Sizzla Kalonji Interview.....   (By Natasha Von Castle / Reggae I-Tunes / L3 Magazine)

One of the most prolific entertainers of our times is Sizzla Kalonji. He is to us, what Moses was to the Israelites as he led them out of Israel, and into a new land. Of all the artists we have spoken to, Sizzla is one who stands out as being the most caring about his people. He will not utter words that will lead us astray. Instead, he gives us words of upliftment and joy, and wants to see the best for us at all times. It was a pleasure to sit and speak with him. After this read, we are sure you will agree.

Natasha: How did the rumour of being killed in a car crash begin?
SK: I couldn’t say. Accidents do happen. I have to thank the most high Jah that we are safe, but we are very careful because we have a lot of things to do. We have a nation of people that are suffering, and we have to take care of the people. We have to take care of the people. That (the car crash) was just a rumour. There is good out there, and there is bad out there. We continue to strive to do the good.

Natasha: That kind of rumour can cripple a nation. I was in shock when the rumour was first reported. We, the community cannot bear to loose you right now.
SK: I thank you for the words. Naturally we praise the true and living God. The man says praise not the I dem, but praise the true and living King. We are finishing up a Nyabingi at Judgement yard. It’s just a rumour, and because of it, we dispel it. Repatriation for black people have been in slavery for too long. We say Japan for the Japanese, China for the Chinese, Africa for the Africans, America for the Americans. That’s how we see it. We have to look to Africa for the truth. Who Jah bless, no man curse. Sizzla says repatriation right now. The government must see to it that Black people return to Africa.

Natasha: You speak about your faith very eloquently in your music. What Psalms do you turn to in times of difficulty? Spiritually, how do you over come adversity?
SK: We are Rastafarians. And the future of Rastafari is to keep the Sabbath holy, and to have charges over the tabernacle. Anytime there is a little miss, I smile at it because troubles can only last for a time. In the next minute I will be in the tabernacle chanting hymns with the I dem. The psalms give power, and we know that.
Psalms 1: “Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers. But they delight in doing everything the Lord wants; day and night, and they think about his Law. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. Their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper”…
Psalms 68: “Arise, O God and scatter your enemies. Let those who hate God run for their lives. Drive them off like smoke blown by the wind. Melt them like wax in fire. Let the Wicked perish in the presence of God. But let the Godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with Joy”…
(The above was taken from the Daily Study Bible – New Translation Edition)

Natasha: Your security is especially tight. In 2005, we visited you to buy dubplates for our soundsystem, and it is very clear as to how protected you are. Has this always been the case? Has this come about since you’ve become an international star?
SK: Well naturally, it’s reality. It started when I was a baby, from Mom and Dad. We had to make sure the windows and doors were locked. When we went to school, we had to make sure we were safe – arrive and depart and get through the gate at a certain time. We have the principle of the most high because some people try to come to steal. Sometimes when they get inside the foundation, they will cause judgement on us. When the visitors enter the presence, they must turn to the east and empty their pockets, say a prayer to the most high, and give thanksgiving. You have to respect yourself. We have visitors from all over the world, so we have to be careful. This is a natural way of life, and a part of our culture.

Natasha: Reggae music has gone global. Your music is international and it’s lyrics are applicable to every person, in every country living every way of life. Where do these lyrics come from?
SK: Naturally, it comes from the most high, it comes from heaven, earth, our surroundings, and is based on how we live, what we see, sufferation, mother and father can’t pay school fees; open the people eyes, you must realize that the western world is ruled by colonialism. Not much space for I and I to survive. We got kids, we are human beings, we need more things, and some education is locked from us. We have to secure for the born and the unborn. More fire we have to burn. We have to push forward, aid and assist our people. The women is our responsibility. Rastafari is the King, he has given us responsibility as servants to the King. Our lyrics is advice on living – everyone, the pilot, the captain, the servant – everyone can learn. The emperor has to watch over the nation. We don’t mean fire to destroy them. You hear us talk about burning, but you’ve never seen a Rastaman burn down a building. We mean burn for purification because there’s too much corruption. You can’t be living in love and corruption at the same time. We have to educate the people through the music. Love straight through the world. You can’t be living in Love and Hate at the same time. Do you remember Sodom and Gomorrah? That is why sometimes you might hear certain lyrics. It might be hard to hear the lyrics, but it’s the truth. We make a lot of money - yes it’s true. People spend their last to attend a show. We have a responsibility to speak the truth, not that we want to burn people, but we need purification. In the beginning was the word, and the word is Jah.

Natasha: Earlier this month, we did an interview with Bobby Digital who said you were one of his most favourite artists to work with. Can you talk about your working chemistry with Bobby?
SK: My working chemistry is that Love is the first thing. Everywhere I go, it’s love. Love is the first. We have to Love ourselves. No trickery and traps. Bobby shows me Love – right through.

Natasha: In contrast to Bobby Digital, what was it like working with Damon Dash?
SK: Dame dem is set a youth who have a family to take care of. It was nice working with them. They come from Hip Hop side, the R&B side. I got a lot of experience, we were able to see another side of the strategy of doing things (the business of music). We think of the good and the positiveness.

Natasha: Are you still working together?
SK: We are still brethrens – presently I have a Prokeds deal in England for the shoes. I remember where I’m coming from. We terminated the deal (the record deal), and now we are working with Koch. We have the album coming up soon. We are still putting out singles, and working with new producers. We are working to keep the people happy.

Natasha: We are all excited about the upcoming album. How do you feel about the fans longing to see you?
SK: Most naturally I feel so good about that because I love to see the face of my people. They want the truth, and they want to hear the word. Every song is like an arm stretch out to the people to pull in a sheep. We want to make money too. We try to break over the western side of the music fraternity so that we are making a living from the business. My son and daughter have to go school to learn. When I get up everyday, I’m always making songs – everyday, and it’s for the people – their upliftment and education.