Exclusive! Surforeggae interviews legendary Earl Sixteen and talks about his big release of the year!

Earl “Sixteen” Daley began his career in the mid-70s, being influenced by American Soul and Reggae icons like Dennis Brown. When he was still a teenager, he was expelled from home for neglecting music over his studies. The artist has recorded with great producers such as Joe Gibbs, Duke Reid, Lee Perry, Derrick Harriott, Linval Thompson, Augustus Pablo, Coxsone Dodd, Sugar Minott, Yabby You and Mikey Dread. Do you need better references than these? Surforeggae did an exclusive interview with Earl Sixteen to talk about, among other things, his new big release “Every Nubian is a Star”, in partnership with the legendary Mutabaruka and the excellent Dutch label “Jah Solid Rock”. The track recorded at Estúdio Tuff Gong received a music video that has achieved critical and public success. Check out the interview.

A INTERVIEW

Tell us how you discovered the Jah Solid Rock label. What has changed since the first album you made with them until now?Thanks for the question, Rafael. Then, I met some friends in Holland who are great musicians and were working together with Ras Denco who is one of the people responsible for the Jah Solid Rock Label.Is this single a promise for a new full-length Earl Sixteen album? What are you preparing for the people who love your music?For sure! I'm currently working on another album with them. The first, “The Fittest” was recorded and released almost 10 years ago.How did the idea of bringing you and Mutabaruka together in the same song come about?The vibe of doing a combo with Mutabaruka came from Jahsolidrock himself. On the first album I have another great participation by Daddy U Roy on the track “Music Business”.Where have you been performing lately (before the pandemic)? Did you have tours scheduled that had to be cancelled? How are you investing your time during quarantine?This year I performed in Europe with Mad Professor and Mungos HI-FI. There were also some shows in the United Kingdom and I even did the 18th anniversary of Digital Dubs (from Brazil) in London. I had a tour with Addis Pablo in April and May ​​and some shows in Africa, but they were postponed until 2021. I've been keeping busy at home writing and putting together my Bandcamp and some new productions for my label.You have already come to Brazil. How was the experience? What did you like and dislike (if anything)?I visited Brazil twice and both times it was a very good experience and an extremely positive energy from the people. They love Reggae and I also recorded a track there and made a video in the favelas. A song called “Pirate’s Game”. Long live BrazilThis song you just recorded is a classic. It is a song of encouragement and black pride. Do you feel that Reggae is still encouraging people after all these years since it appeared?This new version that I called “Every Nubian Is a Star” is a classic reinterpretation of Manley Buchanan, better known as Big Youth. During the 70s in Jamaica we sang about Nelson Mandela's civil rights and freedom movement. Some positive uplifting lyrics for the youth and all people. We still maintain the same energy. I recently made a DUBPLATE for my friend MPC in Rio de Janeiro called “Lula Livre”.Today you live in Europe, right? How is your relationship with Jamaica today?I've been here in the UK for a long time and I still go to Jamaica every now and then to see my family, my mother, aunts and brothers. My kids live in Europe, so I'm here most of the time.What do you think of the new generation of Reggae Raiz Artists?The new generation of Jamaican artists is doing very well. I love Chronixx, Koffee, even the veteran I Wayne, Capleton and several others. Music went into a depressing mood after Bob Marley passed away, but is eventually returning to its true roots and culture.Do you think legendary Reggae founding artists like you get the recognition they deserve?Nowadays, due to the Internet and YouTube, many old school artists have been recognized and given shows in the USA and Europe. Many of those who are still able to travel have finally managed to get noticed. That is great!Your sound style has always been maintained. What is the main relevance in your music?I always try to keep my music updated and continue working with some new generation producers. In the UK there is a new generation group called Young Warriors, like the sons of Mad Professor and Abashanti and Jah Shaka, so they give us energy to stay motivated.Do you intend to do other collaborations in the near future? Is it a trend in Reggae?This album I'm making with Jah Solid Rock is also a collaboration with other artists they work with. Names like Addis Pablo will be on the album. There is also another track with Mutabaruka already recorded and ready to hit the streets.Thanks for the interview. This is the second time we spoke to tell you a little about your career. Leave a message for all your fans.I want to thank you for the opportunity to do this interview and I am definitely looking forward to visiting all of Brazil as soon as the world is free again. Stay safe and take care of my Brazilian brothers and sisters. Thank you and much love. Rastafari.