« Trinidad Carnival dubbed, 'The Greatest Show on Earth' | Main | Watch highlights from Sting 2006 »
January 13, 2007
Ky-Mani Marley - "I am not my father"
By: Shilo Evans
"Every man has a right to decide his, own destiny."
Shilo
Who is Ky-Mani Marley?
Ky-Mani
Ky-Mani is Ky-Mani. I am not my father. I am a product of my father, but I can only be me. I can only do what I can do. My way. Sometimes I feel as if I am misunderstood. I feel like people are judging me. I have a certain current in me I have to pull out. I might get distracted at times, but we all live and learn. I love music...I love to create music. Not just Hip-Hop and Reggae. Music! Whatever I do will be real. I only sing and write about what I know. I am a free spirit. Real yute. Like my father, I love people and care about people...humanity.
My aim, apart from the music...is the humanitarian work I want to do. In '07 everything will be set. I have to work hard and build a structure. I want to build a music school for the youths in Ethiopia. Start there and move through the entire continent. Some people say they are going back to Africa as a conversation piece. I am going! No doubt about it. I am setting my foundation this year. Just like I didn't decide to start singing or acting, I sing and act because it's a calling. Going back to Africa for me is also a calling.
"Tell the children the truth." - Bob Marley
Shilo
I have personally felt that some people in society have never given the Marley brothers the credit they deserve. Every time they get an award you hear, 'it's because of the Marley name.' Well, yu done know I have to ask you how you feel about that.
Ky-Mani
Once again, people who say my brothers only receive certain things because of our father is bad-minded. The music speaks for itself. If your father work so hard and pass on a legacy, you are still a product of that man. You possess the same DNA...at some point your behavior and your way of thinking is going to be just like his. Take for instance Damian's album [Welcome To Jamrock]...listen carefully to the album and be honest. The album was very well constructed. Listen to the vocals and the lyrics. He deserved all the accolades.
Stephen's album is also complete and will be out soon. The entire album is very well put together. Lyrical content and production. Well put together. Let's wait to hear what will be said about it.
I had so much to ask Ky-Mani, the conversation was all over the place at times. There is so much going on within the music, I had to bring certain aspects of it up.
As usual...Bounty and Beenie always comes up...
Ky-Mani
The war between Beenie Man and Bounty Killer seems like it's been going on forever. It's time for it to end now. I respect them both. Bounty mi love yu. Beenie mi love yu, but it's 2007 now...cut it out.
Shilo
Who are some of the reggae/dancehall artists [besides your family] you listen to at times?
Ky-Mani
I listen to artists like Sizzla, Cobra, Spragga Benz, Morgan Heritage, Gyptian, Turbulence, I Wayne, Tanya Stephens, Buju Banton and many more. I just love good music. I also like the realness in Tanya Stephens a lot.
Shilo
Back in the days Patra, Shabba Ranks, Ky-Mani Marley and Mad Cobra at Shang. How was that experience?
Ky-Mani
Being at Shang was a strong point.
Specialist taught me a lot. He taught me some of the intricate details of the business. He [Specialist] jump started my career, and I give him thanks and props for that.
Shilo
You are extremely personable and talented Mr Marley. Your fans would love to know what we can expect from you in the near future. In other words...wha yu up to?
Ky-Mani
I'm getting ready to drop my third album. It's a Ky-Mani album. Everything about it is influenced by the root of it all. I have been waiting to express myself. This album will be a full expression of me. In the past others somewhat dictated the pace. This time it's all me. My brother Stephen will be producing this album as well. You can expect it to be timeless.
I am currently working on a [music] project with R&B artist Maya, so the fans can stay tuned for that. Also, besides us getting ready to film the sequel to 'Shottas', I am going to be playing lead in another movie, which at this time I am not at liberty to divulge too much about. I love acting, but music is my passion. I am that person who is always looking to test my limits. Acting comes naturally to me.
'Shottas' allowed me to express myself.
2007 is the year of surprises. I have a lot coming. I am coming for them...I love my fans bad!!!