In a follow-up to our 2017 interview with Roots reggae artist and producer, Staddaday Green, we recently interviewed him again in Kingston, Jamaica.
Watch the full interview with Staddaday
When we first interviewed Staddaday, he was often singing roots reggae at venues in Kingston. However, during the global pandemic he began focusing on producing more music with other rasta musicians from both Jamaica and Europe.
He produced a new album called Selassie Seven Seal, Heart Work, a compilation of uplifting Rastafari inspired songs. Performing on the album with Staddaday are Europeans musicians Prince Alla, Icho Candy, Mykal My Jah, Macka P, Colah Colah, John Cereal and Hamma Slice.
Seven Seal song from his latest album
Green believes reggae music is in a fight to keep its authentic and positive to its origin. “The type of music that is playing now is like a rap,” Staddady says. “They don’t have that authentic sound.”
He feels that sounds that are contrary to the true reggae need to be replaced with authentic reggae. “No coruptness,” he says. “It’s all about the Almighty presence in these times.”
Good music sells
As reggae music continues to evolve, Staddaday believes the Jamaican music should change for the better not the worst. He considers himself one of the elders of reggae music who promotes righteousness. Therefore, he wants to teach young artists who want to learn this type of reggae.
“I know in life music always change,” he says. “But don’t change to crap. Change to betterness. Better up Jamaica.”
Staddaday
Listen to reggae music veterans
He advises that young reggae musicians to study and listen to the sounds of original roots reggae elders such as Earl “Chinna” Smith, Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh, Sugar Minott, to name a few.
“I’m telling every young one out there. Don’t play with music. Be conscious,” he says. “Natural vibes, good vibes.”
He went on to say, “If you want to sell music, just sing good music.”
He believes that there are some contemporary reggae musicians who still showcase authentic roots reggae. “I always respect I-Wayne,” he says. “He is an artist who is keeping up the good work.”
Staddaday went on to share environments where young reggae artists can learn and continue to help reggae thrive. His company, Atimbo One Entertainment studio where young artists can study the real roots reggae music.
This year, Staddaday plans to release another album called “Love and Culture”