- country:USA
- region:New York City
- style(s):Reggae
- label:Metarize LLC
- type:Band
- artist posted by:Georg Leitner Productions GmbH
Links
“The Future Of Reggae Music” - Nat Geo Music
Meta and the Cornerstones is a globally acclaimed reggae band led by the charismatic and talented frontman, Meta Dia. With their contagious rhythms, soulful melodies, and socially conscious lyrics, the band has captivated audiences around the world, spreading messages of peace, love, and harmony.
Born and raised in Senegal, West Africa, Meta Dia was influenced by the rich musical traditions of his homeland from a very young age. Renowned for the rhythmic beats of the sabar drums and the soul-stirring melodies of the kora, Senegalese music has its own rich heritage. It tells the stories of ancient traditions, spirituality, and the joys and struggles of everyday life.
In 2002, Meta relocated to the bustling streets of New York City where he was exposed to a melting pot of cultures and musical genres. Influenced by the city’s vibrant music scene, Meta would absorb the improvisational brilliance of jazz, the raw energy of rock, the social commentary in hip-hop, and the infectious rhythms of world music. It would eventually lead him to assemble a group of exceptionally talented musicians from diverse backgrounds, to form his visionary band: the Cornerstones in 2006.
The fusion of Meta’s Senegalese traditions and the influences of New York City created a distinctive sound that allowed him to express himself in a new language – a language that speaks to the universal human experience. His unique sound bridges the gap between continents to resonate with people from all walks of life.
In 2008 Meta and The Cornerstones proudly released their debut album entitled “Forward Music”, which received critical acclaim and established Meta and the Cornerstones as a force to be reckoned with in the reggae scene. The album showcased their ability to seamlessly blend traditional reggae with Meta's African influences, destined to forever change the dynamics of reggae music.
Since then, Meta and the Cornerstones have released several more albums. In 2013, they released their second album "Ancient Power" which was recorded at the Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston Jamaica and co-produced by Sidney Mills (Steel Pulse). The 15-track work features legends like U-Roy, Capleton, and Damian Marley. Following the success of Ancient Power, Meta and the Cornerstones released their third album "Hira" in 2018, further solidifying their reputation as revolutionaries in the reggae genre. Hira calls for religious tolerance, spiritual justice, and personal introspection. Reggaeville states “HIRA carries the potency to create meaningful and necessary change in the world through reggae music”.
Meta and The Cornerstones fourth album "DIA" pronounced "Jah" was released with VP Records in 2021 in the midst of a Pandemic. Many tracks on this album take you to the dark side of this time and planet – racism, poverty, war, and destruction of the environment. But it does not leave the listener in the valley of rage and revenge. Quite the opposite - Meta leads the listener to a place of forgiveness. In his song Breeze, which he calls the heart of the album, he chants: “just like the breeze, forgiveness will make us heal. I realize, love is the only way”.
Meta and the Cornerstones have toured Europe, Africa, Canada, New Zealand, and the USA. Playing at renowned reggae and world music venues and festivals such as Rototom Sunsplash, Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, and Summerjam. Their performances are known for their spiritual energy which transcends oceans, borders and language barriers as it engages the crowd in a collective celebration of unity.
With their unstoppable dedication to spreading the message of peace, love, and harmony, Meta and the Cornerstones continue to inspire audiences globally. Their music serves as a reminder of the ability that music has to bridge cultural divides, ignite social change, and uplift the human spirit.