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ISSUE #9 SEP 2014

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

REWIND LUCIANO WORLD A REGGAE JAH MESSENJAH ANANSE RESPECT NAN-C

BRYAN ART MIDOSE MUNGO’S HI-FI NEGRITUDE REPUBLIC BLUE KING BROWN SPOTLIGHT THE UPRISING ROOTS META & THE CORNERSTONES THE HEMPOLICS IRIEMAG.COM ISSUE #9 / SEPTEMBER 2014

“ We are all children of the Most High God and as a Rasta man, I acknowledge that I am a child of Emperor I because all of his teachings are in my songs.” - Luciano

Nicholas “Nico” Da Silva Founder/Editor in Chief

IRIEMAG.COM ROOTS. ROCK. REGGAE.

Ananse Modise Sepeng Luciano Conversion of a Story Negritude Republic Jah Messenjah

RESPECT. REWIND. .

Kindah Danny Creatah Irie Trax One Family World A Reggae Roots / Rock / Reggae

TABLE OF CONTENT.

USA

ROOTS.

ANANSE Conversion of a Story ANANSE Conversion of a Story By nan-c FOLLOW nan-c Annancy is a trickster, a hero of the people that can settle injustice within a tale even though in reality has not been settled. It is through the Anansesems that the shape of the world has been established and accredited to the creation of many of the physical and social norms of both, man and animals. Annancy is a teacher who through his own misdeeds becomes an example for man on how to live and prosper in the world. Annancy is a semi-deity and trickster hero, both spider and man. He is able to talk with the sky-god, Nyame as well as walk upon the earth to represent man.

The art of storytelling is captures through the creativity and spirit of the storyteller that turns tales about the ordinary into adventures of the extraordinary. The storyteller is truly the real trickster behind each tale and has the imaginative power to grab upon and expand myths, fairytales and folklore. The storyteller that is filled with the spirit of Annancy is culturally conscious and is from a proud lineage of orators that have been telling his tales for centuries.

Famine has come to the land. Annancy has gone up to Nyame, the Sky god to persuade him to relinquish all the stories named after him. Nyame believes that Annancy must be insane from hunger and tells Annancy that he will give him all the tales in exchange for the bees, alligator and tiger. Nyame gives his word to Annancy. And Annancy returns to earth to begin his task.

Annancy passes by a tree where the young bees are rehearsing. The buzzing is strong that he peeps inside to watch and listen for a while. He then tells the song leader that the bees sound awful and that he could teach them a better song and a better way of singing. The only stipulation is that the

IRIEMAG.COM song leader has to leave. The bees want to sound better so they demand that the song leader leave in order for Annancy to take over.

Annancy tells the bees that in order to sing better they must go into the gourd. The gourd has a special sound that will help them. The bees agree and allow Annancy to hold the gourd while they all fly in. After the last bee has entered, Annancy corks the opening and takes the gourd up to FOLLOW nan-c Nyame. Nyame is quite surprised that Annancy has completed the first task. He accepts the gourd of bees, drowns them, and waits for Annancy to complete the other two tasks.

Annancy enters the marshlands. He roams around until he finds Alligator. He approaches Alligator and tries to convince him that he is longer. Alligator at first does not fall for Annancy’s nonsense but Annancy is so convincing that Alligator begins to doubt himself. Annancy goes and gets a long piece of bamboo. He tells Alligator to tie him to it first and mark how long he is when stretched out. Alligator does exactly that. Then Annancy tells Alligator to stretch out to determine how long he is but Annancy says it is difficult to do. Annancy convinces Alligator that it is best to be tied down in order to measure exactly. Alligator agrees. Annancy proceeds to tie him to the bamboo in three places. Alligator comments on how tight the rope is but Annancy says nothing. Finally when all is completed and Alligator is good and snug Annancy picks up the bamboo stick securely and takes him up to Nyame. Again the sky god is amazed. He accepts the second task fulfilled, he kills Alligator and waits to see if Annancy is capable of completing the third task. Annancy goes to the bush in search of Tiger. He sees Tiger eating on a small creature and screams to him. “When I was coming here I saw a bunch of gazelles that were talking about you. They were laughing about how you could not catch any of them.” Well this made Tiger quite angry. He told Annancy to show him where these gazelles were so that he could catch one of them. But Annancy told Tiger it would be impossible to show him where

2 of 5 IRIEMAG.COM the gazelles were without leading him through the bush with a rope around his neck. Tiger was so angry that he agreed and allowed Annancy to place the rope around his neck. Well with every step the rope got tighter and tighter around FOLLOW nan-c Tiger’s neck. Tiger feeling strangled told Annancy about it but Annancy ignored his complaint as he dragged him straight up to Nyame to complete his mission.

Nyame accepts Annancy’s last part of the deal. He kills Tiger too. He then turns over all the stories that were once called Nyamesems to Annancy. He makes an official presentation by gathering all the chiefs, dignitaries and villagers to tell them that for now and forever all stories are to be called Anansesems.

The story begins by explaining that there was a problem in the land (draught). All was not well in the land in which the storyteller lived. The people were not being taken care of and food and water were scarce. Annancy went to the chief to discuss the situation. And the chief was not sure of what the problem was. IRIEMAG.COM But Annancy knew. He knew that vanity, stupidity and greed were causing the destruction of his people. And until those issues were removed from the community nothing good could prosper.

So Annancy confronted the problems by stroking their egos. He led each to the chief so that he could remove them from the area in order for Annancy to have a decent life style for both his family and community. Each creature represented a weakness of man. Each weakness had to be destroyed FOLLOW nan-c in order for peace and harmony to flow throughout the land.

The spirit of Annancy changed as he crossed the Atlantic in the slave ships to the new world. He remained in the memories of his people. They looked up to him, admired him for his cleverness and humor. And they loved him because he was able to roam freely in their memories not shackled down, beaten, or forced to work a land that was not his own. So the stories adapted to fit comfortably into their environment.

During the Transatlantic slave trade a large quantity of Ghanaians were deposited in the Caribbean region. With such a large population of Ghanaians located in one area a stronger cultural thread was visible. Nightfall brought forth a tired worn out slave who then transformed into a teller of tales and from the only freedom he still possessed – his memory and imagination, the storyteller conjured up tales of Spiderman Annancy. The hero for them was able to conquer “masta” and the overseer. Perhaps because Annancy was able to have more of his people together the physical characteristics remained and the thread of stories were stronger and longer lasting.

The storyteller replaced the village chief of the village with a person that deserved no respect and could not solve any of their problems because “masta” and the overseer were the problems. Annancy was constantly outwitting the larger creature that represented this foe. Annancy was still under restraints but posed as a man upright more often than in the tales found in the United States where he appeared often as a dwindled down small black spider.

