Arema interview on Colourful Radio 21-March-2021
London has been a musical hotbed for Reggae runnings for decades; crisp and precise. The late â70s saw the emergence of incredibly talented singers and players of instruments in dynamic frequency. From Roots to Loverâs Rock, the output was consistent and groundbreaking. Discussing the latter of the two styles, AREMA laid a Royal foundation that stands firm to this day. Leroy Wilson and the original lineup have just released MEANING OF LIFE hot on the heels of their âSTUN MEâ summer 2020 hit. Buoyant Loverâs Rock gems that solidifies their credentials as one of UKâs premier Reggae ensembles. Arema is in the same league as Aswad, Winston Reedy, Cimarons, Misty In Roots, Naturalites etc etc A masterclass and enduring all the while.
HISTORY
Arema sowed seeds in Northwest London during the musically prolific late â70s. The lineup of Leroy Wilson (lead vox, keys), Desmond Foster (bass, lead vox), Nevada Cato (guitar, vox) (left recently to pursue a solo career) Courtnenay Campbell (drums) and Henri Clarke (percussion, vox) had a clearview vision of creating original and crisply arranged sounds and made solid impact through hard work and determination. In 1981, they topped the charts with the timeless Loverâs Rock anthem âIn Love (With You Darling)â; a Royal excursion thatâs celebrated to this day. The follow up âBack A Yardâ displayed their versatile Roots level. So potent on the Loverâs side, they delivered âBlow My Mindâ to massive appeal. Heavily in demand, the band opened up for Gregory Isaacsâ historic UK Cool Ruler Tour and have supported Dennis Emmanuel Brown, The Cimarons, Ernest Wilson, Barry Biggs and so many more.
AWARD
By the late â80s, Leroy and Henri branched out production wise and scored hits in the â90s with Desmondâs brother, Royden Foster. âDancing With My Babyâ and âLove To Shareâ were two classics from this era. After a long break while various other musical ventures were pursued, AREMA was awarded the âHidden Creative Economy Awardâ in 2012 for their massive contributions to UK reggae. Leroy and crew ignited sparks again in 2014 with âLove Is Hereâ (riding Delroy Wilsonâs âI Want To Love Youâ riddim). In 2016, they performed at the âUK Legends Of Legendsâ concert and have made regular appearances at the annual Giants of Lovers Rock concerts at the London o2, such is the popularity of the band. History indeed!! Leroy is also well active in the industry; elementary in RFUK (Reggae Fraternity UK) â this collective keeps the Royal integrity forward and intact. This brand new single is a follow up to previous singles âIf Loving Youâ and âStun Meâ and preludes their highly anticipated upcoming album. The future is shining bright in these otherwise unprecedented times.