AZA LINEAGE interview (January 2018)

AZA LINEAGE was born in 1989 in Kingston, Jamaica and grew up in community of Hermitage, August town. Under guidance of Kevin"Lineage" Morrison (founder of The Lineage Family) Aza started to be much more active in singing, songwriting and performing live. Her debut EP "The Kings Of Kings" was a great start of getting some attention from worldwide audience. For songs like "Smoke weed today", "Rastafari is love" alongside Last Disciple, "Love Alone" have been already made videos and brought her new listeners. In November 2017 a great album titled "Havana meets Kingston" has been released and Aza is one of two female vocals representing Jamaica with song called "In the ghetto" featured with Birdz I on this album. Nowadays she is actively recording new material with various producers and performing on regular roots & dub events all over Kingston.

Greetings Aza, can you introduce yourself littlebit and tell us what does your artist name mean, why Aza Lineage?

Aza came to I mysteriously, almost like it was there waiting. In different languages Aza translates to different yet very similar meaning. E.g. in Swahili it translates to Powerful, in Hebrew it translates to Strong and recently I found out it translates to INI in Russia. Linage is the connection to I ancestry. Aza Lineage to means Powerful Connections to I ancestry. The name reminds me of who I am and the purpose I have to serve.

You have probably started singing when you were a child, but do you rememberthe moment when you realized that you wanto to bo a singer one day? Was there anybody who encourage you to sing?
...for as long as I can remember singing or the opportunity to pursue it always came knocking, I unintentionally let those sed opportunities pass and went on to do toher things. Yes I, I was fullcouraged to sing by Kevin aka Smilez Lineage, the first time he did so I was 16 years old. Ten years after I was cornered with this new venture, Music. I Stepped up to the plate and answered the calling and no here I am.

When have you performed as Aza Lineage for very first time and what was your first tune you have recorded? What were your feelings from your first live performance and studio recording?
The first place I performed as Aza Lineage was at a cultural event called Dub School who´s location at the time was in Vineyard Town. Well the very first time I recorded it was a dubplate for a N.Y. based sound system, I was 16 years old and it was recorded with Smilze older brother he was the engineer. As Aza Lineage I did a few test recordings until I recorded "Smoke weed today" which features Lineage Smilez.The feeling from the live performance are magical, there´s a certain level of connection with the people giving and receiving good Innergies.

From Jamaica there are great female reggae artists like Jah9, Hempress Sativa, Kelissa, Etana, Queen Ifrica, but even legends like Marcia Griffiths etc., has some of them inspired you in singing and do you have any favourite female singers?
All the Queens mentioned above are royal and worthy. Love and honor to them. Mama AMrcia and QUeen Ifrika I really apprilove their works and commitment to Reggae Music. I listen to a lot of MMiss Nina Simone, I Love Anita Bakers vocals, I love Tanya Stephens style I listened to her a lot during my teenage years, I cheer for call Queens. The list of female inspirators to I is very long blessings and honor to each and everyone.
 
According to one of your tune "Love Alone", where the message is simple that world needs more love, but why do you think people don´t care about love as it used to be back in days? What does love mean to you from point fo view of rastafarian woman?
People still care about love, it is the core of our existence. There´s a lot of confusion going on right now inna Earth, so a lot of people get distracted from what is really improtant. Love to I very simple, 1.caring and sharing for each other not for sake of getting a return but simply because it´s in our human nature to do so,
2.living close to nature
3.being intuned to our humaness.

Is it diffiuclt to be a new rising female singer in male predominant music business, a female singer who wants to sing about conscious things and not bling bling?
So far as a young and up coming female artist I realise I had to work trice as hard, I did and is continuing to do so, I give thanks thanks for good support which helps to easy a lot of the pressure the work brings. Nature thrives from balance. Our enegies is needed in the industry.
 

"Smoke weed today" is one of your ganja tunes, do you think is the policy and law around ganja changed better ways in Jamaica, or is ther still big oppression from the police and government against ganja farmers?
Well they say we are now legal to posses 2 ounces and each household can have job to five plants (I may be wrong) to I that´s just the tip of the iceberg, we have some more way to go in terms of the legislation surrounding the herbs. Them need fi free up di herbs across every nation especially fi di RastaMan. The people need the healing from the herbs, it is the best remedy, to fight against these man-made diseases. Explore the herbs there are plenty of ways, you can be cured by it.

 

Except of songwriting and singing, or there any actitivities which you can tell us about? What about Jah Ova Evil movement?
Besides singing and writing, I´m a descent chef I love to cook. I also love researching and making natural remedies for the body.
 

