The Beat of the Caribbean

Big Tings A Gwan: Archive 2007

Top Stories for 2007

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Friday, Nov 2nd, 2007

SHANTY VIBES & CORE Magazine link up to bring you featured articles.

www.coremagazine.vi

The People's Choice - Jahman

by Earl "Supa" Daniels of CORE Magazine

It is always great when you're stepping into something new to have familiar faces around; it gives you confidence and also brings you to a level of consciousness. This being my official first interview, I had no other choice than to link my brethren that has been doing his thing for years musically. This interview coincidentally takes place in " Round de field", where at the time was in turmoil due to some recent incidents. After following my way thru the maze of those towering Mahogany trees it was a relief to see Jahman standing outside the doorway. As I approach the walk way, he met me with a daps, "come thru my boy, you done know everything safe." As I started the interview, Jahman's daughter came into the room to observe what's going on. Jahman then started chanting, "First and foremost I'll like to give thanks and praise unto the Most High, Haile I Bless, His Majesty.

I asked Jahman," how long have you been performing as a reggae artist?

Jahman:" Well I've been performing for a long time from a teenager, but I got out there professionally in the industry around 2000, with the release of POVERTY STRUGGLE.

CORE: What/Who was your inspiration growing up in the Virgin Islands ?

Jahman:" I was always fond of reggae music, and growing up, it always been around me, so from young, I've been exposed to ROOTS, CULTURE, DANCEHALL, man like BURNING SPEAR, BOB MARLEY and THE WAILERS, and the new artists too."

CORE: You're a person with many talents, what made you focus to pursue the music as you did?

Jahman:" I grew up with my Grandmother, and she used to go to church every Sunday and I could remember we used to sing, my grandmother, my sister, and me, before, during, and after church and all, and that was my favorite part."

CORE: How do you feel about your new album, LIFE AS AN ARTIST?

Jahman:" Well this one actually is a underground project, put together while I was on tour with Richie Spice promoting another album. I got some things on there from the MOD SQUAD, FLAVOR SQUAD, LUSTER KINGS. Just a little thing to keep the place flowing. Don't be surprised to see a reintroduction."

CORE: With all that said, and so many hot producers on there, which track is your favorite? If you can separate them like that.

Jahman: "Wow, that's a tough one...But one of my favorite would have to be GHETTO STAR. It was written in the memory of Darielle Wheatly, a sister from Garden Street area who was gunned down in the ongoing senseless violence that is destroying the place. Every time I hear that song I get goosebumps, but more importantly the killing must stop."

CORE: Did you do any recordings in St. Thomas on the "LIFE AS AN ARTIST" project?

Jahman: "Yeah, I did all the vocals here in St. Thomas you know, I want to shout out my brethren Chemist from the After Dark Studios, Chemist did alot of the newer stuff, and big up LP Records also they collaborated and did the recordings of couple big tune."

CORE: People checking out your c d, we love your recording, but are you going on tour again?

Jahman: "Yeah, definitely! Where ever the wind blow, hats cool with me. They call Jahman and I'll be there to spread the works through music, you know."

CORE: Looking at the cover picture of LIFE AS AN ARTIST, you pose up in front a building, that don't look like anywhere in St. Thomas, St. Croix, or St. John, where is that?

Jahman: "That was actually New York ; you know where the edge of the Tri-Borough Bridge connects Queens and Brooklyn . A lot of people ask me about that. When it came time to suit the album I was going through a bunch of pictures, and when I reflected on the title LIFE AS AN ARTIST, that picture was in context with how I feel; me as a person, Jahman does write from the heart, and it wasn't anything smooth about my raising up, although it had good vibes. LIFE AS AN ARTIST is like the compilation. When you listen to the album you will hear different segments of my life, different chapters that I've been through, whether it be a experience with a girl, an experience with the system, even meditations on THE MOST HIGH, keeping up the faith, you know what I saying, it also have the infamous ROLL AND TOKE, you know, a little something for everybody."

