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20 Years after his first show in Beljam, Shabba Ranks returned to our country to play an exclusive show at the Reggae Geel Festival. The tent was very crowded on Friday night and Shabba did an energetic dancehall show. We hoped to get some more time with him, but we only got 5 minutes before the crew had to leave to the airport. This is what Shabba had to say.
We saw the videos of you returning to Jamaica after such a long time, how does it feel to be welcomed like a hero?
I'm not really a hero, heroes don't live long, heroes are dead. It's more of a progress, a love and a blessing from God almighty that is happening among the people. I just do good and live good and that's what I receive to, because I'm doing good and doing good music.
What do you think about the way dancehall evolved until what it is today?
Most of the artist have been going through a difficult moment, a difficult period. Most music goes through that, you know. But now, the music is strong, healthy and wealthy because the younger generation is still full force, ain't it?! You have a lot of young youths coming up that are very passionate about the music, it is alive and well! I'm really happy, look at what's happening in Beljam! Look on the stage, you've got 'nuff dancehall now. As long as Shabba is alive, dancehall is alive!
You've had a long career already, almost 30 years now, what is your most memorable moment?
The most memorable moment in my career was when I performed for Nelson Mandela. When he got released in South-Africa, out of captivity, he asked for me to perform for him and his people in Johannesburg. That is my biggest achievement, give thanks for life.
You have a big fan base in Europe, is there a reason why you don't perform often here?
Well, it's not like I don't perform. I was away for a while, taking care of my sons so they go properly to school, making sure my family life was solid, solid, SOLID. Now that is so solid, I'm back to do my music. The family life took me away from the music for a while, but now my family is so solid, tight, looking good, I'm back to music again.
We had some fuss in Europe concerning homophobic lyrics in dancehall, what do you think about that?
Right now, to each his own, and everyone lives their life like they want to live their life. But for a man like me, straightaway productivity…woman & pickney. And everyone who want to live another life, just go ahead and live your life.
Do you have a message for the fans in Europe?
For the fans in Europa, I want you to look up and listen. I've got an entertainment company, ERE. Irreplaceable! Emperor Ranks Entertainment! So you can all look up some material from ERE! Tweetybird me!