Interview by : Daniel Turner
Pictures by : Camille Chauvel / Benoit Collin
on Friday, December 30th 2005 - 13 071 views
Against the general trend in Jamaica, Warrior King decided to take his time before releasing his second album, "Hold The Faith". In the meantime, several roots artists have managed to make their mark, but Warrior King carries on unperturbed. After "Virtuous Woman" in 2001, carried by the success of the title track, his new opus does not betray its spirit.
Reggaefrance / The new album picks up where Virtuous Woman left us. What has happened to Warrior King in the meantime?
Warrior King / Spiritual growth. I’ve learned a lot, worked with new musicians and different producers. I’ve become humbler, more disciplined and I’ve drawn even more inspiration from the Most High. With the tours, I’ve gained more visibility, experience and maturity. When I started out in Jamaica, I wasn’t facing the international scene and different audiences. Now, when I write, I think more globally, about different races and religions. They all appreciate Warrior King, so I have to keep learning.
One of the dominant themes of the album is education. How important is it to you?
Education is an important facet of music. Education is the key. As a Rasta, I have to put the emphasis on education, because it can really change things for my people. Education can bring inspiration to young people. I’ve worked with schools, talked to young people about their attitude, because it’s not all about talent, attitude is very important too.
So I went into schools, sang songs and talked to the young people. They were very receptive, maybe because they saw me as an artist and not as a parent or family. I told them to be positive, not to waste the time they spend at school, to avoid crime and violence, and to show love to everyone they meet. They really listen to what you have to say to them.
Your princess and women in general are also an important part of your work…
I’ve always sung love songs for women, because I can’t let them down. They are the mothers of Creation and they must be honoured. Man or woman, everyone comes from a woman. Woman is the foundation, even the Earth is like a woman: you plant a seed and it gives fruit. So I have a lot of respect and love for women. They are queens, goddesses, they should love and honour themselves. Women are not sex objects, they are mothers, daughters and wives, and they must be treated with respect.
Now that one drop is back in the spotlight, is it the right timing for you?
I’ve always followed my own vibes, no matter what’s going on around me, whether it’s jump up or roots & culture. One drop came back just as my album is ready and the vibes in reggae are ripe to receive it. It’s the work of Jah, life is a cycle and that’s why I’m not rushing. I take my time, and everything will happen at the right moment.
Beres Hammond taught me a great lesson. He told me: "Warrior, you must not rush the music. Music is like elderly people: if you hurry them, they get angry and make your life impossible. But if you take the time, they will be very cooperative. If you take your time with the music, everything will go for the best. The music was here before you, and it will still be here after you. So just take your time, make sure you do things properly so that the public appreciates your work. If your music comes from the heart, it will be better."
I think that’s very true. I’m still young, so I’m taking the time to grow, I’m learning to channel my talent.
Despite the resurgence of conscious music, violence in Jamaica keeps growing… What is going wrong?
I try to play a role in calming things down, by talking to children and singing good songs. But at the same time, when people are hungry, when poverty is everywhere and they have no positive education… It’s the other side of all of Jamaica’s problems. The government must try to give young people more opportunities, give them a chance to go to university but with a good job waiting at the end. Because right now, you see many young people spend seven years at university only to end up without a job. They have children to feed and send to school, bills to pay… all this causes huge frustration. It’s hard for people to keep faith and trust in Jah, and they give in to violence. Poverty and illiteracy breed violence and crime.
Do you think it’s the government’s fault?
Not entirely. We have to “fire” on the government, but I don’t blame them entirely, because the people have to change too. Through their actions, they too must accept some of the blame and a share of responsibility. But the government is supposed to lead the country, and be an example for the people to follow. It’s not entirely its fault, because many people want easy money, without going through long, hard work.
Your Rasta faith is paramount for you, and can be felt throughout your album…
I’m Rasta, and I think different elements can cause a lot of division between people. I don’t specify whether I’m Boboshanti, Nyabinghi, Orthodox or Twelve Tribes of Israel… I’m a Rastafarian, full stop. I follow the teachings of His Majesty, and the teachings of the Bible. Religion is a personal choice, it’s particular to each person. Me, I’m just Rasta. You see the song Freedom on the new album, that’s exactly why I wrote it. Everyone should have the right to be free, to have freedom of expression and to worship whomever they want. If someone wants to praise the sun or the moon, that’s their choice, the same if they want to praise Allah, Jesus or Haile Selassie. Everyone should have that right. Religion has caused many wars, the world needs more tolerance to put an end to them.
There’s also a good "ganja tune"…
The track Meditate, on the Kutchie Riddim… Lots of people smoke herb for the hype, the style, and abuse it. But the Rasta can show them the true meaning of the herb. It’s a sacrament, and you should use it for constructive meditation, to progress and to uplift yourself. Some people sit down and smoke ten spliffs a day, for me that’s abuse. Whatever you do, if you do it too much, it becomes abuse because it can harm your health, if you smoke too much, eat too much, drink too much… even too much sex can be dangerous! You have to find a balance. You shouldn’t talk too much either. Everything should be balanced and done for a good reason, when it’s necessary.
You’ve worked with different producers, who do you like working with most?
There’s good chemistry between Calibud and me. He’s the main producer I’ve worked with. As Bobby Digital’s son, he has a good pedigree. I’ve also worked with Donovan Germaine at Penthouse, Cocoa Tea, and Lion Paw, who produced "Virtuous Woman"… About six different producers. All the music is produced with a live band and skilled musicians: Dean Fraser, Sly & Robbie… They are among the best on the island, and I think you can really hear the quality of the music.
How did you develop your style?
When I was at secondary school, I was a real Bounty Killer fan. With a mate, Little Backs, we sang like him, in a hardcore style. Over time, I evolved towards the singing style I have now. It was a natural change. When I first went to see Calibud, it was to record on a dancehall riddim. But for a reason I don’t know, he didn’t want to, and put me on a one drop riddim, the one for Empress So Divine, it was the first time I had sung on a riddim like that. He told me: "That’s how you should sing", and from that day on that’s how I sing.
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