Kabaka Pyramid - 10 Questions
Red Gold & Green, three colours, which signifies so much too so many. For Kabaka Pyramid and Damian “Jr Gong” Marley it was worthy enough to unite their musical synergy to highlight the significance of the colours to Rastafari tradition and Reggae music. Red, Gold & Green is brimming with the nuanced context often missing from the message. This missing context is remarkably packed into immaculate verses for which both artists are well known. Not only is Damian Marley featured, but he is also the producer of this single.
The name “Kabaka” is Ugandan for “King” and the long-lasting survival of the Pyramids of ancient Africa represent his desire for longevity in the music and deep connection to Kemetic roots; leaving messages for generations to come. Kabaka Pyramid is well known for songs like Warrior, Well Done, Can’t Breathe, which focused more keenly on the underprivileged who often are overlooked and ignored by society – and the powers that be, and Reggae Music that took on a life of its own. His debut album Kontraband, was met with critical acclaim, containing hits such as Kontraband featuring Damian Marley, Kaught Up with a popular music video that found home on BET, and Reggae Music.
Kabaka Pyramid sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
It really started as a kid, with my dad’s CD collection at home and in his car. Countless Bob Marley albums, Peter Tosh, Dennis Brown, Shaggy’s Boombastic, Buju’s Til Shiloh were key albums for me growing up that really got me wanting to know every line. Then from high school began it was all about Dancehall and Hip Hop.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
My biggest influences are Sizzla, Capleton, Stephen and Damian Marley, Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Black Thought, Common, Big Pun, Canibus. I’ve worked with all the reggae artists mentioned but i’d like to work with Black Thought in the future.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
I’ve been in studio with Damian Marley working on my second official album, I won’t give up the name as yet but Red Gold and Green and Make Things Work have been released already and doing great!
4. How would you describe your sound?
I would say my sound is very lyrical and a fusion of reggae, dancehall and 90s hip hop.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
The release of my album Kontraband was a special moment for me.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
For artists be consistent in creating your sound and try and be the best at it, it’s great to diversify but even greater to specialise and stand out. Know what it is that makes your music unique and always include that in your creative process.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Medisun, Imeru, 5 Star Celestial, Irie Souljah, Black Am I, Answele, Nattali Rize, Christopher Ellis and Runkus.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Burna Boy’s new album, Wizkid’s Made in Lagos, Runkus’s Out:Side.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Watch and play football, read Rudolf Steiner books, work out and do yoga.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Ableton Live, Maschine MK2, and my vocal chain.