The band also performed "Spirit Lives," "96 Degrees - 2nd Generation," and "Revolutionary People" from their new album, Patriots.
Patriots, which was released on Jan 25, 2011, has been featured on CNN, Billboard charts, Billboard Biz, NY1, Jamaica Observer and The Gleaner, among others. Executive Produced by Third World Music Group and co-produced by Dean Pond of Rymshot Productions, the album features artists such as the late Gregory Isaacs, Marcia Griffiths, Tessanne Chin, Capleton, Stephen and Damian Marley. Patriots also features, Toots Hibbert, Sly Dumbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Dean Frazier, Tarrus Riley, Inner Circle, Mykal Rose, Jessica Yapp (on violin), and Junior Reid.
Thereafter the band traveled to Holland to perform at Festival Afrique-Carib. Prior to their performance, Third World's sound engineer and Patriots co-producer, Dean Pond and band member Stephen "Cat" Coore judged Holland's 2nd Steel Pan Panorama competition called, When Steel Talks. . .Everyone Listens - Junior Panorama Knock Out. The competition included contestants from the UK and Germany.
On July 1, 2011, Third World headlined at the 3rd annual Keti Koti Festival. With over 15,000 people of Surinamese, European, African and Dutch background in attendance, the festival marked the end of slavery in Suriname. Third World was hand picked to perform at Keti Koti as a result of an award they received at their April 5, 2011 NYC Album launch from Unchained Forever, Inc. The Corporation will assist the "Middle Passage Commission Corp" to raise funds to build a Permanent Memorial to Honor the Victims of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, as envisioned by the United Nations.
Third World's journey continued to the La Mar de Musicas in Cartagena, Spain. The festival was a showcase of cultures that featured artists such a Cyndi Lauper, Adriana Calcanhotto, Afro Celt Sound System, Ana Moura, Enzo Avitabile & Bottari, Mexican Institute of Sound, Natacha Atlas, Nina Zilli, Russian Red, The Creole Choir of Cuba, The Skatalites and others. At the festival, Third World caught up with friend and fellow musician, Stewart Copeland - founder and drummer of The Police.
In keeping with the band's mission as "Ambassadors of Education Through Music," the group conducted a series of workshops. The first workshop took place on June 30th. Third World was invited by the "Soapbox" and "No Limit" organizations to conduct a Q&A with youngsters from the black neighborhoods of the southeast part of Amsterdam called the Bijlmer, where most people living there have an African, Surinamese and/or Caribbean background. The organizations main focus is to invite those who they deem as positive role models for youths. Recently they had a workshop with the crew and cast of "Fela - The Musical" and they have organized a master class with well-known Film Director and Producer, Spike Lee.
The second workshop took place on July 15, 2011 in Rotterdam. The Q&A and music workshop was a concerted effort with Roots and Routes. The organization is centered around the empowerment of youths by helping and coaching them in order to improve their singing, dancing and media skills - using Arts and Media as tools for their career and integration in the social and cultural life. The project Art'n'Go, running from 2009 till 2011, gives young artists from across Europe the opportunity to develop sustainable productions and present and promote them in mainstream festivals between May and August 2011.
At the workshop, Third World not only spoke to the students about the history of the band but also about the history of reggae music. The band demonstrated different sounds and styles from the 70s, 80s and 90s. The demonstration included a jam session that included Ska, Rock Steady, Dancehall and R&B. During the dancehall segment, a student got onstage to freestyle while the band played. At the close of the workshop, the students showcased what they have been working on and asked Third World members for their input.
The next stop will be performances in France onJuly 29, 2011 at Le Garance Reggae Festival and New Morning Café on July 30, 2011. On Sunday July 31, 2011, Third World will conclude their tour with an encore performance at the Amsterdam Reggae Festival. The Outdoor-Edition at the NDSM Werf, will be the 3rd edition since the initial event in October 2009. The band will share the stage with the Skatalites, Ken Boothe, Junior Kelly, Gentleman, Lutan Fyah, Romain Virgo, Cecile and more.
Third World will return to the United States to begin their East Coast tour in August. For specific tour dates, please visit www.thirdworldband.com.