Roti, Reggae and Vibes ina Amsterdam

As I bit into the vegetable roti, I knew it was going to be an amazing weekend! This Roti tasted authentic and as L informed us, it kinda was the real deal as this particular roti shop, Roopram Roti Restaurant, had a branch in Trinidad! There was even a branch where we lived in Den Haag, which I pondered happily as I chomped down on the flavourful treat! Verse iTal and I were currently in Amsterdam as he had two gigs there that weekend. L & D graciously offered to let us stay at their home and the roti’s L bought for us was just the beginning of their amazing hospitality. We ate quickly and headed down to “Debalie” where Yard Vibes was hosting a screening of a Jamaican film followed by an after party where Verse was set to perform. The event went well and we really enjoyed the documentary “Journey to Jah”, featuring reggae stars Gentleman and Alborosie.  Verse performed six tunes, which included his new song “Want No Part.” The crowd enjoyed the songs and after the show he met some people, of varied ages, who expressed their interest in his music. I made sure to indulge in the Jamaican fare and downed a Red Stripe beer with delicious Ackee and Cheese pastries.

Amsterdam 

Waiting for the bus

Debalie for the Yard Vibes event

Verse iTal performing at Debalie

L: Red Stripe beer and the Ackee and Cheese cups. R: Jamaican food on sale

Verse posing with DJ Irey Selecta, myself and the Yard Vibes crew

The next day we woke up late (the bed was sooo comfy), and were treated to a scrumptious breakfast that D had prepared. We spent the morning chatting and I had a wonderful time playing with Z, their beautiful daughter who showed me all of her favorite toys. In the afternoon we went out with D to the market and then to a local microbrewery called Brouwerij 't IJ! I tried two of their organic brews and we hung out there for a little while. Back at home, before we had to leave to head to the Future Reggae Ruigoord festival where Verse was performing that night, we ate another delicious meal prepared by D. They offered to drop us to the festival and we were thankful for the ride, as even though the village of Ruigoord was technically considered to be in Amsterdam, it was located in a remote, rural looking area not serviced by many public transport options.  Within 30 minutes we were there and after saying goodbye to L, D and Z, we basically stepped into a different world. 

Brouwerij 't IJ

Liming at  Brouwerij 't IJ

Delicious ital dish prepared by D

Ruigoord is an artist community that was created in the 70’s when a group of artists started squatting in the area. Now an established colony, the artists studios are hidden from the main road forming a peaceful, green retreat. Walking past a few studios, we followed the music and soon began to see some booths and people. Cutting in between two booths, a small clearing came into view and people were lounging around on the grounds. An old church loomed in the background making the whole scene surreal. It looked like the perfect backdrop for a fantasy adventure film. The party in the church was in full swing as Rapha Pico and the Roots Rockers band were on stage. Yes… the party was in the church, which is the centre of the colony where many of the workshops, events are parties are held. I stood listening to the band and observing the general scene. People of all ages and descriptions were dancing to the reggae music, a few kids were running through the church, ducking and weaving through people and the light streaming through the stained glass windows provided a beautiful glow.

A few hours (and a lovely chocolate filled crepe) later, Verse performed an interesting set. The DJ’s whose session he was performing during, normally have the artists do a free style session so other than performing a few of his own tunes, Verse produced on the spot songs that had the crowd moving. One guy asked me about Verse as he was highly impressed. He had come to the festival not expecting anything but was so glad he came as he was now a fan of Verse! Cool! After the performance, Verse took pictures with a few people who said they loved the set! This was a wonderful end to a long but fun weekend. As we left the remote village of Ruigoord, with the huge windmills turning against the night sky I gave thanks for having the opportunity to create these amazing memories!

First impressions of the Future Reggae Ruigoord Festival venue

Partying in the Church with  Rapha Pico and the Roots Rockers band on stage

Future Reggae Ruigoord festival 

Future Reggae Ruigoord festival

Future Reggae Ruigoord festival

Future Reggae Ruigoord festival

The party in full swing at the outdoor stage

Verse iTal on the Mic, Future Reggae Ruigoord festival

Verse iTal on the Mic, Future Reggae Ruigoord festival

Future Reggae Ruigoord festival

L: Verse iTal with R: Verse iTal with Rapha Pico

L: Smiling Faces, R: One of the windmills turning in the night sky