For couple of your tunes ou have already made videos, do you think can videos for tunes help to artists to keep their listeners more impressed and focused on their music?
A good song can carry itself, a video compliments an already good song. However it is good to put a face to the voice behind the music.

It gives the supporters a sense of connection to the artist. A video also depict the message in the song.

Just a few weeks ago a big album called Havana meets Kingston has been officialy released and you are one of two female reggae artists on that album with your tune "In the ghetto", how did you get into this project and how is feedback you get on this tune from people?
Yes I big up Havanna Meets Kingston, it is a really great project and I´m happy to be a part of it. It also features another female artist from Jamaica her name is Birdz-I she is on the track "Where I´m from" we both sang it together. I was at dub school singing and the producer of the album was there his name is Jake Savona I guess he was impress with what he heard and ask me if I wanted to be apart of  a project he was working on at that time, he then gave me two instrumentals and within a couple of days I wrote two songs one being "Where I´m from" when I told him I had written for the riddim he asked if it would be ok to pu another female artist on the track, I was excited and I said yes so we proceeded and recorded the song. Int he Ghetto/Where I´m from. The feedback has been great so far I have been getting message from near and far about it. The album peak at no.3 on the Reggae Billboard Charts it also features some legendary musicians from Jamaica and Cuba.

What about plans for future, do you keep on working on debut album? Are there any plans to tour Europe with your music?
The plan is to continue putting the works and impacting people´s lives positively and also making and keeping a connection with the people, helping others to live their best lived Yes I, I´m continuing to work on my album and in good timing taking the music and works across the world to the people especially my home Jamaica.
 

In my last question at first I would like to thank you for your time and sharing thoughts with us and secondly  I am giving you here space to tell people any message you want.
Give thanks for the questions, it is my pleasure to let the I dem know who is Aza Lineage. As I often say "before we are anything else, we are humans first, let us continue to live up to and honor our humaness. Love, respect and honor every time.
-Rasta Pickney, Aza Lineage-

Questions: KAYAMAN/ONE-OFF ROCKERS

info/contact: https://www.facebook.com/azalineage
fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/azalineage/

RAS ZACHARRI interview (MAY 2017)

RAS ZACHARRI is one of those Jamaican reggae singers, whose voice is very specific. Zacharri´s music is mostly roots reggae with conscious lyrics,but his third album Rootstep was example which showed how versatile his music can be. ZACHARRI is artist who has strong charisma and therefore his live performances with band or sounds is a great experience for everyone who loves roots reggae. In October 2010 he performed in Slovakia for very first time and had two shows alongside ONE-OFF ROCKERS. That time during dubplate session ZACHARRI even recorded featuring track Naozaj with Slovak band A.M.O. which was released on their album Positive. Since then he has moved from England to Jamaica, he has released lots of singles & three albums (Herbsman, New Horizon, Rootstep),his fourth album Love Over Hate is being released these days.

GREETINGS ZACHARRI! Let me ask you first wha gwaan? Cause it´s a long time since we have talked personaly, so is everything good? Do you spend now most of your time in parish of Portland,Jamaica, but do you still visit England regulary?

Well, wha gwaan? Life continues, living in the hills of Portland with my family. Blending back myself into the nature & living out of the land, farming, practicing yoga and enjoying the simplicity of life.

Since 2006 when you released your first tunes When Jah Wrath and River Jordan for UK label Roots Garden, you have released three full albums, fourth is on its way (which we will talk about later) and many singles for various labels. Your music and live performances caught various worldwide audiance, could you imagine in the beginning that all this will happen?

Yes, cause Most High say, righteousness shall cover the earth, like water cover the face of the sea. So from the music is conscious & positive it will be accepted by all nations & my music is very uplifting & therapeutical & so it shall be heard and use as healing for the people and the world.

Before we are going to speak about your music. Let me indroduce you to those who dont know yet who RAS ZACHARRI is. You come from St. Andrews, JAMAICA but you lived for longer time in London, England? When did you come to England and what was the main reason to go, music or different thing? 

Everything in life happened for reason & coming to England was part of the path I should trad. It was not primarily for music, but as music is ever present in my life it happened to be a very musical experience.

How would you compare living in Jamaica and England, now after time when you look back?

Well living in Jamaica is totaly different experience, the nature support you & you can survive from land.In England, it´s a concrete jungle and brick walls. It was tuff experience and I struggled to find a work & so I started to busk, playing my guitar & meeting some of the most amazing people & it get me back to music, even more the end of my England experience, I found myself recording the whole CD with THE WAILERS & many singles on various record labels.

