Reggae · December 08, 2009
Confira the entrevista do Surforeggae com the banda Namastê, que lançou the CD "O Sol Nasce for Todos"!
Surforeggae interviewed the band Namastê, from Curitiba/PR, one of the great exponents of national Reggae, and which is releasing its newest
Surforeggae interviewed the band Namastê, from Curitiba/PR, one of the great exponents of national Reggae, and which is releasing its newest CD – “O Sol Nasce Para Todos”.
Rafael Surforeggae: Tell us a little about how the band Namastê started and why they chose to play Reggae and not another musical rhythm.
Diego Bueno: Namastê emerged in Ponta Grossa (Paraná) in 1998 when it was still a cover band, and in search of a bigger scene, we returned to Curitiba, our homeland. The band had several experiences and the acceptance was great, playing Jamaican hits. Playing with Beto on lead vocals and the girls on backing vocals was really cool. The other part of the band came from a work called Jamaica Brasileira which had been playing reggae in the city since 1995, with the participation of our friend Marcelo Makoto vocals from the band Africa Band. In 1999 Diego, Ana, Eduardo, Vilma, Wellington, Rodrigo, Samuel and Rafael thought about forming a new band and then recording their first CD entitled “Reggae do Bem”. We debated what the band's name would be, we thought a lot, and nothing! In the end it was destiny. It was Namastê because of the vibe of the name, which is 1000. We felt it would be cool to really invest in this name, until it became what it is today for us.
And so we discovered something different that would have to be adopted as Ana and Vilma took on the main vocals and brought a different sound. I think everyone here already had a natural passion for this music and was encouraged by the great collector and ambassador of Reggae in Brazil, our friend Geraldo Carvalho. He lit the torch in the hearts of Curitiba residents with his program Conexão Jamaica. In this program, all the reggae stones rolled. Geraldo brought dozens of top artists here: The Wailers, Dennis Brown, Gregory, Joe Gibbs, Burning Spear, Ziggy, Black Uhuru, Third World, Lucky Dube, Alpha and so on! Only reggae monsters.
Rafael Surforeggae: How do you analyze the Reggae movement in Brazil today? As they are a band that already has a road, what difference do you notice between ten years ago and today?
Diego Bueno: I think the movement is going in the other direction. In the past, people had the pleasure of listening to songs being played live. The instruments with feeling... the energy was different. I also see that reggae is being invaded by new trends and people who haven't listened to the roots of the music and aren't yet worried about its structure, nor what it always wanted to convey and say. Now, even though reggae is in such a good phase, Namastê has already conquered its space. And thank God you have your space.
Rafael Surforeggae: Lately we have had major losses on the international scene, and also nationally. Which ones impacted you the most? Did any of these artists or people involved influence the work of Namastê?
Diego Bueno: The loss of Bob, Peter and Dennis Brown was not recent, but it was shocking for the world in terms of musical growth in general... Even more so for those who didn't have the opportunity to see these musical monsters. Lucky Dube, mega-star was murdered. This was a shame for humanity, a singer who brought messages of love to the people. For my part, Geraldo Carvalho was "the man". I'm sorry for your loss, apart from the friendship, which was very good. With him I discovered reggae and its entire history, artists, albums, videos, who played with whom, who no longer played, the names of the instrumentalists, the entire tree of this music.
So we had good opportunities for influence because he provided and was a teacher despite not having been a musician. Even so, he had great knowledge and familiarity with the land of Jamaica and with Jamaican artists. For me, I was influenced by some that passed away recently, like Lucky Dube, Mikey Dread, Joe Gibbs, Joseph Hill, Junior Delgado, Delroy Wilson, Bim Sherman, anyway.
Rafael Surforeggae: where did the idea of having two female lead vocals come from? This is something kind of innovative in reggae, both nationally and internationally.
Diego Bueno: This came naturally, due to the discipline factor we were looking for. At the time there were few reggae musicians who were really interested in doing reggae with a professional determination. Bob Marley, a man on vocals and women on backing was what existed. Ana and Vilma were already gaining ground by performing some songs on the show as main vocals. We wanted to create a new band with a different sound, it was a really cool thing. They and the band took over once and for all. They opened the minds of several people, encouraging several others to do and accept the same.
Rafael Surforeggae: What was the most important period in your career? Is there any particular fact or moment you would like to highlight?
Diego Bueno: Our CDS releases, the clip with the participation of Fauzi and Zé orlando from Tribo de Jah, the tours in Argentina and work as a support band for Pato Banton, Papa Winnie, Ras Bernardo and Andrew Tosh. The music awards that the band won, and some shows in Curitiba where the people responded with great affection.
