Mainstream press were somewhat predictably quick to label reggae artist Natty as the ‘new Bob Marley’ following the release of his sublime debut album ‘Man Like I’ this summer.
Playing to an exuberant Manchester Academy 3, the influence of the godfather of reggae on the 24 year old’s musical philosophy was evident; but to compare the two is like associating Johnny Cash with Ryan Adams. Nonsensical. Natty is simply using his musical inspirations (Bob Marley, Van Morrison, The Clash, Burning Spear to name a few) to influence his own style and originality which is making dividends towards bringing UK reggae to wider audiences once again.
Tonight, donning a red James Brown adorned t-shirt, the intimate venue provided Nattster with the perfect platform to breeze through the majority of ‘Man Like I’ with anthemic pop workouts ‘July’ and ‘Bedroom Eyes’ whipping the rum-thirsty revellers up into a unified chant and hip-hop wave – and no doubt ensuring a few more units of his debut wrack up on the cash registers.
The vibe quickly turned political and Natty revealed a passion and grit that illuminated him as a street troubadour with a finger on the heartbeat of 21st Century Britain. The 5-piece band switched to a mid-tempo James Brown-esque workout reminiscent of his 70’s rap ‘Mind Power’ as the Londoner waxed lyrical about personal grievances with political powers – notably encouraging the crowd to make a stand and start a revolution. Keen to play down his protest, he seemed almost apologetic for his political/social sensibilities – and yet in doing so, intentionally or not, he elected himself as an artist with the social awareness to become a voice box for today’s youth.
Born to a South African mother and English father with Italian ancestry, he paid homage to his roots with ‘Burn Down This Place’ and eloquently rapped about his disdain for the establishment with heartfelt lyrics centering on slavery’s devastation and its everlasting impact upon today’s society.
The drum ‘n’ bass/ska vibe of ‘Badman’ lifted the contemplative atmosphere into a ragga fever – drawing comparisons to Toots and the Maytals – whilst the uplifting ‘Coloured Souls’ gave a positive twist to survival – and perhaps positions him as the UK’s answer to Michael Franti and Spearhead.
On this performance, Natty proved to be a captivating singer-songwriter who makes meaningful, soulful, relevant music – something to behold.
