Projects
Chillum Woods Roots
CHiLLUM WOODS ROOTS creates quality African roots reggae. CHiLLUM WOODS SOUND itself has its roots in reggae, as the project started in 1995 in Manchester, UK, as a live dub reggae band (simply called CHiLLUM WOODS). Many of the talented players of instruments studied classical music at the Royal Northern College of Music. Since then, CHiLLUM WOODS SOUND has diversified, traveled and matured and thankfully the reggae seed has germinated again in the form of CHiLLUM WOODS ROOTS in 2006 in Kampala, Uganda.
CHiLLUM WOODS ROOTS is directed by Gdava Woods. Gdava has many years of experience in writing, arranging, performing and producing roots reggae, thanks to valuable mentoring in Jamaican bands and studios in Manchester and Birmingham, UK, as well as Jamaica itself. Although this 'Jamaican education' is clearly evident in Gdava's compositions, lyrics, arrangements and production style, three years of residing in East Africa (Tanzania and currently Uganda) has added new elements to the sound, not least due to the close working and reasoning relationship between Gdava and Akiiki Romeo, who features on many CHiLLUM WOODS ROOTS songs.
To date, three singles have been released to Ugandan radio stations throughout the country. The leading Kampala stations are playing 'You' featuring Akiiki Romeo on high rotation, both on mainstream shows as well as on dedicated reggae programmes. So far, 'You' has peaked at number 8 in the Ugandan weekly mainstream chart (compiled by Capital FM) and has reached the coveted number 1 spot on the daily charts. In other areas of the country, 'Little More Time', again featuring Akiiki Romeo, has been a big hit. The other single that has been released so far is 'Africa Rise', an African hip-hop/reggae fusion featuring Tshila, on the 'You' rhythm. This hit rhythm is the focus of CHiLLUM WOODS ROOTS' latest forthcoming album release 'The Pearl in Reggae's Crown', with around half the tracks being versions featuring a number of fresh and talented reggae singers living in Uganda. These versions are punctuated and complimented by other original reggae songs, most of which are written by Gdava Woods. The album is nearing its final stages (recording and mixing when the daily power blackouts allow!) and you will be informed of its release through the News section of this website. The live band is being developed, too, so that the CHiLLUM WOODS ROOTS message can be spread around the world at festivals and concerts. For booking enquiries, please email enquiries@chillumwoodssound.com.
Entirely created and produced in East Africa, the birthplace of mankind, this is true roots reggae. After all, we all have our roots in East Africa.