 
What about sound system bashments in England and in Jamaica, did you hear in England more roots and dubwise music inna dances than in Jamaica? Do you see some significant differences between bashments in England and Jamaica?

Surprisingly England has bigger roots scene & more different quality options of that music as drum´n´bass & jungle. When I first travel to England this completely changed my perception of music. In Jamaica, it most gravitates to dancehall music and just rarely we experience roots & dub music here, even thou a lot of artists make this kind of music here, the music is mainly accepted outside of Jamaica.

When we look back to Jamaica, your homeland and place where you spent your childhood and youth age, you were surrounded by many musicians but you have quite „famous“ uncle inna family. Many readers probably dont know that your are nephew of Buju Banton. How does his music and presence in your life influenced you? 

Yes, it influenced me greatly. Most of the thing I learned about songwriting & production come from being amongst him & being in that musical environment.

Why did you decide to sing roots music and not dancehall for example? Is it cause of how were you raised in young age and values you have been taught as person?

Yes, exactly, because of the values & the morals.Well, my first single was dancehall, even thou it was quite conscious because IRISH MOSH is this superfood high in Iodine & other minerals. But soon I realized it´s a kind a disposable & it was not satisfying to my soul at all & I was moved to my spiritual intuitiion to make reggae.

Lets look onto your debut album Herbsman  (2009) which was also name for your very first single for your own label Shem Ha Boreh Records released on 45 vinyl and you also made video for it? Do you agree that album opened much more doors to your singing carrer?

Yes, because that album took me on tour and to Africa & all over the world & until now it´s opening doors & people remember that Herbsman song & the album as the very good one.

On Herbsman you had recorded with UPRISING band, which is nowadays also very popular and active roots reggae band, you had also featuring artists LUCIANO, GREGORY ISAACS. How did you come to this band and artist in that time, did you know them for longer time or it just happened?

Actually,my good friend is the baseman of the Uprising band and we have a similar understanding about music & so we started to make music together.

For your second album New Horizon you went back to studio with UPRISING ROOTS band and released it on your Shem Ha Boreh Records in 2011. Again you had some very nice featuring with artists there like EARL 16, MARK TENN, TIWONY. After years if you look back onto this album, what does it mean to you, I mean was it a new horizon for you in your life and music career in that time?

It was truly New Horizon, and that´s why I named the album so, it was a transition, it was a time when I left England again & return to live to Jamaica. The New Horizon is as well musically more mature & evolved.

If you can look back into October 2010 when you had your two debut live performances alongside One-Off Rockers in Slovakia and between shows you have recorded some nice dubplates for various sounds and even featuring part in one song for Slovak band A.M.O. How do you remember those times, di you enjoy it?

Yaman, I enjoyed it fully,. Getting to know Kayaman and all these cool people. People really love music, so it was awesome to connect & share my art with them.

Kayaman & Zacharri /2010   flyers for RAS ZACHARRI shows in Slovakia

Now I am very curious to ask about your third album ROOTSTEP (2012) with dubstep producer ROOMMATE from San Francisco, how come this collaboration together?Did you meet personally or you just received riddims and recorded vocals in various studios?

I knew King Dubbist from London & this production was a partnership with the Roommate, whom I never met personally. So Roommate sent riddims & King Dubbist recorded me in London & we laid out whole new musical style the ROOTSTEP.

Album ROOTSTEP was in much different vibe than your first two albums and it was also your first full album released on vinyl LP? Do you think that this album helped to bring your music to wider audiance?

Yes, it did because of its heavy base digital music and it´s different beat.

Last year you have released big featuring tune with LUTAN FYAH With Jah We Stand, few months ago your label Shem Ha Boreh records released The 7 Chakra riddim where you have featuring tune with HORACE ANDY One By One but also LUTAN FYAH, LUCIAN, LOUIE CULTURE also appered on this riddim. Did you recorded this riddim with MY NAME IS BAND? 

All these songs were recorded with legendary Jamaican musicians, The Love Over Hate album & One By One song, from the same album was whole made with M.N.I.B.

Your latest riddim is called The 7 Chakra Riddim and I read that according to you "the riddim is like the seven chakras which energy flows throught in our bodies he also note it´s important to understnad what each chakr represents and and what we can do to keep this energy flowing freely." Did yoga influence you  in making music too? How long you practice Ashtanga yoga, which position madew you make it hard?

Yoga influence my life & therefore the music, I practice over 10 years & my favorite styles are Hatha & Kundalini Yoga. I teach Yoga as well & daily practice. Daily explore my headstand.