4 of 5 IRIEMAG.COM The strong fibers of Annancy’s web kept their spirits strong when their bodies weakened. Tales grew from anger, defeat, and fear. These tales were sometimes the only bandage present to cover a broken ego, which could keep the spirit from dying and could keep humor in a workplace that could only be thought of as hell. Laughter and smiles overpowered the body aches, mental anguish, and abuse of the day for at least a moment. His tales closely resembled home, family, and love, while freely flowing with the spirit of adaptability to the environment they now were in. There was no sky god FOLLOW nan-c for Annancy to make deals with in these stories. He is on his own carrying with him a survival kit stuffed with wit, adaptability, and mental freedom. There are bigger creatures for him to overcome (“masta” and overseer) while still causing changes in nature. The tale of how Annancy acquired all the stories is one that survived the journey and is told without Annancy negotiating with Nyame but instead he is proving himself to Tiger (masta), the king of the forest, displaying that he is worthy of having the stories named after him instead of Tiger. Annancy negotiates with Tiger, who wants to keep the stories for himself. Tiger gives Annancy a task that he knows he will fail. In the retelling by Jamaican folklorist, Philip M. Sherlock, instead of three creatures being brought to Tiger it is only one – Snake. Annancy makes three attempts to capture Snake and is successful when Annancy makes the claim to be longer and through the measurement on the bamboo stick Snake gets captured.

In another Jamaican collection, Anancy Stories and Dialect Verse (1950), Louise Bennett updates why Annancy tales are now told to children. Annancy passes by children reading a storybook that speaks of the adventures of Puss and Rat. Annancy wonders how they got included in a book when he didn’t. Annancy knows that he will have to separate the two and make them look bad so he begins by convincing Puss that Rat is good meat to eat. Then Annancy goes to Rat to warn him that Puss wants to eat him. Thus begins the chase of Puss and Rat. The old women in the area thank Annancy for getting rid of Puss and Rat and promise him they will now only tell stories about him every night to their grandchildren. To make sure that these grandmothers did not forget that promise every night Annancy climbed upon the ceiling to be visible as a reminder.

5 of 5 IRIEMAG.COM Celebrate 420 everyday! ZAF

ROCK.

MODISE SEPENG Negritude Republic MODISE SEPENG Negritude Republic

Biography FOLLOW Modise Sepeng I’m an African born Designer/Illustrator/Photographer/ Art director based in , Alexandra. with a keen eye for detail, a strong technical ability and a boundless enthusiasm for love, life, design, illustration, photography and a tasty riff. I enjoy immersing myself in any given design brief, working closely with clients on projects both above and below the line.

I have been doing graphic design professionally since 2010. I started as an intern at a marketing communications company and I worked my way up to an Art Director. My design experience includes print graphics, packaging, apparel and accessory graphics, screen-printing, painting and illustration.

As a developing graphic artist, I always try to find an outlet for creativity, whether it be on plain paper or on the computer. I have continued to peruse my goals as a graphic artist through more graphic research along with developing my African artistic skills as well. With my improving Illustration skills.

My work simplistically adapts liberation heroes like Steve Biko and Madiba to current contexts of cool. I’m known for my Nubian art and Japanese print inspired busts and portraits of black faces with urban contemporary appeal. Each of my works looks like a post-colonial coat style, and a mash up of WEBSITE Pan-Africanism and punk rock fused with pop art and hip-hop. behance.net/ NegritudeRepublic While my design illustration may be a primary example of my work, I also find time to do filming and Photographic journalism into the mix. My future goals are to become either a Creative Director or Film Director.

IRIEMAG.COM Rolihlahla Mandela (Liberation Lord) Steve Biko (Bikonscious) Interview

IRIE. Who is Modise, what do you do and why do you do it?

Heita Hola. I’m an African born designer/Illustrator/photographer. FOLLOW But I don’t believe in limiting myself to any particular labels. If you Modise Sepeng were to label myself it would be as a creative.

My keen eye for detail while always being mindful of the bigger picture has helped me through my four years of experience in the South African design and advertising industry.

I believe in thinking big, working hard, being humble and staying curious.

IRIE. Where are you working now?

I work at Global Mouse, an integrated marketing communications agency as a Graphic Designer.

IRIE. How would you define your creativity?

My creativity stems from the cultural ideology of Afrocentrism. I believe in awakening race consciousness, rooted in a (re)discovery of the authentic self.

I want my work to reflect and draw attention to my African heritage.

IRIEMAG.COM Afro Lisa Speak No Evil Republic IRIE. How do you bring your ideas to life?

For me it’s all about the creative process. It starts with the idea or conceptualization. From there it’s all about unpacking and expanding on the idea. It’s about exploring the possibilities and the limitations, what works or what doesn’t work. Then it’s about FOLLOW Modise Sepeng taking that research and eliminating the unnecessary. That is the start of the long process of crafting one’s work to breath life into it.

IRIE. Who inspires you?

There is inspiration everywhere, you just have to look for it. I’m inspired by anyone and everything (an idea, a joke, a literary work, a painting or musical composition, a solution, an invention etc.)

IRIE. What advise would you give South African creatives looking to do what you do?

Learn from anyone and everyone around you. Be a sponge and don’t dismiss anyone young or old, new or not. There’s so much to learn no matter how long you’ve been doing and know exactly where your end goal is and how you plan to get there.

Creative fields are difficult, competitive and very stressful. If you don’t know where you want to end up or even how to get there, you’ll be eaten alive.

IRIEMAG.COM Negritude Republic Negritude Republic IRIE. What are you working on now?

I’m currently working on a Life style Brand (Negritude Republic), a brand that in some way would kind of embrace those diversity and celebration of shared black FOLLOW Modise Sepeng heritage and then work them into apparel for everyone to wear, in a similar way that brands I look up to have done.

IRIE. What’s in the future for Modise?

If all goes as planned the long term goal is to grow Negritude Republic into a brand similar in scope to brands like Afends, Dope Couture, Crooks & Castles, Supreme, Huf etc and have the brand readily available in stores (hopefully my own Negritude Republic store).

I’m so motivated and in the right head- space to achieve this goal and I know that with the support from the community Negritude Republic can and will become a great brand that many of people will love to wear and represent.

IRIE: Much Respect! IRIEMAG.COM

JAM

REGGAE.

LUCIANO JAH MESSENJAH LUCIANO Jah Messenjah By Maliika Walker FOLLOW Luciano “Every day I will rise, every morning I will sing; Every evening I will lift my voice. Lift my voice in praise higher higher Oh Lord Sweep over my soul.” LUCIANO, JAH MESSENJAH

I love reggae music because it carries with it a life force that has the propensity to change and save lives. It did so for me. Every once in a while we all need that boost of extra encouragement to push us to see another day. Tomorrow you could wake up with a feeling like it’s another day of just going through the motions. No positive view just whatever, let me just go through the motions today but then you may see a flower or hear a voice that changes your outlook on the path you will walk that day. The music of Luciano, aka Jah Messenjah, can serve as that voice that encourages you to look forward to the blessings surely to come.

Jepther Washington McClymont OD (aka Luciano) was born in Davey Town, . Davey Town is a community located in the central Jamaican Manchester Parish. Luciano was raised in the Adventist church and sang in the choir. Losing his father at the age of 11 led to his mother raising him as a single WEBSITE parent, along with his eight siblings. He eventually made his way to Kingston to pursue a career in lucianomessenjah.com music, working a job by day and recording in the studio by night.

