Reggae Rajahs are easily one of the most recognized names in the Indian music scene. The New Delhi-based crew have been credited for beginning the reggae invasion in the country. Formed in 2009, the sound system had their first gig in TLR Cafe in Hauz Khas Village, Delhi. The group later gained momentum playing shows all across India and outside. They were nominated for the Best International Group award at the British Reggae Industry Awards 2012. Of course the titles and accolades don't do justice in showing how fun it is to attend a Reggae Rajah’s show. People dancing in a synchronized fashion, the crowd roaring to the MC’s toast, are a common sight when these guys perform. Polka Cafe had the chance to catch up with the band and get know them a little better. Here’s our interview with the Rajahs of Reggae themselves.
Reggae Rajahs is India’s first reggae sound system. How did the Indian audience receive the group in the initial days? It was a slow process to get accepted by the Indian music scene. Our sound was completely new to the Indian audience to begin with and as a result it took time for people to understand that we were going to play music with different sounds and tempos and that we were going to do it in our own style.
Reggae Rajahs is India’s first reggae sound system. How did the Indian audience receive the group in the initial days? It was a slow process to get accepted by the Indian music scene. Our sound was completely new to the Indian audience to begin with and as a result it took time for people to understand that we were going to play music with different sounds and tempos and that we were going to do it in our own style.
Do you feel Reggae as a genre is an acquired taste or is it something that generates an instant connect with people?
Globally it’s a genre of music that instantly connects people from all over. In India however its a new sound so people are still getting used to it.
If there was a definitive moment that changed the fortunes of the group, which one would that be?
I think 2012 was a very important year for us. We had our first big show at SulaFest in front of over 1000 people and we also toured Europe for the first time that summer.
It is said that the journey of Reggae Rajahs began at a Bob Marley tribute gig in New Delhi, in 2009. Tell us the story of the sound system’s formation.
Diggy Dang and myself (Zooz) had just moved back to Delhi from abroad. We met DJ MoCity at a Bob Marley tribute he was organising and the rest is history. We decided that we had to promote reggae music in the country and started hosting weekly reggae nights in the capital. Slowly, from promoters, we evolved into DJs and MCs as well!
In your opinion, which part of India do you think show a stronger liking towards your music?
We play in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore quite regularly so I would say we have strong fan base in each of those cities. If I had to pick one, I would say that Pune stands out!
Reggae Rajahs’ signature sound is a derivation of reggae, dub and dancehall. Have you ever thought about experimenting reggae with other formats (for example rock or orchestral sound)?
We actually did collaborate with a rock band called Half Step Down once and are always open for collaborations. Currently we are working with a few local bass producers on a couple of new tracks.
You guys have toured all around the globe, how has the experience been?
Touring has been the single most important learning experience for us. Since the reggae scene is so small here in India, it has been vital for us to travel the world to see how other sound systems, DJs and MCs all around the world operate. It has been really inspiring.
Reggae Rajahs started their own online weekly radio show, Pressure Drop on Radio79.com. How did you chance upon this idea?
We wanted to promote music that we enjoyed and found Radio79 to be a great platform to do this, as it was India’s first independent online radio station at the time. We are actually about to re-launch Pressure Drop independently so look out for that real soon!
Your single ‘Far Away’ was featured in the Fight It Riddim compilation album. Tell us more about it.
The Fight It Riddim was produced by Greenyard Records, which is headed by the drummer of the French reggae band, Dub Inc. We did a couple of shows with them when they toured India in late 2012 and they kept in touch with us. ‘Far Away’ has a positive, conscious message and it’s about fighting the oppressive, corrupt “babylon” system.
There is news that the Reggae Rajahs are working on a new album. When can we expect from it?
We are working on a few different projects and they should be ready for release towards the end of the year.
How difficult is it to sell music as an India based group? How do you guys promote your material?
We haven’t sold any music as yet – we have been giving it all for free download!
If there is one artist you would want to collaborate with and haven’t already, who would that be?
I think it would be a dream to do something with Damian Marley one day.
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