Back to your music again. Now you are releasing 4th album called LOVE OVER HATE with French band MY NAME IS BAND? Is this album going to be released on vinyl too as your third album and what can your fans, listeners expect from it?Will it be in roots reggae style?

Yes, Love Over Hate is a classic roots reggae album, nice strong conscious tunes to directly light up and uplift your spirit, very positively charged music. Very musically advanced compared to the previous three albums.

Except of releasing your new album you are setting your EUROPE tour for 2017, so tell readers or even promoters since when are you available in Europe, if you are with band also ready for sound system performance? Do you have some confirmed dates already which you can tell us?

Sure European tour is set for 20.8. to the end of September. We have shows set: 

25.8. Belgium, Uhuru Festival
26.8. Slovakia, Uprising Festival
3.9. France, Party Time Radio
12.9. France, Shake The Town Radio
14.9. France, Listen My Soul Radio

15.9. Paris, La Java
20.9. Paris, Peniche Antibodes
28.9. London - Brixton, Hootanany 

Dates are still available, promoters contact us on RasZacharri@gmail.com

18.In my last question I always give free space to artist to send the last message to readers of interview. I thank you for your time to answer my questions and of course for great music which you are uplifting us all with. Respect!

Love & prosperity to all, keep focus, look what you eating & especially thinking & drinking, keep the vibrations high, Bless it.

Questions: KAYAMAN/ONE-OFF ROCKERS

info/contact: https://www.facebook.com/ras.zacharri

fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/RasZacharriReggae/

PURPLEMAN interview (MARCH 2017)

PURPLEMAN aka PETER YELLOW is one of those DJ´s who ruled the dancehall in the 80´s but still many people mislead him with his friend and other legendary DJ from 80´s called YELLOWMAN.Back to Purpleman who deejayed with many Jamaican sound systems like King Jammy´s, Youth Promotion, Black Scorpio, Killimanjaro.He released albums with Yellowman, Sister Nancy, Peter Tollo, Fathead. Then due to health problems he wasnt recording and performing but then in 2014 he came back straight ahead with new album called  “Home Once more“.Nowadays is very active in recording new songs, dubplates for djs/sounds and even a new big tune called “General“ was released on 7inch vinyl and new thing with Junior Demus & Eek A Mouse is being recorded these days. Purpleman is also setting things for his European tour 2017. For me it was honour to make this interview with him, because he is one of foundation DJs with unique style.

Greetings king, in the beginning I would like to talk about your DJ names, because as well as you are known as Purpleman in the begining you were called  Peter Yellow. Tell us about the grow from likkle boy  Anthony Jones till you became Peter  Yellow and later Purpleman. Is true that Nicodemus came with nickname Purpleman?
I never really named myself people just gave me name because of my complexion (yellow or colour man) from a young age however when i did my first professional recording for Jammys he used the name Peter Yellow..Peter is my actual name and Yellow for my complexion...Nicodemus my teacher and great friend of mine said to me after my first three albums for Jammys that there was too much Yellow in the business so my name would be Purpleman :)

You come from Waterhouse area, where many reggae legendary musicians, singers, DJS come from, which of them influenced you when you were a youth? Did you have some foundation DJ idols when you were just in the begining  of Djing?
Nicodemus was lways my favourite DJ and as a singer Leroy Smart and Sugar Minott

Your uncle gave you opportunity to start to DJ for people on his soundsystem, do you remember those times and what was difference to DJ on your uncles sound and then later when you DJ at dances called Studio Mix Hi Fi?  Who used to DJ on your uncles soundsystem except of you?
I remember them days clearly, i was just drawn to the music from day one,the older folks used to bring me to dances and put me on crates so i could be tall enuff to hold the mic and chant lol..The days on my uncle sound was just me practising by time i reach studio mix i was now a professional and could cork a dance on any given night..i was only one to deejay my uncles sound,it was just a small set in my yard that i used as rehearsal for the big leagues

In 80´s King Jammy recorded your first hit tune “Level Vibes“on his Jammys Label, which was followed with your debut albums Hot and DJ Confrontation with UBrown released in 1982, how do you remember those times when you heard your own recording of yourself? Made your debut album open doors for your career?
I never paid attention to studio recordings,im a original dancehall toaster and my studio recordings never really did anything to boost my popularity on the dancehall scene,my style and creativity ensured i was a big billing anywhere i go..I was and still is the Original RAM DANCE MAN ,before the show promoters drove me around on top of cars for advertising and later DANCE RAM..I am just now realizing because of socail media th impact of my actual recordings have and im grateful the music touched so many souls which is ultimate goal in music "To Make the massive feel irie"