Rafael Surforeggae: I always noticed in the sound of Namastê many current elements of what has been done in Reggae abroad in recent years. Do you look more like Brazilian music artists or foreigners??
Diego Bueno: In the band there are different tastes. We listen to “reggae stars”, “new reggae”, our influence comes from various places and everything that each member of the band is listening to, mixing reggae with rock‘n roll, jazz and Brazilian music. But most of the work is definitely focused on Jamaican music.
Rafael Surforeggae: What was the first contact you had with music? And what's it like maintaining the group's base for so many years?
Diego Bueno: Everyone went through different styles before arriving at reggae, but when we met, everyone was already playing the same style. Similar musical tastes, so it was easy for everything to fit together. Knowing what you want is the secret. Understanding that everyone has flaws and ways of thinking, and having the same affection and respect for what you are doing, knowledge about this work is important like any profession, listening to the rhythm.
Rafael Surforeggae: We have already had great international shows in Brazil. Who are your favorite artists who have been here?
Diego Bueno: Gregory Isaacs, Burning Spear, Andrew Tosh, Culture, Sly & Robie, Israel Vibration, The Wailers, Ziggy Marley, Steel Pulse, Gladiators, Dezarie, Midnite, Alpha Blondy, Pablo Moses, Skatalites, Lucky Dube, Black Uhuru, Groundation, Mad Professor, Lee Perry and others.
Rafael Surforeggae: Some of you have already been a support band for big names in international Reggae. What was the most interesting experience you had and name some of the artists you have worked with.
Diego Bueno: Recording the DVD Tributo a Peter Tosh, the prince of reggae in the wonderful Bahia, one of the birthplaces of reggae in Brazil with members of the Tosh family was unforgettable. Andrew mega reggae singer and heir to his father's voice and physiognomy and Adrian Tosh, a good person and a great connoisseur of music. Playing with Amlak Tafari (current bassist of Steel Pulse), Pato Banton and Papa Winneie was also unforgettable. All thanks to Geraldo Carvalho.
Rafael Surforeggae: How do you define the sound of Namastê?
Diego Bueno: Namastê tries to maintain the roots of reggae music even while mixing elements with great care. We are reggae with a rock energy with a Brazilian flair, telling us a little about what we experience together on a daily basis.
Rafael Surforeggae: In a universe where female vocalists are uncommon, do you receive many pickup lines or declarations of love?
Ana: The fact that we are working with music that values the messages makes the public respect us a lot as people, they create a healthy admiration and end up seeing us in a different way. However, there is always one or the other that ends up going over the limit. As far as I remember, we've never had any major problems with this.
Rafael Surforeggae: Which region of the country are you most welcomed?
Diego Bueno: Thank God we are always well received in most places, but home with our friends and family is always warmer.
Rafael Surforeggae: What means of dissemination do you usually use to stay informed about what is happening in the world, and about Reggae?
Diego Bueno: The internet is the great medium for information, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Surforeggae, which is a complete website and the best vehicle for reggae information in the country, where there are people who really understand this magical music. They are responsible people.
Rafael Surforeggae: Are you in favor of free music downloads over the internet? What do you think about piracy? Does it help more or hinder more?
Diego Bueno: The CD is practically becoming a business card. In a way it's a shame, because we see that several independent bands make CDS with home production because they know they won't be able to make that product generate income. Looking at it this way undermines the quality of the CDS released a little. As for downloading, we are in favor, as it helps a lot in publicizing the work. It's good for the public to know that when they buy an original CD from an artist they are giving great strength so that their work can improve, as producing quality work (CDS, shows, etc.) is expensive!
Rafael Surforeggae: How important do you think Reggae is as music for the Brazilian people?
Diego Bueno: Reggae has the positivity of bringing good messages, although some bands distort this. But for us, we see it as a vitamin for people to desire a better world, of peace, love, awareness, where everyone can learn to live together regardless of race or belief.
Rafael Surforeggae: If we had in a box an unreleased song by Bob Marley, one by Peter Tosh and one by Bunny Wailer, which one would you be most curious to hear? Was there any other artist you would listen to before these? I confess that I have, but I won't reveal it (laughs).
Diego Bueno: It would be very difficult to choose between Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. Not before them, despite being a fan of several artists.
Rafael Surforeggae: Do you intend to make recordings with international artists? This is an old idea and one that always yields good results for Brazilian Reggae internationally.
