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BOOK NEWS
It was the summer of 1975, while studying in New York City, when science author and lecturer Fikisha Cumbo’s love for reggae music was born. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, she completed undergraduate studies at Texas Southern University in biology and chemistry, then accepted a research assistant position in biochemistry at the University of Southern California where she co-authored five publications for science journals. She was also a lecturer in biology at Brooklyn College. Cumbo’s interest in music reached a new high during her independent study at Goddard College for a master’s degree on "The Sociology of Musicians of the African Diaspora" when she met Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. Her studies and love of music took her along a most coveted path decorated by memorable experiences with the two reggae greats. As a result of developing close links with The Wailers — Marley’s band — camp, it eventually created opportunities for her to conduct several very personal interviews and accounts with both legends, which she turned into a personal account, "Get Up! Stand Up! Diary of a Reggaeo-phile," with a foreword by singer, Roberta Flack. In it, Cumbo share’s her experiences behind the scenes with Bob Marley and the Wailers, highlighted by a visit to the singer’s famous Hope Road home, along with exclusive photos from concerts around the world. Friendship with people prominent in the lives of Tosh and Marley, enabled her to interact on a regular basis with these two legends. Marley and Tosh wrote the reggae anthem, "Get Up, Stand Up," from which the book’s title is taken. The book, published last year, is a reggae music enthusiast’s must have. It is the only published work to date, that goes behind the scenes of the personal lives of the reggae artists. Through text and photographs Cumbo relives the era of emerging international popularity of reggae with its independent free flowing lifestyle, intimately documenting the music of Marley and Tosh from 1975 through 1983. It is a piece of history from within the African Diaspora about messages through music and about the lives of the messengers who have passed on but still continue to impact our world today. She is currently working on "The Musicians of the African Diaspora," a book which includes 60 interviews with such musicians as Stevie Wonder, Run DMC, Taj Mahal, and Jimmy Cliff, to name a few. Among her diverse accomplishments: photography exhibits in both New York and Los Angeles; album cover photos, including one for Tosh; music writer for international magazines; produces and hosts an arts and culture television show and she still finds time to write. Presently living in New York City, she hosts and produces an art and culture television show, writes books and enjoys the culture and vitality of the city. To learn more about the author, her other works and where to purchase the book visit www.caceinternational.com.
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