Between 1983 – 1984 you recorded other several great albums with various Jamaican legendary DJs like Yellowman, Pappa Tollo but also Fathead, Sister Nancy, Sister Candy, were those combination albums idea of you DJs or producers came with the idea to make something like clashing studio album among DJS?
Yea man i recorded for Channel One,Striker Lee and Junjo Lawes, they just did what they wanted with tunes,so combination was their idea

In 1980´s according to photos of you and Yellowman both of you dressed, looked and even sound similar, did people use to misschange you or not? Still nowadays you can find disscussion about your and his albums, if it was recorded by you or Yellowman. How was your link among you and Yellowman? Was he older influence for you or such another rival inna DJ business?
To this day i still get called Yellow when i walk the streets LOL,i even have a song abt it called "Who say the purple look like Yellowman" ..Me and Yellow never had no issues really,we both recorded on Channel One and Junjo Lawes,we never had a lyrical confrontation or anything like that,just two talented DJs whom the people love..He has more commercial success than me so people gonna always think i patterned his style but truth is we both started out same time and fact we are similar is just works of the Almighty and we have great respect for each other.

After 1985 due to your illness problem you stopped DJing until 2014 when you released your come back album Home once more and since that time your back in the music business. People had also opportunity to see you to DJ live on Vinyl Thursday bashment among youth blood inna reggae business, how do you like this young reggae revival movement? Do you have some favourite artists/sounds among them???
I love and support all positive forms of music,slackness was never me and its still not me,once your doing good positive music i love and support you..I come forward to enlighten the youths about the positive start and how we set it

According to dances and live performances how them change from your point of view of DJ? Do you see some significant differences between dances in 80s and nowadays?
Yes man great difference especially in Jamaican with the exception of  places like Vynl Thursdays and Dub Club..back then it was about positive music and DJ toasting in a respectful and joyous manner,making up lyrics on the spot to musically kill of a next sound but we were all friends after dance and had a drink..nowadays its different with all warring factions in dancehall and disrespectful songs..but the tables must turn amd im out here leading that movements and doing what i can to restore dancehall to the glory days of niceness

Just few days ago your were inna studio recording jingles and dubplates for sounds and selectors from all over the world, do you have some favourite riddims which you prefer to record on? Last time you were inna studio with Eek A Mouse, Junior Demus so it comes to my mind if are still cool vibes during recording inna Studio as it used to be during recording inna 80´s??
Yea man vibe is great ,its all part of the plan to bring back the music so all us originals have to come together and put in some work and show the youths the righteous way..I don't actually write any lyrics ,riddims talk to me and i talk what i hear off top of my head lol..so i prefer good riddims that have good messages for me to tell the people..but in all honestly i ride anything you throw my way,Jah bless i with that talent...

In the begining of 2017 you released a big tune General, what can your fans expect more from you later this year? I know you are setting plans for your Europe tour, so you are ready and open for bookings now for upcoming summer reggae festival season?
I could actually drop a new album right now lol..When i go studio i drop at least 4 songs per day,but my manager/producer Triple Ace of JISLAND RECORDS choose what he wants to put out and when..we originally wanted to drop a single every month this year but we held back because the song General was picked up by a Vynl Distributor and will be coming soon we held back a little so we can push that..my next album will ne actually called " Dancehall General" and will feature lots of collaboration with other Generals of the business like Eekamouse,Glen Riks,Baby Demus (son of of Jnr Demus) and many more..im ready for touring and meeting everyone who love and support my music over the years and can be reach at jahpurples@gmail.com for bookings

In my last question I would like to thank you for your time to answer my questions and give you free space to say last words from you to your fans and readers of this interview. We wish you all the best in your life and DJ career.
Right now i want to give a big thank you to all the fans and well wishers who supported me all through the years and continue to..sometimes the struggle is hard and i feel like giving up but i get a message on facebook from a fan and i remember why i do what i do..Massi e love and respect and i hope to meet you all soon..Biiiiiiiiiimmmm


Questions: KAYAMAN/ONE-OFF ROCKERS


info/CONTACT: facebook.com/Purpleman

NEW SINGLE GENERAL ON 45 VINYL AVAILABLE HERE:  buyreggae.com/PURPLEMAN-GENERAL+DUB VERSION

POLYFAMOUS interview (APRIL 2012)

Polyfamous is talented Jamaican dancehall singjay living and working in capital Kingston city, JA. He has released serious big tunez fi several producents in Jamaica but also abroad, featured with artist like Jaggy D, Gyptian. Polyfamous active records new hits on various riddims, also run his own dubservice agency and of course himself records big dubplates for sounds and dj from all corners of the world..

