Orisha Sound prepares for Russia’s Color and Sound Festival

Reggae duo Orisha Sound is ready to hit the stage at this week's staging of the Color and Sound Festival in Russia.

The duo, which comprises US-based singer Orisha Pelzer and Jamaican Sheldon 'Shel-K' Williams, has teamed up with St Petersburg Concerts, a Russian music and culture government entity, for a performance at the first multicultural festival of modern art. The festival takes place from May 13 to 14 in St Petersburg.

It will feature Caribbean fashion, art, music as well as traditional Russian instrumentalists and bands as well as percussions from the Caribbean. Last month, in preparation for the festival, Orisha Sound gave a lecture to the students and professors at the Institute of Technology and Design, presenting Jamaican culture, history and music.

"We spoke about Caribbean history, art and fashion. The information was new, exciting and inspirational. And as a result, the departments at the institution started working on Caribbean infused art projects, fashion and designs," explained Williams.

Unity and freedom

Last summer, Orisha Sound did a nine-city tour of Russia shortly after the restrictions were imposed by the Russian government to control the spread of the coronavirus were lifted.

"Reggae music, international sound of positivity, unity and freedom left the audiences inspired and wanting more," said Williams. Orisha Sound performed in Moscow, Yaroslavl, Sochi, Kazan and St Petersburg. This helped to increase the duo's social media following.

The past year has been a successful one for the duo as they released the song Jamaica, featuring Russian pop singer Oleg Gazmanov. Additionally, the duo also was recognised with multiple awards and nominations for its work overseas.

Orisha Sound's latest single Na Na Na ( Rik and Viles remix) was released on May 7.