In keeping with its mandate to explore new and innovative ways of marketing Anguilla, the Anguilla Tourist Board has embarked on a collaborative marketing venture with Anguillian Band, British Dependency as they undertake a three week, 12 City tour with legendary reggae band, The Wailers. The tour, which marks The Wailers 30th Anniversary, began on Friday, January 10th at the House of Blues in Orlando, Florida. Since then, the group has already held a number of performances in Clearwater and Jacksonville, Florida, and Birmingham, AL. Performances will continue in Atlanta, GA, Salem and Carrborro, NC, Myrtle Beach, SC, Columbus, OH, Chicago, IL, Milwaukee, WI and close out on January 26th at First Avenue in Minneapolis, MN.
Anguilla will benefit from increased exposure of the island under the tagline, Tranquility wrapped in Blue with the display of the island’s signature branding emblazoned across the back and sides of the British Dependency Tour bus. In order to maximize the exposure and stimulate cyber-conversation, coverage is also being generated across various social media platforms.
British Dependency brings Root, Heart, Soul to Reggae music by fusing various genres with their three piece ensemble, drum, guitar and bass. Their unique and eclectic sound appeals not only to those with a discerning musical palate but also those who are avid reggae fans. Adding to their vintage sound is a fresh take on the overall feel and look of the band which consists of Anguilla’s first female bass player, Joyah along with drummer, Jaiden and lead vocalist and guitar player, Ruel. With their mantra, “Creating music that reflects originality, talent, togetherness, bravery and wisdom. Our Music, Our Future, Our Independence,” British Dependency released their debut album, Finding Wisdom, on November 19, 2013 which was followed by a Caribbean tour promoting the album through December 1, 2013.
Together with Bob Marley, the Wailers have sold in excess of 250 million albums worldwide. In England alone, they’ve notched up over twenty chart hits, including seven Top 10 entries. Outside of their groundbreaking work with Marley, the Wailers have also played or performed with international acts like Sting, the Fugees, Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, and Alpha Blondy, as well as reggae legends such as Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, and Burning Spear. They have also completed innumerable tours over the years, playing to an estimated 24 million people across the globe, including groundbreaking performances in Africa and the Far East.
“The Anguilla Tourist Board is pleased to be a part of this momentous musical accomplishment for Anguilla,” commented Director of Tourism, Candis Niles. “Tourism sustainability requires the forging of linkages across sectors, and given the high standard of music that we produce as an island, we are confident that this is the beginning of a huge wave for Anguillian artistes, as we work on strengthening our exports in this arena. The feedback and positive response that we have already begun to receive validates our decision to explore this new promotional thrust, and we join with all of Anguilla in wishing the very best for our Musical Ambassadors as they continue their journey across the USA.”
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
