgasmic, the Pallet, the People’s Soup, Twig’s Naturals and UpCups. They offered a wide range, including Rootsyardd-branded T-shirts, corn soup, teas, and pastry.

DJ Black Chariot said, "Everything irie in the Rootsyardd. It's all about love, unification, and free-spirited vibes."

Selassie, from Kingston Dub Club, Jamaica, who made his first trip to TT for the event, said he was thankful for the beautiful reception he received.

"The Rootsyardd family and the Black Chariot family have been excellent hosts. I am really loving the vibe here in TT, and I will come back as often as they would have me. I know it is Carnival season now, and we don't want to disrupt that vibe – but I see there is definitely a market here for foundation rockers and original dub music."

Selassie said his wish for foundation rockers and dub music is that it will continue to spread throughout the region. But he said while there may be a market for the product, the space for people to come together to enjoy it does not always exist, which is what Rootsyardd now represents.

"I hope it will continue to reach the right people and gather them so we can have more events like these, in the same way that there are dancehall and soca fetes. We haffi gi dem di roots!"

Founding member and media and marketing manager Ardene Sirjoo said, "Considering we are now smack in the middle of the Carnival season, the turnout was reassuring. From event to event, we've only seen growth. Most importantly, the vibe is always there!"

Sirjoo has been a radio talk show host/broadcaster with i95.5 for over 11 years. She also does freelance work as the Bocas Lit Fest media and marketing co-ordinator, and most recently co-founded TriniGoodMedia, a media company, with journalist Franka Philip.

After she experienced the Kingston Dub Club, when Rootsyardd founder Patrick approached her with the idea of creating a space for foundation rockers music, she said she was moved by it. "The combination of my experience at Kingston Dub Club and his vision left me being immediately sold on the idea of doing something similar here.

"In terms of crystallising the idea and capturing the vibe, that was definitely driven by Jude. He didn't hesitate to reach out to Gauge of Black Chariot, our resident selector. They connected instantly through their passion for the music, and vinyl specifically."

The team, since their first event, has included branding manager Gerard Sampson, Anya Martinez, who handles social media and content creation, and Samantha Antoine, who is responsible for vendor management.

"Of course, there are several others, our family and friends who are like family, whose input from the very start has been equally important."

She said the team brings the sound, creates the atmosphere and puts in the energy required to make folks feel at ease, free – but the patrons bring the vibe.

"We feel it, and so do they. Each and every time, we're humbled – overwhelmed even, by the feedback. People feel good, they connect with the energy of the space and vibration of the music."

Asked about his intention in bringing the Rootsyardd foundation dance to Port of Spain, Patrick said, "I would say the vibes of wanting to connect with the real, deep foundation rockers music. Personally, I was fed up with going out and not being able to leave a dance feeling fully energised and inspired. So if you can’t get it, why not create it?"

He said he was drawn to reggae music because it was all his father played. "I grew up in a little village in Princes Town called Churkoo Village. In those days, my dad had all the music you can think of, and everyone in the village would want him to tape a cassette."

Patrick said he grew up hearing real, deep foundation reggae and kaiso. "In other words, what drew me to reggae was simply its positive messages."

He said he and his team do not host any other events of this kind, but he would like to see, "by the will of Jah," a space established for young artists to host similar events, seeking to inspire positive change and inspiration through music.

"My hope is for a space of healing, positivity, upliftment – where anyone can come through and connect. Rootsyardd is the yard where all people are welcome."

Though live performances were not previously a feature of Rootsyardd, that Saturday it hosted the first live performance by TT reggae artiste Buzzrock and young saxophone player Arie Van Druten.

"So yes, we have started, but we go with the vibes, so people never quite know what they'll get. We like the element of surprise, you know?"

Patrick said he was pleased with the turnout, and said the movement is growing organically.

"We would love to reach all the people at the same time, but we know that right timing is everything." He said the focus of the Rootsyardd team is providing quality service to those who attend, while ensuring vendors are comfortable and in the right vibe to present their skills and products.

Asked what feedback he had got, Patrick said he was told, "Don’t stop this beautiful feeling." One person said, "I look forward to this every six weeks," and a group told him they felt at ease and deep peace, and their faith in humanity had been restored.

At the end of each event, Patrick said, his hope is that each person will leave knowing music has the power to heal.

"At Rootsyardd you can be your true self, and find inner peace."

Details of upcoming Rootsyardd events and photos are available on the Rootsyardd Facebook page and @rootsyardd on Instagram.