In 1980, Bob Marley traveled to Brazil on a scouting mission with Island Records' Chris Blackwell and the Wailers' Junior Marvin, in preparation of a world tour. A year later, he was dead.
But even though Marley never got to play Rio or São Paulo, the reggae man's musical influence had a serious impact on the people of Brazil, especially the members of O Rappa.
"I think [lead singer Marcelo Falcão] is the new Bob Marley," Jane's Addiction's Perry Farrell recently told Brazilian magazine Veja.
Blending reggae, rock, dub, and funk, O Rappa has been one of Brazil's biggest bands for over 20 years. However, the outfit's international following is just as impressive.
After being blown away by an O Rappa set at Lollapalooza Brazil this past April, Farrell personally invited Falcão and his group to play Lollapalooza in Chicago on August 3, where they'll open the Bud Light main stage with a midday set.
Local fans, however, won't have to travel all the way to Windy City to catch O Rappa. Because two days after playing Grant Park, the Brazilian band will play its only other U.S. show, making its Miami debut at the Fillmore Miami Beach.
O Rappa. Presented by Rhythm Foundation. Sunday, August 5. Fillmore Miami Beach, 1700 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. The show starts at 8:30 p.m. and tickets cost $35 to $50 plus fees via livenation.com. All ages. Call 305-673-7300 or visit fillmoremb.com.
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