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Julian Marley in conversation with Life Online...
Having witnessed Julian Marley performing live on the 6th of January at the Viharamahadevi amphitheatre, I was over the moon when I found out that I had to interview him the very next day. The concert itself was largely successful, leaving fans fully satisfied but still wanting more.
When I met him, he seemed to be fully relaxed and completely recovered from the exhilarating night before.
Here are some excerpts of the interesting chat I had with Julian Marley about life, music and his thoughts on Sri Lanka.
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His comments on the concert the night before were all positive.
“The concert was great, the people were great. So warm and loving. I’ve been here only for 2 days now and I feel already at home!”
I was curious to know how much of an influence his father, the great Bob Marley had on his music and what it was like growing up with such an iconic individual as a father figure.
“Growing up with a father that is a freedom fighter and a humanitarian is great, because you can see yourself doing the same work for the people and for yourself. It was a very good start for me. He’s my guidance, he’s my father.”
Growing up with reggae music, he also had quite a lot to say on the subject and its rich history.
“The main force of the music is social issues and the upliftment of the people, the mind, and the spirit. It might not be the million dollar make in music this very minute or second, but it’s pure music that talks of justice and equality and there is a lot of history in the music. There is just a lot of depth and richness to it.”
He also explained to me about the uniqueness of the genre of reggae in particular.
“It’s the special rhythm that people just love to get to. You just have to dance. Everyone loves to dance and the music makes you want to. It’s also the message which again is the main force of the music. Let’s say I sing a song and say you’re my friend. Let’s love and unite, talk and get together, cook something and share it. That’s such a powerful message as opposed to saying I’d eat all by myself. The music is organic, like the trees that grow and you can eat and nourish yourself from the music, spiritually and mentally.”
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All throughout our conversation it was clear how much of a philosophical foundation reggae music had and Julian did a great job of explaining to me what exactly those philosophical underpinnings were. It wasn’t just a job for him; it was clearly something more.
When I questioned him on what inspires such deep and profound music, he looked out of the window and pointed to the scene below. Mind you, we were on the 19th floor of the Hilton Hotel and sprawled below us was the bustling city of Colombo: the sea, people trying to escape the slight drizzle that had started, the evening traffic and the tall buildings surrounding them- it was truly an inspirational sight.
“Right now inspiration is outside the window, there is so much inspiration in everyday life. Inspiration is everything in life! Right now….the rain is falling, people are walking, and the cars are driving….that’s an inspiration for a song right here in Sri Lanka. Inspiration comes from the almighty. You could be somewhere and out of nowhere comes something. That’s true inspiration.”
At this point I asked him whether he was thinking of writing a song about Sri Lanka and he said,
“The reception has been warm and loving and there is so much inspiration here. I have a lot to say about Sri Lanka- a lot of good things…so sure...maybe I will!”
It would certainly be interesting if he actually does!
Since we have quite a large reggae fan base here in Sri Lanka, just like in almost every country around the world, I asked Julian about why reggae has the ability to bridge the gaps between cultures and nations so easily. His answer was an extremely thought provoking one.
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“Everywhere you go, you have the same struggle. People suffer every part of the earth. It just happens that when the people in Jamaica choose to write about their situation, people around the world can relate to it, because they face the same problems. We sing about what happens in life and uplifting yourself from the suffering. There are of course different flavours and sounds of reggae depending on which country you go to…but the message and the ideas don’t change. We sing for the people and music comes from the people.”
Being a successful Grammy nominated artiste in his own right, and along with the fame, fortune and success he has received, I wanted to know whether all of that came between his connections with the struggles of ordinary people. His answer was an adamant no!
“That would only happen if you’re a teenager who suddenly got a lot of money and fame and didn’t know how to handle it. No, not at this stage of the game, where you are balanced on the ground. What is money? Can it buy friends? If it comes in the way of the people then I’d rather be without it. Money is like this ash tray; you use it only when you need it. People on the other hand are living, they walk, and they breathe. Money just burns up and you’re done, but people remain. You shouldn’t let it get in the way of yourself. Money is to pay the bills and buy food or build hospitals where there aren’t any hospitals.”
That last comment was of course in reference to the many charity work his record label: The Ghetto Youth Foundation has been accomplishing. “We’ve been recently doing a lot of work in Jamaica Ethiopia and Goa. My father was a people’s person and our entire family is following that example.”
I realised that this was one artiste who actually had his heart in the right place. This was his advice to aspiring young artists.
“Love the music, live music and know your business too. You need the soul and the love for the music. Make sure you stay in school and learn what you have to learn, cos music is one thing and the business is another thing. You must know what’s right and be true to yourself. Practise hard. Live it, love it!”
It was an interview I thoroughly enjoyed, just as I enjoyed his concert. It was absolutely wonderful that he stopped by to spread his message of peace and love. He had nothing but the best to say about Sri Lanka and her people.
“I love Sri Lanka; there is a good vibration here. People here are so warm; you can feel the oneness and the positive vibration. It feels like home. What more could you ask for?”
Interview by Maleen Jayasuriya
Pics by Nisal Baduge
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