"Tuk Tuk Breakdown" Kai Jo Bros Music Review

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Reggae Live and Direct from Thailand

This is a post for the ASEAN Music Video Challenge hosted by @JustinParke.

Reggae in Thailand

Hello everyone. Hope this reaches you and brightens up your day. Today I'll share with you a Thai reggae song with a bit of humor in the video. The video shows some of Bangkok thru the eyes of a foreign tourist. I really like this song as it reminds me of when I first arrived here and took tuk tuks around to see Bangkok as well.

Some nice reggae coming your way! Thailand is no stranger to reggae and ska. Perhaps it has to do with the relaxed atmosphere, love of nature, social inequities, political turmoil, and the history of incorporating foreign influences into Thai culture with a twist. Whatever the mix of reasons, Thais have incorporated the music and religion from Jamaica into their culture in their own way.

No stranger to reggae and ska

"Tuk Tuk Breakdown"

The story revolves around a very common experience for foreigners in Bangkok. Hop in a tuk tuk and get a tour of the city.

tuk tuk

But, let me tell you about tuk tuk drivers... they are notorious for causing issues with foreigners from time to time. In this video just as there looks to be a fight, the man break dances instead. Thai people in general like peace and tranquility.

Kai Jo Brothers

Formed in 2002 with 10 members based in Bangkok, the leader of the band sings the soulful melody while often times a dreadlocked member toasts the mike (raps). The band broke up around 8 years ago on the death of the leader. Few Thais seem to have heard of them as domestic reggae isn't so popular among mainstream people. Their style ranges from loud rambunctious energetic ska to calm poetic love songs with the sound of waves gently crashing on the beach in the background. I actually really enjoy some of their other songs as video of one in particular is shot in an area of Bangkok which holds very fond memories from a time passed and a romance faded to almost a forgotten dream.

Dreadlocked member toasts the mike

Reggae, ska, rocksteady, roots, dub, dancehall

All interest me greatly. Sadly in Phuket we don't have many shows and the one's we do have don't interest me as the reggae is quite generic. When festivals start to happen again I'll try the check out some reggae shows. Without further adieu, enjoy Tuk Tuk Breakdown... Let's hope your tuk tuk doesn't break down ;)

Tuk Tuk Breakdown Review

Besides being a funny video showing you parts of Bangkok, this is a great message to the world to dance instead of fight. Put your aggression into a positive form instead of the negativity of violence. The song is catchy enough with a good vibe and people that have never ridden in a tuk tuk can get a feeling for the experience. As well, we can see how Thai people have incorporated reggae and breakdancing into their culture. I've seen breakdancing many times in the parks in Bangkok.

Thanks for watching!

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