Non Returning Status

Jati and Marla in Jamaica

Based in the mountains of East Tennessee, the Natti Love Joys are a roots rock reggae band that perform classic reggae as well as their own hybrid form of modern, eclectic reggae. Fronted by Anthony “Jah-T” Allen and Sonia “Marla” Allen, the Nattis create a rich sound that is grounded in rich cultural history. Once practitioners of voodoo, Marla and Jah-T are now both ordained Universal Life Church priests. Their music and philosophy blends Rastafarianism, Christianity and Buddhist dharma.

Vocalist and bassist, Jah-T, comes straight from Kingston Jamaica, where reggae music originated. Jah-T trained under the legendary Cedric Brooks during the golden age of reggae in the late 1960s. He also became a core member of such legendary acts as The Congos and led New York Citys hottest roots reggae act, Itopia.

Vocalist and keyboardist, Marla, came out of Brixton, England where she was born to Jamaican parents. Marla’s journey began in her early teens when she, Sonia Abel, formed the lovers rock group, the Love Joys. The Love Joys quickly became a hit sensation in Europe. At that time, Jah-T was playing at the legendary Wackies studio in the Bronx, where the Love Joys were recording. Marla and Jah-T met and decided to record an album together, Two Loves in my Life, but eventually the pairs collaboration led to combining Marla’s Love Joys and Jah-T’s natti vibe, to form the Natti Love Joys.

The Natti Love Joys are also the founders of Camp Reggae, a reggae musical festival based out of the mountains of Isabella, Tennessee that celebrates the outdoors and promotes the importance of family.

Links:
• Camp Reggae: Natti Love Joys Official Site
• Official MySpace Page
• Natti Love Joys Entry on Wikipedia