Kofi James – Rebel Rocker
Reggae · Roots & Culture Vocalist

Kofi James

REBEL ROCKER
Reggae Roots & Culture Caribbean · Chicago

From the nature isle of Dominica to the heart of Chicago's reggae community — founding member of Root, Stem and Branches, now leading the New Roots Band.

Dominica Born Touring Since the 90s Chicago Base Since 1998 New Roots Band
Biography Nature Isle Roots · Rebel Rocker Say So

Kofi James, known on stage as Rebel Rocker, hails from the beautiful nature isle of the Eastern Caribbean, Dominica. He is a former founding member of the musical group Root, Stem and Branches (RSB Band) — an all-genre group that toured extensively throughout the Caribbean, Canada, the US and England throughout the 90s.

In 1998, Kofi touched down in Chicago for the first time — well, the second time around. The hospitality and vibrant, blooming reggae community was what really drew him to the city, and Chicago became RSB's base.

The New Roots Band — After a few years, as some RSB musicians returned home, maintaining the multi-genre lineup became difficult, so Kofi turned full-time to the genre of his choice: reggae, roots and culture. He linked with good Jamaican brethren musicians and started his own band, putting his own swing on things — New Roots, and to this day the New Roots has brought fruits.

Kofi's two daughters have joined him on the musical scene as well — ushered onto the stage to the point where they can now command their own audience. From time to time you'll catch all three performing together, still doing festivals and gigs around Chicago.

Watch My Story on YouTube
Music is love and love is life. So we keeping it real, we keeping it simple.
— Kofi James aka Rebel Rocker
Dominica Roots RSB Band Legacy New Roots Bandleader
Since the 90s · From Dominica to Chicago · Reggae · Roots · Culture
Musical Journey The story behind Rebel Rocker
Origins

Nature Isle

Hails from Dominica, in the Eastern Caribbean — the "nature isle" that shaped his roots and culture.

The 1990s

Founding Member of RSB

Root, Stem and Branches (RSB Band) — an all-genre group touring the Caribbean, Canada, the US and England.

1998

Chicago Bound

Touched down in Chicago — the hospitality and blooming reggae community made it RSB's new base.

Full Time Roots

Reggae, Roots & Culture

As bandmates returned home, Kofi turned full-time to reggae, roots and culture — his genre of choice.

New Roots Born

Rebel Rocker's Own Band

Linked with good Jamaican brethren musicians and launched the New Roots Band, putting his own swing on things.

Present Day

Family on Stage

Performs alongside his two daughters, who now command their own audience — still doing festivals and gigs around Chicago.

🤝 The New Roots Family The people and legacy behind Rebel Rocker
New Roots Band
Root, Stem & Branches (RSB)
His Two Daughters
Jamaican Brethren Musicians
& the Chicago reggae family
Love and gratitude to every brethren, every sistren, and every fan who stuck around from way back till now.
📍 Performance Regions Where the roots have traveled
Dominica
The Caribbean
Canada
England
Chicago, IL
From the nature isle of Dominica, through the Caribbean, Canada, the US and England, to a Chicago base since 1998.

Book Kofi James & New Roots

Available for live performances and festivals around Chicago and beyond. Let the New Roots Band bring the vibration to your event.

Email Inquiries Watch on YouTube
Represented by SelassieFest Collective · Roots · Culture · Cannabis