Revival Band
Revival is a roots reggae band from South Bay San Diego, CA, blending deep Jamaican style with a more modern Roots Reggae style to create a sound that’s both timeless and fresh. Currently led by the soulful vocals of Mara Sulu, the band has been a staple of the San Diego reggae scene for over 18 years, making them one of the longest-running reggae acts in the city. Their music stays true to the heart of roots reggae while embracing the rhythms and melodies of their diverse influences.
Beyond their own performances, Revival has earned a reputation as the go-to backing band for reggae legends, sharing the stage with icons like Triston Palma, Carlton Livingston, Warrior king, Papa Michigan and most recently, Little John. Whether delivering their own original set or supporting some of the genre’s most respected voices, Revival brings an undeniable energy that keeps reggae music thriving.
riston Palma knew he wanted to make music from early on. Born in 1962 in the Waltham Park area of Kingston, Palma was living on Delamere Avenue with his mother when he first realized music was something he wanted to do. His early memories are of hearing the band that would become the Soul Syndicate, one of the most in-demand session band in 1970s Kingston. Their guitarist, Tony Chin, gave Palma his first break. “Sugar Minott and dem, Soul Syndicate, Dennis Brown, they used to be on the corner,” Palma says, speaking from his home in Kingston. “I used to sing as a yout so I just started doing harmonies for Sugar Minott. That’s where I come from. They teach me one and two likkle tings, and from there I just take off.”
The 1970s were a boom time for the Jamaican music industry with local and international interest fueling the demand for records. Palma’s first recording as a solo artist was in the early 1970s, a track called “Love Is A Message” for Bunny Lee, one of the producers who drove reggae’s international success. From there Palma set up his own label, Black Solidarity, alongside close friend Ossie Thomas. It launched in 1979 with “Spliff Tail” the first of many songs by Palma that would hit number 1 on the Jamaican charts.
Revival has had the honor of playing in lineups with reggae legends such as Berrington Levy, Don Carlos, Twinkle Bothers, Jonny Osbourne, Sister Nancy, Johnny Clarke, Wailing Souls, Junior Reid and modern artist like Chronixx, Protoge, Groundation, Bitty McLean.
Currently under California based label Well Ruff Records, Revival is Set to Release their 5th Studio album, which is also Mara Sulu’s 1st solo album in 2025.