Luciano recorded a song for Freddie McGregor’s Big Ship Production company in the early 90’s and had his first number one hit in the U.K., a single entitled Shake‘ it Up’. Ultimately he found an ideal IRIEMAG.COM collaborator in Phillip “Fatis” Burell of Xterminator Records. As one of the artists in the wave of the “Rasta Renaissance” movement (in the 90’s) within reggae/ music, Luciano released such songs as It’s Me Again and Who Could It Be. The Rasta Renaissance movement changed the face of reggae/dancehall in the 90’s and its impact was felt for many years since. Luciano collaborated with “Fatis Burell”, , and on a number of releases through the 90’s. Despite part- ing ways due to creative differences with “Fatis” in 1999, Luciano gives recognition to “Fatis” Burell FOLLOW Luciano for establishing the foundation for his success. The Messenjah continued to release majestic music through the 2000’s including ‘A New Day’ (2001), ‘Serve Jah (2003), ‘Child of a King’ (2006), ‘United States of ’ (2010).

In late 2013 Luciano released The Qabalah Man, an album inspired by his study of Kabbalah; a faith that is focused on creating balance and harmony within. The primary producer for this album was Al.Ta.Fa.An’s Anthony Senior. The album features collaborations with reggae music pioneers and U-Roy. Luciano also pays tribute to his idol . The album does feature previously released singles but is still worth a purchase. The MessenJah’s message is always wel- comed by the people. Luciano has been spreading the message of Jah to the world long before the “reggae revival” movement. An artist dedicated to educating his fans on the message of Jah. “I am a child of a king and I just want my family and my fans to receive the blessings that God has given through me as a messenger and an instrument of peace.”

Whenever I get to see Luciano in , I feel like I am receiving a message from the most high through his messenjah. His music provides inspiration, encouragement, and knowledge of Jah’s blessings to whoever listens to it. In 2007, Jamaica rewarded Luciano by bestowing the on him for his contribution to reggae music.

Irie had a chance to speak with Luciano about his album The Qabalah Man, his Rastafarian roots, his love for West Africa, and his feelings about . Here is our conversation.

2 of 12 IRIEMAG.COM The Interview

IRIE. How did you decide to introduce yourself to the world as Luciano? When I think of the name Luciano I think of FOLLOW the opera singer Luciano Pavarotti? Luciano

LUCIANO. Well you are thinking in the right direction. I had a different stage name previously but it was suggested I change my stage name because that name was doing nothing for me. So we reviewed a set of names and decided on Luciano. Somehow that name appealed to me from the time I heard it.

I researched the meaning of the name and found out it meant “bearer of the light”. I thought to myself it was a good name with great meaning and energy.

IRIE. Your music expresses an appreciation for the strength and beauty of women. So much of today’s music paints such a negative portrait of women. Can you speak to the importance of women in your life?

LUCIANO. Women are very important to the continued development of life itself. When IRIEMAG.COM God created Man in his own image he made male and female. From the beginning of creation women played a vital role. Even when you speak of Jesus Christ and his Majesty. Mary and the Immaculate Conception of Jesus Christ. The birth of Haile Selassie would not have been possible without his mother, Yeshimebet.

My father passed away when I was eleven so my mother primarily raised my eight siblings and FOLLOW Luciano me. My mother had a lot of strength and we all got a lot of inspiration from my mom. Today, my siblings have their own families. We all owe our existence to women.

IRIE: At what age did you realize you were Rasta? What was it about the Rasta way of life and belief that grabbed your attention and life focus?

LUCIANO. I believe the concept (belief) in is inborn. I remember when I was twelve years old my mother gave me a t-shirt. I couldn’t wear it to school so I took the shirt home and drew a picture of Rastaman and a chalice on that shirt. So I realized I was Rasta from early on so it has to be inborn.

There was a Rastaman in my community I had come to have love and respect for. He was always kind, peaceful and generous. This man would always impart knowledge upon the youth. Rastafari always appealed to me because it was just natural. The Rastafari I knew always ate natural food, they knew and chanted the bible. They always encouraged us to stay on the right path.

Rastafari is the light of the world because they teach mankind how to eat and live naturally. I grew up in the church. My father was an evangelist. While reading the bible, somehow it came across to me that Rastafari guides the light. I realized that his majesty, Haile Selassie I, is Christ. He as knowledge of Christ came first as the lamb, and then he came as the Lion to rule and reign.

4 of 12 IRIEMAG.COM IRIE: “Sweep Over My Soul” is one of my all-time favorites songs because a I feel like praising God’s presence in my life whenever I hear it. How does it make you feel to know that your music touches people in this way?

LUCIANO. Give thanks. Just beautiful. The songs affect me in too. I remember there were a few songs I did on that . One day after leaving the studio I told the engineer to put that song on FOLLOW Luciano a different track because I wanted to sing something different. When I went back to the studio the next day I recorded ‘Sweep Over My Soul’. It was done in one straight recording. The words just came to me. I didn’t have to go back and fix anything. So I knew it was divine inspiration that gave me that song.

IRIE: I know Bob Andy wrote the song, Create Your History, on the Qabalah Man. Share with us what how it felt for you to work with such a legendary figure within reggae music history?

LUCIANO. Well I was really humbled to work with such a pioneer. Bob Andy is a great spirit and I was honored to work with him. He is one of the greatest songwriters in Jamaican music history. Some of the great songs he wrote include Fire Burning with and Desperate Lover. Just a great honor and privilege to work and share a studio with such a man. I wish that he could be honored as a King because he is a true pioneer of the music. It really touched my heart that someone so great can still be so humble. So special to share a song with one of the greats of Jamaican music.

IRIE: The Qabalah Man is the title of your latest album. I picture Kabbalah and it’s design to create harmony and balance. How did you come up with the title, Qabalah Man?

LUCIANO. When I went to the studio in Jamaica I was in the presence of The Mighty General. We would always reason about spiritual topics and other deep meaningful matters. I have always felt

5 of 12 IRIEMAG.COM that if you really want to reason it is important to have knowledge. I am usually on a quest to learn and during my studies I came across Qa- balah. The Qabalah studies teach about the Tantra. The man is the tree and we nourish the Tantra. In Qabalah you are guided by the prin- FOLLOW Luciano ciples of righteousness as laid by God. I some- how tie the music with the concept of Qabalah, unveiling the power that is within us. There is no part of life that you can’t live without music because it’s in the universe. The word itself speaks as a song.

We all need to realize we all move as one vibration in creation. We all have one vibration, which is live itself. The breathing, in and out, that is one vibration. Every living being has to abide by this principle to live. If you are breathing then you are living. Once you stop breathing, life is over.

Qabalah teaches how to nurture your body and unleash the power within. As a youth I was always fascinated by the truth. Anyway I could acquire knowledge I would. My study of Qaba- lah is an example of that. After a while, Mighty General began calling me the Qabalah Man. Everyone would say The Qabalah Man is here. IRIEMAG.COM IRIE: One of my favorites from the Qabalah Man is Speak Your Mind. How important is it for people to speak their minds?

