MIAMI BEACH – The music spills out onto Ocean Drive. People chat with friends, eat culturally-infused foods, sip exotic drinks and watch people stroll by. Inside, patrons sway to the bass-heavy beats coming from the band which is playing in center of the vibrantly-painted restaurant.
Whether they are visiting or they are South Florida locals, the sounds of reggae band Innasense coupled with the decor of Mango’s Tropical Cafe make them feel as if they are vacationing in the Islands. It is no wonder that the band and restaurant have become a destination location of the South Beach entertainment scene.
For almost 18 years Mango’s customers have listened to the smooth sounds of South Beach’s longest running reggae band, Innasense. The dynamic quartet is made up of Jimi Dred (Lead Vocals/Keyboards), Prince Patrick (DJ), Icardo Richards (Bass, Vocals) and Ralph “Rude Bwoy” Hunter (Drums, Vocals).
The guys came together in 1987 in Gainesville, Florida where they developed a strong local following. In 1990 they were asked to tour Belize in Central America as a guest of the government, playing a song they had written in honor of the country’s decade of independence. Shortly thereafter they found themselves in Miami, where they launched a rigorous national tour, playing shows all over the United States and some in Jamaica and Europe.
Life on the road before Mango’s wasn’t always peachy but there were several high points. In 1992 the band’s capability was recognized when they were nominated for an International Reggae & World Music Award (IRAWMA) for Most Promising Artist. Five years later they would find success in Hawaii when their rendition of “Always Something There to Remind Me” topped the reggae-friendly Hawaiian music charts.
Innasense Band at Mango’s
As the band toured they used several cities as bases, but they always returned to their home-base, Miami Beach. They also split much of their time playing regular shows at Seacrets-Jamaica USA in Ocean City, Maryland, a popular summer vacation resort spot with a lively nightclub and beach club. They still play several weeks a year there today.
For many years now Mango’s Tropical Cafe’s house reggae band, Innasense rocks the crowd there five nights a week from 7:00pm to 10:30pm. Mango’s sensual yet lively atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for the band’s tropical dancehall sounds. However, the bond between Innasense and Mango’s goes far beyond the venue.
Innasense Band and Mango’s owner, David Wallack getting the crowd in a dancing mood
The band and Mango’s owner, David Wallack, have become good friends over the years.
“David provided us with the opportunity that we needed to make our start in South Florida. I admire the way he makes sure his customers have a good time,” says Dred, who is on lead vocals for the band. Mango’s is a cultural melting pot of a restaurant and entertainment venue, known not only for its creative drinks and gourmet dining but also its different forms of international music and dance.
“However it is the fans that make each night we play feel refreshing and fun. We get all types of people at Mango’s; Black, White, Hispanic, Latin, American—It seems as if the whole world comes to us at Mango’s. Whether we are playing for regulars or for first time-tourists, the vibe keeps us going,” Dred continues. The band members keep each other going as well. Through the ups and downs of touring, all of the current members of Innasense have been on the road from the beginning.
Just like the diverse crowd they play for at Mango’s, Innasense’s music appeals to all types of people. “Our music has influences of all different types of backgrounds. A little roots reggae, a little dancehall. We are like nothing you have ever heard before and everything you have heard,” says Dred smiling.
Their dancehall sound, a style of popular Jamaican music with faster rhythms than traditional roots reggae, can be attributed to singer and DJ Prince Patrick. The band also counts many music artists as its influences, including: reggae masters, Coxsone Dodd and the Marley brothers, legendary rock bands, The Doors and Led Zeppelin, and hip hop heavy hitters, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg.
The band’s tenure of gigging is definitely realized. Their sound is tight and together. Their repertoire, which includes both originals and cover songs, is massive.
“No show is ever the same and their energy never waivers – they are the best I have seen and heard,” said Wallack. “They rock the house every time they play.”
What is next on the band’s agenda?
Continuing to perform and making some great music. Innasense is currently working on their new original album due out next year.
For now you can find them five nights a week at Mangos Tropical Café, located at 900 Ocean Drive on South Beach (www.Mangostropicalcafe.com), or listen to them at their website, www.innasenseonline.com.