Diego Bueno: We are looking to form a partnership with an international artist, it will definitely happen.
Rafael Surforeggae: Tell us a little about the new album and what it was like to create it.
Diego Bueno: The new album is like another child and brings more mature lines from the band, always trying to have more weight in the sound, in the grooves. The lines are "heavier". We adhered to modernity and made new experiences, but without leaving the traditional structure of Reggae-Jamaica, which is wonderful.
Rafael Surforeggae: How do you analyze the evolution of Namastê from "Reggae do Bem", through "Simplemente Assim" to the most recent CD?
Edward: On the first CD (Reggae do Bem) we had the themes and the desire, we did it in the race. The budget was short and we didn't have much idea how it would turn out, as it was the first recording of the band's sound in the studio. With Simply Assim (second CD) we were more comfortable, as we had more experience and more resources for recording. On the most recent CD - "O Sol Nasce Para Todos", I think we managed to register a great maturity of the band, especially in relation to the "grooves" and the sound, as we have a great affinity that was acquired.
The foundations of this CD were recorded live in the studio, something we've wanted to try for a long time but hadn't done yet. The result of this type of recording is a more natural sound, as it gives the idea of “live”. We also thank the UNINTER Educational Group, which sponsored this project, so with more resources we were able to produce work with superior sound quality. Another detail is that this CD has many elements of current reggae and was mixed and mastered in the United States, which gave this project a special finish.
Rafael Surforeggae: Do you think the formula for success is close to the sound you produce? Are you always satisfied with what you produce or are you the type of person who always looks for something more?
Diego Bueno: We don't think about doing something for the market, but we try to satisfy our dreams and desires. The music comes from the band's composers and friends, if it touches our hearts we'll put it on the CD even though it's crazy. We will always be expecting more from ourselves, there is certainly room for criticism to always improve.
Rafael Surforeggae: We thank everyone for the interview, I would like to take this opportunity to say that we greatly respect the work of Namastê and we know a little about what they have already been through and we are completely convinced that they can go much further. You have a great talent and represent national Reggae majestically. Leave a message for visitors to Surforeggae.
Diego Bueno: I would like to ask for peace on earth, awareness, love, invest in children, take care of the planet and for people to give more value to Brazilian talents where there is great musicality that must be shown to the world. A big hug to the members of surforeggae - the "responsa" site! And thank you again for always defending reggae, friend. Search Surforeggae about Geraldo Carvalho! We can do all things through Him who strengthens us! The sun rises for everyone! Don't give up! Jah Bless!
THE INTERVIEW
Rafael Surforeggae: Tell us a little about how the band Namastê started and why they chose to play Reggae and not another musical rhythm.
Diego Bueno: Namastê emerged in Ponta Grossa (Paraná) in 1998 when it was still a cover band, and in search of a bigger scene, we returned to Curitiba, our homeland. The band had several experiences and the acceptance was great, playing Jamaican hits. Playing with Beto on lead vocals and the girls on backing vocals was really cool. The other part of the band came from a work called Jamaica Brasileira which had been playing reggae in the city since 1995, with the participation of our friend Marcelo Makoto vocals from the band Africa Band. In 1999 Diego, Ana, Eduardo, Vilma, Wellington, Rodrigo, Samuel and Rafael thought about forming a new band and then recording their first CD entitled “Reggae do Bem”. We debated what the band's name would be, we thought a lot, and nothing! In the end it was destiny. It was Namastê because of the vibe of the name, which is 1000. We felt it would be cool to really invest in this name, until it became what it is today for us.
And so we discovered something different that would have to be adopted as Ana and Vilma took on the main vocals and brought a different sound. I think everyone here already had a natural passion for this music and was encouraged by the great collector and ambassador of Reggae in Brazil, our friend Geraldo Carvalho. He lit the torch in the hearts of Curitiba residents with his program Conexão Jamaica. In this program, all the reggae stones rolled. Geraldo brought dozens of top artists here: The Wailers, Dennis Brown, Gregory, Joe Gibbs, Burning Spear, Ziggy, Black Uhuru, Third World, Lucky Dube, Alpha and so on! Only reggae monsters.
Rafael Surforeggae: How do you analyze the Reggae movement in Brazil today? As they are a band that already has a road, what difference do you notice between ten years ago and today?
Diego Bueno: I think the movement is going in the other direction. In the past, people had the pleasure of listening to songs being played live. The instruments with feeling... the energy was different. I also see that reggae is being invaded by new trends and people who haven't listened to the roots of the music and aren't yet worried about its structure, nor what it always wanted to convey and say. Now, even though reggae is in such a good phase, Namastê has already conquered its space. And thank God you have your space.
