Little Robert Performed At The Inaugural Nimba Reggae Festival

As a Rasta youth in Trench Town, Jamaica during the 1970s, Little Robert heard stories from community elders about Africa and repatriation to the continent from where his ancestors came.

Little Robert performing at the inaugural Nimba Reggae Festival in Conakry, Guinea on September 6thIn early September, the roots singer finally got his opportunity to visit Africa, when he performed on the Nimba Reggae Festival in Conakry, Guinea. He shared the stage with fellow Jamaicans Ky-Mani Marley, Warrior King, Richie Spice, Jah Mason and Jah Thunder, as well as Guinean star Takana Zion, promoter of the two-day show.

“It was an unforgettable feeling jus’ being there, di whole atmosphere was great. I would go back there over an’ over,” said Little Robert.

The September 5-6 show opened with a meet and greet at Radisson Blu Hotel which was attended by Guinea’s culture minister and president of the parliament. It closed with a star-studded lineup performing to a packed Esplanade du Palais. 

“Di feeling was great to know wi contribute to reggae an’ di people take on to it. It was very overwhelming,” said Little Robert, who previously performed in France and Belgium.

Born Robert Parks, he remembers learning at the feet of legends like Rasta elder Mortimo Planno, and artists such as Tappa Zukie and Massive Dread. In the mid-1980s, Little Robert launched his recording career with a cover of Richie Valens’ La Bamba, a song produced by renowned studio engineer Osbourne “King Tubby” Ruddock.

In recent years, he has recorded songs for leading reggae producers including Maka Lox (who was involved with the Nimba Reggae Festival) and Robert Livingston, Shaggy’s former manager.