PREMIERE: Rodigan-approved reggae outfit Dojo share their latest single ‘Bethel’

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Wrapping up another exciting premiere week, we are getting a bit spiritual as we team up with the multi-ethnical reggae group Dojo for the premiere of the band’s latest music video for their single. ‘Bethel’ is a beautiful ode to non-religious spirituality, which resonates heavily with Dojo’s members – all of whom come from a range of diverse faiths. With a harmonious belief that although each faith’s interpretation of spirituality is different, they are united through an appreciation of its role. ‘Bethel’ encourages the listener to embrace spirituality outside the construct of formal religion, in a very personal way. Or as the band put it, “for all of us, these feelings are explored through music and an appreciation of the beautiful world around us.” Dojo are creating a sound that injects upbeat reggae rhythms into their 21^st century political outlook. The addition of smooth melodies from lead vocalist Mileva Corenthin intertwines perfectly to produce the harmony and unity their spirituality searches for.

‘Bethel’s’ official video, directed by Tom Vernau, depicts the life of their protagonist,  ‘Mimi’, as she lives an average day of her unremarkable life in East London; a life in which her future is full of financial uncertainty. This does not faze Mimi, who is able to access an inner resolve through her music, allowing her to slip into a fantasy where she sings with her band, surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Dojo formed in 2014 when punk Hammond organist for hire, Ben Cormack recruited Robin Porter, winner of the George Murphy Trophy for jazz saxophone, and V-Drum World Championship finalist Conor Bailey to produce the critically acclaimed debut EP, ‘Descry’, which built the nuanced melodies of jazz and soul on a bedrock of roots reggae and afro-beat. After signing to BBE Records, Dojo broadened their line-up to include Essex-based bassist, Alex Wheeler, Parisian vocalist Mileva Corenthin, guitarist Ollie Haycock, backing vocalists Comfort Emmanuel and Marwah El-Murad, and jazz soloists Rosie Turton and Simon Dennis, who have allowed Dojo to bring the big sound of their studio recordings to the live stage.

The musicians’ live shows display the exceptional showmanship which has gained widespread critical acclaim, and seen them share the stage with some of reggae’s biggest players such as Lee Scratch Perry, Groundation, Max Romeo and Ibibio Sound Machine, whilst also headlining capacity shows at venues such as Dalston’s Passing Clouds and Hoxton’s Floripa. Catch Dojo at their album launch show on 16^th December at Brixton’s Hootenanny.

The release of Dojo’s single ‘Bethel’ embodies the collective’s spiritual outlook on life, of the harmony between all living things. Its message is to find the thing that gives you spiritual satisfaction, unaffected by outside influences, and celebrate it. The talented musicians’ keen ear for melody and harmony are set to take reggae out of the underground and into the mainstream for the first time in a generation.