Rootz Underground has just debuted its latest single and music video, entitled “Power To The People” (Riverstone Records, 2009).

Riding a riddim made popular by Sugar Minott’s “No Vacancy” (Hit Bound, 1983), the song couples an upbeat horn line with a message of empowerment and positivity.

The video, directed by Stevie G (RU lead singer Stephen Newland) and Colli B (RU bassist Collin Young?) opens with a clip of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Sellassie in his palace garden, explaining that “David will still beat Goliath”- possibly a reference to the Second Italo-Abyssinian War, although Ethiopia’s more decisive victory was really that of the Battle of Adwa in the First Italo–Ethiopian War, which predated Sellassie’s reign. It continues with subtitles proclaiming famous lines from various influential persons, including Marcus Garvey, Mahatma Gandhi and others, superimposed over a wide variety of video clips and stills culled from various social media websites.

All in all a great effort from Rootz Underground- another catchy conscious tune, and a video that illustrates what can be done with a little creative thinking- a refreshing break from the mind-numbing sameness that seems to afflict many contemporary reggae videos.

Upcoming Rootz Underground 2009 Tour Dates:

July 23 – San Diego, CA @ The World Beat Center w/ The Mighty Diamonds
July 25 – Flagstaff, AX @ The Green Room
July 26 – New Mexico @ Sky City Casino for Hana Reggae Festival w/ Ky-mani Marley and The Original Wailers
July 29 – Park City, UT @ The State Bar
July 30 – Santa Cruz, CA @ Moe’s Alley
July 31 – San Francisco, CA @ The Rockit Room
August 1 – Reggae Rising, CA
August 3 – San Luis Obispo, CA @ Downtown Brew
August 7 – Uppsalla Festival, Stockholm, Sweden
August 8 – Reggae Sun Ska Festival, France
August 16 – Ostrada Festival, Poland

More details are available at www.rootzunderground.com.