ABABA The name "ABABA" comes from the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa which means "New Flower." Ababa, the artist was born in the Caribbean island of Trinidad. Growing up as a child, he was influenced strongly by the conscious reggae music of artists such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Burning Spear and Jimmy Cliff to mention a few. He started singing at an early age in the church and began writing songs after being exposed to a local reggae band in his area in 1981, eventually migrating to the U.S. that same year.Nineteen eighty-five was his first experience as a member of a reggae band. After 12 years of band hopping and small studio recordings, he decided to do his first major recording, hence; Ababa "Roots and Culture", a two year project which he produced. Besides reaching people through music, he has been fortunate to have helped many as a New York State certified EMT-Paramedic/instructor in the New York EMS/911 system. In February 2000 Ababa visited West Africa and performed with the Calypso King of the World, The Mighty Sparrow at the International Conference Center in Accra, Ghana. The occasion was the annual W.E. DeBois Jazz festival. Ababa and his band have performed at : · SOB's ( NY ), Lions's Den ( NY ) · Roy Wilkins Park ( Annual Festival , Queens N.Y. ) · Coney Island Beach ( Annual Tribute to the Ancestors ) · K.C.'s Hideaway ( Ist Annual Tribute to Dennis Brown ) · Prospect Park ( Annual Caribbean Festival ) Apollo Theatre, N.Y. Supreme Court and various City Universities, to mention a few. Ababa has had positive feedback from both young and old with no respect to class or status. He is a strong spiritual force who always tries to connect to the spiritual side of those who are either present at his live shows or those who listen to his music. For that reason he does only original songs, as he would say "inspiration from the Most High" from his spirit to yours. As a member of RAW #1387, Ababa's aim is to travel around the world promoting positive cultural music to awaken, uplift, and edify the soul. Ababa "Roots and Culture"- Listen, Meditate, Connect and Enjoy."SPIRIT OF CREATION, GIVE US VICTORY."INFO: Junior Ewart of Ruff Stuff Studios, PO Bx. 160134 Brooklyn NY 11216. Ph. 718-629-5900, Fx. 718-629-4669. RAW # 1317