The Meditators
The Meditators – Explosion | Best Reggae Album
In brief, tell us about your journey to the Awards.
Our Journey to the SAMA25 Awards has been challenging. We submitted “Jah Kingdom” in 2008, and we were so confident of a nomination that we travelled all night to Johannesburg, to attend the nomination ceremony…it was a disappointment because we know how great that album IS! Our 2nd Attempt was ‘Special Request’ another classic Meditators Album which we submitted in 2012, this was put into Adult Contemporary Category and we didn’t make the nominations once again as reggae did not feature at the SAMAS at all….so we are really thrilled about this nomination in 2019.
Who was important to the process?
Very important to the process of this album are young Zengakhona, (13) son of Shante Bekwa, who joined the band on the Keyboards, as well as the input of Paul Hussey(SA/UK), producer of 3 tracks on the Album, Amazwi, Beauty and Angel in Disguise, Ras Vuyo (Ghetto Sound Productions) who produced the track Visa and the Executive Producers are – the band itself.
Do you think that the award nomination would change the perception about Reggae, considering there have been Reggae winners in the past?
Yes, undoubtedly, because the quality of SA reggae is world class and should be acknowledged as such -Nkulee Dube, Ras Vuyo and Azania Band, Black Dillinger, Botanist, Bongo Riot, Thuthukane Cele and Sista Phumi Maduna all have their own distinctive flavours coming through strong…it’s a good time for reggae in SA.
How can we make sure that the category stays ‘relevant?’
By conducting ourselves with utmost respect all ways and being the difference that we know the music can make.
Why should artists participate in the SAMAs? How can it benefit their careers?
Simple – If you believe in yourself and that your music is art with a purpose then its organic, and there’s a mystic blowing in the air when it comes to reggae music, so if you don’t do it for the awards and don’t do it for the money then true and sustainable success will surely seek you out and you will find your bliss.
Do you agree with the current state of voting or would rather have the public vote for their favourite artist?
100%
Why should you win the award?
See question 1
What is your favourite track from the Album nominated?
Track 3 – “Your Love”. This album is DEEP and has so much constructive advice for positive living and actual ‘keys’ to happiness and peace. Music is a wonderful healer and we believe reggae music will heal Azania and the world, as it was supposed to in 1991, when “Tacklin’ Beast By Horns”, the first album was produced by David Masondo. “Explosion” 2019 is a treasure chest of tracks, quality roots reggae, from beginning to end. That’s why
Where to from Here?
Where to from here…..see you at the SAMAS! We are so excited and this is the culmination of so many incredible things that regardless of the outcome this is already a big win for us and a big step in the right direction for Reggae Music. To All SAMA artists and players of instruments, Salute!