Raz Jahknow's Musical Journey
Raz Jahknow is a reggae singer-songwriter who has been singing reggae since he was young.
He moved to Melbourne, Australia, 17 years ago to be with his wife, whom he met in London.
He has two children from a previous relationship and two children with his wife in Australia.
Raz Jahknow's music is inspired by God and focuses on themes of peace, love, unity, equal rights, and justice.
He believes his upbringing in a close-knit community instilled in him values of love and respect.
He feels that reggae music is the best way to convey his message.
Raz Jahknow's band consists of eight members, including himself, and they play all live music with no pre-recorded or synthetic elements.
The band includes Chad and Ben on drums and bass, Frankie on keyboards, Jonah, Joel, and Jeremy on horns, and JX Rose on guitar.
Raz Jahknow coordinates the band, but finds it easy to work with them due to their easygoing nature.
He has released CDs and has a collection of music behind him.
He prefers physical CDs because they have more meaning and a tactile quality.
He enjoys listening to a variety of music, including R&B, and prefers music with a good beat and positive lyrics.
He is planning to release more albums and is working on getting the right production, funding, and promotion for his music.
He believes that music should pay for itself and that artists need to create videos to accompany their music in today's digital world.
Six songs from his album will be featured in an Australian movie called "Strange Creatures 2023."
He writes music in different ways, sometimes recording inspiration as it comes to him and sometimes writing songs in one day.
He believes that inspiration comes from God and that there are many ways to write music.
Ras Jahknow writes all of his songs based on personal inspiration and experiences.
He writes the song first, then sends it to his band members for feedback.
The band members add their own parts to the song, and they jam together in the studio to create the final product.
Ras Jahknow believes that being original, believing in oneself, and respecting others are important for aspiring musicians.
He acknowledges that the music industry is challenging, but emphasizes the importance of loving what you do.
Ras Jahknow finds motivation in performing live at festivals and events.
His wife is his biggest supporter and critic, providing honest feedback on his music.
Ras Jahknow's wife used to be a hip-hop dancer.
Ras Jahknow's music will be featured in a movie at the end of the year.
Ras Jahknow and his band do not participate in competitions.
The speaker discussed a musical event called "Battle of the Bands" which was a friendly competition between two bands, one with eight members and the other with six.
The speaker mentioned that he does not enjoy competition and has declined invitations to participate in shows like "Australian Got Talent."
The speaker's wife is his biggest supporter and critic, and his children are also supportive of his music.
The speaker's daughter plays the trumpet and enjoys dancing, while his son learned keyboard but is currently focused on his studies.
The speaker believes that his children will be able to pick up music if they choose to, as they have grown up around it.
Ras Jahknow is a singer-songwriter reggae artist.
He will be performing at the Life Saving Club on the 25th.
He will also be performing at the Jamaican Food and Music Festival in Williamstown at Seaworks.
The Jamaican Food and Music Festival has been happening for 8-10 years.
Ras Jahknow encourages people to attend the festival and experience authentic Jamaican food and music.
Ras Jahknow's website is rj.com.
Ras Jahknow is grateful for the opportunity to share his story and music with others.
He believes that everyone has a unique story and that we should appreciate and learn from each other.
Ras Jahknow's social media handles are Rano or Rano band.
The Importance of Music
The speaker discusses the importance of music as a form of expression and how musicians often draw inspiration from their personal experiences or a desire to convey a message.
The speaker mentions that some musicians create music for dancing, while others use it as a platform to express themselves and speak for those who lack a voice.
The speaker emphasizes that he sees himself as a representative for those who cannot speak out, using his music to give them a voice.
The speaker shares that he has a dedicated following who attend his gigs regularly, which he finds rewarding and a sign that he is making a positive impact.
Dreadlocks and Personal Hygiene
The speaker discusses his dreadlocks, revealing that he has been growing them for 28 years and recently cut his hair for the first time in nine weeks.
The speaker explains that he maintains his dreadlocks by washing them with water and shampoo, using coconut oil to moisturize them, especially during the winter when they take longer to dry.
The speaker addresses the common misconception that spiders live in dreadlocks, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in Rastafarian culture.
The speaker shares a story about a man who had dreadlocks for two years but never washed them, highlighting the importance of personal hygiene and comfort.
The speaker acknowledges the movement of people who choose not to wash their hair to preserve natural oils but emphasizes that he prefers to keep his hair clean for personal comfort.
Life, Inspiration, and Loss
The speaker believes that life is a gift and that being alive is a blessing.
The speaker finds inspiration from God and believes that everyone should be grateful for waking up each day.
The speaker's best friend, Christian, passed away two years ago.
Christian was the reason the speaker moved to Melbourne 21 years ago.
Christian's death had a significant impact on the speaker.
Christian's parents received a deck of cards with single words on them, which they believed were messages from Christian.
The speaker received a card with the word "surrender" on it, which he believes is a message from Christian.
The speaker believes in listening to the universe and giving 110% effort to everything he does.
The speaker believes that Christian is a driving force behind his work.
The Impact of the Pandemic
The speaker believes that the pandemic has had a psychological and professional impact on many people.
Ras Jahknow's Family and Background
The speaker's father is Australian and his mother is Indonesian.
The speaker has performed in Indonesia at festivals such as the Bali Reggae Festival and in places like Sanur Beachand Denpasar.
