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Flashmag April 2019 www.flashmag.net
The other one is always in a panic on stage hoping everything goes as planned and make sure everyone has fun (laugh) all business and very serious in meetings.
Being “famous” makes it easier for me to be social because I’m a bit on the shy side, I know judging by my stage performances no one can tell but it’s easier to join a conversation when it starts about you (laugh) basically I try to balance the two, my work and my private life.
Reggae music has a huge fan base in south Africa mainly because of the troubled history of apartheid James Mange, a Reggae artist and former resistance leader, was the first Rastafarian prisoner on Robben Island alongside, anti-apartheid activists such as Walter Sisulu and Nelson Mandela. But very few artists in south Africa seem adopt Reggae music, about you why?
Reggae Music played a big role in the anti-apartheid movement, messages were sent to activists around the country through music to ensure that the colonizers never find out about their meetings, My father was one of those artists that made a change with his music.
South Africa's relationship with Reggae post-apartheid was difficult, to now start to see it, as just music when everyone remembers the role it played in the movement that still exists to this day. It will take some time but we as the youth are trying to not represent Reggae only as a movement vehicle but also open it up to the masses to enjoy as beautiful music.
That mind set is growing and the government got involved a few years ago so South African Reggae will never die.
In the 90 South Africa was becoming a big hub of African music, for example with the organization of the Kora awards, I have hosted one of the main artist behind the event of the 90 here, Wally Badarou, a few years ago, he was adamant that there was supposed to be a follow up that didn’t happen. Now, in 2019 the hot spot has shifted drastically to other poles of attraction like Nigeria. About you why south Africa has failed to be the most relevant musical place in Africa?
South Africa invested for years in the African music industry and collaborated with artists around the world to bring work and interest
back to Africa, I don’t think South Africa failed at all, I think the country succeeded in its plans of opening and involving all Africans in this industry. Africa is a big continent and it cannot be correct that we must be the only country responsible for an entire industry. As Africans collectively we need to ensure that our African music is represented by all Africans and that we equally participate in its growth. It’s a great time to be alive when all our music industry legend's investment in the African music industry becoming one, finally paid out. I’m so Proud…
Talking about your upcoming album what can we expect from it?
Do you have any goals to reach with it?
I think this album will be my favorite because I'm working with different producers and perfectionist that I am, I worked myself crazy wanting to do it all on the previous doing a lot more work creating and writing music.
This album is more relaxed and I am open to other people's creative ideas. It’s gonna be massive and I can’t wait to share with everyone when it’s finished.
As we are closing this talk do you have a special word toward the public?
What I can share with Jah people, is that everyone has their own path. Envy and jealousy of others, will only take focus away from your own self movement, so live your life on BEAT with your HEART because if you flow on someone else’s Beat ….you'll get a Heart Attack.
Nkulee Dube Flashmag and its readership thanks you for this open talk good continuation
Thank you so much for the interest in my crazy life, hope your readers take something that feeds their souls from my life and thoughts about the world. May Jah Bless and Keep you all with Love.
Remember u R Loved (-:
Interview by
Hubert Marlin
Journalist
Puisque c'est ainsi
DARIUS DENON
Excerpts