Shreya Bose
Could you tell us a bit about your interest in and eventual adaptation of reggae as the genre of choice?
Reggae became my interest in 1990 / 91 when I was actually 12 years old. I never knew the genre of the music I liked was called Reggae. I was fascinated with the way the music sounds, the vocal interpretation of the many artiste I grew up too as well as the colours( red yellow green) and the symbolic lion that I noticed on many art work of various artiste. I picked up the interest of this genre when I first discovered Dr. Alban and Apache Indian. It was a magical time in the 90s exploring different interest without the interference of technology, but just you and your cassettes and sony Walkman. I was fascinated with the genre for many reasons and as years passed my collection of cassettes increased and when I had money, I invested in CDs. I became a serious Reggae Listener and I started picking up Pattwa and it lead me to writing my own rhymes. Eventually in time I noticed, that was a simple interest it lead me to becoming a Professional DJ and Recording artiste when I was in University pursuing my Degree in Manufacturing Engineering. When I look back in time, I feel me and Reggae found each other and that we were meant to meet and the genre today has treated me well with so many opportunities.
How did the title of Reggae Ambassador Asia come about?
As I was pursuing my career as a Recording artiste after the success of my first album in 2001, I discovered Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide online. A global Reggae Networking Platform mentored by Ian Lewis of Internationally renowned band Inner Circle. It was a huge platform hosting Reggae musicians, artiste and fans from around the world. During that time I found a section when artiste of any origin could get initiated as ambassadors if there were the only one that represents the genre outside the United States and Jamaica. It caught my interest, that is when I wrote to the Body and I connected with Ian Lewis who very much interested as I came from Asia being the first to connect with the organization at that point of time as most ambassadors came from Africa and
Europe.
I had to justify my talent and interest and had to submit my content and had phone interviews with the organization. After several months I remember I was initiated, its no joke as the organization was represented by pioneers and advocates of Reggae Music.
Of all your collaborations, which would you say you are most proud of? Or, which has been the most creatively fulfilling?
Of all my Collaborations the one with Dr. Alban is definitely the one that I am most proud of. This Is because the first cassette that I picked up in my life made every point in my life to where I got. Dr. Alban’ s music influenced me, his songs and lyrics helped me discover the world we live in today. I am definitely who I am because of his songs. So when I had the opportunity to word with him, I realized that it’ s a something that I least expected. But when I had the opportunity, I called the song“ Music in Me” cause its actual fact. Its cause of Dr. Alban I have the Music In Me today. An working on the song at his studio in Stockholm, Sweden with some of the best producers and musicians made me feel Fantabulous and the Experience was so fulfilling.
When did you start envisioning Hello India? What made you go on that thematic path?
It all Started when I first met Universal Music India in 2011. They were excited about my music and welcomed me instantly to release some of my existing music with them. When they showed interest, I told them that I have to go back home to Malaysia and play this well. I knew I had to break the ice with India and I had to do it from my heart, and will have to somehow say hello to all the people that I meet in India is this was to happen so why don’ t I do a song about Hello … and that is where the birth of Hello India came about. It was a good idea to me as I had the opportunity to break the ice with everyone and anyone who has listened to the song in India.
Before Hello India, have Indian cultural influences ever affected your work?
Of course, there is a strong Indian influence in all my work. I am Indian myself. And being an Indian Reggae artiste, the involvement of Indian Sounds and Classical influence is strongly associated in most of my songs. This is because, I believe that to be original in my work I need to somehow associate my roots in it.
Do you feel optimistic about your reception in India?
Yes I do. I believe the world is unique. They come together for some of the most beautiful reasons and sports and music is definitely the biggest platform in uniting people and bridging differences. I would be in India today if my great grandfather did not leave India. But would I been a reggae artiste if I was born in India is a whole different matter. But today … I believe being Indian from anywhere in this world- there is always a Universal Home and that’ s India, and I have come back home. So I do believe that, by being real and being one of everyone will surely allow others to understand who Sasi The Don is and why is he here.
Could you tell us about some of the imagery and ideas that are recurrent in your music? As in, do you have concepts and ideas that you are especially committed to?
Well most of my ideas come from Music I listen to. The old ones and from the new artiste. I listen to all sorts of music and that makes an explorer in this industry. I am not committed to any ideas or concepts as I am fickle and things change all the time. I just believe in making music that will bring happiness to those who listen to it.
Who would you credit as your musical influences?
Dr. Alban, Apache Indian, Shaggy, Diana King, Damian Marley
Could we have a message for the readers of The Score Magazine?
Anticipate what your Indian brothers and sisters outside India is doing. Cause at the end of the day, we all belong to the same motherland and music bridges differences and unites us.
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