Toubab Krewe and Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad took over the Social in Orlando, FL last night. The mix of african rhythms, reggae upstrokes and the Krewe’s signature kora took us on a cultural ride of musical sounds.
Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad were on first and delivered some really strong reggae. They’re fresh off the Rombello Cruise and their island vibes created a fun atmosphere. The Social packed in as they lead chants about ganja and keyboard-heavy jams. They even busted out the funk once or twice whenever it felt like they couldn’t change things up.
Whenever I see Toubab Krewe, it isn’t like seeing most bands. Many bands you want to hear a certain song or hope they do a lot of this or a lot of that. The truth is, I don’t really know what the hell is going on up there. As a born-and-raised American, this is just so new and so fresh…so different. And that’s not in a bad way.
“Toubab” is actually the central and west African name for a white person, and it makes sense why they would use that to scope their name. The five-piece from Asheville, NC might look and speak like Americans, but their style is very different ’round these parts. That’s why I dig Toubab Krewe, I feel like I’m getting an inside look as to what music sounds like in other parts of the world.
I don’t know a single song they played, but I know it was fun. I didn’t know what the hell that dude (pictured left) was playing until I looked it up, but it certainly sounded unique. These guys are as different as it gets and with three sets at the upcoming Bear Creek Music & Arts Festival, you should certainly get down on some Toubab Krewe yourself.