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Marcia, Marcia, Marcia... >> Reggae's first lady Marcia Griffiths talks about the power of the musical heartbeat
by SCOTT C
M: Jamaica has been in the news a lot recently. Does what goes on there politically have any effect on the music you're making now? MG: I have no idea what's been going on politically because I am hardly here. I know everything is upside down right now, but I don't know much about politics. I know the situation in Jamaica is grave--very, very bad. It's like nothing I have ever seen right now, really bad, y'know? M: So does that have any bearing on your music? MG: Baby, what we have to do is work harder. As musicians we have to work harder in trying to send a more positive message to the people. Singers and players of instruments are in a good position to communicate to people. So it is on our shoulders to make good music so we can uplift the people. Even the songs of Bob Marley to this day I see have uplifting effects on people who really listen to what he said. M: I noticed on Certified you have a lot of songs about love and relationships... MG: Well, love is the key. Love is the only power. We know that when love is generated throughout the world, that's all we need. Love is all we need is what the song says. M: Do you feel the same way about reggae music now as when you started out? MG: Sure, because I know reggae music is here for a purpose and I have seen it. Reggae music is undoubtedly the music that is chosen to bring people together. Whether or not you want to accept it, reggae music is the only music that is the heartbeat of the people. M: Do you think the role of a woman is different in reggae than that of a man? MG: Yes, because a man is easily accepted for whatever he does. Men usually see us for all of our favours, so therefore in the music, we are the mothers and the emotion and feelin' of reggae. M: I see you're still working with Sly and Robbie... MG: Oh yes, they're always my favourites and they're always makin' good music, so it's easy, y'know? But I like variety still, y'know? M: If there was one person you could work with in the industry, who would it be? MG: Well, Stevie Wonder is an artist that I've admired for years. I think he's a musical genius. I have done stuff that he has written, but it would be nice if he could write and produce some songs just for me (laughs). Yes, that would be very nice.
With Ken Boothe and John Holt at Solid Gold 2 at le Medley, Friday, September 3, 8pm, $25 |
From her days of singing and touring with Bob Marley, right up to her successful solo career, Marcia Griffiths has been making music for the people for over 25 years and loving every minute of it. Her latest album Certified is a testament to the power of love, something that this songstress feels very strongly about. I caught up with Marcia while she was in the studio with the legendary John Holt in Jamaica, working on something special.