My playlist with General Zooz

September 20, 2019

Sourced from: https://www.easterneye.biz/my-playlist-with-general-zooz/

Talented MC, DJ and radio host General Zooz has performed in over 20 countries on the same bill as major names such as Snoop Dogg, Major Lazer and Shaggy.

A founding member of New Delhi-based group Reggae Rajahs, he currently hosts the Mumbai 2 Kingston show on Rukus Avenue Radio. Eastern Eye got the multi-talented star to select 10 songs he loves.

Chura Liya by Bally Sagoo Ft Reema Das Gupta & Cheshire Cat: This masterful reworking of a classic on a reggae instrumental represents the UK melting pot in the early 1990s. The sounds of India and the Caribbean combined in perfect harmony. Bally Sagoo had a slew of reggae and dub tracks early in his career, which many may not be aware of today.

Criss & Shine by Delhi Sultanate: A song from India’s leading reggae and dancehall MC, and founder of Bass Foundation Roots Sound System. This song appears to be a party track, but upon closer listening, it reveals Delhi Sultanate’s lyrical ability and revolutionary inclination.

Pass Me The Lighter by Reggae Rajahs: One of the most playful and easy-going songs they have written is an ode to Mary Jane. Inspired by Don Carlos’ Laser Beam and Freddie McGregor’s Bobby Babylon, this one is played on 420 across the world.

Samjha Kya by King Jassim: Starting off as a member of hip hop collective, Low Rhyderz, Jassim is a singer who infuses elements of reggae, dub, dancehall and traditional folk to forge his own sound. Samjha Kya is a conscious reggae song with a captivating melody and a catchy chorus.

Rasta Macha by Dr, Sakthi & Kavin: A collaboration between two Tamil singers, Dr Sakthi who is based in Kuala Lumpur, and Kavin who resides in California. The two singers trade flows back and forth flawlessly. This tune will definitely have you grooving to the beat.

Love Unites Us by Synchroshakti: This song is all about positivity. Love and unity are some of the core tenants of reggae music and Synchroshakti gets it just right with this uplifting tune.

Kathmandu by Cultivation & Arrival Sound: An anthem for Kathmandu. Nepal’s foremost reggae singer, Cultivation brings the fire with some Nepali lyrics and the song also features tight production from Arrival Sound System from the UK.

Modi, A Message to You by The Ska Vengers: This song by the Delhi-based band pays tribute to Indian revolutionary Udham Singh. With Delhi Sultanate’s commanding vocals leading the charge, the lyrics follow the 21 years of Udham Singh’s life following the Jallianwallah Bagh massacre in 1919, leading up to the assassination of Michael O’Dwyer and his execution in Pentonville Prison shortly after.

Arranged Marriage by Apache Indian: Apache Indian has had India listening to reggae and the Caribbean listening to India since 1992. Arranged Marriage showcased the true pioneer at his witty best. This song was featured on his No Reservations album, which featured some of Jamaica’s top talent, including Frankie Paul and Sly & Robbie.

The Mango Song by General Zooz: Trinidad and India in a combination, this one is a mango anthem. It is a tribute to India’s favourite fruit on a soca instrumental. While the references are desi, the sound is distinctly Caribbean. This is guaranteed to get both your nani and your niece singing – good clean fun.

Musician Ritviz on how to make a new tune: Music should be your priority

On India Today Mind Rocks Delhi 2019, musician Ritviz spoke about his journey into music, overcoming creative block and trying to maintain a work-life balance as an artiste.

Sourced from:https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/celebrity/story/musician-ritviz-on-how-to-make-a-new-tune-music-should-be-your-priority-1604226-2019-09-28

India Today Web Desk
New Delhi
September 28, 2019
UPDATED: September 28, 2019 17:01 IST

Ritviz rose to fame with Ud Gaye, and with Sage, he secured a steady fan base for himself. On India Today Mind Rocks New Delhi 2019, during a session titled What it takes to Compose a Whole New Tune, the ace musician drawing inspiration for his music, dealing with a creative block and composing a tune.

