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I remember very well, the first time that I heard
Reggae Music. I was 15 or 16, and someone played
to me an album called Dread Beat And Blood by
Linton Kwesie Johnson. When I heard the second
track, Five Nights Of Bleeding, I was
"sold" as they say.
Never before, and never after that particular
event did I ever hear a music that could move me
deep to my soul as that music called Reggae Music.
It is decades later, now, and I still rock to the
rhythm of the drum and bass line.
What was it, that made me be so receptive to
Reggae Music? I think it has got a lot to do with
the fact that by it's very nature, Reggae Music is
a Freedom Sounds. Reggae Music is a music that
appeals to the mind and soul.
Everyone knows, that Reggae started in Jamaica.
Not everyone knows, that to live in Jamaica is
very hard and even today many of the musicians
that played the music you and I love so much have
to live under terrible conditions in the ghetto's
of Kingston Jamaica. And hardly anybody knows just
how the music came into existence.
We have issues like togetherness, struggling
for survival, fighting against corruption and deep
spirituality, all naturally connected to Reggae
Music.
These are only a few things that make me want
to promote this music. Not just, that I am a
Reggae musician myself. No, it is the deep
realization that when I promote Reggae Music, I am
actively involved in something constructive.
For when Reggae Music gets more and more
popular, the original musicians will benefit from
this. Labels like Blood and Fire, for example,
have done significant works in this area. I know
personally about this well-known Reggae singer and
producer that speaks highly of the label, because
they actually pay respect to the musicians.
Look to Bob Marley! Look to the example that he
is, still is, for millions of people world wide.
He gave the people a Consciousness, and that was
not just because of his own personality. It was
also because of Reggae Music itself!
And that is why I want to promote Reggae Music.
That is why I want to reach out to those who do
not know Reggae Music. That is why I am so very
happy with the small success I have within circles
of contemporary dance and techno music, as they
recognize the roots of their music in my DUB
tunes.
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