Luciano: MAKING A JOYFUL NOISE

Observer Reporter
Friday, February 13, 2004

Luciano

Luciano speaks for the first time about the incidents at Rebel Salute and gives his take on the development of dancehall in a thought-provoking interview with Observer writer C Danielle McNish.

With the speed at which time flies nowadays, one could easily classify Reggae singer and musician, Luciano, as a veteran in the Jamaican music business.

Born in 1964, Luciano's professional music career came to full fruition in the mid-1990s with album releases Where There Is Life (1994) and Messenger (1997), which were both critical and international successes. Both asserted and professed his unique brand of roots reggae with lyrics heavily inspired by the message of Rastafari. He continued in the same vein with the release on his independent company and label, Messenjah and Qabalah Music, Sweep Over My Soul (1999).

Since then, Luciano's music has seemingly taken a more meditative and spiritually motivational turn - something he has come under some criticism for. This is exampled in his 2001 independent production, A New Day, distributed by VP Records and which earned him a Grammy nomination in 2002.

"Music is a vehicle for growth; music is a university and an expression. I have grown verbally and spiritually and so has my music and I believe that the people want to see this expression of growth and versatility."

He exposed his mystique as a man of the hills. "I am a man of the hills. I was born in the hills of Davyton, Manchester and I have a spiritual connection to that space. I used to tie out goats and be surrounded by trees, so for me the hills give me solace, no matter where I am."

Luciano shares an affinity to the Niabinghi order of Rastafarian faith and excludes himself from the 'fire bun' Rastas.

"I just come from St Vincent and I see that the youth are in confusion - they are talking about "fire bun Bible. My mission is a messenger of righteousness and spiritual enlightenment. I grew up in the church. My father was a carpenter and a strict Adventist. I used to travel around the country singing as a member in the church choir. The Bible is the greatest guiding light - it enables us to bask in the glory and fruits of God's creations and gives us spiritual upliftment," the man known as the "Messenjah" said.

Luciano is not one to mince his words especially on the question of the 'Blessed Sacrament' of his order, marijuana.

"Herb and music are inseparable," he responded, when questioned about his views of Tony Rebel's stance on the provision of marijuana at this past Rebel Salute. "Herb is a medicine. I am not against Tony Rebel's stance, I feel that what he is trying to promote is tolerance and what he is banning is outrageous behaviour. Herb is for spiritual sacrament but like everything else, it should be used in moderation. I sing a song, Legalise It and my role as a messenger of righteousness allows me to be mindful and sensitive of other people. Although I may not agree with their views, I must be considerate and take care not to offend anyone."

He deems the behavior of Sizzla and Capleton at Rebel Salute as 'ego tripping'.

"These brothers are expected to be conscious but they are not being conscious. How can you be talking about Jah an' den sing about 'tek off drawers' and filthy words in the same breath?" He then reaches for his Bible to quote James, chapter 3, highlighting verses 10 and 11.Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessings and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not be so. Doth a fountain send forth at the same time sweet water and bitter?

"They must use their gift for the people - they should not profess righteousness and do otherwise. If a man mout' dutty he is apparently not sent by God to do his work," Luciano said.

Commenting on the overall development of dancehall, Luciano stated emphatically that the genre had lost its way and was badly in need of redirection.

"The direction of dancehall has gone astray. Dancehall is coming from the humble rhumba box, the grater and the bamboo pipe, but this generation has gone astray and so has the music. It is a reflection of the minds of the people. It is an arena for 'bling, bling'; where people come to show off clothes, vehicles, pretty chain and woman. It is now a power struggle for supremacy and dominance. Dancehall has lost focus of the purpose of music and they themselves [dancehall artistes] have lost focus of who they are in creation."

He remains inspired and continues to write and play music. He cites His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I, Marcus Garvey, Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Louise Bennett, Stevie Wonder and Senegalese singer Baaba Maal as major influences on his music and his message.

The messenger states that for him, "his work is spiritual and the stage is an altar". So much so that he is in discord with the presence of advertising banners on the stage.

"The stage should not be seen as a commercial means - it is neutral ground between the people and the music, not an advertising platform. However, I do respect and understand the purpose and importance of business groups and sponsors to the music industry, therefore, we should try to come to a compromise and make our efforts mutual," he said.

Recently, Luciano departed the island and is doing a series of shows to promote his latest album, Serve Jah, in parts of North America. He will return to the island on February 24 to make his major engagement, as the scheduled headlining act at Stone's Ginger Wine's Rock Away, slated to take place on February 28, at the scenic Norbrook Mountain in Stony Hill.

"I was at the last Rock Away party and I enjoyed myself - it has a nice vibe", says the messenger, who likens the venue to "a tropical garden because of the hills and the river".

He will be joined by Original Studio One rhythm section, Soul Vendors, Jack Radics, Mikey General and Jahmel.

He encourages people to "come out and full-joy themselves. It's about being joyful of life - it's a righteous celebration of life and health."

And his thoughts on performing at a party - "I sing at funerals and weddings - wherever the people are, once they acknowledge life because where there is life, there is always a messenger."