Jamaicans Mark Warrior King Dyer and Kemmuel Rassi Hardknocks Foster are on a mission to “Reggaelise” the world one song at a time.
“Greetings in the name of the Most High, Emperor Haile Selassie I, King of Kings, Lord of Lords and Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah,” they chanted in unison at the beginning of their interview.
“People ah people. They have the same emotions, so you just try to do the best that you can with the situation and the opportunity given, so that’s what we do. Our reason for being in Barbados is because we performed at Virtuous Woman, an event put on by the African Heritage Family at Pirate’s Cove. It’s all about Marcus Garvey, blackness, reminding the people who they are where they from. It’s all about togetherness,” explained Warrior King.
“The message we are putting out is nothing derogatory. We have little children and they cyah listen to it. It’s like smoking around children so we nah do nothing derogative for the youths dem. It’s all positive. Dem nah listen to the music to mek dem lose dem mind or lose a consciousness of themselves. It’s our message to mek them know they are someone’s child,” chimed in Rassi Hardknocks of their music.
Warrior King, born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica is popularly known for his hit single Virtuous Woman.
“That’s the song that gave me the break in 2001, about 15 years ago. I have five albums to my credit; the fifth one is called Rootz Warrior, a 14-track album featuring the likes of Beres Hammond and Richie Spice. Each song featured on the CD has a different style and the message emphasises purity, truth, strength, and love.
“I’m a positive person, not just in the music, but outside the music as well. I’m not perfect but I strive for positivity. I’m very loving, very humble and very appreciative of life and people in general no matter where you from. I have the philosophy that we are all from the same source,” he reasoned.
Rassi Hardknocks is also born and bred Kingston material. He is the fifth of twelve children and grew up under Rastafarian rites, as both his parents belong to the Twelve Tribes of Israel.
He too, believes that music should be an upliftment to those who listen to it, as music has a tendency to influence people.
“My early exposure to music was working alongside Jah Love Musik Sound System.
“After that I rough it out and tough it out, hard knock it out and thing, and now making deep roots music for the people dem, but never do a slack song. It’s just life. What I live about, I sing about, so my life is music,” he said.
Both have taken their music into the four corners of the world, a feat that they are both proud of.
“We travel all over the world; Europe, America, the Caribbean. The only place I haven’t been is China. I’ve been accredited with the president of the United States President [Barack] Obama. He recently stated that myself and Bob [Marley] are his favourite reggae artistes,” said Warrior King.
And although he has been in the business longer than Rassi Hardknocks, he does not discredit Warrior King contribution to the industry.
“This youth is a great youth,” he said pointing at Rassi Hardknocks. “A rising star and we’re all one family. We’re going to do a collaboration soon.”
Rassi Hardknocks, who has been in the music industry for the past 17 years, has performed at many shows, both locally and internationally, and released his first vinyl album last November.
“Last year I released my debut album called the Great Song Album.
“It’s not like mainstream music. But right now me ah try something different to see how the people will tek on to that.
“This year I went to Europe. I did the Reggae Jam Show, Reggae in Sunshine and the Reggae and Ska Show, and me see the people dem react good to the music, so I really give thanks.
“So if the people say there is no room for deep roots music and culture, that’s a lie. There are people out there with that capacity of knowledge where dem can understand,” he said.
Warrior King believes that education is the key to better lives and hopes that his music will serve to convey the teachings of His Imperial Majesty, Haile Selassie I.
“As a Rastafarian I understand we must teach religious tolerance and peace between all. I just don’t sing music; I sing music with a purpose, a mission, and love. To the four corners of the Earth I carry my music, the message of the King, and the message of love to all people of all races.
“In the Holy Bible they say that singers and players of instruments are my joy, so we as musicians and singers know that it is our responsibility to spread a positive message to make the change that the world needs,” he said. (RA)
