‘Psyched about opening for Bon Jovi’

Funk/blues quartet Carl & The Reda Mafia is not even a year old, but they are already set to open for American rockers Bon Jovi next month at the band’s concert at du Arena, Dubai. Formed in October 2014 by singer-songwriter Carl Fernais ”“ who is from Kochi, Kerala — the Dubai-based band so far have only one single to their name, and are currently working on their debut album. Frenais says, “About a few months ago, (music promoters) White Cube were considering us for the opening act at the Bon Jovi concert. We were psyched just to know that we were being pitched to play that show. We were waiting impatiently for the decision and almost lost hope as we moved closer to the date, until we heard the news that we got selected. We were blown away!”

Last year, Carl & The Reda Mafia won Dubai’s prestigious Bandjam Battle Of The Bands. Their debut single “Fight For Your Queen” was also chosen for the UN HeForShe campaign in February this year. At du Arena, the band will play a one-hour set. Says Frenais, “We are thrilled to be playing on one of the biggest stages in this region, the du Arena. It’s an incredible opportunity for us also because we have not been together for that long.”

Apart from Carl who’s from India, the band consists of three members hailing from different countries. The lead guitarist and composer Tarek Reda is from Egypt, while the bassist, Christos Asimakopoulos, is from Greece. Drummer Abimola Durojaiye is from from Nigeria.

Listen to latest single “Moo Point Of View” from their debut album What The.

Carl & The Reda Mafia performs on October 1st at du Arena, Abu Dhabi.