Spotlight Series (Part 35) Jah Tung Interview

Spotlight Series (Part 35)

Jah Tung Interview

This brings about the 2nd Artist of the Week.

The 2nd Artist of the week is the one and only Jah Tung.

Jah Tung represents the true Rastafari spirit and has the heart of a lion and is an embodiment of Soul & Wisdom.

Born and raised in Bankstown, Western Sydney he is a true Icon of the scene.

Spreading a positive and powerful message this Artist truly is an inspiration and his music has been a huge part of the Sydney Music scene.

I first heard him on a track called to "Keep on"/Road to Zion and this track was amazing and is still one of my go-to tracks and featured the legends Chrispy and Jinz Moss.

Another huge track that drew me in was the song "Know Yourself" With the Legend L-FRESH The LION.

Clap clap is another call to change and a message of awareness that resonates in a huge way still today to me this is on the same inspirational level as (Cranberries -Zombie).

From there I heard him play at local gigs and the net of positivity and unity he casts really leaves an instant moment in our lives.

Currently spreading good vibes with The Natural Order Band, Jah Tung will always be remembered as a Legend in the local scenes.

He has worked with some huge artists like Matuse Ali, Kazi, Chrispy, Jinz Moss, B Wise, Mirrah Reflects, Dizzy Dee, L-FRESH The LION, Deadly Hunta, GAPPY RANKS, Bushman and many more.

His links are below make sure you support Jah Tung.

https://www.facebook.com/jahtung/ https://www.youtube.com/user/KaneLeo1/featured https://www.instagram.com/jahtung/ jahtung.bandcamp.com https://open.spotify.com/artist/27cKexHAFCAmlZnvqLLlmA

Enough from me Here is the Interview!!!

Why the name Jah Tung?

Jah = The Most High Tung = tongue Jah Tung = message of higher consciousness (similar to the Kemetic hieroglyph system, Medu Neteru meaning "words of nature" or "language of the gods")

The name is a reminder that with the gift of lyricism and singing comes the responsibility to use the position of influence for a righteous purpose. It is a reminder that I am merely a vessel being used to transmit a constructive and meaningful message.

Where did you grow up?

Bankstown, Western Sydney.

How Long have you been Performing?

For around 15 years since I was 15 years old, doing acoustic covers and easy listening soul music.

Who is your top 5 Artists Or producers or Albums?

Artists: 1. Vaughn Benjamin a.k.a Akae Beka (of Midnite) 2. Michael Jackson 3. Richie Spice 4. Garnett Silk 5. Lauryn Hill / The Fugees

Producers: 1. Quincy Jones 2. Laurent "Tippy I" Alfred (I Grade Records) 3. Moritz (Oneness Records) 4. Organized Noize 5. Dr Dre

Albums: 1. Off The Wall - Michael Jackson 2. Welcome To Jamrock - Damian Marley 3. Ancient Future - Protoje 4. Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik - Outkast 5. Graceland - Paul Simon

What is one experience in life that, without it, you wouldn’t be the artist you are today?

Very hard to narrow it down to one, there have been so many. I would say the trip around Australia in a motorhome at age 15 with my family, and the regular camping trips as a youth - these experiences definitely contributed to my love for nature and ital living.

Do you have anyone that you consider your mentor? How has their help or advice shaped you?

I take guidance from many teachings and paths but if I had to choose one, it would have to be Emperor Haile Selassie I, Ras Tafari. Whether one places divinity on the Ethiopian King or not, there is unending wisdom and powers to be gained from his words and teachings.

What would be your dream collaboration with any Artist of any Genre?

Ladysmith Black Mombazo

Describe your Sound/Style?

I like to bridge gaps between reggae, hip hop, soul and more and highlight the connections between. I'm also very eclectic so I have influences from Michael Jackson to Nina Simone to Bob Dylan. I try not to stay between boundaries and expectations, but reggae is undeniably the core of my works.

What are some current projects your working on?

Currently working on many collaborations since moving to Melbourne, including an EP or album (TBC) with a backing band project I am involved within Melbourne, The Natural Order, another EP with New Zealand's Reality Chant, some hip hop, dancehall and afrobeat features and even getting back into some productions of my own. Stay tuned! (You can find me on any platforms.)

What does Reggae music mean to you, Do you think the message is still as strong as ever?

Reggae music was a medium that came to me when I was around 15, at a time I was feeling a spiritual yearning that could not be quenched elsewhere. It allowed me to see Rastafari as spirituality, a philosophy, a livity, rather than a dogma or an organisation, so while I identify with many spiritual teachings, Rastafari was what gave me the vision to see that "All is One, One is All." Interestingly, the last few years have seen reggae music return to its full glory, making it's second global wave with the new generation of "reggae revival" artists such as Chronixx, Protoje, Jah9, Kabaka Pyramid, Jesse Royal and more...

These artists and their peers are not only delivering proper roots music but also bringing forth the message and the livity to back it up, which is something that, although some artists have maintained and upheld, has not been as consistent and prominent since the times of Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Jacob Miller, Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown etc... until now! It's also a time when hip hop and pop culture is referencing dancehall and reggae quite a lot, which is exciting to see these offshoots paying homage to their roots, as hip hop grew from the reggae, dancehall and sound system culture.

I also believe that in Australia, most of us are only now beginning to overstand the true meaning of reggae music and Rastafari, as we are finally beginning to acknowledge and analyse the real social and cultural struggles in the country. Indigenous rights.

Environmental concerns. Refugee maltreatment. Racism and the likes... Addressing these kinds of systemic imbalances and politics is vital to relating to reggae music, something that was created from oppression and desperation. I've heard reggae music defined in a few ways: King's music. Soul food. Sufferer's music. As we say "Who feels it, knows it."

Do you have one you want to recognize or shout out?

Recently, there has been a very disturbing incident in the reggae community. Without mentioning any names for legal reasons, unfortunately, allegations of sexual abuse have been made against an international artist who was visiting the country. This has brought to light many similar incidents and many discussions have ensued. While there is overwhelming support for the victim and her cause, I would like to take the opportunity to reiterate the absolute importance and necessity of our duty to respect, protect and support our queens. The lioness. The wombman. The womb from which we come.

To violate wombman is to violate one's own mother, daughter, sister... There is unquestionably no place for this kind of fuckery, not only in the reggae scene or the music industry but in modern society and any such act is totally inexcusable and utterly disgraceful. Reggae music does preach peace and love, but above this, it calls for equal rights and justice. Ras Tafari himself refused to take the throne when he was coronated as Emperor of Ethiopia unless his wife Menen Asfaw was simultaneously crowned as Empress. This sets the precedence of balance and equality that we are compelled to maintain at all times. Whether Rasta or not, these principles are imperative for true progress and social advancement and they must be respected and upheld.

Message to the Youth?

Know yourself. Before any book, before any teacher, before any religion, before any external reference point.

Tune in. Listen to your intuition and your ethical compass FIRST AND FOREMOST. Meditate and look within.

Above all else, know yourself.

Show this Legend Some Love!!!!!!

Comment below or let me know who we should interview next!!!

As always any Artists/Groups/DJs/producers hit us up for an interview or Tag your favourite Artists!!!!

Peace