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SOJA and Gentleman in San Francisco

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SOJA and Gentleman in San Francisco

SOJA and Gentleman in San Francisco

By Lee Abel on Sunday, March 18, 2012 - Photos by Lee Abel - Comment

Ina Time Like Now we need Strength To Survive, March 7, 2012.

Gentleman in San Francisco

Geographic diversity shared the stage at San Francisco’s Fillmore, starting with Hawaii’s top female artist, Anuhea. Her beautiful voice and acoustic guitar blended pop, soul and a little bit of reggae in to a solid set of love songs, capped off by Bob’s Redemption Song.

Gentleman and The Evolution followed. A multi-platinum and award-winning artist from Germany, Gentleman’s newest album 'Diversity' was only just released in the US, lagging way behind its European launch. Combining lyrics that are always uplifting and uniting with fresh and powerful roots reggae, Gentleman continues to move from strength to strength. As a performer, high jumping, bouncing into the crowd, and laughing with his band, he’s always a joy to watch.

SOJA’s lead singer/guitarist Jacob Hemphill is not as animated as Gentleman but their message of unity is the same. Touched and humbled by the adoration of the crowd, the East Coast (Virginia) band excels in shining a light on the destruction of our planet and how each of us can help. Definitely not pop music, they sing about what really matters in life. Their new album, 'Strength to Survive', is message music, not unlike Hemphill’s early influence, Bob Marley’s 'Survival'.

Before the night was over and to the delight of the crowd, Gentleman, with Tamika and Mamadee singing backup, joined SOJA onstage, sharing message and vibe.