ON BEING DRAWN TOWARDS MUSIC

My folks are classical musicians. So I would wake up to the sound of alaap. That was a natural process. I don’t know when I ended up being attracted to music. From the age of seven, I was around music. But electronic music happened later, I got exposed to it when I turned 15-16. Before that, I would listen to VH1 but that’s it. As a child, I was trained in Indian classical music, I would stay at the guru’s house and do chores. Then there was a phase where I was influenced by western music and I got the freedom to mixed both and find my niche.

ON THE BUSINESS OF MUSIC

It was tough establishing myself but every artiste faces their own struggles. I never had to worry about support from family, because I always had it. I’m privileged that way. I dropped out of school and that’s a taboo in our country. If my parents were okay with that then you don’t need anything else.

HIS ADVICE TO THE YOUTH

Don’t think of money, even though it sounds absurd. You have to give music the topmost priority. If you chase anything else then you’ll be caught up in other things. Everything is built around music for me. When I sit and make music, I don’t do it to please, but because I like it. The minute you lose that, you lose the plot, you lose music. It’s hard, so either find the support system or find that confidence to carry on.

ON HIS TRACK UD GAYE

This was the first song after a long time for me. This was complex, it had a lot of element. Everyone told me before this that I over-do things by adding too many elements into one song. Here I sat down with one idea and built everything around it.

ON HIS CORE IDENTITY

The first idea is your core identity. In this song, the RP sound was the core. This was part of another song, I used it as the base here. Then I built on it by adding other notes and drums. Other elements were added to complement the main idea. Then I started building the vocal. Things fall in place as long as you know the centre. That’s my process.

ON HIS FAVOURITE MUSICIAN

My mother is my favourite. I draw inspiration from her. For every new song, her nod is a validation and a push. I’m also a huge Lady Gaga fan.

ON ARTISTS BLOCK

It’s a defeating phase, you start feeling and thinking. They take away from your work and de-motivate you. I get into a negative zone, I start questioning myself. But the minute I’m working on a song, everything starts making sense. I was stuck for a whole 1-2 years before Sage. It was horrible and taxing. My block was due to me being tired. I was on tour after Ud Gaye things were moving too fast, I was in a rut. After Sage, it all worked out. This was a breakup song, I went through extreme mental trauma. It was an expression of my restlessness. After the song, I was relieved. You can’t keep making music, you need a break.

ON DEALING WITH HEARTBREAK

I make music to deal with anything. That’s how I channelize. When I couldn’t do maths in school, and I’d go home and make music. That’s therapy for me. And every creative person will understand what I’m talking about. After I made this (Sage) song, I realised what I was actually going through.

ON HIS FAVOURITE CONTEMPORARIES

I adore Nucleya, he’s a mentor to me as well. We’re very parallel to each other. In hip-hop, I like Divine and Neazy. I’m a huge fan. I like MIDIval Punditz and Reggae Rajahs, they pulled to the Indie music scene 5 years ago.

ON THE PATTERN OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

It’s what you make it. It’s hard to get recognition. Today people like me, but 5 years ago they wouldn’t maybe. They’d prefer covers and more famous singers. It’s important to celebrate new talent because the lack of support causes bitterness later. If I didn’t have support, today I want to make sure I support others who need it.

QUESTION AND ANSWER

Ultimate dream come true moment?

Playing a big festival was a dream since I became a DJ. In 2017 NH7 Weekender I finally did it. This was after Ud Gaye. I went up without expectations, but there were 3000 people waiting for me.

How to get out of an artist’s block?

Just take it easy. Don’t force, don’t write if you’re not in the zone. Don’t push it. Wait for the right time, it will come to you.

What are your upcoming projects?

We announced a new album Dev, it’s coming in October.

Define a balanced life as an artiste?

There’s no balance in an artiste’s life. Maybe divide the artist Ritviz and everyday Ritviz. So you don’t stress out when something goes wrong in your professional life. A solid personal life is very important, it gives you strength.

What was your inspiration for music?

It’s not one thing, but a constant association with and love for music. School pushed me to prove myself, to show that I can do something. And I just found expression in music.

