Reggae

11 Responses to “Reggae”

1. 

   Sufia Giza said on Sunday, March 5, 2006, 4:43

   Greetings,

   Is the FREE (Alternative) Media really FREE????

   This piece was initially to appear on the March ‘06
   Reggae Review site, which I’ve had a column in, Words
   of Wisdon, for the last year. However, they decided to
   pull it because they’re getting too much heat.

   It you’re down with social justice, then consider the
   critical nature of this peice and what it really means
   to the integrity of reggae music, because the truth is
   not an offense, simply REAL. I only spoke what
   numerous others were thinking, so why should I be
   censored for telling the truth?

   Peace & Blessings,
   Sufia Giza, M.A.

   MATISYA WHO???
   By Sufia Giza

   Is that some new clone of a Yahoo Search Engine or
   something? That was my first thought when I heard the
   name, Matisyahu. Instead, he’s supposed to be the “New
   Bob Marley”. As if that were even possible. But, if it
   was possible to have a “New Bob Marley”, he’s got five
   of his own youth, Damien, Julian, Kimani, Stephen and
   Ziggy standing in the wings who are all much more
   qualified. Yet, Matisyahu is ‘the great white HOPE’ -
   NOPE! I don’t think so……..

   Well, here we go again as mainstream media
   propagandists, in particular, the L.A. Times, attempt
   to aid in the co-opting of Black music by christening
   a new Elvis for the world of reggae. Matisyahu, ‘the
   great white NOPE’. I’m offended that mainstream media
   continually disses Black/African people, so that’s why
   I’ve been a Media Activist for the last 11 years,
   presenting more accurate portrayals of African and
   African Descendant people & Culture and lifting my
   voice for the masses of voiceless others I represent.
   So I must express maSELF in this matter, in response
   to the L.A. Times declaring that “Matisyahu went up
   against the Gray Beards of Reggae and knocked them
   dead.” That’s only if you’re a “bald head” or a Dead
   Head, as in Grateful Dead. Not only is that untrue,
   it’s disrespectful.

   In fact, there’s no comparison between him and the
   Legends, such as Ras Michael, The Wailers, Freddie Mac
   Gregor or Misty In Roots that he shared the stage with
   at the 25th Annual Ragga Muffins Festival in Long
   Beach, CA., Sunday, February 19,t,h 2006. Yet the L.A.
   Times would have you believe that he’s the best thing
   since sliced bread. For one, he’s new on the scene and
   relatively unknown amongst the majority of reggae
   heads I spoke to, most of whom were musicians and
   longtime reggae music lovers. The consensus was that
   most had never even heard of him and then when they
   saw his act, they weren’t impressed. As a matter of
   fact, in terms of his performance, I wasn’t that
   impressed either. No real IRIE VIBES. No signature
   drum n’ bass, but more like Rock n Roll musicians
   trying to play Reggae music. Ya see, they know enough
   of the rhetoric, are able to copy the rhythm, can
   mimic the movements and imitate the emotion, but it’s
   the passion that’s missin’. I ain’t knockin’ him, I
   just don’t get it… In addition, he refused to do the
   Press Conference prior to the show and didn’t consent
   to interviews. So I’m questioning both his credibility
   and longevity. I mean, will he really be around in a
   couple of years or is he just a flash in the pan? In
   terms of the show he put on, with all the hoopin’,
   hollerin’ and jumpin’ around, his words were not
   audible, so you couldn’t make out what he was actually
   sayin’ most of the time. And again, the tinges of Rock
   & Roll would come out from time to time. Most of the
   time it was more like HIP HOP/Pop with his Beat Box
   acoustic sound effects, which for a dancehall crowd
   works, but not when it comes to “Real ROOTS Reggae”.

   In contrast, real ROOTS Artists had their shows cut
   short, like Dezerie and Misty In Roots, whom unlike
   Matisyahu were audible, energized and also had the
   crowd mesmerized. Just when we were primed and ready
   for more their sets were abruptly interrupted . When
   the vibes were HIGH and the audience was waiting for
   more message music, it stopped. Wat a Gwan Wit Dat?
   Many have been waiting 20-25 years to see Misty In
   Roots, who came all the way from England, even with
   horns this year to do 5 songs. That’s a shameful
   disappointment to slight foundation sounds for
   Matisyahu to play well over an hour. Back in the day,
   the word was the Misty never wanted to come to Babylon
   West to play in the States, so I wouldn’t be surprised
   if it’ll take another 20 years for them to return here
   to receive such dis-RASpect again.

   Younger artist like, Dezerie and Anthony B gave
   stellar performances as well. For Dezerie it was her
   first time gracing the stage at the Long Beach Arena
   and she didn’t disappoint those of us who’ve listened
   to her music for years now. She is part of a strong
   core of ROOTS music coming out of St. Croix in the
   Virgin Islands, and like MIDNITE who preformed at the
   Ragga Muffins Fest the last two years, Dezerie brought
   Rastafari’s message of Spirituality, Unity & Black
   Liberation straight to the people. She’s dynamic, soft
   spoken, yet powerful. This young LIONESS was full of
   presence. With intelligent lyrics and the driving
   force of the St. Croix Roots style band, she was just
   beginning to bubble on stage when it came to an end.
   And yes, these weren’t the only artists to have their
   sets cut short, so I’m not slighting anyone. I feel it
   just needs to be more equitable in terms of Roots &
   whatever…

   No disrespect, but who is Matisyahu? He’s a Hasidic
   Jewish guy from Brooklyn that the media calls the “New
   Bob Marley”. No disrespect, but there’s only ONE Bob
   Marley. In reality, he’s a former Acid dropping
   Hippie, who was initiated into Orthodox Jewish faith
   only four years ago. Where did he cut his teeth on
   reggae music? Where did he pay his ROOTS dues? Did he
   ever attend the school of hard knocks? Is it the
   Datas & Sons of Zion or the Dollars and sons of
   Zionists we praise? Praise H. I. M. - right???
   Rememba!

