My support for 2face’s protest was because of hungry masses —Black Rice

Black Rasta Rice is one of the famous Nigerian-born reggae stars of the Ja’Stix band. Often said to hail from the tribe of Issachar, but enjoys being called Asher, Black Rasta Rice was part of the earliest stock of Rastafarian group which involved Majek Fashek, Amos McRoy, now Pastor George Orwels and Ras Kimono. He was part of the Rootron movement who took reggae music on tour of Nigerian prisons in 1986. Black Rice released his first solo work entitled, “BlAq AtAq’ on Rootron label in 1995 with hit songs such as Jesus is a Rastaman, Nigerian-Kontrimi Love, Don’t Bleach, Tokunbo Cars, My Woman Marleen. The man in this in this interview shared reflections on the recent protest against the Federal Goverment, his current project and the Rastafarian movement with Newton-Ray Ukwuoma .

Do you still perform at concerts? 

I still perform all right but not as often as I used to do especially now that I am getting younger [smiles]. You know what I mean? Music is life for me and I have been doing this for decades. As I get older, no one needs to tell me to slow down. I still perform every now and then.

In spite of living abroad, you supported the planned nationwide protest. Why did you decide to lend your voice?

Yes, I support things that elevate the human race, things that pertain to people, the masses. That is my calling. I took special interest in the 2face inspired protest because I wanted it to cut across all spheres, I wanted to add more colour to it as well as encourage the participants. It was a significant moment in the history of our nation. The masses are suffering and they needed to voice their complaints to the government. So, I supported the initiative, though I could not be around physically.

What have you been up to lately?

Lately, I have been busy trying to make heaven. I have been asking the Holy Spirit to teach me the way. But as regards music, ‘Official Harassment’ is the new project I am working on. It is about the way our government officials steal. I am still cooking it. I hope to bring it out before the last quarter of the year. I am here on a mission to let Jah’s children know we are missionaries and not refugees or other names you want to believe in.

What is the link between you as a Rastasfarian and as a Christian?

I am a Rastaman. Rastafarinity is the foundation of any community. Rastafarinity is an inch away from Christianity because it is ancient. There is truth in that religion. I just preferred to see Jah through Rastafari spectacle. Yes, it is the mystical function of one’s heart in a plain word of being born again.

You are known as part of Ja’stix band. How has the experience been?

Ja’stix is for what it still is, an arm of Rootron, which is an acronym for Rainbow Organisation of the Rastafarians of Nations which is the Selassophical aspect of the movement which Ja’stix propelled through reggae music. We archived quite a feat during those trying times of the nation. Fela was released from prison because we took reggae to the prison. Mandela was also released after we helped raise fund for the Africa National Congress (ANC) party at the National Arts Theatre with the Mandators and others.

How easy was doing music then in Nigeria?

It’s never been easy. At that time, we were not afraid to experiment or to face confrontation with the law and the law officers. The difference now is the present-day youths are afraid to get hurt or being taken away from their comfort zones. In those days, we did not believe in failure because success comes through failure.

Why did you decide to be a musician or what led you to be a musician?

In those days, you dare not tell your parents about doing music when they want you to be a doctor or a lawyer, you know what I mean? But today, parents take their kids to watch musical performances. My decision to do music did not go down well with my father but when he finally realised the uphill battle he was facing with my decision, he advised me to join his cousin’s band, Sir Patrick Idahosa. That was not my kind of music and I didn’t join because midway you can be disjointed. The youth are making money enough from their present brand of music. The idea to them is to make money. And very few are making music that can stand the test of time. They are still selling because of the beats.

What is your take on musicians taking to drugs?

Yeah, musicians are always associated with sex, drugs/drinks and rock n roll. There is nothing anyone can do about it. It is not through pressure or other reason deduced by friends, families and fans. That’s one of the beauties of show-business. Experimentation is another factor not only with musicians. It is part of humanity. In the long run, it depends on the individual. Just know what is good for you and stay away from those things that you cannot handle.

Can we still have an enabling environment for the music industry?

The enabling environment cannot come on a platter of gold. We the people are already doing our best with the structure on the ground even better than what it was when I was growing up. Music has a way of aligning with those chosen to do it. Remember the king David? The youth are resilient; they are tailored ready for life. They must not give up or trade their ambition for less.