Mishka reunites with bandmates for a night of homegrown talent

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19: Music fans are in for a treat this Friday as reggae artist Mishka returns home to headline an evening of homegrown talent.

The concert, at Snorkel Park, is the first time the reggae artist has publicly played on these shores in five years.

Currently resident in Maui, Hawaii, he is signed to actor Matthew McConaughey’s label jk livin and is in the midst of a US tour to promote his latest album Talk About. Mishka returned to Bermuda to play at a corporate event last night but took the opportunity to fly home as a chance for a reunion with his former bandmates in Fires of Africa.

Concert promotor Gary MacPherson, of Endemic Productions, said the spontaneity of this evening’s concert meant organizers had just two weeks to prepare.

“It’s very spontaneous, but everyone has come together to make it happen. It’s going to be a really nice vibe,” he said. “Before Mishka left Bermuda to seek his fame and fortune he played with a band called Fires of Africa.

“These are the friends he played with when he was just getting started in the music business, so he is very happy to be home and to be rekindling his connection with them.”

Mr MacPherson, a guitarist, is one of three Bermudian musicians who will join Mishka’s band for the final set. The other local musicians are Larry ‘Doc’ Trott and ‘Tweety Bird’.

Mishka Frith is the brother of Heather Nova, who has also had chart-topping success.

Mr MacPherson describes Mishka’s music as “surf rock reggae”.

“His reggae is very genuine and could be right out of Jamaica. It’s also very contemporary,” he said.

“He has a really good blend of stuff going on and is an artist who writes from the heart. It’s conscious, thought-provoking music.”

Mr MacPherson added: “There was one window of opportunity for this event and I’d like to thank the management and staff of Snorkel Park for facilitating it.

“The buzz has been really good and ticket sales have been really encouraging.”