Chart topping local reggae band Sweet and Irie release their debut single 'Mama, Don’t Cry' 26 May via iconic New Zealand music label Dawn Raid Entertainment and Universal Records.
The debut single has already received rave reviews from radio and TV audiences, and is set to be another milestone in the prolific rise of this busy reggae band who have gained over 500,000 unique views on YouTube through their guest feature on the Top 10 Summer hit 'Feels Like Magic'.
Sweet and Irie is the creation of singer/ song writer Edward Ru (Lead Vocals) the vibrant front man that is leading a new wave of reggae music from the South Pacific. 'Mama, Don’t Cry' is being released in both physical and digital format and will be the last official physical single ever manufactured by the chart topping Dawn Raid Label.
"This single is a milestone for both Sweet and Irie, as it’s our first solo single and for Dawn Raid as it signals the end of the physical single for the label, 'Feels Like Magic' sold over 5000 digital units so we know where the changes are happening”, laughs Ed.'
'Mama, Don’t Cry' was written by Ed Ru and Brotha D to coincide with Mothers Day and was dedicated to their mothers, the emotion provoking song features Wellington’s own Mission Choir on background vocals and is a refreshing pacific roots reggae ballad that captures that unique pacific feel.
“‘Mama, Don’t Cry’ is a beautiful reggae song that is a reminder to people everywhere to respect your mother and cherish what they give to us, nobody wants to see their mother cry and this song is a reminder to make sure she never does,” states Ed.
Although it appears that Sweet and Irie burst on the local music scene with the their Top 10 hit 'Feels Like Magic' alongside Horsemen Family and their guest appearance on local favourite 'Take It Out South' with Brotha D (which also features on the CD single), the various members of the band have been refining their craft since late 2000, when Ed decided to pick up the ukulele, and have been jamming ever since.
With a certified local anthem under their belt and the distinctive and passionate vocals from lead singer Ed Ru, not to mention lyrics influenced by the legacy of their beautiful mothers 'Mama, Don’t Cry' is set to catapult Sweet and Irie into a new dimension ready for commercial sound systems and radio speakers everywhere.