Bongo Riot
Bongo Riot – Next Levels | Best Reggae Album
In brief, tell us about your journey to the Awards.
This has been a long awaited recognition and the news of Reggae being included on SAMAs came at a right time when Powertainment Reggae Sound was busy working on an album project of one of our artist Bongo Riot, and we just had to submit our full done album.
Who was important to the process?
The most important people on the process was powertainment sound crew, Our Sound Engineer (Mr. Clinton from Watts audio Recording Studio) and Bantu media for Meeting the deadline for submission, we are grateful for our team for producing high quality project which ultimately made it to the top 5 nominee.
Do you think that the award nomination would change the perception about Reggae, considering there have been Reggae winners in the past?
Most definitely, the awards will have already gave a shape towards greater mainstream industry, the recognition alone is enough to build on a solid ground, I urge all Reggae and Dancehall musicians to continue the works of building albums and making their music available and easily accessible to the end user/General public. And also the artist managers must up their game in making sure that the artist gets required media play and bookings.
How can we make sure that the category stays ‘relevant’?
The only way we could make the category to stay relevant is to revive or form our own full circle Reggae and Dancehall awards, with these we will be able to start recognizing all role players in our genre, from promoters, sound engineers, media companies, upcoming artists etc. these way we will be able to grow the full round industry and shall remain relevant, Powertainment Reggae Sound is geared and willing to sponsor such initiatives.
Why should artists participate in the SAMAs? How can it benefit their careers?
It’s very important to be participating and compete in these kind of awards because Reggae and Dancehall is part of the greater society, we must never find our self working on silos from other public activities, Reggae must be everywhere where the different genres music are recognized, Reggae managers must not only focus on Reggae shows for artists booking, they must seek performance shows in different genres festivals in order to offer our music to diverse crowd.
Do you agree with the current state of voting or would rather have the public vote for their favourite artist?
Most definitely, I don’t agree with the current voting by judges, the correct way should be a public vote as they are the ones consuming the music. This will also help the growth and involvement of our Reggae massive.
Why should you win the award?
My artist Bongo Riot is chosen by people, and the people have spoken, these alone is an indication of hard work on these project, and numbers don’t lie, Bongo Riot is the People’s choice.
What is your favourite track from the Album nominated?
Mama ndixolele!!
Where to from Here?
The sky is the limit, we are embarking on an Africa tour, and there has been much love from neighboring countries for Bongo Riot music.
For more info on the awards, visit the SAMA website.