Exclusive: Read the interview with Norris Cole, founder of the great vocal trio The Pioneers!

Jamaican, born in 1945 and member of one of the big explosion groups in the 70s – The Pioneers, Norris Cole, as the name of his group says, is one of the pioneers when it comes to Reggae. The destiny of the artist who has already had a career spanning over 40 years was to visit Brazil and stay here. It was here that Norris became one of the icons of Reggae in Maranhão, Brazilian Jamaica. Having worked with numerous musicians, and produced an almost endless list of famous artists, Norris Cole kindly gave an exclusive interview to Surforeggae. Cole apologized for being brief in some of his answers, as he didn't want to reveal some surprises that he will tell in the book he is writing about his life, without a doubt he must have a lot of stories to tell.

THE INTERVIEW

Rafael: Tell us a little about the beginning of your career as a musician. When did you record your first single? Who gave you the strength to start your career as a Reggae singer? Norris: My first song was recorded in 1966 with my mother's full support. The song is called “Good Nanny” and was released by the Caltone Record label. Rafael: When did you first come to Brazil? Norris: I came to Brazil for the first time in July 2000 for a show that was sold out. The audience was 15,000 people. Rafael: Do you have an artist that you have admired since the beginning of your career and who has influenced you? Norris: I always admired Bob Marley, but the one who really influenced me was Owen Gray. Rafael: As Reggae lovers we are always listening to the same thing while we are doing other things. What have you been listening to these days? Norris: Lately I've been listening to a lot of Beres Hammond (talking about Reggae) Rafael: What do you think about the fight between Radiolas do Maranhão? Norris: I think that instead of fighting they should unite, because the gold they are looking for is the same. Rafael: Why did you decide to move to Brazil and work here? Tell us a little about the image of Brazil in Jamaica and other countries you've been to. Norris: I moved to Brazil because of my girlfriend, who is now my wife Lady Conceição, who is the mother of my beautiful son Norris Cole Junior. The image of Brazil in Jamaica is very strong mainly because of Pelé. Jamaicans idolize him. Rafael: What do you prefer? Protest or romantic songs? Tell us a little about your inspirations for writing the lyrics of your songs. Do you share experiences from your personal life in them? Norris: I prefer songs that talk about love, but I'm quite flexible. I write on an impulse. If I go out on the street and see an interesting event, I write about it. Rafael: Reggae is very popular in Brazil, but it is very difficult to see it appear in the mass media. Why do you think this happens? Norris: This happens because there are leaders and there are followers. Artists in Brazil need to be produced, therefore they need leaders. At the moment they are just following and when I say that they need good producers, I don't mean to disrespect the existing ones. Rafael: How many albums do you have? And how do you define your style? Norris: I've already released 8 solo albums, but with the Pioneers there were many more. In Maranhão they call me a romantic reggae singer, in other words a Roberto Carlos of Reggae. Rafael: In the vast majority of Brazilian cities, people prefer Reggae from scratch. What do you think of the new generation? What about Ragga and Dancehall? Norris: The new generation is heading in the same direction. Ragga and dancehall have their own audience, and many artists have joined because it is very popular in the USA because of RAP. Rafael: Which Brazilian cities have you been to? Do you think Maranhão is really the Brazilian Jamaica? Norris: I've visited several cities, but no other is the same when it comes to Reggae. The places that are most similar to Jamaica when it comes to reggae are New York, London and Japan. Rafael: What is your biggest hit? Norris: Man, it's really hard to say. Here in Maranhão I have many. They call it Melô de Payaka, Melô da Danielle, Melô do Amor, Melô de Jussatuba, Melô dos Motoqueiros, Melô dos 3 Poderes and many others. Rafael: What do you think of Brazilian Reggae? Norris: All Brazilian Reggae needs are good producers. I really like the band that played with Gregory Isaacs (Lions of Israel). I also like Banda Legenda, Capital Roots, Tribo de Jah and Rebel Lion from Fortaleza. Rafael: It's a pleasure talking to you. I hope you enjoyed the questions. Please send a message to your fans who are visiting the site. Norris: It's a pleasure to be answering these questions for you Rafael, the great guy on this website. To all my fans, “um amor, um coração” (one love, one heart), keep the faith and spread the word kindly. Truly, Norris Cole.