LUCIANO. It is important to really have the truth as your guide and to be able to have a clear con- science. When you can’t speak your mind it can settle feelings of bitterness inside of you. Some people hold what they want to say inside of them and this is the type of thing that causes illnesses to FOLLOW Luciano your body.

IRIE: The Qabalah Man also features a tribute to the great Dennis Brown. How has this great artist influenced your career?

LUCIANO. Yes the great Dennis Brown has been one of the great influencers of my career. I also grew up on Bob ’s music but I gravitated to Dennis Brown’s way of singing. The way he sings, expresses his words and even the baritone voice, I have the same texture of voice. He is one of my greatest teachers, one of my masters. I grew up with his music so when I finally got the chance to meet him I couldn’t believe that he was so humble. He was so nice and always smiling. I never saw him angry or upset. I can’t believe he is not here today because he had such a good heart. He should be here with us right now. I think we can learn from him though because he became addicted to cer- tain substances. We have to be careful of what we expose ourselves to. In one of his songs he has the lyric (So Jah Say) “we must not let him down.” He let himself down. Because he was taking cer- tain drugs he became weak. Spiritually you become very vulnerable to all different types of attacks.

He was a great singer but in some ways he had problems and became a victim of the same circum- stances he chanted about. For instance when you listen to songs like, To The Foundation, you have to realize he is was actually singing about himself. I am working on a tribute album to Dennis Brown and it is almost complete. An album was released earlier this year with that included my versions of Dennis Brown’s Deliverance and Three Meals a Day.

7 of 12 IRIEMAG.COM IRIE: One of the things I have witnessed from your live shows is “the flip”. What inspires you to do the flip during your show?

LUCIANO. I have been doing the flip from a tender age. I would lay down the banana leaves from the trees and flip on them. So I found that the flip is always something I can do to energize myself. It gives me a rush to my brain. The flip gives me an additional release and more energy. A fan asked FOLLOW Luciano me the other day how much longer do I plan to do this flip and I had to laugh because I don’t know. When I am on stage I like to make the fans feel good so it’s a part of the show I like to give them. I don’t like going on stage and just singing in some tight pants. I mean they would rip. I need to go on stage wearing something loose so I can move around.

IRIE: I witnessed your live performances over the years and the feeling I get is that I am attending a religious gathering where I felt the audience received the message from the Messenjah. I get the sense that your performances are your spiritual journey that you sharing with us.

LUCIANO. Give thanks. Yes it is exactly that because what I learn I like to share with everyone. I like to arm my fans with knowledge. I like it to feel like it’s a natural mystic vibe, not some preacher standing on the pulpit kind of thing. I talk to my fans in a very subtle way and at the same time I encourage them. It feels good to leave my fans with some inspiration.

IRIE: We are currently living in Babylon; when we leave this earth is physical form we will see Zion. What do you think about this statement?

LUCIANO. Well I believe Zion is right here on earth. It must be a reason that God continues to send people to earth to live. I believe that God created Earth and he created man to have dominion so this place is a very special place. The bible talks about the sons of God coming down to Earth and having

8 of 12 IRIEMAG.COM children with the daughters of man. So if God will send his sons here, this place is special. I believe that Zion is a state of consciousness and once you acknowledge that you will start to live a spiritual life that you stay away from the darkness and stay in the positive. That is how Zion will come about. You have a lot of people going through hell because they made the wrong decisions and done the wrong things. FOLLOW Luciano For instance some people just drink and drink, not taking into account the damage being done to their kidneys or destroying their liver. Some people may eat the wrong things that can result with your system shutting down and people won’t act on it until they are feeling pain. That is not the way we should live. We should all treat our bodies right and live so we can live past our 90’s. We all de- serve to have a happy life here on Earth. We should love and share the gift of life. I believe the wrong action and decisions can bring about Babylon.

IRIE: Thirty years after Peter’s Tosh’s classic, Jamaica has agreed to legalize it. What do you think of Jamaica’s decision to finally legalize the herb?

LUCIANO. I always felt the Jamaican Government was behind everyone else, never looking forward. The government didn’t start talking about legalizing marijuana until after other nations made strides in this effort and now look; the Jamaican Government is behind once again. The Jamaican Government is very late. If they would have legalized before everyone else they could have paid off all the debt that the country owes.

Jamaica is a world icon. People look to us but no Jamaica keeps waiting to see what America does before they make a decision. But the saying is better late than never so legalize it the right way. Ev- eryone is looking at multiple uses of the plant. The herb has the power to heal sickness, very power- ful herb. The government forgets the plant is not just for smoking. The plant also has industrial uses but the government just looks at the Rastaman burning chalice.

9 of 12 IRIEMAG.COM IRIE: It seems every few years there are new artists introduced to the market and they make waves. The current iteration of a wave of new artists is referred to as the “reggae revival”. If you can share one message of wisdom to these artists, what would that message be?

LUCIANO. Well first let me say it is not a revival because you can only revive something after it is dead. It is not a revival but a resurgence of the culture. I like it and I am very happy the people FOLLOW Luciano are supporting Chronnix, , Dub Kronik Band, , & Jah 9. All of the artists in the resurgence and others not discovered I would say write your own songs. Take some time and let knowledge sink in and write your songs. Learn an instrument. Whether it is the guitar, piano, keyboards, doesn’t matter just learn how to play it. A good instrument to learn to play is the keyboard or the piano or even the Congo drums because with these instrument you can also sing your praises at the same time. It’s great to have the knowledge of playing an instrument as a complement to your talent. Knowing how to play an instrument will help you write a song because you learn your harmonies.

I would also tell artists to follow their own hearts not others or trends. Look at Natural Black, he thought roots music was dead and nothing was happening but now look there is a resurgence. When you choose to the live life and culture you have to stand firm and know there will be rough and tough times. Don’t sell out your birthright because of the temptations of Babylon.

IRIE: Ethiopia. What is your relationship with the birthplace of Haile Selassie I?

LUCIANO. I would die for his majesty. While I was treated with respect in Gambia, I now have a home there; I was not given the same treatment in Ethiopia. Americans, Europeans, and other nations can go into Ethiopia but no such provisions are made for Jamaicans. If you are some type of star then provisions will be made for you. I would have to go somewhere in England to get a Visa to enter Ethiopia. If you are Jamaican and can’t get a Visa from America or Europe you will have a prob-

10 of 12 IRIEMAG.COM lem entering Ethiopia. It’s surprising that Jamaicans would receive this treatment because Haile Selassie made provisions for us to settle in Shashamane.

When I go to Gambia I do not experience FOLLOW Luciano this type of treatment, they treat me as if I were a king coming home. They take care of my bags and have no problems taking my passport. I do not even need a visa to go to Gambia or Kenya. When I noticed this difference in treatment vs. Ethiopia I knew something was not right. Because in Rastafari, we hail his majesty and he is from the kingdoms of King Solomon and Queen of Sheba. Many Ethiopians do not see Selassie I as the Conquering Lion from the Tribe of Judah. They even removed the Lion out of the flag and replaced him with a five-point star.

