23/11/2010

Fresh from their success on the X-Factor Australia - they reached the top six in the groups category - G9er (pictured above left) and Rik-E-Ragga (pictured above right) from Reggae band Jahmakn it Funky talked to us about their music, Mauritius, and plans for the future.

1. Tell us about Jahmakn it Funky.
Jahmakn it Funky was formed with the intention to liven up the Reggae scene in Australia. With a passion for original roots Reggae, wanting to make it more modern and mainstream so it can be appreciated by anyone and everyone.

2. You recently appeared on The X-Factor. What was your motivation for auditioning?
Our main motivation was to promote ourselves, our band Jahmakn it Funky and Reggae music. 

3. What was the most important thing you learnt from the The X-Factor experience?
The music industry isn't as easy as most people think. There is a lot of work that goes into the smallest of details and if you're going to be in that industry, sacrifices will always have to be made. But the main thing is always be true to yourself and who you are as an artist - there is a big difference between compromising and selling out.

4. Where did your love of reggae music grow from?
We were born in London, and our Dad was a guitarist playing reggae in Brixton. Brixton back then was the Jamaican part of London. So as we were growing up, Reggae, especially Bob Marley, was always being played in our house, as our Mother loved it as well.

5. You are of Mauritian descent, does this have an influence on your music?
Being of Mauritian descent has definitely influenced our music. Mauritius is a lot like Africa and Jamaica, where most of the time, the only thing to do would be to play music. Reggae has a very big culture there as well.

6. Can you describe briefly how the two of you work together on a musical project - is there a process or is it more spontaneous?
When we record together, we generally like to plan it, know what we are doing, then get on to it. But the writing process is never planned, it's more of a spontaneous nature.

7. Which producers, songwriters and/or artists do you regard as your primary inspirations?
First and foremost Bob Marley. His lyrics and music are still relevant today. But two of his sons - Stephen Marley & Damian Marley - play a big part in why we do what we do.

8. Classical roots reggae contains many social and political messages. Is there a message you'd like people to take away from your work?
Not all of our songs contain a deeper message. Some are just party songs. The ones that do, the message we want to portray is Equality for all, Human Rights and as Bob Marley always said - Love, Peace and Harmony.

9. Imagine you're cast away on a desert island - which record would you each take with you?
G9er: Legend by Bob Marley, which is his greatest hits album.
Rik-E-Ragga: Halfway Tree by Damian Marley.

You can catch up with Rik-E-Ragga, G9er and Jahmakn It Funky here: