AUG 2016 #03.08

M A G A Z I N E ROOTS / ROCK / / RespECT

IRIEMAG.COM

ISSUE #03.08 / AUG 2016 “ We under pressure (pressure), Under pressure (pressure), If it don’t get better, I’m going to set it on fire!”

- Pentateuch (From the song ‘Under Pressure’)

Nicholas ‘Nico’ Da Silva Founder/Editor in Chief

IRIEMAG.COM TABLE OF CONTENTS.

ROOTS. ROCK.

Pentateuch The Movement

REGGAE. REWIND.

Chapter XVIII SNWMF JAM

ROOTS. PENTATEUCH ROOTS. PENTATEUCH Photo Credit: Ricardo ‘Himages’ Bailey aka El Puru

Pentateuch: the first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and FOLLOW Deuteronomy. Pentateuch

United by a desire to create a better reality for future generations, Pentateuch Movement is moving reggae forward by drawing from African traditions and foundation reggae music.

The Pentateuch Movement was founded by lead singer/songwriter Kevor ‘Var’ Williams and drum- mer Brady ‘Jah Bradez’ Robinson—two progressive Jamaican students from the prestigious Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston, .

“Pentateuch represents the first five books of the Bible, however this movement is a continuation of the journey of Jah people which rests on the shoulders of this generation-- the journey to preserve our roots and culture, which is Africa, the journey to Zion, as we see in Exodus, Movement of Jah people,” said Kevor.

Pentateuch Movement emerged from a conversation between Kevor and Brady on the balcony of Block 3 at the Edna Manley College Hostel. They wanted to start a band that would feature Roots Music with good vibes while staying true to their beliefs.

“We asked Kevin ‘Zuggu’ Patterson along with Andrade Bowen and Andrew Ayre and together, WEBSITE we started rehearsing in Room 13 of Edna Manley,” said Brady. “As time progressed, Garth Forrester pentateuchmovement.com replaced Zuggu as guitarist and we started playing at Edna Manley College and all around Kingston city. While in college, we got a lot of love and encouragement from tutors like Derrick Stewart, Ibo Cooper (former band leader and keyboard player for Third World) and Maurice Gordon. IRIEMAG.COM As young black men, Kevor and Brady knew that a cohesive voice was necessary to promote African consciousness and unity, and they chose to deliver that message as well as live it. Their collective influences include a roster of classic reggae, R&B and gospel artists: , Leroy “Horse- mouth” Wallace, Sly Dunbar, Shirley Caesar, the Wailers, Sam Cooke, Nina Simone and Otis Redding. Much inspiration also comes from their contemporaries: Midnite, Roots Uprising, Kendrick Lamar and , , , and . FOLLOW Pentateuch In 2011, Pentateuch Movement made their mark on the music scene with their uplifting single and video “Black Face,” featuring Kevor’s soulful, melodic tenor. The song encourages people of the African Diaspora to love our skin, our hair and African features and culture. https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=j1CGXF_nW5Y)

“Do you appreciate the color on your face; it seems to me you hate your skin. Black man emancipate, we are no longer slaves. Remember that black men once were kings… Ooh I love I love my self, yeah, I don’t want to be nobody else…Black woman, you are a queen, so why oh why you got a low self- esteem?”

‘Black Face’ came to me while I was sitting in the Piano Room at Edna Manley,” said Kevor. “I never wrote a line in that song; I just sang and the words came—that’s how I normally write music. I intro- duced the song to the other brothers and they loved it and created the music right away. I think it was a gift from my ancestors, so I know it will bring strength to our people throughout all generation as it is a song of truth. As long as Africa exists, this song will live and Africa as we know will live forever.” WEBSITE ‘Black Face’ is featured on Pentateuch Movement’s 2012 debut ‘The Genesis.’ Pentateuch pentateuchmovement.com Movement’s foundation of unity translates from their daily way of life to their live shows. They have landed them performances in Europe, Rebel Salute in Jamaica, Chronixx’ ‘Capture land’ tour and the 2015 Sierra Nevada World Music Festival in Boonville, CA, a notable and critical world stage for new IRIEMAG.COM artists to prove themselves, They recently went back to the United States earlier this year in April, where they graced stages such as Austin Reggae Festival in Austin Texas and also Hopi Veteran’s Memorial Centre Kykotsmovi Arizona.

With the soon to be released ‘Crime’, the first single from their new album Chapter‘ XVIII’, the Pen- tateuch Movement hope to shed light on poverty and injustice in their homeland. Drawn from the FOLLOW headlines, ‘Crime’ is a response to the British government’s proposal to provide millions of dollars Pentateuch to construct a prison complex in Jamaica.

‘Crime’ is pretty much straight forward, said Kevor. “You can’t solve crime if the poor man still can’t find a dime. Instead of building more prisons for our youths, we’d rather have more opportunities to provide basic food, clothes, and shelter. We need to focus on the issue of unemployment, instead of preparing to build a prison for our children here in Jamaica now.”

Produced by the Pentateuch Movement on Pentateuch label ‘Chapter XVIII’ features stellar musi- cians such as Nambo Robinson (), (saxophone), Wade Johnson (keyboards), and Kevon Webster (keyboards) Kino Newby, (bass) Garth Forrester (guitar) Jason Welch (bass), Ranoy Gordon (guitar) and Adrian Henry (bass).

‘Chapter XVIII’ reflects our experiences within this time, spirituality and politically, our (personal) relationships and struggles we endure. We see it as the next part of our journey. We are a part of a generation of singers and players of instruments who have a positive vibration; a movement that includes everyone who was before us and who is soon to come. Reggae music will live for eternity.” WEBSITE pentateuchmovement.com

IRIEMAG.COM JAM

ROCK. THE MOVEMENT ROCK. THE MOVEMENT Having had their genesis in a shared desire as young black men to create a better reality for FOLLOW future generations, Pentateuch Movement – Pentateuch like the first five books of the Bible – hinges on a foundation that informs their journey. That foundation is one of unity and brotherhood, which translates from their daily way of life to the stage.

Lead singer Kevor ‘Var’ Williams and drummer Brady ‘Jah Bradez’ Robinson know they stand on the shoulders of roots rock reggae artistes before them, so they combine their unique personalities to deliver their message of to- getherness through soulful music.

Pentateuch Movement, which now has two members after starting out with five in 2008, are supported by a nucleus of friends who all met while studying music at the Edna Manley WEBSITE College of the Visual and Performing Arts. pentateuchmovement.com As young black men, they knew then that a co- hesive voice was necessary to promote African Kevor ‘Var’ Williams Pentateuch Movement consciousness and unity among people, and IRIEMAG.COM they chose to deliver that message as well as live it.

Having gained respect from veterans in the music industry, both locally and internationally, they pride themselves on producing and deliv- FOLLOW ering organic music which promotes African Pentateuch consciousness among people of the world.

This has landed them performances on stages in Europe, at the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival; in California, at Rebel Salute, as well as more recently at Chronixx’s Captureland Tour.

Watching Pentateuch Movement perform has been likened to a spiritual experience that en- courages soul-to-soul connection.

Beyond their melodious sound and rhythmical- ly soothing vibe, Pentateuch Movement man- ages to speak directly to you, forcing you to be honest with your true self. So, from their 2012 hit single ‘Black Face’ to their complete debut WEBSITE album ‘Genesis’, Pentateuch Movement’s journey pentateuchmovement.com continues. It led them to do an acoustic version of their debut album in 2015 and they are now Brady ‘Jah Bradez’ Robinson working on their second album. Pentateuch Movement IRIEMAG.COM ‘Crime’, the first single from their upcoming album ‘Chapter XVIII’. It is a message to the leaders. The message: Being poor is the biggest crime.

Pentateuch Movement explores how the sys- FOLLOW tem forces some people to commit crimes in Pentateuch order to fulfil their basic needs.

The reality: If some people are not strong enough, they will fall on the sword that is already set for them by the system.

Kino Newby has been a part of the music in- dustry for over 10 years. Hailing from the hilly parts of Clarendon, Kino came to Kingston with a purpose. He attended the Edna manly college of the visual and performing arts for several years. During this time some very important bonds had been created which now stands as the foundation for the Pentateuch Movement. Kino, Var and Brady, have known each other for many years before the Pentateuch Movement was founded, so finding members to create WEBSITE such a dynamically cultured band was not hard. pentateuchmovement.com Kino has been a part of the Pentateuch Move- ment for over a year. They are currently work- Kino Newby ing on their second full studio album ‘Chapter Pentateuch Movement IRIEMAG.COM XVIII’. They have also been out on the road do- ing festivals in the US. Pentateuch’s aim is to be heard and educate the masses on their culture and blackness.

Garth ‘Duckie’ Forester is a guitarist. He has FOLLOW been a part of this Movement since the year Pentateuch 2009. Since then, he has played guitar on all projects released to date and performed back- ing vocals on a few. “It is always good to come together and create music in the studio within the Pentateuch Movement as freedom of ex- pression and creativity is always welcome. It is always a joy to produce positive and uplifting music whether it be in the form of a live perfor- mance or being apart of the creative process in the studio.”

Thirty two years old Kevon Webster has been playing music for about twenty years. Kevon attended Edna Manley, a graduate of the class of 2004. He has worked with most Jamaicans and quite a few international acts, playing keyboards for production and live sets. He WEBSITE has also ventured into music production. He pentateuchmovement.com started working with Pentateuch because of a real friendship with its core members and his Garth ‘Duckie’ Forester appreciation for the type of music and message Pentateuch Movement they represent. IRIEMAG.COM Kevon Webster Pentateuch Movement JAM

REGGAE. CHAPTER XVIII REGGAE. CHAPTER XVIII With the release of ‘Crime,’ the first single from their new album Chapter‘ XVIII,’ the Pentateuch Movement hope to shed light on poverty and injustice in their homeland. Drawn from the headlines, FOLLOW “Crime” is a response to the British government’s proposal to provide Pentateuch millions of dollars to construct a prison complex in Jamaica. “Crime” is pretty much straight forward.

“You can’t solve crime if the poor man still can’t find a dime. Instead of Featured EP building more prisons for our youths, we’d rather have more opportuni- ties to provide basic food, clothes, and shelter. We need to focus on the issue of unemployment, instead of preparing to build a prison for our children here in Jamaica now.”

Produced by the Pentateuch Movement on Pentateuch label, ‘Chapter XVIII’ features stellar musi- cians such as Nambo Robinson (trombone), Dean Fraser (saxophone), Wade Johnson (keyboards), Kevon Webster (keyboards), Kino Newby (bass), Garth Forrester (guitar), Jason Welsh (bass), Ranoy Gordon (guitar), Shackair McQueen (guitar), Adrian Henry (bass). Chapter V May 05, 2015 ‘Chapter XVIII’ reflects our experiences within this time, spirituality and politically, our (personal) relationships and struggles we endure. “We see it as the next part of our journey. We are a part of a generation of singers and players of instruments who have a positive vibration; a movement that WEBSITE includes everyone who was before us and who is soon to come. Reggae music will live for eternity.” pentateuchmovement.com Irie Magazine had the chance to catch up with ‘Var’ & ‘Jah Bradez’ to reflect on the past, present and future of the band as they prepare for their upcoming album release of ‘Chapter XVIII’. Without further ado, Irie Magazine presents the Roots Rock Reggae Movement known as Pentateuch Movement. IRIEMAG.COM The Interview

IRIE. We first saw you perform live at SNWMF 2015 in Booneville, a performance that was truly spiritual and uplifting. Your name, Pentateuch, refers to the first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers & Deuteronomy. Why did you choose this name for your band? FOLLOW Pentateuch. We came up with that name back in our days attending the Edna Manley College of Pentateuch The Visual And Performing Arts. At that time it was five of us that started Pentateuch, five young men that came from different parishes outside of Kingston that had similar Christian Background and believed strongly in the WORDS of the Bible. After our first rehearsal in the famous room 13 that weekend, we went home to think about a name. the following Monday Kevar came back with Featured Single the name ‘Pentateuch’, because it was it the same frequency of what we were about. Was a word he remembered from doing Religious Education in High School. So that was the begin of our journey.

IRIE. You now refer to yourself as the Pentateuch Movement. Explain the reason for the change in the bands name?

Pentateuch. We went through some changes internally within the unit, but for us its more than just music. Its also about the different Art forms within our journey, for eg: Dance, Photography, Art, farming and building something with our friends that went to college with. While supporting each Pressure November 19, 2013 other and building up our community.

IRIE. In the beginning, you were five students studying at the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts. Take us back to that day when you guys decided to start the band. WEBSITE pentateuchmovement.com Pentateuch. It was about 2008 when we were on block 3 of the top floor kitchen balcony. We were chilling and reasoning after cooking and eating some food. The idea came at that time to start a reg- gae band. Then we started thinking about which of our School mates and friends we would approach. IRIEMAG.COM Suddenly the names came to mind, and immediately we went downstairs and found them one by one to share our idea and to ask them to be apart of it.

IRIE. As you learn to play together as growing musicians, who were your some of your influences that helped you in your progression into the true roots reggae band you are today? FOLLOW Pentateuch. First would have to say the Most High, because that’s the beginning. Then would have Pentateuch say our parents cause most of us grew up hearing them playing Jamaican Golden music like, Ska, Rock Steady, Roots Rock reggae and Gospel. While in College playing music, Roots Rock Reggae music is what we gravitated to very easily, its like it came natural. While rehearsing back in College days in room 13, tutors like Mr. Ibo Cooper, Derick Stewart. Maurice Garden all Lecturers and elder Featured Album musicians we looked up to. They would usually give some pointers and told us stories from back in there time playing and creating music, Not just tutors but also our pairs in College that we looked up to. in terms of musicians and singers that influenced us, its really a lot if we should name them all... haha. To name a few” Third World, , Leroy Horsemouth Wallace, Carlton Barrett, Sam Cooke, Michael Jackson, Shirley Caesar, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer” just name a few.

IRIE. In my opinion, your debut album, ‘Genesis’, is the closest thing to a perfect album release from a new band. It is truly reminiscent of reggae’s golden era. Tracks like ‘Going Home’, ‘Cancer Survivor’ The Genesis and ‘Blackface’ are a pure mixes of spiritual and militant messages. Were these the messages you October 30, 2012 wanted to present with the debut release of Genesis?

Pentateuch. Yea man most definitely that was the message that we wanted to bring forth. That’s what we’re about, we Know it might have been a bit hard doing that kind of music from Jamaica at WEBSITE that time, but the message was needed then and now. The music that we do is timeless music, cause pentateuchmovement.com a lot of things was going on and we felt that our message and sound was necessary and we believed without a doubt that can change lives and evoke thoughts of our brothers and sisters out there. IRIEMAG.COM IRIE. When you listen to Blackface, you can’t help but feel the pride of being Blackface… African. Was this track written as a response to the growing trend of individuals trying to bleach their skin to make them self brown or was it just a coincidence? FOLLOW Pentateuch Pentateuch. Lets say it’s a mixture of both, or it was just to happen that way. This song is really special to us and all that can understand it. Those words came to Kevor while he was in one of the piano room at Edna Manley one day, as if it was gifted to bring the message to the people at that time and for every Generation to come.

IRIE. Genesis was produced by legendary Producer Paul ‘Computer Paul’ Henton. What was it like to work with Computer Paul as you embarked on your musical journey?

Pentateuch. Working with a legendary pro- ducer like Paul ‘Computer Paul’ Henton, was re- ally a joy and privilege. We learnt a lot of things from him in many different ways. Its like he was WEBSITE polishing down some of our rough edges. Yea we pentateuchmovement.com went to a Music College, but it was way differ- ent now being in the real world and a different environment as we Started our journey with IRIEMAG.COM our first studio album The‘ Genesis’ and for that we are very grateful.

IRIE. We’re you all involved in the song-writing process for Genesis or did each member have a specific role in the making of the album?

Pentateuch. Each individual had there roll to play, but would always be willing to help make the FOLLOW Moving forward lighter. When it comes on to the writing it’s always a collective effort. Pentateuch

IRIE. What has been some of the response from your audience regarding your music?

Pentateuch. For some its really different. Things people say to us when they here our music, “they need to start living there lives better, more positive. For some its like there souls are being minis- tered to in music and message as if they are in a church service”. When we hear such heart warming words, it motivates us to work harder and stay focus at a mission that in way bigger than all of us.

IRIE. On May 5th, 2015, you released the EP, ‘Chapter V’, which features an incredible track entitled Africa. It’s a different track which makes it extra special. Tell me the meaning behind the song and how you came about in creating the music for this beautiful track.

Pentateuch. The Song ‘Africa’ from our ‘Chapter V’ EP was a remake version from the song ‘Struggles of Africa’ that was on our debut album ‘The Genesis’ that we released October 2012. So we decided to do it over in a different style, As you listen you can hear musical elements that we pull from our Jamaican and African background, meaning the different instrumentation like the Nyabinghi drumming. WEBSITE pentateuchmovement.com The song Africa really speaks about whats been going on in and around Africa, because unification is necessary for the better of the human race, because the rest of the world needs to see it starting from there in order for it to take place. The world as we know it was Africa. IRIEMAG.COM IRIE. You are currently working on your second album, ‘Chapter XVIII’. Can you tell us the meaning behind the title?

Pentateuch. Yes we are currently working on our 2nd Studio Album, that will be titled ‘Chapter XVIII’. We started of our journey within ‘The Genesis’ and decided that we would continue our journey, but with a new chapter that will show growth of our mission. FOLLOW Pentateuch IRIE. What can we expect from this album release? Will you continue in the footsteps of Genesis, writing songs that express the issues that concern you.

Pentateuch. With this album you can expect growth, more positive vibration. We most definitley continue to write about what concerns us as people, because we are the people and for the people.

IRIE. Will there be any collaborations with other bands or artist?

Pentateuch. Yea man there will be a collaboration with a good friend and brother of the Movement Kevin “Zuggu” Patterson on a special track on our ‘Chapter XVIII’ Album.

IRIE. When can we expect the official release for Chapter XVIII?

Pentateuch. As it right now, we are looking to release some single from the ‘Chapter XVIII’ album from this summer until the end of 2016. So the release of ‘Chapter XVIII’ album, will be Some time very early 2017. WEBSITE IRIE. What do you hope your listeners to take with them when they hear your music or watch you pentateuchmovement.com perform live?

Pentateuch. We hope each time they listen our music or see us perform, they will always leave with IRIEMAG.COM a positive and life changing message that will live on for Generations.

IRIE. Where do you see the Pentateuch Movement in five, ten years from now?

Pentateuch. Next five to ten years we see ourselves remaining focus on this musical journey, as we continue to grow spiritually and physically. For sure there will be positive and uplifting music still FOLLOW coming from the movement of jah people. Pentateuch

IRIE. We are living in Serious Times right now… where Equal Rights and Justice is not prevalent across the board for all races. Is there a message that you would like to share with the world?

Pentateuch. Lets live up and start living better with our brothers and sister. Continue to build ourselves as people, and African communities while we strive to live as one.

IRIE. What do you say to the ill-informed who prefer to divide us instead of unite us?

Pentateuch. That the race is not for the swift, but for those who can endure it. Might can’t beat Right and to know Good always prevail over evil.

IRIE. Is there anything you would like to say to the IRIE audience?

Pentateuch. We really appreciate sharing time and space with you all, and thanks to each one you for taking the time out to give our music a listening ear. Bless up to our irie mag family also, nuff respect Nico. WEBSITE pentateuchmovement.com IRIE. Give thanks for the time to reason with you! Much Love & Respect!

IRIEMAG.COM JAM

REWIND. SNWMF Pentateuch Movement Sierra Nevada World Music Festival Pentateuch Movement Sierra Nevada World Music Festival Pentateuch Movement Sierra Nevada World Music Festival Pentateuch Movement Sierra Nevada World Music Festival IRIE would like to thank the following people who helped make this issue a successful one. Without their efforts, this magazine would not be possible.

Giovanna Guimarães, Michelle Monreal, Ricardo ‘Himages’ Bailey aka El Puru, Kevor ‘Var’ Williams, Brady ‘Jah Bradez’ Robinson, Kino Newby, Garth ‘Duckie’ Forester and Kevon Webster... aka Pentateuch Movement!

Nuff Respect!

IRIEMAG.COM