I remember going to Ethiopia in 2000 and was hoping they would make some type of allowance for Jamaicans that wanted to come there but no such provisions were made. We received the same treat- ment. One was trying to enter the country, from , to take part in IRIEMAG.COM the celebrations and they would not allow him entry. I haven’t been back to Ethiopia because Babylon is taking over. There is still some people holding on to their traditions and more of the culture side but Ethiopia is being colonized right now in a different way. That is my perspective of what is going on. Please know that I love FOLLOW Luciano Ethiopia and it will always be a spiritual place. Ethiopia means a lot to us Rastafarians as we look to a higher place. We look to Ethiopia as the greatest place spiritually.

IRIE: Are you still considering making Africa your Featured Album permanent residence? I know Gambia has granted you land.

LUCIANO. When going to Africa it is important to connect with your tribe of origin. Your root. I find when I go to Goree Island in or El Amina Castle in Ghana there is an indescribable connection to my roots. As you know, most slaves were taken from the Searching west coast of Africa. I toured Senegal, and 2014 Gambia. It is in Gambia that I found my root, my people. I couldn’t believe it when I found a man that looked just like me. When I saw him I just couldn’t believe. I know my root is from there, it has to be. Now I love Ethiopia and a place for them will always be in my heart but West Africa calls and beckons me. The government and the people welcomed me with open arms. They love me there. Yes it is home. They are loving people. IRIEMAG.COM THE HEMPOLICS GBR THE HEMPOLICS Green Line

Biography FOLLOW The Hempolics Hempolics are out to put those organic rootsy vibes back into music; with their fat radio-friendly hooks, bumping soundsystem bass and a wanderlusty, ineffably real sound all of their own… “The Hempolics are the best band in the UK – but nobody knows it yet...” MAXI JAZZ (FAITHLESS)

Over years of recording top international talent the Hempolics enigmatic leader, Grippa Laybourne, has been carefully honing his own masterpiece and selecting a gang armed and dangerous enough to execute it. The Hempolics caused an instant stir with their single Serious, on the Reggae Roast label, which hit number one in the 2010 UK reggae charts. Their tight as a tick live performances – honed supporting Faithless’ final ever show in front of 4000 people at Brixton academy and playing for many on point venues across Europe – are becoming the worst kept secret on the UK circuit today. “Real vintage lo fi reggae inspired for the 21st century city scape people” DJ VADIM With their amazingly eclectic forthcoming album sounding like the i-pod of the attention-deficit WEBSITE generation and swelled by guest appearances from various international talents such as Maxi Jazz and Paulo Nutini, to name a few, the Hempolics have a storm brewing that promises to tear up the hempolics.com UK music scene. Legendary label BBE Records will release the album entitled ‘Kiss, Cuddle & Torture Vol. 1’ and it has been recorded in back to basics fashion throughout the bedrooms and home studios of the band producing an infectious mash-up of Reggae, Electro, Hip-Hop, Dancehall, Rock and Pop. IRIEMAG.COM Although the weather out might be dull -side it’s strictly sunshine vibes, resplendent with huge hooks and festival-friendly choruses. These are tunes that people will be bopping to across festivals, clubs and car journeys for years to come. “And through the haze there shone a white light, and from that light played sweet sweet music… and to that music… FOLLOW We got high. Much love to the Hemps...” The Hempolics

PAOLO NUTINI As well as pedigree recordings and live shows the Hempolics are producing gritty videos with a striking realness to accompany their tunes, in contrast to the polished pretension of the music Featured Single establishment. The collective are the brainchild of veteran sound engineer and Grippa Laybourne. Core vocalists, the empyreal Nubiya and devilishly dashing Dan Collier, combine together impeccably, with Dan’s brother Harry sometimes stepping in with his own smooth tones.

“Great summer vibes. Puts a smile on my face. And amazing live too!”

ELIZA DOOLITTLE

The rest of the band comprises of deft bassist Lorenzo, Leon King who ranks up there with the finest

Reggae/Dub guitarists around, the exceptional Craig Borman on drums and more recently brothers Green Line Spencer and Jack Martin who make up the perfectly formed brass section. 2014

“The best thing I’ve heard in ages...”

LA ROUX

Take your eye off the Hempolics at your peril. Ital business!

IRIEMAG.COM The Uprising Roots Bryan Art Blue King Brown Time Knowledge is The Power Rize Up

Mungo’s Hi-Fi Tanya Stephens Meta and The Cornerstone Serious Times One Time Ancient Power

TABLE OF CONTENT. JAM THE UPRISING ROOTS THE UPRISING ROOTS Time

Biography FOLLOW Uprising Roots Ascending like the Sky fire (sun) in the East, The headed by musical director Earl “Chinna” Smith. Uprising Roots is borne out of Rockfort, East Kush as the lead singer for the band is not your Kingston. Rising up with an assertive musical average drummer at all! defiance, to bring forth a positive progressive change amongst humanity. This band of musi- “Pot a Rice” Ruel Ashburn (Bass/Engineer/BV) cians’ mission is to use the power of their music started playing music at an early age at Mount to manifest this positive change. Uprising Roots Carmel revival church in St Andrew. His life is no ordinary band as they occupies the “Upper was transformed at age twelve when he room” of reggae music and is dubbed as The “El- accompanied his Grandmother to convention ement of Surprise”. and saw the church band spirited in action. His first interest was the drums, later moving “Kush” Rashawn McAnuff (Drums/Lead vo- on to learn the guitar, keyboard and eventually cal), was born into a musical family his father settling down with the bass. being the legendary Winston ‘Electric Dread’ McAnuff and his Uncle Dave ‘Makkaruffin’ Inspired by the technique likewise simplicity McAnuff a professional drummer in his right. of the legendary “Bagga Bass” on a visit to Kush started rehearsing with his Father’s band Tuff Gong studio with Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith. “Black Kush” while learning his skills by observ- “Pot a Rice” is also the Engineer responsible ing some of the best in the business, such as for recording and mixing the bands’ debut Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace, Sly Dunbar and album “Skyfiya” and has extend his mixing skills Carlton Barrett. Kush has recorded and toured to other projects of his peers in the industry. He extensively with the “Inna De Yard all-stars” is CEO of his company Rice Field Productions. IRIEMAG.COM “Akinsanya”, Lloyd Palmer (Dub Poet/Keyboard the band and since working with The Uprising /BV). A humble son from the garden parish of Roots has been experimenting “outside of the St. Ann who grew up in the yam parish of Tre- drum” with various instruments, pot covers and lawny. With music being a part of the spiritual whatever percussive he can get his hands on. and social fabric of the Jamaican rural folks, he has continued in the tradition of his uncles Legends in the Root Mix FOLLOW Uprising Roots and grandfather who sang and played music on their church band. Lloyd was exposed to music The Uprising roots is honoured to have some and it’s theory while being a student at the Wil- living legends of the Jamaican music industry liam Knibb Memorial High where he was on the as part of our ensemble, imparting their knowl- schools’ choir. Akin started his musical journey edge and skills as we move forward. These are into the reggae arena as a “Dub-Poet”, gaining respectively the pillars of reggae music, his motivation and inspiration from some of Ja- “Bopee” Winston Bowen, guitarist extraordi- maica’s greats; Virtuoso , Robbie naire, international session guitarist whom play Lyn, Linton “Kwesi” Johnson and in with the likes of the great jamaican artist like nurturing, honing and fusing his artistic talents. Dennis Brown, Luciano and Akin was propelled into exploring the tenets just to name a few. He also produces records of the Keyboards after experiencing unprofes- on his label Jobes Hill Records. He has played in sionalism and short coming in bringing his art groups with the likes of Dean Fraser, The Roots form to reality and satisfaction. “Akinsanya” be- Radics, The 809 Band and The Aggrovators ing a ‘Dub-poet” brings another ingredient into for number of years. He was also a member of the musical mix of potent roots music. the Taxi Gang Band Aggregation led by Gram- my winners Sly & Robbie who went on the Taxi “Junior Congo” Joseph Sutherland (Percussion- Connection European Tour in with internation- ist/BV)) started out as a Nyabinghi drummer, al reggae artists such as Yellow Man, Bunny “Kush” on his musical journey met percussionist Wailer and I Jah Man Levi. Veteran musician “Junior Congo” and it was decided to add some with many skills as songwriter, percussionist, extra to the blend by bringing him into arranger, vocal and producer. In the many num- IRIEMAG.COM ber one hits he has played on “Money In My Pocket” Dennis Brown, “Ballistic Affair” , “Yaho Yaho” The Jays.

