Panamanian Band Cellula Opens For Reggae Royalty at Figali

Three-time Grammy Award winner, Damian Marley preformed at the Figali on April 27, 2013. Three Panamanian acts, including a reggae roots band called Cellula, had their time to shine before the son of the great Bob Marley took the stage. Cellula has roots in the Pacific Beach community. Their bass player Cesar Paniagua lives in Gorgona, and has played with many musicians in the community.

A couple weeks ago I sat down with Cesar to speak about his musical career here in Panama. I found out that Cesar had recorded albums, worked in television, filmed music videos, and was about to be opening for Damian Marley at the Figali with his band Cellula. Intrigued I directed our conversation towards his upcoming gig.

Ceasar had been playing with the keyboard player and drummer from Cellula for many years. The band was no stranger to the Figali, having played it for their first gig with the German reggae roots singer Gentleman.

I asked Cesar what playing the Figali felt like. He said “having so many people in the same place at the same time listening to our music is a rush.” Being in the audience for their second performance was exciting.

The Damian Marley concert was held at the Figali outdoor venue. It was clear that reggae roots had a following in Panama. From 9:00 p.m. onwards thousands of people gathered to sing-a-long with Spanish Reggae performed by all three opening acts, Cellula, Septima Raiz and Kafu Banton. The crowed held strong until 1:30 a.m. when Damian finally took the stage.

Cellula was the opener I had heard before. I had actually heard Cell-u-lite, a smaller version of Cellula play in the Coronado area. The band was tight, upbeat and interactive, they put on an excellent show.

This Saturday (May 4 2013) Cell-u-lite is back at Picasso in Coronado! If you are in the Pacific Beach area, come out and support some awesome local musicians with a great reggae vibe!