Led by the powerhouse, Jamaican-born singer and songwriter NeeNee Rushie, The Big Takeover’s horn-powered global blend reveals deep fluency in reggae and world music, hints of soul and Motown, and their own infectious brand of pop classicism. A far cry from the pop-punk of American ska, The Big Takeover take their cues from Desmond Dekker and the first wave of Jamaican pop music as well as from the soulful energy and sophistication of Motown.
NeeNee Rushie is a powerhouse performer who makes the audience feel like accomplices more than spectators. Traditional and experimental, The Big Takeover’s global blend reveals deep fluency in reggae and world music, hints of soul, and a pop classicism that is their own thing entirely.
They have shared the stage with such acts as: The Wailers, Toots & The Maytals, Sister Sparrow & Dirty Birds, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, The Meditations, English Beat, Jefferson Starship, Pete Seeger, John Brown’s Body, The Slackers, Beres Hammond, Sister Nancy, & many more.
“The Big Takeover’s sound channels melodic, big band arrangements of 60s and 70s soul music, with high-energy grooves of popular Jamaican music.” – NYSmusic
“Think back to the Desmond Dekker era of Jamaican pop and you’re on the right track. But the Big Takeover would be equally at home in the Motor City — especially if the Spinners and the Slackers magically ended up on the same bill.” – Pulse
