Dub Inc

Revolution

Originally from Saint-Etienne in France’s industrial heartland, Dub Inc fuse classic roots reggae with dub, dancehall, ska, hip-hop and African influences. They create an intoxicating musical hybrid with highly charged and socially conscious songs which have earned them cult status in their native France.

Their wild, high-octane live performances led to an ever expanding and loyal fan base. With a fierce independent spirit and away from the media spotlight, Dub Inc have become the most successful reggae band playing in Europe today, and are now a fixture at major festivals across the world, having already appeared at Paleo, Francofolies, WOMAD and headlined Rototom Sunsplash or Summerjam.

Charismatic lead singers Hakim ‘Bouchkour’ Meridja and Aurelien ‘Komlan’ Zohou sing in English, French and Kabyle (a Berber language native to Algeria). Backed by deep rolling bass (Moritz Von Korff), keyboards (Frédéric Peyron and Idir Derdiche), guitar (Jérémie Grégeois) and drums (Grégory ‘Zigo’ Mavridorakis), Bouchkour and Komlan convey strong positive messages through their striking vocals creating music with a truly universal appeal.

Since forming in 1997, Dub Inc have produced five studio albums, two EP’s and a live album. Their new album Paradise (2013, Diversité) perfectly embodies the potent combination of infectious energy, distinctive melody and engaged, combative lyrics.

On December 12, 2012, a documentary was released in France featuring Dub Inc entitled ‘Rude Boy Story’. Directed by Kamir Méridja, the film told the story of Dub Inc’s unusual musical journey. Kamir Méridja followed the band for three years, filming and highlighting their everyday experience. Through the lense, he was able to capture their world and share with the audience what makes Dub Inc a special group of musicians; a band that followed their own path while advocating independence and self-production, staying away from traditional media.

On March 30, 2015, Dub Inc released their ‘Better Run Riddim’ in three formats; vinyl, CD and digital. The Dub Inc riddim release features roots-reggae tracks by artists Ky-Mani Marley, Morgan Heritage, Richie Spice, New Kingston, Skarra Mucci, Raphael, Exco Levi, VC and Torch.

Look for the exclusive interview with Dub Inc in the July 2015 issue of IRIE Magazine! Respect, Mon!