Japan earthquake rocks 'reggae land'

Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

Japan is a major reggae market, so Thursday's major earthquake and tsunami have sent aftershocks through the Jamaican music industry. While there will be negative implications for our music industry as a result of the magnitude 8.9 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, local artistes who frequent the country say they are more concerned about the loss of lives and property.

Dancehall artiste Konshens was popular in Japan as part of the duo Souljah Brothers, with his brother Delus, long before he achieved stardom in Jamaica. He has been to Japan on numerous occasions, with his visit in November last year being his most recent. Understandably, he is grieving for the people.

"Mi know mi nuh feel good 'cause a people dem but is not because of the music business. My heart goes out to them," he said.

Voicemail's Kevin Blair was also saddened Friday morning when news of the disaster broke.

"When I hear the news ... automatically I took up my laptop to see what was happening. It was heart-rendering and it takes you aback. You can imagine the fear of the people who had the water coming at them," he told The Sunday Gleaner.

Adding, "My prayers go out to those who we know and those who we don't know. In the time of Oneil's situation, they reached out to us."

He said the group had plans to visit the country later this year when their album is completed. On a general note, Blair said the music industry will be greatly affected.

"The fact that it's a drastic situation whereas a lot of people will be affected, it is going to cost a lot to rebuild lives. It's not going to be something that is easy to bounce back from. People are going to be a little more selective in what they spend their money on," he said.

"Their love for the music is not gonna change but in terms of us going there and making money, it is going to be different."

Voicemail is one of the groups that has been performing in Japan for years, and has also released three albums exclusively in that country. In addition to the work done there, they have also gained numerous friendships.

"We have released three albums over there, so you can imagine that we have garnered significant love for the place and the people, and we have friends over there," Blair said, noting that their record label, Pony Canyon, is also located there.

Feeling hurt

Describing Japan as one of the best places he has ever performed in, Renigade from the duo RDX said he is overwhelmed by what the country is currently facing.

"I am feeling hurt by the whole thing, we have friends over there. I am saying a heartfelt condolence to everybody," he said.

Renigade said the people have lost a lot and the Jamaican music industry will also be losing out.

"It's gonna adversely affect reggae music 'cause we have a very strong presence in Japan in terms of tours, shows and dubplates. It hurts us because that is another door closed temporarily and it will hurt a lot of artistes," he said.

However, "we losing a show is secondary to the lost lives. There are other people losing much more. My focus is really on those people who have lost a lot more."

Unlike some others, Chino McGregor has been able to make contact with some of his friends.

"We've been in contact with friends from there since the earthquake and tsunami hit, and they are okay, though some of their houses and business places were damaged. But we are just thankful they are safe," he said, noting the rebuilding process might take years.

McGregor, whose sophomore Japan album, Never Change, soared to the top of the Japan iTune reggae charts last year, and his single From Mawnin' was the best-selling single and ringtone in the country for 2010, said Jamaica's music industry will be affected by the events.

"There will be less shows for reggae and dancehall acts until the country rebuilds, and they will go through a financial dip, which is gonna affect us as well. Anything that affects the Japanese will also affect the Jamaican music industry because we rely heavily on their market. There are people like 24x7 Records and Mighty Crown there who were also affected, so by extension, that will affect their label and show plans," he said.

T.O.K's Craigy T said Japan is a country that he holds very dear to his heart. As a result, he said he will be ready to help in any way he can.

"It's a country which has been so instrumental to the growth of reggae music and we are definitely ready to help in any way we can. Whether it's via concerts in aid of rebuilding, or anything. We definitely stand ready to help," he told The Sunday Gleaner.

Craigy T is also cognisant of the fact that this will have negative effects on Jamaica's music.

"As far as sales go, people are definitely going to see a decline in sales and music, and concert bookings right across the board in Japan. But right now, our focus isn't on sales, it is about helping our friends in Japan to rebuild their country's infrastructure. They have been the most loyal set of people, not only to our culture but also to our music," he said.