Conceptualized on 1st January FOLLOW Uprising Roots 2006 the band core members met by jamming as musicians playing together “Inna de Yard”. “Kush” recalls seeing Earl “Chinna” Smith, a friend of his father Winston McAnuff, a fellow veteran Musician ,that introduced him to Pot a Rice. Chinna said “si yuh drummer deh” a “Rice” had been looking for a drummer to work with. This gave birth to the initial sea- soning of been infused together Uprising style. Another veteran in the busi- ness that was influential on the band is as It was at his studio that a lot of the early practice and rehearsals took place. It was here that they would meet to rehearse and from here the start of their IRIEMAG.COM performing together on shows with Sugar us it will take some time to rebuild and recover Minott. UR has Played on various artistes from this loss - but we will recover, and contin- albums locally and internationally including; ue to make good reggae, roots music. , , , Midnites’ (Kings Bell), Nyorah, Ras Zacharri, Dax Lion, “We are currently in the studio working on lenn Hammond’s Raw Soul. UR has release our second album - BLACK TO I ROOTS. Its a FOLLOW Uprising Roots their debut album “SKYFIYA” on their TRU 13 tracks REAL ROOTS ROCKING REGGAE MUSIK RECORDS label which is distributed ALBUM. It’s music for the mind, body and soul online by Zojak and is available on all major (essence). We currently have 2 releases from it online distribution world wide (Itunes, Ama- - BLACK TO I ROOTS & TIME. Once the album zon). UR, has signed a distribution deal with VP is complete we look forward to spreading Featured Single Records for their 2011 album Skyfiya. “BLACK positive messages and the beautiful sound TO ROOTS” is the 1st single from the bands up of roots rocking reggae music.” coming album set to be release in ‘14.

The Uprising Roots Band suffered a tragic and dramatic loss in June 21st 2011 as our head- quarters crumbled to ashes after a fire. Our camp was where the band called home and Time worked many long hours on our craft. Here is 2014 where we also recorded our first full-length album Skyfiya. There are many memories em- bedded in each square foot of the property. The loss though, will not stop the group from putting out good music as we have started to recorded their 2nd album at Tuff Gong Record- ing studios. Although this fire was a setback for

IRIEMAG.COM JAM BRYAN ART

IRIEMAG.COM BRYAN ART Knowledge is The Power

Biography FOLLOW Bryan Art The name Bryan Art describes a witty songwriter, meticulous producer, renowned guitarist and multifaceted artist specializing in music with a positive message. A graduate of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts where he majored in guitar (Caribbean Latin American & Jazz Studies), Bryan first came to prominence as a guitarist and touring member of the Legendary Fire House Band. With Firehouse, Bryan gained immeasurable experience, supporting top flight Artistes including Luciano, Mikey General and for several years and later with Bushman as band leader and guitarist of his Grass Roots Band.

The multi-dimensional Bryan Art, who in his college years, balanced guitar duties with photography and graphic art, also spent invaluable time teaching music in Jamaican Schools. He took the bold decision to add a further dimension as recording Artiste and in 2001, released his first single titled Soon Come Back, produced by himself and Courtney Morrison for FIWI Music Label. He would later go on to record and release several hits including Rock And Come In in 2004 and Get It in 2005 that would go a far way in making Bryan Art a household name. Since becoming more devoted to a career as a recording artiste, he has been named Best New Artiste for the year 2002 by ER (Entertainment Report) on TVJ and has given outstanding performances on several local and international shows including Jamaica. Jazz and , Rebel Salute, ATI, Fully Loaded, St. Mary Mi Come From, Unity Splash, and several Reggae Month events, among others. His international appearances include extensive tours of the Caribbean, the United States, Canada and Europe. As a prolific and witty songwriter he has penned songs for Artistes such as , , Singing Melody, Bushman, and Luciano, and has also been the creator of numerous instrumental tracks receiving local and international penetration. IRIEMAG.COM In 2012, Bryan Art registered his , Junction Files Muzik, his first major step to creating an independent organizational structure. Later in 2013 he decided to seek a new management team in order to execute his re energized vision. He has assembled a group FOLLOW Bryan Art of young, skilled and talented local musicians who are now known as the File 13 Band which, as a unit has been supporting Bryan Art’s live performances and winning over the hearts of local and international music lovers. He also Featured Single released his self-titled album in April 2013, making it an overall productive year.

Born in St. Ann, Jamaica, Bryan Grant, recalls playing the guitar before the tender age of eight. His keen interest in music was ignited by his eldest brother, but it was his mother who taught him his first three primary chords on Knowledge is The Power which he learned to improvise and build for 2014 years to come. His major sources of inspiration continue to be, Dennis Brown, Beres Hammond, Toots Hibbert as well as Stevie Wonder and Al Green. Today Bryan Art continues to bring a fresh voice, image and attitude to the industry gaining him thousands of fans as well as the respect of the music fraternity.

IRIEMAG.COM BLUE KING BROWN AUS

IRIEMAG.COM BLUE KING BROWN Rize Up

Biography FOLLOW Blue King Brown Hailed by Santana as “The voice of the street and the band of the future!” Blue King Brown, ARIA nominated artist, is ’s premier live urban roots powerhouse. Their cross generational groove and socially conscious sound is Lead by the multi talented, relentless energy of Natalie Pa’apa’a. Powerful vocal & lyrical delivery’s meet a dancehall, roots, rock & afro groove mash-up built on an irrepressible percussive foundation.

