“Commissioner”
city – it was tough. I grew up
with a single mother and my
brother. I like to say that music
saved my life. I don’t know
where or what I would have
been without music. It was
a different era back then but
we managed to stay alive and
away from things that will
otherwise jeopardize our lives.
God has been a factor for our
survival.
CLS: You have produced some
back – to – back Grammy
awarding winning albums, how
did that happen?
CG: I think it’s a combination
of things. But I will like to
think that it’s through the
grace of God. My journey
led me to meet really special
people. These were very
talented people. I met KRS-One
and through him I met Wyclef
Jean and through Wyclef I
met Lauryn – through Lauryn
I met the Marleys and a host of
other great people, you know
what I mean? Being fortunate
to be around talented people
brings out the best in you
and everyone associated to a
particular project.
CLS: What sort of person was
Lauryn Hill, working with her
back then?
CG: Unbelievable! She’s the
sort of person who had ideas
flying out of her constantly.
CLS: Was she your favourite
artiste?
CG: I wouldn’t say she’s
my favourite because each
51 | Colossium . September 2019
person I’ve worked with had
something special about him
or her. They’re all favourites
for different things.
CLS: At what point in your
career did you feel like you
were in the wrong space?
CG: Listen, I quit music 3 times.
But each time I walk out, I find
myself back in again. Each
time I fall it’s more than the
first one because the input was
more than the previous one.
Each time I fell and got hurt
from falling, I learn something
valuable. I think there’s a
point where you have to be
realistic so you avoid going in
circles. I couldn’t get the height
without taking the hit; I had
to be able to handle both. The
same thing goes for you, the
more your challenge is going
to be there the bigger your
reward – like Bob said “the
harder the battle the sweeter
the victory”.
CLS: Did you ever work with
Bob Marley?
CG: No, I missed that. I was
too young. He was gone by
the time I started doing
music. But working with
Stephen felt like working
with Bob Marley.
CLS: I have always
thought he holds his
father’s mantle.
CG: Who Stephen?
CLS: Yes.
CG: The ‘wickedest
man’. I’m giving you
an exclusive.
“I like
Shatta
Wale too.
Fela was
like James
Brown
and
Sarkodie
can
flow.”