By Natasha Odlum

It’s very rare that in Life one takes a Leap of Faith and it turns out to surpass ones’ expectations. Very rare in life, that one can honestly say that one has smelled that faint perfume of perfection; not once but over and over again. That is the sensation that exudes the atmospheres of the charmed life lead by a truly astounding group of beings that call themselves Taj Weekes and Adowa.

It was by mere ‘chance’ (if one still foolishly believes in such a thing), that I came into contact with the Group Taj Weekes and Adowa. It seemed at first meeting that some delightful dynamic had been set in motion, which I was fortunate to experience and be a part of, as I was asked by the quietly charismatic Taj Weekes to Backing Vocal for the Group. I immediately said Yes! No hesitation. I wonder now whether he knew then that I was serious. Ha ha…..However, I knew I was very serious. I had already fallen hook, line and sinker for the seductive, rarified, enchantingly beautiful Roots Reggae tones of Taj Weekes and Adowa. Musical compositions conjuring mildly memories of the Legend Bob Marley, yet obscenely unique in its fluid incorporation of whatever genre will dare lend itself to an altered interpretation.

I unashamedly confess, I was and remain still, #1 Fan, as almost immediately upon learning of this St. Lucian artist that had slipped my attention all these years, I hurried to glean all the information I possibly could of Taj Weekes and Adowa. Even before connecting with Taj, I had my groupie Tee Shirts to hand and copies of the two albums (Hope & Doubt and Deidem) on order from the main websites, www.tajweekes.com and www.tajandadowa.com.

So, I had said ‘Yes.’ One thing we all know, it’s very easy to say Yes in the euphoria of the moment. It’s the follow through that’s the challenge. However, I had been given ‘the signs’..ha ha…and thus trusted the process. About a month or so later, I found myself on a plane to New York with heart filled with courage and a head just a little faint with anticipation, as once again my tendency to feigned bravado swept me into some unknown scenario. I was invited to Backing Vocal for the group at “Festival International de Louisiane 2010” as well as the “Houston International Festival 2010.” In hindsight, I think it was wise not to think too deeply about the actuality of what I was about to undertake, as quite frankly, I probably would have freaked out! But I kept my cool, mostly.

I was actually very excited. I mean, when one discovers a delicious treasure, it is only natural to want to gain knowledge of the ingredients that go into such a creation. You know instinctively that you will, as of necessity, discover some unusual alchemy of nature’s design. Meeting the other members of Taj Weekes and Adowa was a memorable experience in itself. It was like a Salutation in a Bflat minor key. You know, that sweet combination of melody that seemingly effortlessly flows to the rhythms of life, yet dictating the beat. Taj, Adonai, Rads, Connel and Ron. I did my best to hear the tune and my best to remember my well rehearsed lines.

Needless to say, we rocked the Festivals. Or should I say we Roots Reggaed it. It was a Leap of Faith! We all took a Chance on Each Other….and I think it was a Chance well Chanced. Taj Weekes and Adowa, slowly and steadily rise.