Rafael Surforeggae: Lately we have had major losses on the international scene, and also nationally. Which ones impacted you the most? Did any of these artists or people involved influence the work of Namastê?
Diego Bueno: The loss of Bob, Peter and Dennis Brown was not recent, but it was shocking for the world in terms of musical growth in general... Even more so for those who didn't have the opportunity to see these musical monsters. Lucky Dube, mega-star was murdered. This was a shame for humanity, a singer who brought messages of love to the people. For my part, Geraldo Carvalho was "the man". I'm sorry for your loss, apart from the friendship, which was very good. With him I discovered reggae and its entire history, artists, albums, videos, who played with whom, who no longer played, the names of the instrumentalists, the entire tree of this music.
So we had good opportunities for influence because he provided and was a teacher despite not having been a musician. Even so, he had great knowledge and familiarity with the land of Jamaica and with Jamaican artists. For me, I was influenced by some that passed away recently, like Lucky Dube, Mikey Dread, Joe Gibbs, Joseph Hill, Junior Delgado, Delroy Wilson, Bim Sherman, anyway.
Rafael Surforeggae: where did the idea of having two female lead vocals come from? This is something kind of innovative in reggae, both nationally and internationally.
Diego Bueno: This came naturally, due to the discipline factor we were looking for. At the time there were few reggae musicians who were really interested in doing reggae with a professional determination. Bob Marley, a man on vocals and women on backing was what existed. Ana and Vilma were already gaining ground by performing some songs on the show as main vocals. We wanted to create a new band with a different sound, it was a really cool thing. They and the band took over once and for all. They opened the minds of several people, encouraging several others to do and accept the same.
Rafael Surforeggae: What was the most important period in your career? Is there any particular fact or moment you would like to highlight?
Diego Bueno: Our CDS releases, the clip with the participation of Fauzi and Zé orlando from Tribo de Jah, the tours in Argentina and work as a support band for Pato Banton, Papa Winnie, Ras Bernardo and Andrew Tosh. The music awards that the band won, and some shows in Curitiba where the people responded with great affection.
Rafael Surforeggae: I always noticed in the sound of Namastê many current elements of what has been done in Reggae abroad in recent years. Do you look more like Brazilian music artists or foreigners??
Diego Bueno: In the band there are different tastes. We listen to “reggae stars”, “new reggae”, our influence comes from various places and everything that each member of the band is listening to, mixing reggae with rock‘n roll, jazz and Brazilian music. But most of the work is definitely focused on Jamaican music.
Rafael Surforeggae: What was the first contact you had with music? And what's it like maintaining the group's base for so many years?
Diego Bueno: Everyone went through different styles before arriving at reggae, but when we met, everyone was already playing the same style. Similar musical tastes, so it was easy for everything to fit together. Knowing what you want is the secret. Understanding that everyone has flaws and ways of thinking, and having the same affection and respect for what you are doing, knowledge about this work is important like any profession, listening to the rhythm.
Rafael Surforeggae: We have already had great international shows in Brazil. Who are your favorite artists who have been here?
Diego Bueno: Gregory Isaacs, Burning Spear, Andrew Tosh, Culture, Sly & Robie, Israel Vibration, The Wailers, Ziggy Marley, Steel Pulse, Gladiators, Dezarie, Midnite, Alpha Blondy, Pablo Moses, Skatalites, Lucky Dube, Black Uhuru, Groundation, Mad Professor, Lee Perry and others.
Rafael Surforeggae: Some of you have already been a support band for big names in international Reggae. What was the most interesting experience you had and name some of the artists you have worked with.
Diego Bueno: Recording the DVD Tributo a Peter Tosh, the prince of reggae in the wonderful Bahia, one of the birthplaces of reggae in Brazil with members of the Tosh family was unforgettable. Andrew mega reggae singer and heir to his father's voice and physiognomy and Adrian Tosh, a good person and a great connoisseur of music. Playing with Amlak Tafari (current bassist of Steel Pulse), Pato Banton and Papa Winneie was also unforgettable. All thanks to Geraldo Carvalho.
Rafael Surforeggae: How do you define the sound of Namastê?
Diego Bueno: Namastê tries to maintain the roots of reggae music even while mixing elements with great care. We are reggae with a rock energy with a Brazilian flair, telling us a little about what we experience together on a daily basis.
Rafael Surforeggae: In a universe where female vocalists are uncommon, do you receive many pickup lines or declarations of love?