Greetings, the first question I would like to ask you, is about your nickname, can you tell us why Polyfamous?
When I was younger in my teenage (maybe 13th) there was a man with name "polyyfemus" an old rasta man and he used to sell some high grade weed , in the area white hall ave kingston 8 .I used to go buy the weed from him for a man name Benji  and its because I went there so many times they started to call me polyfemus at first,  but after while I am in music business I changed the name to Polyfamous  because I told my self I am going to be famous one day.

Probably yuh dont like talking about your private personal life as many artists dont, but can you tell us how does your obvious day look like?
Well every day is just music still always trying to make some music, eno write some new song or from studio to studio its evryday thing for me.

You come from Kingston town, am I right? How can you describe living there and what it brought to your life?Can you imagine living abroad, far from Jamaica?
I describe Jamaica as the blessed land, the place where there is summer all year I call it the summer land the foundation for the music. Well the world is wonderful place and I would love to see it but me have to be a ywaad still, eno because the vibes deh a yawwd,  but no one knows what tomorrow may bring still eno.

How did Jamaican music business changed during last years since you are in the business?Does the things like arresting, shooting and murderers of artists/producents influence business somehow?
Well the bus changes every year . Sometimes possitive, sometimes nagative but when the artise them is all these problem its not a good thing for the music or Jamaica, because the people look down at us . Remember the music should be a message and an upliftment for the peolple, so when things like these happen the youths go atray thinking is right when its wrong. Who is going to show them the way, when the media and the artise them look to for infomation.

Let mi ask you now about your music I already know that you write you own lyrics what is quite rare nowadays, where you get an inspiration fe your lyrics??
Well my inspiration comes from everyday livity interacting with people, but most of all they come from my kidz they are the one that make me have to try and do the right thing.

Can you tell us why you have quite a lot of tunez about love? Is love very important fe you?
Love is the answer for the world to unite . I love to sing about love because I love the ladies and I have to tell them and show them. A good bredaa Berres Hamond told me that if I am singing I should sing mostly about love, but I think its a universial thing eno.

You have such a great featuring tunez with several artists like Jaggy D,Gyptian, Anthony B. Are there any artists, who would you like to cooperate with on next tunez? Which are your favourite jamaican artists or bands, who you would like to advise to promoters abroad?
For my next combination I would like to do with artise like Turbulance , Luciano, Movado, Konshens, Ioctaine, Khago ect all of them is my bredda I have to choose who next but it will be a boooooooooom fi real

POLYFAMOUS & GYPTIAN

What about your release for french production Roots Survival, can you tell us about work between you and Damalistik?
Dama hahaha a di real big man a long time me know Dama is like me bredda from another mother. I like working with Dama because him take him things serious just like me I take music very serious, when it comes to doing the work roots survival lable produce songs like nothing, e.g. ft. jaggy d and its amazing ft.gyptian some lovely songs if you ask me and some more to come, so look out massive more nice songs on Roots survival label. Big respect to Damalistik large up yourself!

How you think should soundsystems, djs and promoters from Europe nowadays support young jamaican newcomers inna musical business, what kind of help can work di best?
Well if they can play them songs anytime they can ok give some one it to play on the radio. You can mek dem do jinlges and dub for promote and pics too and if they can, even try to keep some promo shows too or they can just mix dem with the big artise when them coming there eno ect., but the artise have to work and what to be some where if him no want it, then it not go work.So both parties have to be thinking the same way eno.

From your point of view what is better promotion for artists recording loads of dubplates or releasing LP with big tour?
Well lp is better to me cause its more than one song to represent you along with the tour so people know you have the goods them want so you have a package, yeah man lp better.

I know that your recording dubplates with lots of other Jamaican artists too fi sounds and djs.Do you have dubplate service?
yes i have dubsurvice ."DUBS FASTER THAN THE SPEED OF LIGHT WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSH

What have you learned from being inna music business after those years?Are there any tings that new artist inna music business should be beware of doing?
Me tell all new artiste seh dont sit down waiting on someone to help you, go out and shine let them see you, show the talent and dont be afraid. Courage is very important and believe in yourself, do you?

