In conversation with Dwayne "Danglin" Anglin and The Wailers! 

We managed to catch up with Dwayne "Danglin" Anglin, lead singer of The Wailers just before he got onstage in Sri Lanka and spoke to him about his musical journey, Bob Marley and positivity.

How did you come to be the lead singer of The Wailers?

I started singing with The Wailers in 2010 and at the time I was recording my solo project in Jamaica, but through inquiries and recommendations they asked me to come and audition for them and then when they were happy with what they heard we started jamming together to create something beautiful.

As the lead singer of the band that was once fronted by Bob Marley, what was it like filling his shoes and what does it feel like singing his songs which you grew upto?

It’s truly an honor and a privilege; there is no replicating and duplicating who he was and who he is. My job is to spread the message of music and Rastafari in a positive way to the people that need it and enjoy it. My responsibility is to stay sincere and not in any way try to fill Mr. Marley’s shoes because at the end of the day, he is the prophet, king and pioneer of reggae music.

When Bob died, what was the band’s stance on spreading the good vibrations and keeping the legend alive?

First they had to understand that music and the message is bigger than any one individual. Bob Marley was a great prophet so Aston “Family Man” Barrett decided to take it on him to pass on the message and the cause. Bob Marley is still here with us in his music, but more importantly through his message and his prophecies.

Has the band told you what it was like getting onstage for the first time since his death?

Well every band is going to miss their leader once something like this happens, but the great thing is to continue to spread the message and let the almighty lead the way.

What has been your favourite place to perform in?

Well all over the world, but I’m African so I guess going back to Africa was significant for me. But honestly if people love the music and want to hear it then I’d love to go there.

In addition to Bob Marley, any other musical influences?

Jah man, from rock and roll to rhythm and blues, Michael Jackson, Rolling Stones, Led  Zeppelin, Nat King Cole and so many others.  Music is universal, so if you love music you love all music.

Any favourite albums from The Wailers or other artistes?

To be honest I love all The Wailers’ albums, it's important to do that. Simply because it's from a different era and speaks of things of what the band and Bob was going through at the time. Each album represents where his mind set was and where his maturity was.  As for other artistes there are so many great albums out there.

What is your favourite Marley Song?

That’s one of those questions that you can’t really answer.

What is the message you spread with your music?

It’s all about the positive vibration, every positive action begins with a positive thought and if we don’t focus on the negative your outcome will be positive and that is what the music is about.

What would you think about Asia’s response to your music?

It has been amazing, it’s sad that we don’t get to come here as often as we would like to. I’ve been with the band for 5 years and this is my first time in Sri Lanka, but in all honesty we would like to come more often.

Did you know that Sri Lanka had a huge Bob Marley following?

Around the globe rastha music, reggae music and Marley music has been widely accepted. Especially in places where there is poverty and history states that Sri Lanka has African influence so it’s truly inspiring to know that this kind of music has reached these isles.

Do you see any similarity between Sri Lankan and Jamaican culture?

Jah man! It’s like a home away from home! The environment is the same, we are all just one people separated by water.

What message would you like to give young people who are pursuing a career in music?

Just respect the art, don’t look at the result, and look at the journey. Be it rock, reggae, hip hop or any other genre, a lot of people had to struggle to make the genre big so respect that and stay true to yourselves, find a mission and purpose and don’t forget to spread the positivity.

Interviewed by Reihan Stephen
Photographs by Kushan Pathiraja