A tribute to reggae legends in Denmark
Loppen in Christiania, Denmark is one of Scandinavia’s leading reggae venues. It has hosted big names including Beres Hammond, Israel Vibration, Chronixx and Kabaka Pyramid.
On February 1, it was the site for the third ‘Reggae Month — A Tribute To The Legends’, which featured Jamaican bassist/singer KOXX, singers Mo Ali and General Levy. Adil Nadri, one of the organisers of the event, said it attracted a full house of 400 fans.
“The energy stayed high throughout the night, people were fully present, dancing, singing, and engaging with the music. Loppen was chosen for its deep, historical connection to reggae music. Christiania has long been a home for reggae culture in Denmark, making it the perfect setting for an event like this,” he told Observer Online.
Each of the acts (backed by Roots Harmonics Band) did a Bob Marley song during their performance.
KOXX, a Clarendon-born musician who plays for Alpha Blondy, opened the show and did a rousing version of Running Away, a track from Kaya, Marley’s 1978 album.
Next up was General Levy, who was born in Trinidad and Tobago and raised in the United Kingdom. His set included Could You Be Loved, a song from the reggae king’s Uprising album, released in 1980.
Mo Ali, from Sudan, dedicated his performance to the reggae king whose 80th birthday was celebrated on February 6. He did justice to I Shot The Sheriff, Is This Love and the global anthem, One Love.
Mo Ali performs at Reggae Month — A Tribute To The Legends at Loppen in Copenhagen, Denmark on February 1.
Nadri, who was born in France, has lived in Denmark since the late 1980s. He has promoted reggae shows in his adopted home for 30 years, with ‘A Tribute To The Legends’ being his latest project.
Christiania, located in the capital Copenhagen, retains a vibrant reggae scene. Nadri admits there is some way to go before it reaches the music’s popularity in neighbouring Sweden.
“Reggae has a strong following in Denmark, especially in Copenhagen, but there isn’t a central organisation that unites the community or promotes events on a large scale. Because of this, reggae events happen sporadically, gaining attention mostly within Denmark rather than internationally,” he said.