Jah Roots on “indefinite hiatus”

Talk has been mounting in recent weeks about trouble within Jah Roots, with numerous credible sources saying the band is splitting up. Not wanting to go public with such information without first approaching the band, we approached singer Josh Heinrichs for answers and we got them. His statement follows after the break.

Quoting Heinrichs’s statement to us directly:

“Until further notice,

“Jah Roots as a whole are on indefinite hiatus…

“So much thanks to all of our amazing fans for supporting us
continuously over the years.
We are so grateful for all of you!! We have
nothing but love for the fans & for each other but we have grown to a
point where we are focusing on our families & fulfilling our personal
goals.
We hope that everyone respects our decision & privacy
and In the meantime,

“Please be on the look out & supportive of ALL the members NEW projects…
and please always spread and continue Jah Roots music for everyones enjoyment…

“In the meantime, Josh Heinrichs of Jah Roots & friends will perform the
following shows:

“Apr 11 2009 – 10:30P
Spring For Green Fest
Lowry City, Missouri

“Apr 17 2009 – 8:00P
420 Reggae Fest (ALL AGES)
w/ Josh Heinrichs, Aaron Kamm, Nama Rupa, The Irietions & The Seed
Springfield, Missouri

“Apr 25 2009 – 9:00P
NORML Benefit @ The Kitchen Pass
Joplin, Missouri

“May 3 2009 – 9:00P
Broadway Oyster Bar w/ SOJA,
and guests: 77 Jefferson & Aaron Kamm (Ages 18+)
St. Louis, Missouri

“May 5 2009 – 9:00P
Remmingtons Downtown w/ SOJA
& guests:77 Jefferson & The Seed (ALL AGES)
Springfield, Missouri

“May 6 2009 9:00P
BarFly w/ SOJA
Omaha, Nebraska”

It’s a sad day for Jah Roots fans, and for the local reggae scene as a whole, as it has lost its originator and biggest driving force. If this is, in fact, the end for the band, though, it leaves behind a nice legacy of albums, collaborations with well-known and respected members of the worldwide reggae community and a series of festivals and events. It will be interesting to see where things go from here.

Tags: breakup, four four, fourfour, hiatus, indefinite, jah roots, local, music, reggae, split, thefourfour.com