Hailing from the Netherlands, RootsRiders were formed in 2006 when they developed their now world famous Tribute2BobMarley.

This concert and theatre-show honouring the talent of the king of reggae has been performed by the group all over the world, including various African countries. The group first traveled to Africa in 2007 and continues to visit the continent regularly, having played in South Africa, Swaziland, Zanzibar, Cape Verde and most recently with a performance in May in Tanzania.

RootsRiders is really a collective of up-and-coming urban artists that travel around the globe, often collaborating with local artists and recording tracks wherever they can. The current line-up of the band includes Giovanca, Darin G, Shirma Rouse, Tjerk, Junior & Jay Colin.

For their upcoming album, which will be released in September, 'Rootsriders In Africa: Songs Of Redemption, Volume 2', the group has even included a gospel track that was recorded last year in Ladysmith and Kwa Mashu.

The music the band plays embodies RootsRiders' optimistic vision of Africa. After extensive touring in Africa, the group is not naïve, but yet they remain positive and their reggae, beats-driven and upbeat music reflects this. The group prefers to emphasize the potential they've come across rather than to confirm the stereo-types that Africa is known for in the West.

In order to support this potential and to help make a difference for aspiring musicians in Africa, the group has set up an initiative in The Netherlands called Instruments4Africa. Through this initiative the band collects various instruments during their live shows and then works to support young and talented African artists.

The RootsRiders tour of South Africa this August will see them playing a number of dates with some top South African reggae artists.

The tour dates include:
3 August 2008: Swaziland: Mmbabane, House on Fire
5 August 2008: Pretoria, Tings & Times
6 August 2008: Johannesburg, Tanz Cafe
7 August 2008: Johannesburg, Back2Basix Bistro
8 August 2008: Johannesburg, Stones Edenvale
9 August 2008: Northam, Oppikoppi Festival