Humble reggae rumble

>> Michael Rose speaks for the massive

by SCOTT C

As former frontman for the legendary Black Uhuru, Michael Rose has seen his share of the reggae world, not to mention every corner of the globe. After signing with American record label Heartbeat a few years back, he's toured across Europe, the U.K. and North America. I spoke to Rose on the phone while he was on the road to Montreal for his upcoming show.



Mirror: Michael Rose, where are you?!

Michael Rose: I'm right at your doorstep Scott, an' it's cold man! We very close to the border right now, we just comin' over.

M: Yeah, well, it had to snow on the day you roll into town.

MR: Weren't we supposed to talk over the weekend, man?

M: Yeah man, but I wasn't given your cell number until today.

MR: No matter Scott! We talking now, right?

M: Yes sir. Do you find that a lot of people still believe you're part of Black Uhuru? I know you sing some of their songs (your songs) in your live show, but do people get it confused?

MR: I'm no longer in Black Uhuru, and I'm countin' on you to explain that to the confused people in your article, man. That is me too, but a different entity altogether Scott, understand?

M: I think so. Because a lot of your music speaks of revolution and taking things into your own hands, you've been branded as a rebel. Do you think the part of the rebel has become cliché even in reggae music?

MR: If they think that I am a rebel, then dem get tings wrong man. They're mixin' me up with Ducky Simpson from Uhuru again! (laughs) He's the one who's like that, not me.

M: Really?

MR: I'm always the humble one! I'm always the one who is cool, y'know? I make no quarrel and people always try to step on me. This is the truth. That is why I left the group because people were always trying to disrespect and abuse me.

M: Well, obviously you took things into your own hands...

MR: I call my own shots now, y'know what I mean?

M: My impression is that you feel quite strongly about the exploitation of artists.

MR: Artists get nothing! An' it's not me I'm talking about. Music allows me to speak for everyone. I don't think about myself. I think about the people. I see artists who do so much, and they haven't bought a house, or saved any money. They're having it very hard, ripped off and not paid for their work. So when I make a statement, I am speaking for the massive, if you understand me.

Michael Rose plays with U.K. Dub Tribe and Face-T at Rainbow-ites, Saturday, Dec. 9, 9pm, $18 in advance, $23 at the door