   After all, this is not simply an art form, but it’s
   our CULTURE and talent should stand out, not the
   Sterling… Many of our Foundation Artists that the
   L.A. Times so callously called, “Gray Beards”
   struggled years and paid blood dues to make Reggae
   Music what it is today and they deserve much more
   RASpect than they’ve been given in the paragraph they
   were granted by the L.A. Times article about the
   concert. But then again, what can we expect from
   mainstream publications? That’s why alternative press
   is critical in writing about our own reality, for the
   truth is not an offense, simply REAL.

   It’s in our African tradition to honour our Griots and
   Elders who’s prophetic words of wisdom guide our way
   through this wilderness as we trod along. Believe me
   when I say, their message and music is here to stay,
   ya hear? And no up in coming, still wet behind the
   ears “Culture Bandit” is going to steal our musical
   legacy. There’s only ONE Robert Nesta Marley and Elvis
   left the building long time ago. There is no great
   white hope. Elvis is DEAD!
   Aluta Continua/The Struggle Continues!!!!……
   JAH Rastafari!!!!

   To contact Sufia Giza send inquiries to:
   hetepu2@sankofatimes.com
2. 

   route66 said on Sunday, March 5, 2006, 9:43

   I have no problem with your criticism of Matisyahu’s music. It’s when you make your self-righteous personal attacks on him and his faith that you lose any credibility. So what if he doesn’t appeal to the hardcore reggae audience? Music is all about the freedom to mix styles and experiment with different instruments and sounds.

   If Rastafarians can go up on stage and quote scripture, then why can’t this guy?

   You seem to be suffering from your own true-believer syndrome. You can’t own a culture. Great white hope? Sons of Zionists? You come across as both anti-white and anti-semitic. Despite claims to contrary, you are disrespectful.
3. 

   Joe Crawford said on Sunday, March 5, 2006, 13:22

   So much sturm and drang about a reggae artist. It’s difficult to stomach such self-righteousness, but I thank you Sufia for sharing your opinion.

   I will say that I think the staying power of an artist is not for anyone to judge, particularly when it comes with criticisms about the artists race and religion. That just seems rude, and not in synchrony with the idea of “one love.”
4. 

   Benjamin said on Sunday, November 18, 2007, 9:21

   So when people of West African descent, born in Jamaica, wear and use Stars of David,a Jewish symbol, is that culture theft?
5. 

   A.D. said on Saturday, January 5, 2008, 18:10

   Queen Sufia Giza is 100% Right & Exact about the Cultural theft and banditry of 1 Mathew Miller aka Matisyahu. Not only do So-called Ashkanazi Jews perpetually perpetrate the fraud
   of stealing the Birthright & Identity of the real African Hebrew-Israelites, but have claimed that the greatest Crimes of all time were commited against them(So-called Jews) as well. Therefore stealing away sympathy for the African Holocaust.
   So it should be no surprise that a white jew would sing hip hop and reggae, disregarding the original message and barely giving any credit of his inspiration to any reggae artists(other than bob marley). I refuse to pay $50 to see a half hearted performance by jam band junkie singing about his people being the chosen of god and in slavery for 400 years under Egyptians. Then again, if he told the truth he wouldn’t be the go-to name in reggae for Mainstream White America, would he?

   oh and yes I’m an American White Male who loves myself because I don’t fear the truth.
   P.E.A.C.E.
6. 

   Comment on Reggae by A.D. said on Monday, January 7, 2008, 4:34

   [...] Comment on Reggae by A.D. …hop and reggae, disregarding the original message and barely giving any credit of his inspiration to any reggae artists(other than bob marley). [...]
7. 

   Comment on Reggae by Comment on Reggae by A.D. said on Monday, January 7, 2008, 9:39

   [...] Comment on Reggae by Comment on Reggae by A.D. …and reggae, disregarding the original message and barely giving any credit of his inspiration to any reggae artists(other than bob marley). [...]
8. 

   Comment on Reggae by Comment on Reggae by Comment on Reggae by A.D. said on Monday, January 7, 2008, 11:51

   [...] Comment on Reggae by Comment on Reggae by Comment on Reggae by A.D. …and reggae, disregarding the original message and barely giving any credit of his inspiration to any reggae artists(other than bob marley). [...]
9. 

   Comment on Reggae by Comment on Reggae by Comment on Reggae by… said on Monday, January 7, 2008, 13:46

   [...] Comment on Reggae by Comment on Reggae by Comment on Reggae by… …and reggae, disregarding the original message and barely giving any credit of his inspiration to any reggae artists(other than bob marley). [...]
10. 

    Comment on Reggae by Comment on Reggae by Comment on Reggae by said on Tuesday, January 8, 2008, 1:45

    [...] Comment on Reggae by Comment on Reggae by Comment on Reggae by …and reggae, disregarding the original message and barely giving any credit of his inspiration to any reggae artists(other than bob marley). [...]
11. 

    laptop battery said on Friday, August 29, 2008, 3:46

    So much sturm and drang about a reggae artist. It’s difficult to stomach such self-righteousness, but I thank you Sufia for sharing your opinion.

    I will say that I think the staying power of an artist is not for anyone to judge, particularly when it comes with criticisms about the artists race and religion. That just seems rude, and not in synchrony with the idea of “one love.”