Interview with JahBeng

JahBeng’s first single from his second CD ‘River of Healing’, is entitled “Biggest Part Of Me”, and indeed the introspective content of his music at large is evident of him sharing a big part of himself. Through his music, JahBeng shares his hope for “all people to wake up and see the world as a connected entity;” A world where “the message of love, righteous actions, Black liberation and hence the liberation of the whole human race”, is understood, and abounds. With such contemplative songs as rucial State’, I am’ and River of healing’, JahBeng offers essential words of wisdom to all who will listen. As such, he recently took time out of his busy schedule to enlighten WJ about his early inspirations, his imperative musical message, and his noble plan for a better future, for others.

WJ: Good afternoon Jahbeng
Jahbeng: Greetings WJ

WJ: I hope you are doing well. Thank you again for giving wejamaicans the opportunity to interview you
Jahbeng: True..you are most welcome. We thank you for this opportunity.

WJ: Well the first question we would like to ask is….In what specific area of Trench Town were you born?
Jahbeng: My street address was 28 first street, Kingston 12-, right in front of the park.., and to the left of me down the road was Boys Town School.

WJ: As a youngster, you spent very little of your leisure time in “idle” play with your contemporaries because you would often “meditate on social, religious, political and economic issues”. What awareness/conclusions did your meditation bring forth about these issues?
Jahbeng : Well the response to these issues was the message of Marcus Garvey, and the exposition of this message by the Rastas was the only manner, in my opinion, in which those challenges could be effectively met.

WJ: And the message that Garvey had…can you expound on that…?
Jahbeng: Basically that an independent and strong nation can overcome obstacles much more effectively than a weak and divided one can.

WJ: So..who was integral in catapulting your level of understanding, to greater/higher levels at that time?
Jahbeng: Well, I had a couple of teeneaged uncles who were Rastas and they continually schooled me by reasoning with me on a daily basis. Also the music of Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Burning Spear, Culture and BigYouth among many others gave me great help [in shaping] my perspective and deepen[ing] my understanding.

WJ: All conscious leaders in their own rights..
Jahbeng: Most definitely, and I owe them much.

WJ: Your name, JahBeng, is quite unique. How did you arrive at that name, and what does it mean?
Jahbeng: The Abeng horn was used by the Maroons of Jamaica to sound out warnings of coming battle and to call council meetings etc. This was during the time of the wars of liberation with the British oppressors. Since my message is mostly spiritual and political, I parallel my singing to a horn sounding out, and since my focus is on Jah, I call myself the horn of Jah or Jah Beng.

WJ: Jahbeng…it seemed ‘inevitable’ that you would take the live stage, but what/who prompted you to do this?
Jahbeng: It was actually during my time in high school that a couple of my friends encouraged me to become the lead singer of a group they formed and at that time I reluctantly accepted the challenge.

WJ: How would you describe your music as it stands today?
Jahbeng : The music tackles social, political and economic issues as well as spirituality. In my case that spirituality is focused on being true to the ideals of Ras Tafar I.

WJ: So how did you come to meet producer / songwriter and bassist, Charles ‘Tower’ Sinclair of Kornerstone Productions?
Jahbeng: I had a showcase to do at the Bamboo club in Toronto (a popular reggae spot for a number of years). In the course of hiring a band to back me, I hired Charles as the bass player and this is how we got together.

WJ: Ok..it always amazes me how love brings us to those that are meant to be in our circle..truly a beautiful thing..
Jahbeng: Well as we know, Jah works in mysterious ways.

WJ: Who are some of the people that you colloborated with (in terms of writing, arranging music etc) to produce your second album?
Jahbeng: I worked with Charles Sinclair, who is my producer, along with Orville ‘Wyz’ Malcolm. I also worked with Kareem ‘Jah B’ Green and Robert Scarlett. These individuals are all extremely talented musicians and producers residing in Canada.