Ana: The fact that we are working with music that values the messages makes the public respect us a lot as people, they create a healthy admiration and end up seeing us in a different way. However, there is always one or the other that ends up going over the limit. As far as I remember, we've never had any major problems with this.
Rafael Surforeggae: Which region of the country are you most welcomed?
Diego Bueno: Thank God we are always well received in most places, but home with our friends and family is always warmer.
Rafael Surforeggae: What means of dissemination do you usually use to stay informed about what is happening in the world, and about Reggae?
Diego Bueno: The internet is the great medium for information, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Surforeggae, which is a complete website and the best vehicle for reggae information in the country, where there are people who really understand this magical music. They are responsible people.
Rafael Surforeggae: Are you in favor of free music downloads over the internet? What do you think about piracy? Does it help more or hinder more?
Diego Bueno: The CD is practically becoming a business card. In a way it's a shame, because we see that several independent bands make CDS with home production because they know they won't be able to make that product generate income. Looking at it this way undermines the quality of the CDS released a little. As for downloading, we are in favor, as it helps a lot in publicizing the work. It's good for the public to know that when they buy an original CD from an artist they are giving great strength so that their work can improve, as producing quality work (CDS, shows, etc.) is expensive!
Rafael Surforeggae: How important do you think Reggae is as music for the Brazilian people?
Diego Bueno: Reggae has the positivity of bringing good messages, although some bands distort this. But for us, we see it as a vitamin for people to desire a better world, of peace, love, awareness, where everyone can learn to live together regardless of race or belief.
Rafael Surforeggae: If we had in a box an unreleased song by Bob Marley, one by Peter Tosh and one by Bunny Wailer, which one would you be most curious to hear? Was there any other artist you would listen to before these? I confess that I have, but I won't reveal it (laughs).
Diego Bueno: It would be very difficult to choose between Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. Not before them, despite being a fan of several artists.
Rafael Surforeggae: Do you intend to make recordings with international artists? This is an old idea and one that always yields good results for Brazilian Reggae internationally.
Diego Bueno: We are looking to form a partnership with an international artist, it will definitely happen.
Rafael Surforeggae: Tell us a little about the new album and what it was like to create it.
Diego Bueno: The new album is like another child and brings more mature lines from the band, always trying to have more weight in the sound, in the grooves. The lines are "heavier". We adhered to modernity and made new experiences, but without leaving the traditional structure of Reggae-Jamaica, which is wonderful.
Rafael Surforeggae: How do you analyze the evolution of Namastê from "Reggae do Bem", through "Simplemente Assim" to the most recent CD?
Edward: On the first CD (Reggae do Bem) we had the themes and the desire, we did it in the race. The budget was short and we didn't have much idea how it would turn out, as it was the first recording of the band's sound in the studio. With Simply Assim (second CD) we were more comfortable, as we had more experience and more resources for recording. On the most recent CD - "O Sol Nasce Para Todos", I think we managed to register a great maturity of the band, especially in relation to the "grooves" and the sound, as we have a great affinity that was acquired.
The foundations of this CD were recorded live in the studio, something we've wanted to try for a long time but hadn't done yet. The result of this type of recording is a more natural sound, as it gives the idea of “live”. We also thank the UNINTER Educational Group, which sponsored this project, so with more resources we were able to produce work with superior sound quality. Another detail is that this CD has many elements of current reggae and was mixed and mastered in the United States, which gave this project a special finish.
Rafael Surforeggae: Do you think the formula for success is close to the sound you produce? Are you always satisfied with what you produce or are you the type of person who always looks for something more?
Diego Bueno: We don't think about doing something for the market, but we try to satisfy our dreams and desires. The music comes from the band's composers and friends, if it touches our hearts we'll put it on the CD even though it's crazy. We will always be expecting more from ourselves, there is certainly room for criticism to always improve.
Rafael Surforeggae: We thank everyone for the interview, I would like to take this opportunity to say that we greatly respect the work of Namastê and we know a little about what they have already been through and we are completely convinced that they can go much further. You have a great talent and represent national Reggae majestically. Leave a message for visitors to Surforeggae.
Diego Bueno: I would like to ask for peace on earth, awareness, love, invest in children, take care of the planet and for people to give more value to Brazilian talents where there is great musicality that must be shown to the world. A big hug to the members of surforeggae - the "responsa" site! And thank you again for always defending reggae, friend. Search Surforeggae about Geraldo Carvalho! We can do all things through Him who strengthens us! The sun rises for everyone! Don't give up! Jah Bless!Category
#Reggae