Born A Tribe is a Dutch reggae band from North-Holland, formed through long-standing friendships and a shared dedication to reggae music. What started as schoolmates spending endless hours jamming in studios has grown into a band that has been active for over a decade. Along the way, line-up changes shaped their sound, but the foundation stayed intact: playing reggae with respect for the roots, without copying a fixed formula.
The band’s strength lies in its diversity. Born A Tribe brings together musicians with different backgrounds, including jazz, Caribbean riddims, flamenco guitar, and North African rhythms. Rather than forcing these influences, they let them surface naturally. The result is reggae that feels open and accessible, without losing its connection to the culture. The band openly aims to reach listeners who might only know reggae through a few mainstream songs, while still offering enough depth for listeners who dig deeper.
Their new EP Different Stylin features three tracks, each highlighting a different side of the band.
The EP opens with “Intro v420”, an instrumental piece that functions as a slow build-up rather than a traditional intro. Live, this track stretches out, allowing the band to ease into the set and draw the audience in step by step. Melodic lines guide the rhythm, creating space rather than rushing toward a climax.
“Rebel Girl” follows, a song about independence rather than romance. It portrays a woman who stands on her own terms, without leaning on anyone else. The focus here is on a strong, memorable chorus and a prominent organ line that anchors the track firmly in reggae tradition, while still sounding fresh.
The closing track “Prisoner” shifts the tone. Written from personal experience, it reflects on a relationship where two people hold each other back instead of moving forward together. Flamenco influences come through in the guitar work, especially in the acoustic solo, adding another layer without pulling the song away from its reggae core.
Different Stylin lives up to its name. Born A Tribe keeps the production straightforward, avoids over-layering, and lets the songs breathe. The EP feels honest and unforced, rooted in reggae but shaped by the band’s own journey and backgrounds. It’s not about reinventing reggae, but about playing it sincerely, from a Dutch perspective, with room for individual character.
This article is based on the VPRO 3voor12 publication bij Jaap Koper.