WJ: And why did you title your second album ‘River of Healing’?
Jahbeng: Well, I listened to a lot of Reggae music fans and they complained that they did not like the lyrical content of most of the music playing on the airwaves representing reggae. They did not like the “slackness” and the fact that they could not listen to this music with their children around…Therefore, that situation was in need of a remedy, or a “healing” if you will. Also, the songs were made to uplift peoples spirits and bring some positive vibes into their lives, hence the title “River of Healing”.

WJ: How is your second album different from your first, which was entitled “Cry for the Children”?
Jahbeng: “Cry for the Childred” was a heavy roots album which my friends said was filled with “pure fire music”. I was encouraged to put a couple of love songs on the “River of Healing” album. So this second album has a little bit more variety than the first, but the “fire” songs on “River of Healing” show no mercy.

WJ: Why did you choose to release “Biggest Part of Me” as your first single?
Jahbeng: “Biggest Part of Me” was a song I heard some years ago and instantly liked it. I decided to re-record it simply because of my love for the original song that was done by a group named Ambrosia. I put my own spin on this song focusing on the love of Jah. While in Amsterdam a few months ago we played the song for some people we did not really know too well, and the reaction was amazing! Everyone started dancing and singing to the song. The same thing happened in Canada and in Jamaica as well. This was enough to make this the first single.

WJ: Jahbeng..you touched on this in a previous response, but… your album seems to have a resounding message. Would you mind expounding on that message for us?
Jahbeng: The message is love, righteous actions, Black liberation and hence the liberation of the whole human race. The message is also a wake up call for all people, to see the world as a connected entity and to know that if the fire is burning in your neighbour’s backyard, it is foolish to think that your house is not in danger of being burnt to the ground.

WJ: So in the future, what can we look forward to from JahBeng?
Jahbeng: Zeeen. In the future, I wish to return to Jamaica to live. I also intend [on starting] a foundation called the “Cry for the Children” foundation. Its broad purpose will be to assist our children in Jamaica to reach their full potential .

WJ: And what are your hopes for your Jamaican people?
Jahbeng: The Jamaican people are very talented in more ways than I can count. But there is a lack of foresight when it comes to fulfilling their potential. I hope they will realize the emptiness of the current political system and find a way to destroy it forever. I also hope they will turn away from the brainwashing of the western media and find themselves, and the power within, to change their circumstances.

WJ: Can you add your thoughts to this ‘thinker’: To the Jamaican government I would say….
Jahbeng: To the Jamaican government I would say… the damage you have done to the Jamaican people will not go unpunished. It is time you end your corruption and your alliances with criminals of the worst sort and start exercising and demonstrating true leadership.

WJ: True indeed…. how can we find out more about you and purchasing your music?
Jahbeng: You can find Jah Beng online at www.jahbeng.com. The website is full of information and you can also purchase the CD there and find a listing of locations online and offline where you can purchase CD as well.

WJ: Ok… I thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to us..We truly appreciate it.
Jahbeng: The thanks go to you for having me on… JAH guidance and protection. Blessed Love.

WJ: All the best with your music JahBeng, and we at wejamaicans.com will stay tuned to upcoming news on you. Blessed love!

Artist’s ‘Yard Favorites’

Favorite Jamaican dish/drink?
I love a well cooked Ital Stew with nuff peas and pumpkin and greens. Drink: Irish Moss or ‘Irish Mash’ as we jamaicans say.

Favorite spot to visit when you are home in Jamaica?
so many beautiful spots, It is hard to choose, but I like anyplace that has beautiful vegetation and a serene beach nearby.

Favorite childhood memory of Jamaica?
When it rained, we used to race board horses in the water that ran alongside the road. Also, making and riding the skates with the rubber wheels and running a boat (i.e. cooking with my brethrens).

Favorite Jamaican Quote?
“One God, One Aim, One Destiny”
“Fya deh a Muss Muss tail, him tink a cool breeze”..and the list goes on.