Women in Reggae

26 October 07

Welcome to The Pier's 'Ask Weege' column. Every week the 880 South's front man and music scene veteran will be answering questions and providing tips for up-and-coming bands and musicians.

'Mr. Weege, First off! Congrats on the newborn. They truly are a gift from above. I loved your article on groupies. It's refreshing to see an honest male perspective that isn't all testosterone and subjective to standards. Most importantly I love your band as do a lot of my friends.

I've been playing guitar for about 5 or 6 years now. Trying to get into the reggae/rock scene with a few of my friends. I sing a bit, write a lot, mostly poetry and hip hop conscious lyrics.

I'm curious what your perception is of women in traditional reggae in a artistic aspect? I guess I mean what do you think they do for the scene? Plus how do you perceive them in the modern day reggae/rock scene? What can women do to encourage this scene to be a little more than just they typical party and pot smoking theme? Not that I dislike either of those things.

I guess I had a few questions. Come to Dago!

Jayla from San Diego, CA

Weege: Jayla, Love the name. Is it a nickname? Just curious. I hear your demands and we're coming to San Diego in April. Sorry it's taking so long. If an opportunity comes up then we'll book a show sooner. Also thanks on the congrats. Kids rule!

The groupies article was very hard for me to write. I didn't want to sound wishy washy or uncertain of myself. So I just wrote what I thought and did a light spell check. It was tough, but I think it needed to be said. I really get tired of stereotypes in this industry.

Ok...so now for your questions.

I'd like to start by saying I'm glad you asked this question and I'm thoroughly impressed that there are women who care about this scene now.

For years I've always felt women in reggae haven't made a big enough impact. Why is that? Lots of reasons. There just aren't enough artists to pick from to begin with. Then I think of Lady Saw, Sister Carol, Sister Nancy and a few other artists come to mind. I do love their music, but what did it offer to the reggae movement? It's definitely the planted seed for something in the future. I do enjoy their sound but I wonder why it never reached a larger audience in the United States?

Of course you can refer to Rita Marley. She's obviously got a good experience in her wake and has had a few solid releases in the past; I Wanna get High (you know where Cypress Hill stole that hook from right?). Take a look at this Top 100 Greatest Reggae Artist List (Click Me). Rita Marley is 74 & Lady Saw (mispelled as Shaw) is 100. Marcia Griffiths of course has to be mentioned here at 25. Not bad for having one hit, but hey it was the 70's. It was all about the one hit.

The obvious modern day connection is Gwen Stefani. She started out doing ska/funk, experimented with reggae and dub in No Doubt and then moved into the pop scene. I don't hate her for it. She expanded on her influences. Artists need to grow. Is she really a "reggae/rock" artist? I think she's more of a pop/alternative artist. Still to call anyone reggae/rock or I've even heard reggae/dub or reggae/ska. I'm not even sure any of these are a genre yet. Maybe a sub-genre.

If you asked a radio station programmer they would say, 'this is alternative.' Same goes for Sublime and 311, even though we may feel they are more than that. That is how it is looked at by the general public. The facts are this: the fans are titling these genres and that's why our scene is so strong now.

So then I thought a lot of Lauryn Hill's live performances. Back in the 90s I saw her live and she truly brought a reggae vibe to her hip hop/pop culture. Still she's not quite "reggae/rock" either. She's hip hop. Did anyone catch that disgusting display of embarrassment when Paris Hilton did a reggae song? That was seriously awful. I hate to hate. It ain’t right, but c'mon now lady.

So is that it? I mean who else has come around? Why hasn't this emerged. I remember India Irie (if I spelled that right) did some reggae influenced acoustic stuff. I can dig that. I'm sure there are a few artists who experimented with a reggae sound. I know Sean Paul and Beenie Man like to bring in a few Jamaican DJs/MCs who are female like Sasha. That's more of a dancehall rhythm though. It's still just a cameo and most of the time the music & lyrics are already written.

Still...who is the next feminine icon in reggae? What will she offer? Can women only write about sensual, sensitive subjects? Can they offer more than that? I think so. I think someone is out there with the knack for our style and even yourself being influenced is a great step for the reggae/rock scene. It's also a great step for women.

For years I've wanted to start this kind of band. Just as a fun side project and maybe evolve into something else. Give me a chance to develop my songwriting & guitar playing. That way I can just play some git and back-up vocals. Still considering doing this someday down the road. Just need to find the write singer/artist to write with.

The problem is pretty simple. The diva-factor as I call it can be poison. Most of the time it's not the fault of the artist, it's the philosophy of the music business. The fans, the labels, the magazines and the surrounds can easily spoil an artist.

I definitely don't feel like someone like Gwen Stefani doing this. Even though they depicted it in a music video. I don't think her doing a solo career is turning her back on her band. When in fact that band is still together. Every individual has the right to experiment and do things on their own. As long as you keep your commitments to the music/group that got you where you are today. Loyalty is a lost luxury in the music business. Some people still practice it.

There are some upcoming artists like Afro Omega that peak my interest. Definitely bringing a new fresh twist to the dub sound. Their front-woman definitely has a unique voice. It reminds me of an old jazz recording. Scratchy but sexy and cool. I believe this band recently changed it's name to One Punch for those who are looking. The name Afro Omega confused me at first and instantly reminded me of the popular reggae male/female duo Alpha & Omega.

I am hearing a lot of reggae influence in Hip Hop/Pop the last few years. This guy Akon and Buju Banton's nephew Sean Kingston definitely have some reggae influences. Still it's not quite what we're after. Here I go again drifting from subject to subject. I mean I think there is the chance of a great reggae artist emerging in the feminine category. I mean look at Rhianna, literally...she's beautiful. But yeah she is from Barbados and she's definitely a "pop" artist, but she doesn't stray far from the reggae/dancehall sound in her early recordings.

Personally I would love to hear a dubbed out version of Amy Winehouse. Throw her in the studio with Sly & Robbie. That girl has it goin on. I just wanna see her healthy again. Christina Aguilera would be bad ass in dub too. I don't care how much heat I get. I hear a good voice and I wanna see amazing shit done with it. I'm all about stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. I think all artists should think that way.

So let's get back to it. The bottom line is that even though it hasn't been a huge movement just yet for women. The small steps that proceed are very important. There are seeds planted and PLENTY of room to grow. So any of you ladies with singing pipes and a pipe dream I suggest you start looking through your reggae collection.

This is an industry that is always looking for something unique. If you're out there trying to be the next Gwen, Shakira or Beyonce. That makes you and thousands of other girls with the same dream. I look forward to the next iconic female reggae artist. I hope she is one that makes great changes in music and the world we live in.

That's it. I'm going to search for that woman and start a recording project.

P.S. Sorry if I sound lame, but is Dago San Diego I'm assuming?

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