Cornerstone Roots

Cornerstone Roots

Cornerstone Roots are a six piece reggae roots band from the Raglan Whaingaroa Aotearoa, New Zealand and have toured consistently since forming in 2001 after a session at the infamous ‘Raglan Musicians Club’. Despite supporting some of the biggest names in the world reggae scene, they remain true to their grass roots.They consist of four family members vocalist/guitarist Brian Ruawai and bass player and partner Naomi Tuaopepe with daughter Kaea Ruawai on drums and energetic vibrant son Reiki Ruawai on vocals. Percussionist Aaron Bush has been with them from the beginning, and on the keyboards, Nicholas Stevens. Their debut album Soul Revolution was brilliant and several of the songs from the album have been played overseas in Japan, Australia and the USA. They have recorded two other albums Free Yourself and The Future is Now. Their live shows go from rythmic syncopated groove to a bass onslaught. They pay homage to the roots reggae genre, however bring their own distinctive style and message to the mix. They have opened for Jamaican Reggae Stars like Toots and the Maytals, Sly and Robbie, Michael Rose, Burning Spear, Lee Scratch Perry, Mad Professor and Jimmy Cliff. The have also recorded tracks with Ranking Joe and Big Youth. Keep a look out for them on the festival circuit in Australia and New Zealand. Their music has a message and their legions of fans are testament to their quality reggae music.