With new album set to drop in 2014, the band released the first single, ‘Rize Up’ in 2013 and toured Japan, Europe and North America, including appearances at the following festivals; GLASTONBURY (UK), JAZZ FEST (CAN), OTTAWA BLUES FEST (CAN), REGGAE ON THE RIVER (USA) & OSTRODA REGGAE (POLAND). The production team on the new album includes Styalz Fuego (360 / 2012 Aria Producer of the Year), (Australia’s leading reggae Producer), James ‘Bonzai’ Caruso (Multi Grammy Award mix engineer, / Stephen Marley, Gwen Stefani and many more) and Chris Macro (producer / engineer from New Zealand, Macro Dubplates, Scribe / Katchafire). Always breaking new sonic ground, the new album features a host of varied global collaborations.

Their power packed live show is second to none & now world renowned, they’ve played across the WEBSITE planet, through EUROPE, UK, CANADA, USA, & JAPAN rocking crowds from Tokyo to Texas and bluekingbrown.com everywhere in between, Having shared stages and opened for the likes of SANTANA, DAMIAN MARLEY, , SPEARHEAD, JOHN BUTLER, to name a few.

Look for BKB’s exclusive interview and cover feature in the November 2014 issue of IRIE! IRIEMAG.COM Born Free

BORN FREE is our strongest collection of BKB songs to date. A project that has come from the evolution of our song writing style, our production style, our philosophy and our global perspective. This album more than ever, captures where and who we are in our FOLLOW art and activism. Steadfast on our musical mission, we continue to Blue King Brown gather and hone our skills, branching into new territories, crafting our intentions into Art, Communication and Action.... we are given focus, determination and momentum by the indisputable and irrepressible fact that humanity is BORN FREE. We communicate Featured Single the message through music, a positive vibration, to remind and reinspire the people to assert their power and reclaim their inalienable right to live Free.

We’re excited about this release. It’s such an important time to be voicing loud and clear, the integral duty we have to unite against systemic injustices, to reclaim our rightful freedoms, share the truth, expose governments and authorities for what they really are and importantly to be singing our support to the people who are creating Rize Up 2013 new ways of thinking, living and thriving outside the current paradigm. We give ourselves and our music to the movement, in this day and age, what could possibly be more important than that. - Nattali

BKB’s 3rd album, BORN FREE, was recorded on location at Bob Marleys legendary Tuff Gong studios in Kingston, Jamaica, Sing Sing Studios in Melbourne, as well as Blue King Brown’s studio in Melbourne Australia. The production team includes Mista Savona, Aria award winning producer Styalz Fuego, Notis productions from Kingston, Jamaica. Mixed by multi grammy award winning engineer James ‘Bonzai’ Caruso, in USA & Australia. IRIEMAG.COM MUNGO’S HI FI SCO

IRIEMAG.COM MUNGO’S HI FI Serious Times

By Liam Monaghan FOLLOW Mungo’s Hi Fi When you think ‘Reggae’ you don’t think Scotland. Do Scotland and culture go together? Would a Sound System survive for over a decade based in the Clyde estuary? Yes. Presenting: Mungo’s Hi Fi.

Mungo’s Hi Fi combines original Reggae and Dancehall sounds with the modern UK influences such as , and Underground Bass alongside the use of new digital technology to create authentic driven Reggae, Dancehall & Bass Driven Music. Mungo’s Hi Fi is made up of 7 members each of whom possesses a pivotal role. Producing and releasing the music, running the label, shop, playing live shows and putting on promotions.

Together with a hard working crew of MCs, box lifters and visual artists they work as a team. Sound Systems today are a band of people who have to graft hard and preserve their love, and whether they make a living from this or do it for fun, they won’t stop. Mungo’s Hifi is a prime example of inspiring young artists with creative brains taking the world by storm.

Having grown from playing Glasgow School Of Arts to traveling worldwide and play major festivals such as Glastonbury, Womad, Outlook Festival there is no denying the driven minds of the sound WEBSITE system. Glasgow is a party city in its own right. You can find music on every corner from pubs to clubs mungoshifi.net to street performers to the underground niche scenes. Rampant Sound is a key name in the founda- tion of underground reggae in Glasgow. There are many places to gain inspiration musically for the Mungo Crew even the name Mungo’s Hi Fi came about through St Mungos is the patron St of Glasgow.

IRIEMAG.COM Having founded Scotch bonnet Records, the track. A good driven artist with a good drive Mungo’s Hi Fi are not afraid of making the for music will suffice. move to collaborate and share their talents. Mungos has created amazing pieces of music The sound system have enjoyed a historical with the likes of , , association with the BBC stretching back to Sugar Minott, Soom T, Omar Perry (son of before Scotch Bonnet was publishing the music FOLLOW Mungo’s Hi Fi Lee Perry) amongst working alongside new with John Peel, Mary Anne Hobbs and Steve introducing UK based vocalists. By creating Lamacq all promoting Mungos’ material in their and manufacturing their own sound Mungo’s time at BBC Radio 1. Here there has been a Hi Fi crew hand out their riddims to Mcs and platform to showcase their production skills. vocalists all around the world where they play, ‘Sound System Champions’ their Double LP truly humble in that with Mungo’s Hi Fi it isn’t released in 2008 became the white smoke in about having the big name flashing in lights on which the world started to take note. Having

WEBSITE scotchbonnet.net

IRIEMAG.COM reworked songs from the likes of , Mungo’s Hi Fi are a unique and ex- citing view on youth modern day reggae. In comparison to the music coming out of Jamaica, the sound is more clear cut. FOLLOW Mungo’s Hi Fi Imagine taking an authentic sound from 50 years ago, cleaning it up & polishing it enough to keep it true to its origin whilst keeping it fresh. You can expect to see the Mungos selectors with vinyl interfaces Featured Album which some people may criticise but in a modern day age the sound is real and raw. It is a fine combination of selecting and showcasing their own music and is a perfect way to experience the Mungo’s Hi Fi Sound.

We can expect to see a lot of new material Serious Time from the Mungos Camp very soon and the 2014 world is still discovering the new Serious time LP which sums up Mungo’s Hi Fi perfectly. There is no sign of Mungo’s Hi Fi stopping and no one would want them too. If they come to your town, don’t miss out.