Reggae makes UNESCO world heritage list

The UN’s cultural agency said reggae music has contributed to “international discourse on issues” such as injustice and resistance. Kingston has described the music tradition as “uniquely Jamaican.”

Sourced from: https://www.dw.com/en/reggae-makes-unesco-world-heritage-list/a-46498589

The United Nations’ cultural and scientific agency UNESCO on Thursday added reggae music to its list of global cultural treasures, saying its worldwide popularity “continues to act as a voice for all.”.

“Its contribution to international discourse on issues of injustice, resistance, love and humanity underscores the dynamics of the element as being at once cerebral, sociopolitical, sensual and spiritual,” UNESCO said.

Jamaica had pushed for the rich music tradition to be listed as “intangible cultural heritage,” and as such, deemed worthy of protection under UNESCO.

Ahead of the vote, Jamaican Culture Minister Olivia Grange said that her country pushed for reggae to be added to the prestigious list as a “uniquely Jamaican” musical tradition that has touched communities across the globe.

“It is a music that we have created that has penetrated all corners of the world,” Grande said.

‘Burnin’ and lootin’

Reggae originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s, blending the country’s ska, and rocksteady genres with blues and jazz. Songs of the genre often addressed sociopolitical issues, including inequality, police brutality and imprisonment.

“This morning I woke up in a curfew / Oh God, I was a prisoner too / Could not recognize the faces standing over me / They were all dressed in uniforms of brutality,” reggae icon Bob Marley sung on the 1973 track “Burnin’ and lootin’.”

Many songs in the reggae tradition also extolled peace, unity and positivity, such as Marley’s “One love” and Desmond Dekker’s “Sing a little song.”

Germany’s own variation of reggae has been propagated by artists such as Gentleman and Seeed.

Chronixx, Cocoa Tea, Romain Virgo to perform at Buju Banton’s Concert

Chronixx, Cocoa Tea, Romain Virgo to perform at Buju Banton’s concert next month

By Jamaica Star

February 6, 2019

Courtesy of https://www.stlucianewsonline.com/chronixx-cocoa-tea-romain-virgo-to-perform-at-buju-bantons-concert-next-month/

Buju Banton

(JAMAICA STAR) — Reggae artistes Chronixx, Cocoa Tea, Etana, Ghost and Romain Virgo have been listed as some of the friends who will perform with Buju Banton at his Long Walk To Freedom concert on March 16.

The concert, which will be held at the National Stadium in Kingston, will be Buju’s first performance on local soil in more than a decade. Grammy-winning artiste returned to Jamaica last December after spending eight years in a United States federal prison on drug-related charges.

Buju’s son, Jahzeil, Delly Ranks, Agent Sasco and LUST are also slated to perform at the concert.

“These are the ones performing, but the ‘and friends’ is still there,” the artiste’s publicist Ronnie Tomlinson, said.

As for the man of the hour, she said that Banton was very active in helping to curate the line-up.

“He’s definitely in high spirits for the show,” she said.

“We know he’s looking forward to a 90-minute set, but there might be more time based on conversations we’ve had,” Tomlinson said.

She said that the artiste is working hard to make sure his highly-anticipated presentation is perfect for his fans.

“I can definitely say that he is excited. He’s really anticipating the performance. Rehearsals are going on, and he always wants to go to rehearsal, to make sure everything is right.”

Grammy Award-winning album by Shaggy and Sting

Shaggy and Sting win Reggae Grammy

LOOP ENTERTAINMENT CREATED – 10 FEBRUARY 2019 ENTERTAINMENT
Courtesy of http://www.loopjamaica.com/content/shaggy-and-sting-win-reggae-grammy,

Shaggy and British artiste Sting have copped the prestigious award for Best Reggae Album at The Grammy’s premiere ceremony at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on the weekend.
The two were awarded for their collaborative album 44/876.
The other nominees in the category were Reggae Forever – Etana; A Matter of Time – Protoje; As the World Turns — Black Uhuru; and Rebellion Rises — Ziggy Marley.
Shaggy previously won in 1996 with Boombastic.