CORE: As a consumer, when I pick up your album, what can I look forward to?

Jahman: "A genuine artist who takes his time, cause music is a thing you just can't rush it, you check? I man is one of Rastafari angel in these times, and everything I do is from the heart toward the push of reggae music and the youths all over the world."

CORE: Tell me something, how do you feel about the recent popularity of V.I. artists?

Jahman:" I like how you touch on that, because its been a long time coming, and the doors now start to open we aren't going stop opening it neither. For a long time people been saying V.I. artist got to go here and there, but we show them that together as a unit we can get the recognition out of the Virgin Islands and set the foundation, so that we here now and we will be there in the future. So all you youths who check this interview, listen, if you does write, rap, chant, play music or any form of art, and you feel you could make it, don't stop cause the V.I. on the map!"

CORE: If you weren't doing this right now (the music), what do you think you would be doing?

Jahman: "In jail or dead you know, it harsh but that's the reality of it, you check. When man see certain vibes on the streets, I just hold a strong meditation, go home turn on a instrumental and before you know pen goes to paper and something bless come out of something dread. If man never used to deal with it like that, I don't know mehson."

CORE: In conclusion, what do you have to say to upcoming musicians, and performers following in suit?

Jahman: "I would say have faith, understanding, love, dedication, and persistence, you know."

CORE: Well Jahman, on behalf of CORE I would like to say, Respect and good luck with everything.

Jahman: "Yes I, respect, love from SPLATTER HOUSE, 5th ELEMENT family, Jahkira(his daughter)say ONE LOVE."

Good Vibes - Ras Iba

by Ms. Cyntje of CORE Magazine

"I was born into music" esteems Ras Iba, a conscious roots reggae artist on Mt Nebo Records and a native of St. Croix .  "I knew from a very young age that music was going to be a big part of my life since my father was a musician." 

Iba began his professional music career as a lead singe for reggae bands like Frontline and The Survivors.  However, it wasn't until after his contribution to the 2001 Talking Roots collaboration CD that this powerful artist decided to record his first solo album, "Jah Lion", which released in 2003.  Now back from touring and promoting his first album, Iba reflects on his second album "Many Lives". 

Explain some of the challenges you experienced while recording "Many Lives".

"Completing my second was challenging because of the long distance I had to travel between my home in Connecticut and the label in Maryland .  Apart from the distance, time was also a factor since I was still touring at the time.  But I was determined to finish the album so I remained focus and overcame the compromising circumstances.  I found comfort in knowing that nothing happens before its time."

Did you apply any lessons learned from your first album to this one?

The two lessons I learned since my solo album were:  First and foremost I have to create music that will please the Most High Jah and myself, because no matter how hard you try everyone won't like your music.  Next I learned that its just as important to know the business aspects of the music industry as it is to know about creating and writing music.

What does this album offer listeners?

 "Many Lives offers listeners an uplifting spiritual vibe that can be enjoyed by all music lovers.  The message of Rastafari, love, peace and unity is one the world needs to hear especially during they times of turmoil.   Because my album presents these messages in a tasteful musical format, it will keep listeners rocking and thinking at the same time."    

On the album hits like "Afrika" featuring I-Jah Menelik and "Strongest Woman" are both delightful tributes; while "World Crisis", "Save the World" and "Jah Teachings" characterize the album's fundamental message.   Overall "Many Lives" brings good vibes.

For more information go to http://www.rasibamusic.com

Pick up your copy of CORE at the following locations:

On St. Thomas: Modern Music ( Havensight & Nisky Center ), The Rack (Tutu Park Mall), Plaza Extra, International Records & Tapes, Parrot Fish, Unique Threadz, Annas' Market, Super Cuts, Donut Express (Norre Gade) and Euphoria Smoothies ( Fort Mylner )

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On St. Croix: Natural Mystic (Sunny Isle Annex ), Riddims (Downtown Christiansted ).

 
On Tortola: Mellow Moods Vegetarian Cafe.

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