RIP SUPA SIMON IRIEMAG.COM TANYA STEPHENS JAM

IRIEMAG.COM TANYA STEPHENS One Time

Biography FOLLOW Tanya Stephens Tanya Stephens was born Vivienne Tanga career in music or writing one song, she wrote Stephenson on the 2nd of July 1973. The 6th poems and short stories. These were what of 7 children, she grew up in a single parent later took on melody and opened the door to home in St. Mary Jamaica. Her earliest musical songwriting as she ventured tentatively into influences were old Soul, Bebop, early Rock & the world of music. Roll, Calypso, Country, and of course the local fare… Reggae. She cites artistes like The Mighty Tanya Stephens has been lauded as the best Sparrow and Lord Kitchener as having made songwriter to come out of Jamaica in the last an indelible mark on her with their style of few decades, and her compositions have storytelling, later becoming a part of influenc- received critical acceptance getting compared ing her own style of writing. She also credits to the likes of ’s ‘’ Smokey Robinson and Otis Reding for helping as well as Lennon’s ‘Imagine’. Refusing to be her to acknowledge her pain. Smokey remains limited by classification, Stephens expresses a her favorite artiste and ‘Tracks Of My Tears’ deliberate intention to live outside of the box her favorite song to date. creatively and socially, and she covers the widest range of topics and expressions found Tanya grew up with a love of Literature which in any one artiste from any genre. was fostered by her family. Books were far more prevalent in her environment than games By far Jamaica’s most diverse musical export, or toys, and she remembers with pride that she Tanya speaks of partying, sex, heartbreak, became a member of the Richmond Public social change and human rights violations with Library at 4 years old. Before ever thinking of a equal comfort and dexterity from previously IRIEMAG.COM voiceless perspectives. Boldly exploring even the most taboo topics has earned Stephens the respect of the critics and listeners alike as she skillfully takes her audience on a colorful journey into the mind of her subject, extracting empathy and sparking discussion. FOLLOW Tanya Stephens With seven studio albums under her belt, Stephens recently released her eighth titled ‘Guilty’. When asked why ‘Guilty’ she replied “I’ve been accused of so many things meant Featured Single to demotivate me that I lost count. I’m just saving my accusers some time so they can hopefully move on to their next target. I am guilty. Of not placing any importance on others’ opinions of me. Of continuing to explore every facet of my mind and sharing every thought worth sharing. Of understanding my relation- ship with my environment including the people One Time in it. Of speaking from my heart without fear. 2013 Yes, I am guilty.” Inevitably, the story continues!

IRIEMAG.COM META & THE CORNERSTONES SEN

IRIEMAG.COM META & THE CORNERSTONES Ancient Power

Biography FOLLOW Meta/Cornerstones Born in Senegal, West Africa, lead singer of Meta a melting pot rooted in diversity, strength, and and The Cornerstones, Meta Dia, discovered his unity. Lead singer Meta Dia hails from Senegal; love for music and desire to be a musician at a Israeli lead guitarist Shahar Mintz joins Algerian very young age. Listening to Reggae greats Bob born Hocine Benameur on riddim guitar; Marley and helped nurture his keyboard player Aya Kato has her roots in admiration and true appreciation for all types Japan; Biguy from Ivory Coast on drums and of music. As a self-taught musician, by age 14 bass player Rupert McKenzie from Jamaica he was performing on the street and stages of combine their creative differences from Africa, his hometown Dakar, Senegal. In 2000, Meta Asia, the Middle East and the Caribbean in a formed his first band YALLA SUUREN (God new and refreshing way breathing togetherness, Bless), which was nominated for Best Hip-Hop/ peace and understanding. Concepts that are Reggae Group by the French Cultural Center the clearly expressed in the repertoire of the band’s same year. Within two years, Meta had become music. Meta and The Cornerstones channels one of the premier pioneering voices of the Hip- while simultaneously breathing Hop culture in West Africa. After relocating to new life into the genre, thus creating what critics the United States, Meta immediately began col- have called a ‘soul-pounding spiritual experience’ laborating with artists such as Sean Blackman, during their live performances. Inspired by WEBSITE and Hip-Hop Ambassador Toni Blackman. Short- and . In 2007, the metaandthecornerstones.com ly after settling in New York City, he formed his band was personally invited by Senegalese- visionary band, Meta and The Cornerstones. born international superstar Youssou N’Dour to With varying ethnicity, religion, and musical perform at his annual African Ball concert at the influences, Meta & The Cornerstones’ sound is Nokia Theater in New York. The following year IRIEMAG.COM Meta and The Cornerstones proudly released its first album entitledForward Music. Of this work ; Jamaican producer for The Wailers, Dennis Brown, and Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, notes, “Meta and The Cornerstones have taken us back to the foundation of reggae music”. FOLLOW Meta/Cornerstones As he continues to establish new grounds, Meta is now the first African artist to be signed to the iconic record label VP Records. Through VP, Meta and The Cornerstones released their / Featured Single second album Ancient Power on April 30th 2013. Recorded at the infamous Tuff Gong Studio in Kingston Jamaica, Ancient Power links Africa to Jamaica by paying tribute to the ageless sounds of reggae preserved by the history of its legends. The 15-track work features Reggae legend U-Roy, as well as and Damian Marley. The album was given many top 10 ratings by Ancient Power worldwide reggae websites like Reggaeville 2013 (#4 best reggae album 2013) , United Reggae, World A Reggae, Last FM and radio stations like Rythm Vault International in California and RFI in France. After the release of ‘Ancient Power’ Meta and The Cornerstones have been touring to promote the album in Europe, Africa and the USA playing on legendary reggae and world music festivals. IRIEMAG.COM FOLLOW World A Reggae

REWIND.

Danny Creatah World A Reggae Luciano Live with the Royal Symphonic Concert Orchestra at Reggae Sundance, The Netherlands Tanya Stephens Reggae Sundance, The Netherlands & Summerjam Cologne, Germany Meta & The Cornerstones Summerjam, Cologne Germany Kabaka Pyramid RC (Righteous Child) Reggae Sundance, The Netherlands , Belgium

Big Youth Reggae Sundance, The Netherlands

Dre Island Reggae Geel, Belgium

Vaughn Benjamin - Midnite Perfect Giddimani Reggae Geel, Belgium Summerjam, Cologne Germany Reggae Geel, Belgium U Roy Reggae Geel, Belgium

Jesse Royal Reggae Geel, Belgium

No-Maddz - Everaldo Reggae Geel, Belgiuma

Chronixx Raging Fyah - Kumar Bent & Delroy Hamilton No-Maddz - Sheldon Reggae Geel, Belgium Reggae Geel, Belgium Reggae Geel, Belgium Reggae Sundance, The Netherlands REWIND.

SEEED with CRIOLO Auditório Ibirapuera, São Paulo, Brasil SEEED Auditório Ibirapuera, São Paulo, Brasil CRIOLO Auditório Ibirapuera, São Paulo, Brasil CRIOLO Auditório Ibirapuera, São Paulo, Brasil SEEED Auditório Ibirapuera, São Paulo, Brasil SEEED Auditório Ibirapuera, São Paulo, Brasil SEEED Auditório Ibirapuera, São Paulo, Brasil SEEED Auditório Ibirapuera, São Paulo, Brasil SEEED Auditório Ibirapuera, São Paulo, Brasil SEEED Auditório Ibirapuera, São Paulo, Brasil RIDDIMS Irie Trax

Welcome to the Riddims section. This month’s FOLLOW Irie Mag featured artists have provided free Irie Trax to download for your personal listening pleasure... Respect, Mon!

Rize Up by Blue King Brown Time by The Uprising Roots Knowledge is The Power by Bryan Art Put it on ft. Shanti by Mungo’s HiFi ft One Time by Tanya Stephens Ancient Power by Meta & The Cornerstones

IRIEMAG.COM 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.

Danny Creatah, Giovanna Guimarães, Liam Monaghan, Maliika Walker, Sonia Sterling, Damon Hope, Abby Ross, Bartosz Madejski, CAM Creative, Linval Brown (AMG), Heather Cameron, Third World and World A Reggae!

Nuff Respect!

IRIEMAG.COM