By Vernette

Born and raised on the island of St Lucia, Taj Weekes grew up the youngest of ten children in a family where music was ever present. By age five, Weekes was singing in church and by the age of nine, he and his brothers had formed a band, playing in local talent shows and at the town hall or parish centers around the island.

Weekes and his band Adowa, unite a true social consciousnes. Blending in elements of acoustic roots, rock and afro-folk simplicity, the band’s vibrant sound defies genre and has garnered critical acclaim. The group’s first two full-length albums are Hope and Doubt andDeidem, which won “Best Reggae Album” at the Just Plain Folks Music Awards. The band released their much-anticipated third CD, A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen, in October 2010.

Named a Goodwill Ambassador by the International Consortium of Caribbean Professionals and recognized by a division of the United Nations, Weekes addresses issues such as global warming, casualties of war, domestic and youth violence, diabetes and health, poverty and the poverty and the welfare of children through both his music and his  charity.

Listen to the unforgettable reggae grooves of Taj Weekes at St. Lucia Jazz on May 7th!