Which countries have you visited and which of those places/festivals yuh have visited you like the best and why? When we can look forward to your European tour ? What are your plans for 2012?
Well I have been to France , Spain , and some other place in Europe ,doing a lot work so hope this year will be a good for me just want the massive to call me in Europe cause me love them and cant wait to come do some big work . Big up all massive ,czech crew , Portugal, Poland ,Slovakia ,France crew ,Switzerland crew, Brazil, Spain , Galanta crew, and Poprad crew too all crew bless one love rastafari bless.
  
The last question is about music which you are listening the most these days and of course you have here an opportunity to write a message to readers of this interview. I thank you very much fe your time and music. Bless

Well i love dancehall but my heart is reggae seen,  yes I ya give thanks, more love and properity.

Contact POLYFAMOUS: facebook.com/poly.fame

YT interview (FEBRUARY/MARCH 2009)

When I heard album Straight Outta Britain a few years ago, I was really surprised and amazed with its quality by lyrical side but musical too. In that moment I wanted to hear and know as much as could about YT, because his tunez at album Straight Outta Britain really impressed me. But it took some time, after which I had chance to know his work better and to see him performing live for first time in november 2008 in Bratislava. After that show we planned with YT to do a video interview, but it was early morning, so we arranged to make it by this way.   

First questions I would like to ask are about your new upcoming album Born Inna Babylon. Which labels are involved in production of it? What kind of riddims can listeners expect? Are there any featuring artists?

The new album is finished after basically 3 years of perfecting it. it will be on my label Sativa records. It has a variety of riddims .Curtis Lynch Jr (necessarymayhem.com), who is the premiere reggae dancehall producer in Uk at the moment ,produced quite a few plus there are riddims from Poland, Sweden,Germany,Switzerland and another banger from Dready who is now based in US.i have collaborated with Daddy Freddy whose guidance has been a major factor in my career,Million Stylez, Mr Williamz, Blackout JA, Michie One and Shola Ama Plus UK Hip Hop Icon Skinnyman.

How should you compare Born inna Babylon album with Straight Outta Britain??? It is a continuation from Straight outta britain as it has a UK feel to it but it is definitely a reggae based album. i think it is more serious and lyrics orientated maybe a sign of the times or just where my head has been over the last 3 years.

Are you planning any promotion tour for your new album?
To be honest the release date has been moved forward so many times many of my shows over the last year have been supposed album promo shows but yes if possible i would like to orchestrate a proper tour with a live band.

Now let me ask you about your early beginning. Who influenced you musically and philosophically in those times? Why did you choose reggae/dancehall music? What do you think about punks inna England, do you cooperate with them?

First got into reggae listening to my friends older brothers music there are so many artists to remember but obviously Bob Marley, Aswad ,Steel Pulse,Papa San, Stitchie , Professor Nuts all the big Uk Mc`s like Papa Levi , Tippa Ire Etc. Too many to mention LOLits difficult to explain why reggae attracted me so strongly i think it was the expression of social injustice and a form of expression that i just completely related to as a young kid who had quite a n unsettling early life and was growing up in`Thatcherite `Britain . my stepdad was the main provider for our family and he was unemployed for a time so we could not afford the things my friends had materially so i guess i had resentment about this.i feel the rebelliousness in Punk music and the whole Anarchistic movement but have never been a fan of guitar music.the closest thing was the 2 tone ska music of `the specials` & `The Beat` , Selector Etc. this was heavily influenced by Punk Rock but had the Ska Rhythm which i liked more.
 
In the beginning did you use to rehearsal toasting before bashments, or you used to do strictly Freestyle? From your point of you, was it difficult to become respected MC???    
I started off imitating other peoples lyrics , when me and my friends were getting high i would start chatting them and my friends were totally amaxzed how accurate they sounded . this encouraged me to start writing my own lyrics and i was always more inclined to write concious stuff . i wanted to touch people the way i had been touched by powerful stirring lyrics .i always used to practice Daily and i had a decent set LOL but i was too shy to take it to the public until one of my friends who had heard me convinced me to chat on Ashanti Sound one night in 1987 .i chatted a lyric called `Mi nuh like whe ah gwan inna South Africa` Talking about apartheid and how i planned to go and mash up `Botha` (the president at the time)the place exploded when they saw this white kid chatting stuff like this and from that moment on i was addicted to the `Forward`.i would say no it was not difficult for me i think i was supposed to do this even though it took me a long time to get recognised.

How did reggae dancehall scene in England changed from your point of view? 