The speaker grew up in Southeast Asia, living in Indonesia, Brunei, and Singapore.
The speaker moved to Perth, Australia in 1993 or 1994.
The speaker's father met his mother in Indonesia while working there.
The speaker's sister currently lives in Singapore and is an assistant principal at the school they attended while living there.
The speaker's mother lives in the UK.
The speaker lived in the UK for nine years, during which time his son was born.
The speaker worked on the railways in the UK, supervising engineering work and organizing events.
The speaker also played music with other groups and managed his brother, who was a musician.
The speaker's wife is Indian but was born in Australia.
The Importance of Balance and Kindness
The speaker believes that having a 9-to-5 job and a creative outlet is important for maintaining a balanced life.
The speaker's advice to his younger self is to be nice to everyone and be humble.
The speaker believes that being kind to others and oneself leads to a peaceful and worry-free life.
Navigating the Music Industry
The speaker discusses the challenges of navigating the music industry, particularly the tendency for people to take advantage of kindness and popularity.
The speaker's wife is described as a strong advocate and protector, often noticing attempts to exploit the speaker's generosity.
The speaker believes in karma and that actions have consequences, suggesting that those who take advantage will ultimately face repercussions.
The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a good guide or mentor in the music industry, as talent alone is not enough for success.
The speaker highlights the role of social media and networking skills in achieving success, acknowledging that these aspects can be challenging for some musicians.
The speaker emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with successful and supportive individuals who can provide encouragement and guidance.
The speaker credits his wife and music teacher, Eddie Vman, as key mentors in his musical journey.
Eddie Vman is described as a talented musician and teacher who recognized the speaker's potential and helped him develop his skills.
The speaker expresses gratitude for Eddie Vman's mentorship and friendship, highlighting the importance of having a supportive network in the music industry.
Authenticity and Collaboration
The speaker emphasizes the collaborative nature of music, acknowledging the contributions of his band members and the importance of teamwork.
The speaker expresses a desire to remain authentic and true to himself, rather than seeking fame or recognition.
The speaker expresses a desire to be seen as a normal person, despite acknowledging their unique qualities.
Acting and Film
The speaker mentions being approached for a role in a movie called "Strange Creatures," but the movie was already finished by the time they were contacted.
The speaker is open to acting and extra work, particularly in positive projects.
The speaker shares their interest in film and cinematography, citing "The Creator" as a favorite movie from the previous year.
The speaker admires the film's use of accessible camera technology, emphasizing that storytelling and talent are more important than expensive equipment.
Ras Jahknow's Childhood and Travels
The speaker discusses their childhood in Santiago, the largest island in Cape Verde, describing a close-knit community and a focus on outdoor activities and self-made entertainment.
The speaker recounts their travels, including two years in Cuba for high school, three years in Portugal, two years in the Canary Islands, nine years in London, and their current residence.
The speaker explains that they did not complete their studies in Cuba, choosing to focus on music and dancing instead.
The speaker attributes their desire to leave Cape Verde to a sense of being too big for the small island and a desire to explore other possibilities.
The speaker suggests that their open-mindedness and desire for change led to their family sending them to Cuba.
Ras Jahknow's Experiences in Cuba
Ras Jahknow discusses his childhood in Cuba, where he grew up in a close-knit community where everyone knew each other's business.
He describes the strictness of the Cuban education system, which involved singing the national anthem every morning and a military-style approach.
Ras Jahknow highlights the importance of respect for different cultures and how his upbringing instilled in him the value of respecting others.
He shares his experience of moving to Europe and having to learn basic life skills like cooking and washing dishes, which was a significant change from his upbringing in Cuba.
Ras Jahknow emphasizes the importance of stepping outside of one's comfort zone and taking initiative to try new things, even if it means facing fear and uncertainty.
The Value of Failure and Cultural Exposure
The speaker believes that failure is essential for learning and growth.
The speaker emphasizes the importance of experiencing different cultures and environments, citing his travels to Cuba and Europe as examples.
The speaker suggests that without these experiences, he would have remained in a limited environment, potentially becoming a doctor who lacked practical skills and knowledge.
The speaker highlights the benefits of his travels, including the ability to speak multiple languages (Portuguese, French, Spanish, Italian, and other European languages).
The speaker attributes his multilingualism to his travels and the exposure to different languages in Cuba, where French and English were taught alongside Spanish.
The speaker expresses his love for people and cultures, which he believes led him to naturally learn multiple languages.
Ras Jahknow's Culinary Skills
The speaker reveals that he is a skilled chef, a talent he developed after leaving his home country.
The speaker's signature dish is a traditional dish called "cachupa," which is a combination of broken corn, beans, and various vegetables, with the option of adding meat or fish.
The speaker enjoys cooking different cuisines, including Indian and European food, and describes his cooking style as a fusion of various influences.
The speaker enjoys spicy food and mentions that his wife is also a good cook, who has learned a lot from him.
The speaker discusses his cooking skills, attributing them to his mother and his experience working in a Japanese kitchen while studying electrical engineering.
He emphasizes the importance of discipline in achieving success, using his experience as a photographer and his time washing rice for sushi as examples.
Health and Wellness
The speaker highlights the benefits of exercise and healthy eating, sharing his personal experience of losing weight during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He mentions that he plans to continue exercising and that he has upcoming shows with his band.
The speaker mentions that he will be playing at a new venue called Leo next Saturday.
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