Richmond - On February 4 at the National, people were lined up around the building in order to secure their place inside to see one of the biggest reggae acts in the country.  SOJA (Soldiers of Jah Army) made their way into town on the second night of their winter tour, and their fans let it be known very quickly that their visit was more than appreciated.  The show sold out hours before the first band was scheduled to go onstage, and some people were left outside trying to figure out how much money they would have to pay to scalp a ticket into the show.  SOJA is a band that got its start in Northern Virginia, and over the past few years their fan base has grown exponentially.  It is not uncommon to go to their Facebook page or website and see comments from fans all over the world.  The band just wrapped up a Tour of Brazil at the end of last year, and just recently got back from island- and show-hopping in Hawaii.  The Everything Changes Tour was both a way for the band to reconnect with their fans closer to home and also a way to show just how far they have come with their message and their music.

The crowd on this night was noticeably younger than most shows that I attend, and this crowd in particular was more than ready to let loose and enjoy some incredible reggae music.  The sound was deafening when the band took the stage, and the crowd ebbed and flowed without stopping until the show was over.  A SOJA show isn’t about light shows or crazy electronics.  SOJA is all about the message of peace and love, and this message made several appearances throughout the night.  Lead singer Jacob Hemphill took a few moments after the first couple of songs to speak to the crowd about karma, and how your actions are a direct reflection on the outcome of your future.  The world seems to be getting crazier and crazier, and I have a great deal of respect for someone of his stature that will take the time to pass along a positive message to a group of people that seemed mesmerized by his every word.

There was no shortage of great music on this night.  One of my favorite songs was one that I had yet to hear at a SOJA show, and when I heard “Open My Eyes” my night was complete.  We got an amazing rendition of “Everything Changes”, a song that epitomizes everything that SOJA stands for.  The band was joined onstage for a few songs by an up-and-coming performer named Chris Boomer, whose soft but smooth voice was the perfect midset edition.  At first Boomer seemed a little reserved, but after a couple of songs he was able to stand out and really hold his own on the stage.  I am certainly going to be checking out the new album that he just released and will definitely be on the lookout for when he is back in the area.

The night moved on with another crowd favorite called “Rasta Courage” which transitioned into “I Don’t Wanna Wait”.  The music was on point the entire night, and the band seemed really into the energy of the crowd.  Each time I have seen SOJA I have been impressed with their crowd interaction.  They speak to the crowd several times throughout the show, point out people in the crowd, and at the National they even invited the crowd to start a glowstick war with the band.  The war ended, and the crowd rejoiced, partly because the war was a success, and partly because of the small little boy that came onstage to clean up the mess.  It appeared that the people backstage had put this little man up to the shenanigans in hopes that he would throw the glowsticks back into the crowd.  This hope was immediately shattered when the boy, who was no older than three, turned the tables on the band and reignited the war.  I mention the little boy for a couple of reasons.  First, it was a pretty funny thing to watch, and second because the boy’s presence was proof of the positivity that the band personifies.  Sometimes when you see kids at shows you can’t help but wonder why.  This was not one of those times.

SOJA put on an amazing show, and there is no doubt that their tour is going to be a great success.  The shows will continue to sell out, and the band will continue to spread their amazing message in each city that they visit.  I certainly hope that the people that were in attendance will take the lyrics of the song, and the message of the band to heart.  Overall, the crowd lived up to this image, although there always seem to be a few  assholes at every show.  I have never really understood why you would want to jump onstage and interrupt a band while they are performing, but I guess to each his own.  Luckily the band members seemed to just roll with it, and the interruptions had no negative impact on the music.  SOJA’s tour has them travelling all over the country, so chances are you will be able to catch them in a city near you.  Grab your friends, some positive vibes, and your desire for a good time, and prepare yourself for an amazing night of music.

SojaMusic.com

By Director and Correspondent: Brandon Samuel

Brandon is a native of the Richmond area, having lived here for the past 15 years.  He attended Longwood University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science.  Brandon’s dream has always been to get into the music industry, and he decided that his love for writing and music would be the perfect foot in the door.  Brandon enjoys going to as many show as possible and has a strong desire to see local bands succeed.  Seeing both local and mainstream bands is the best way to truly enjoy their music, and Brandon wants to bring the whole experience of seeing a live show to the loyal readers of Magazine33.

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