Around 1989 /90 there was a recession in Uk similar to now and th`rave` scene was born . this gave a lot of reggae mc`s a chance to get very well paid for their work so many of our top chatters moved over to acid house which later became jungle techno then drum and bass .many found mainstream success this way so it seemed to be the start of a mass exodus of reggae artists from uk to this scene.then the actual way reggae was played on sound systems changed from the traditional one deck to technics and the crew of Chatters and singers became one MC just talking , introducing tunes in the style we now accept as the normal way.so a combination of these things spelled the end of an era for UK reggae.Right now the dances in Uk are mostly patronised by Jamaicans and the music is almost completely JA stuff so the homegrown UK scene has suffered as far as young talent.for example back in the day a black english youth with a talent for rhyming would have started rolling with a sound system but nowadays the majority are more drawn to the Dance influenced styles like Garage, Grime and more recently what they call `bassline` and `funky house`.However we still have some amazing artists in the Uk on the reggae dancehall scene its just a harder platform for them . many get more coverage in europe and abroad.

What do you think about clashes, which are becoming really more violent and aggressive not just inna Jamaica, but also here inna Europe?                                        I grew up with clashes and love a good clash. it was my ability in clashes that helped me make my reputation .i do think they have lost their way though. it has become far too aggressive and also become imp[ossible for smaller sounds to compete because of the amount and the prices of dubplates nowadays.I like intelligent clashes preferably 2 or 3 sounds it gets confusing when there are too many sounds in one arena.

Last year your released big tune called Write Some Lyrics, which deals about importance of conscious lyrics, am I right? Do you agree with opinion that most of lyrics and messages promoted by many MCs,soundsystems nowadays, aren..t very consciouss and they think that promote violence and slackness is fun.             
Thats a huge question to answer because there are different perspectives. if youare living in a ghetto situation where this is reality for you its obviously different to a guy from in the suburbs glorifying it because he finds it cool .i dont have a great problem with slack lyrics or even some gangster lyrics if they are done intelligently and with  a little  subtlety .but the problem is this seems to now be rthe majority of dancehall music and the artists have a lot of power which could be used to educate and inspire the youth.

                      YT  &  KAYAMAN in the studio (June 2010)

Do you think people like more gangsta lyrics and music nowadays? If yes, why it is so in your opinion.

its obviously a sign of the times we are living in.its the fashion to be a thug right now its cool to be gangster . like i said before if thats a reality for you due to your circumstances its a different thing than pretending for image .some gangster lyrics are positive . look at Bounty Killer `Look into my eye` its a real gangster tune but in a way thats showing you the reality of the situation and not just wantonly glorifying  or trivialising violence.

Another your song called Wicked Act, which was probably written as reaction on terrorist attacks in London? How did life after attacks in England changed from your point of view?
I think the world changed from 9/11 maybe i shouldnt say too much of what i think about that in print but clearly security has been stepped up to an invasive level.the whole of england is under surveillance cameras at all times we live in the age of cctv , they are looking to bring in ID cards in UK lets just say i am deeply suspicious about it all.
 
Back to positive topic. After years you became respected artist, who performed in many parts of the world. But is still country, where would you like to go to perform one day?   I am truly thankful for the amount of amazing places i have been able to visit because of music i want to perform everywhere and globalise my music.to be honest for me the greatest buzz is performing in Jamaica i want to have a hit tune in JA thats my ambition.

In November 2008 you performed in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia? Did you like it, either there weren´t many people? What is the ideal massive for you as a MC?

Slovakia was a nice energy even though the show was not very full the massive were responding so i enjoyed myself. my massive is people who want to hear lyrics.

Which sound systems, Djs and artists from England would you like to advice for Slovak promoters, and why these?wow! there are many.LOL for artists  i would say Mr Williamz  is mashing up the place , Gappy Ranx has some BIIIGG! tune on road right now, Blackout JA, Bongo Chilli or if you want the place really get crazy ( In a nice way!)call mi uncle Daddy Freddy Haha.                                                                             
             

The last question is about your plans in the future with your Sativa records label and if you plan to release any live DVD from any of your shows? And you have free hands to write some message for readers of this interview! I really thank you for your time and beautiful music!

I just want to establish the label as one that promotes only good music .i definitely want to do some DVD`s in the future and also build a good player into my website with all my clips .just want to big up the readers .keep supporting the music and remember its about the vibes and the energy of the music its not a trainspotting ting having every tune on every riddim and all that.listen to it and be selective . more strength to all who are working hard and genuinely trying to contribute to the music.i think thats what we can aim for as europeans in reggae music to make a positive contribution to this mighty , powerful music that we love and not trying to act like we own it!we don`t !                                  

   MORE LIFE & MORE LOVE  

For more about YT:

www.sativarecords.com    

https://soundcloud.com/ytreggae

https://www.facebook.com/pages/YT/