Collie Buddz is a star and trailblazer in reggae.
Animas City Theatre on Tuesday night may be one of the smallest venues he plays this year.
“Colorado has always been like a second home in terms of the warm reception and connection with the fans,” Collie wrote in a recent email interview. “We try to mix it up as far as large festivals and smaller more intimate plays like this. I almost prefer this kind of play, as it really gives me a chance to connect with the people.”
He’s coming to Durango after playing in Denver in front of thousands at Monday’s “420 in the Streets” concert with hip-hop artists Cypress Hill and Method Man & Redman.
Collie, born Colin Harper in New Orleans, was raised in Bermuda, a tropical island 1,139 miles east of Atlanta. He began bringing his message to the world with his 2007 debut album, which spawned several hits like “Come Around,” “Blind to You” and “What a Feeling.” The album’s sound contains dancehall and hip-hop, and of course, it’s distinctively reggae.
With his unique vocals, Bermudan accent and rapid-fire singing, his listeners here may feel like they are being transported from the high desert to a warm, deserted, tropical island.
“Music is the universal language. My music and themes are very relatable to most people, and I have different songs for different moods. A lot of it is feel-good music, and everyone loves to feel good,” Collie wrote.
Collie is a collaborator who has sung with several big-name artists like Shaggy, Beyoncé and Snoop Lion (Dogg).
“I have been fortunate enough to work with some of the best artists in the game. Each one is different, a new experience each time. When it comes to making music, I try to focus on what I like and who I want to work with. With Snoop in particular, we have done a few songs together, and they have all turned out wicked!” Collie wrote.
Collie, 30, was 4 years old when his father died. His older brother Matthew, also known as Smokey, became his father figure, and Smokey’s strong interest in reggae influenced Collie.
“Reggae has always been really big here in Bermuda. That is what I grew up listening to – literally nothing but reggae music, and that is where my love for reggae was born,” Collie wrote.
Now, in addition to performing around the world, Collie has been involved in different parts of the music business, including his own record label, Harper Digital, and his radio station, Vibe 103 FM in Bermuda.
“Although we are an island, we have so many different influences from across the world, and that reflects within the scene. Although reggae was my first love, I am into all kinds of music and many genres,” Collie wrote.
After Durango, Collie will play shows in California in May, including at the Monterey music festival California Roots, where he’ll be one of the top acts. He also has dates this summer in London, Belgium and Colombia.
He has been working on a new album and recently released a single, “Prescription,” also the name of his current tour. Collie will bring his reggae medicine to Durango for the first time Tuesday.
“Shout out (to) everyone in Durango that has hit me (up) on FB or Twitter asking me to come out and play. Thank you all for supporting me over the years, and I look forward to a great show and meeting as many of you guys as possible!” Collie wrote.
mhayden@durangoherald.com
If you go
Collie Buddz with opening band The Movement, 9 p.m. Tuesday, at Animas City Theatre, 128 E. College Drive. Tickets are $32.50/$35 at Southwest Sound, www.animascitytheatre.com or at the door.
