"Jamaica's Own Captain Tuka Reclaims his Reggae Roots"
Interview by Jeffery Roggers, Music Mag, April 25, 2006.
After nearly twenty years, Jamica's own "grandfather of reggae", Captain Tuka returns to the Reggae genre with the up-coming premiere of his new album, "Grass Roots". Long time friend and mentor to such reggae greats as Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, the Captain brings his experience and unique metaphorical style back into the recording studio.
JR:"So Captain, why after nearly twenty years have you decided to start making music again"?
CT: "Me neva stop"
JR: "Rumor has it that you fell on some hard times and were forced to sell the rights to your music".
CT: "De record company pay me next to notin' for me music. Me had no money no more. So me figure, me weren't always rich, so bein' poor again would be no problem mon".
JR: "So you did indeed sell the rights to your music"?
CT: "Ya mon, me did, but only to survive. Da music always be mine no matta who own it by law".
JR: "There have also been recent rumors of the acquisition of your complete music catalog coming full-circle back into your possession. What can you tell me about that"?
CT: "Tis true mon. Some fan of mine buy me back my music".
JR: "Can you reveal the person who so graciously returned this valuable property back to its rightful owner"? CT: "Me wish me could! But dis person want no one noin' names, not even me".
JR: "So lets just briefly talk about your new album. Whats the name of the album and when does it hit stores"?
CT: "It called "Grass Roots" and it comin' out JUNE, 2006, dish year".
JR: "Can fans expect your classic brand of Tuka sound"?
CT: "Ya mon. When me like somtin', me stick to it". JR: "I've got to say Captain, while the message many Reggae artists convey is indeed about rising up or taking a stand, the songs themselves still maintain an optimistic quality. Your music seems to be almost driven by complete depression".
CT:"Tis not depression mon, tis suffering. Me music is real mon. Me words come from de heart of experience and no place else".
JR: "Well spoken Captain. One final question. What do you say to those listeners who say your voice bares a striking resemblance to the voice of Cookie Monster from the long running childrens show Sesame Street"?
CT: "Who"?
Music Mag will have a full review of Captain Tuka's live performance following the event.
